Where to Buy Souvenirs in Madagascar? The Guide to Markets and Shops You Shouldn't Miss

Once you know what to bring back from Madagascar, the next question is where. Between the capital's historic markets and the artisan villages of the Highlands, every region of the Great Island has its own iconic addresses. Here's a tour, city by city.

Antananarivo: the capital and its iconic markets

Tana holds most of the country's craft offerings, spread between large popular markets and higher-end shopping districts.

• Marché de la Digue (airport road, Ambohitrimanjaka): the definitive craft market, with hundreds of stalls selling raffia, carved wood, leather and natural fiber items. Ideal at the end of your trip, right on the way to the airport.
• Andravoahangy Market: the most historic and authentic one, a true maze of stalls less geared toward tourists, great for a local atmosphere and tighter prices.
• Analakely Market: the largest market downtown, mixing everyday goods (spices, textiles) with craft finds. Keep an eye on your belongings, it's also the busiest.
• Isoraka and Antaninarenina neighborhoods: higher-end boutiques and concept stores, ideal if you're short on time for the markets but still want curated quality.
• Lisy Art Gallery and Is'Art Galerie: contemporary Malagasy decor, from woven furniture to wood sculptures, in more of a gallery setting than a market.

You'll also find our own Malagasy Wonders posters at several partners in the capital: Amaray Concept Store (Ampandrana Bel Air), Iendriko (Olympia Shopping Center, Tanjombato), Le Centre de Gaïa (Androhibe), Librairie Il Était Une Fois (Leader Price Ankorondrano) and Tokana Concept Store (Antsahavola).

Ambositra: the marquetry capital

In the Highlands, about a 4-hour drive from Tana, Ambositra is considered the capital of Malagasy craftsmanship. This is where Zafimaniry artisans work, recognized by UNESCO for their woodworking skills. The Vohidahy district is home to several marquetry workshops where you can watch artisans piece together fine wood panels (rosewood, locally colored woods) with no paint added at all, only the natural colors of the wood make up the pattern.

It's the ideal place to buy directly from artisans: solitaire games, wall panels, marquetry boxes and wooden decor pieces.

Antsirabe: zebu horn, stones and embroidery

Nicknamed the “Water City” for its cool climate, Antsirabe is a historic craft hub. Here you can visit workshops where artisans work zebu horn (jewelry, utensils, trinkets), polished stones and fine embroidery. It's also where you'll find the famous miniature rickshaws (pousse-pousse), a nod to the city's iconic mode of transport.

Fianarantsoa: Richelieu embroidery

Further south, Fianarantsoa is known for its Richelieu embroidery: tablecloths, table linens and home linens hand-embroidered using an openwork lace technique passed down through generations.

Ambalavao: Antemoro paper

Ambalavao, south of Fianarantsoa, is the birthplace of Antemoro paper, handmade from shrub bark and embedded with dried flowers. You can visit the workshops and leave with notebooks, postcards or lampshades made of Antemoro paper, a lightweight, easy-to-carry souvenir.

Sambava and Ilakaka: raffia and gemstones

In the northeast, the Sambava region, the country's raffia production heartland, lets you find the weaving at its source. In the southwest, Ilakaka is the main hub for Malagasy sapphire mining: a purchase that calls for caution, always through authorized dealers who can provide a certificate of authenticity and an invoice.

Nosy Be: the Hell-Ville market

On the “Perfume Island,” the covered market of Hell-Ville and the nearby craft shopping street hold most of the shopping options: carvings, basketry, embroidery, but also spiced rum, jars of chili, spice bags and ylang-ylang essential oils, all iconic to the island. Expect a higher cost of living than elsewhere on the island, even with bargaining. You'll also find our posters at Foudy Mena, at the Le Mall Shopping Center.

On the east coast and the north: Toamasina, Sainte-Marie, Diego Suarez

If your itinerary takes you along the coast, a few partner addresses also carry our travel poster collection:

• Toamasina - Nulle Part Ailleurs, inside Hôtel Java, Boulevard Joffre.
• Sainte-Marie - Mangroove, main street of Ambodifotatra.
• Diego Suarez (Antsiranana) - Sobek Diego, 46 Rue Colbert.

At the airports

Looking for one last souvenir before boarding? Two spots let you find our posters right in the airport zone:

• Ivato Airport (Antananarivo) - Taste of Madagascar, in the Terminal C duty-free zone, and Sobek Express, in the Domestic Terminal. Open every day, during flight processing hours.

How to shop well: our practical tips

• Bring cash in Ariary: card payments are rarely accepted at markets or with independent artisans. Mobile banking is also very common and often accepted alongside cash: MVola, Orange Money and Airtel Money locally, as well as SendWave and TapTap Send if you're transferring money from abroad.
• Bargaining is the norm at markets: offer a lower price than the one displayed and work your way up to an agreement. It's an expected practice, not an insult.
• Check authenticity for valuable items (gemstones, precious wood, antiques): ask for an invoice and, if possible, a certificate.
• Favor official shops or authorized retailers for larger purchases, guaranteed traceability and direct support for creators.
• Stay alert with your belongings in the busiest markets (Analakely in particular), as in any crowded urban area.

Not there in person? Order online

If your trip is already over, or you're planning one from Europe, our Malagasy Wonders online shop ships across Europe (France, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland...), 7 days a week. And if you run a souvenir shop, concept store or another inspiring space and would like to carry our collection, get in touch, we'd love to talk.

Frequently asked questions

What's the best market to buy souvenirs in Antananarivo?

Marché de la Digue remains the go-to for varied crafts (raffia, wood, leather), while Andravoahangy offers a more authentic, less touristy experience.

Can you pay by card at Malagasy markets?

Rarely. Bring cash in Ariary or use mobile banking (MVola, Orange Money, Airtel Money), especially at craft markets and with independent sellers.

Is bargaining frowned upon in Madagascar?

No, it's a common and expected practice at markets. Offer a lower price and negotiate with a smile, it's part of the experience too.