Thing to do
Single Quarters Market
Katutura's open-air kapana market, where vendors grill marinated beef over charcoal and sell it with fat cakes and spicy tomato sauce from late afternoon.
Namibia Craft Centre
Around 40 small craft shops in Windhoek's yellow Old Breweries building, selling mostly Namibian-made baskets, leatherwork, jewellery, textiles and carvings since 1990.
At a glance
- Type
- Craft market
- Area
- Old Breweries, City Centre, Windhoek, Namibia
Good to know
- Around 40 craft shops
- Café
- Gallery mezzanine
Why we recommend it
The Namibia Craft Centre is the best place in Windhoek to buy handmade souvenirs without trawling the street stalls. It occupies part of the Old Breweries building on Tal Street, a bright yellow structure that dates back to the early 1900s, when brewer Karl Bauer had a brewery built here; the City of Windhoek records that the building was dedicated in 1902. Crafters have traded on the site since 1990, and today the centre is run by the Omba Arts Trust.
Inside, about 40 small shops are spread over an open-plan, industrial-style interior on three levels, with an art gallery on the mezzanine. Travel News Namibia reports that at least 80 per cent of the crafts are made in Namibia, with the rest from neighbouring countries and from further afield in Africa, and that most of the shops support women's projects and cooperatives. Because each shop sells work from many producers, the number of people who benefit is far larger than the number of stalls.
Typical buys include woven baskets and bowls, leather bags, beaded and wooden figures, clothing, textiles, jewellery and a range of natural cosmetics. The Namibian has also noted springbok-skin cushions and dolls made of cloth and wool. Quality and price vary from shop to shop, so walk round once before buying. Ask stallholders where an item was made and by whom; many are happy to explain, and the stories are often the best part of the purchase.
The Craft Bistro on site serves coffee, cakes and light meals, which makes it easy to spend a relaxed hour or two here. The centre is popular with tour groups, so mid-morning can be busy; arrive early or after lunch for a quieter browse. The Namibian has reported that the centre draws between 25,000 and 35,000 visitors a year, and its redesign by Kelly MacNamara Architects won an award. Opening hours are not published on an official website, so check locally, especially on Sundays and public holidays.
The Old Breweries complex is a short walk or taxi ride from Independence Avenue and the Christuskirche. If you are carrying animal-skin products home, check the import rules of your own country before you buy.
Namibia Craft Centre FAQs
Where is the Namibia Craft Centre?
In the Old Breweries building on Tal Street, central Windhoek.
How many shops are there?
About 40 small shops under one roof, spread over three levels.
Are the crafts made in Namibia?
Travel News Namibia reports that at least 80 per cent are made locally, with the rest from other African countries.
Who runs it?
The centre is managed by the Omba Arts Trust.
What can I buy?
Baskets, bowls, leather bags, beaded and wooden figures, clothing, jewellery and natural cosmetics.
Is there somewhere to eat?
Yes. The Craft Bistro serves coffee, cakes and light meals.
How long should I allow?
About an hour to browse, longer if you stop for coffee.
When has it been trading?
Crafters have traded at the centre since 1990.