Explore 5 Top local Shopping Spots in Luanda

Luanda’s shopping scene feels like a microcosm of Angola itself: exuberant, eclectic and always a little bit untamed. Drive south to the suburbs and you’ll find futuristic malls with cinemas, kart tracks and cafés spilling onto shaded terraces.

Dive into the heart of the capital and there’s nothing between you and the heat but rows of market stalls groaning under masks, wood carvings and bolts of bright capulana cloth.

The city’s modern face sits comfortably alongside its traditional soul, so this guide celebrates both – using verified 2025 sources for facts and flavour. Prices are given in USD and Congolese francs (CDF) using the 2025 average rate of roughly AOA 914.61 = 1 USD and 1 USD ≈ 2 210 CDF. All price ranges for crafts come from 2025 price guides.

1. Belas Shopping

When Belas Shopping opened in Talatona in 2007, it was Angola’s first modern shopping centre. The 120 000 m² complex houses more than a hundred stores, an eight‑screen cinema and a big food court. Wanderlog’s 2025 update describes its vibe as family‑friendly and serene with anchors like Shoprite, international boutiques and restaurants.

In other words, it’s where well‑heeled Luandans take the kids on weekends to escape the traffic just be prepared for crowds and tricky parking on Saturdays.

Prices & bargains:  Most goods are imported, so prices lean mid‑to‑high. Expect a burger meal in the food court to cost around AOA 2 500–8 000 (US$2.73–8.75 / CDF 6 041–19 331) and local handicrafts (scarves and baskets) from pop‑up stalls to range AOA 3 000–20 000 (US$3.28–21.87 / CDF 7 249–48 327). For jewellery or leather goods, budgets of US$25–60 are realistic; high‑end electronics will be much more.

Local tip:  

Talatona is south of downtown, so visit outside rush hour and bring cash for parking. Belas hosts frequent events – for its 18th anniversary, the mall put on a multi‑day celebration; you can see the festive atmosphere on Instagram. Locals love the Christmas installations in November; follow the mall’s official account to catch the giant tree lighting ceremony.

2. Shopping Avennida designer glam with IMAX thrills

Avennida (sometimes spelled “Avenida”) anchors the upscale Morro Bento district, blending luxury boutiques, fast‑fashion and entertainment. Wanderlog notes that its designer boutiques, jewellery stores and low‑cost accessory shops sit alongside a modern cinema and even a karting track.

At Shopping Avennida, style speaks before you do. Every detail, every piece and every corner of the space is designed for those who appreciate confidence and refined elegance. This season, the message is simple: be your best self and let your wardrobe tell the story. Step in, explore and find the pieces that match your attitude.

The mall is wheelchair‑friendly and has a spacious car park, making it popular with families as well as fashionistas. A 2012–2013 refurbishment added soundproofing and ventilated facades to the cinema complex.

Prices & bargains:  Expect international brands at global prices think US$20–80 for clothing and US$30–100 for shoes. Small souvenirs like baskets or capulana headscarves (useful for bargaining practice) cost AOA 3 000–30 000 (US$3.28–32.80 / CDF 7 249–72 490).

Restaurants range from affordable cafés to upscale seafood spots; a coffee and pastry is around US$5.

Local tip: 

 If you have time, head to the basement kart track before catching a film in Angola’s only IMAX theatre. Avennida runs seasonal events their November 2025 campaign offered free parking after the second hour and a Santa parade. Families queue for photos with “Pai Natal” (Santa) you can preview the festive cheer on the mall’s social feed.

3. Xyami Shopping Morro Bento

Xyami Shopping (often called Xyami Kero after its anchor supermarket) sits in the Morro Bento neighbourhood. According to Evendo’s 2025 profile, it combines local and international brands with a bustling food court, artisan stalls and frequent cultural events.

The mall opens 08:00–23:00 daily and has airy seating areas that make it a favourite hang‑out after work. Evendo also notes that visiting on weekdays means fewer crowds and that the complex often hosts craft fairs.

Prices & bargains:  Everyday goods are budget‑friendly think AOA 3 000–20 000 (US$3.28–21.87 / CDF 7 249–48 327) for locally made baskets or T‑shirts. Dining ranges from fast food (about US$4–8) to mid‑range restaurants (US$10–20).

For fragrance lovers, the 2025 reel from beauty brand O Boticário reminds shoppers that they have branches at Belas and Xyami; perfumes typically cost US$15–40.

Local tip:  

Look for special weekend events in the central plaza from fashion pop‑ups to live music. For a quieter experience, visit mid‑morning on weekdays. The mall also hosts periodic safety drives and health fairs.

4. Benfica Crafts Market

South of central Luanda in the Benfica neighbourhood lies the Benfica Crafts Market (sometimes called Mercado do Artesanato or Kifica). TAAG, Angola’s national airline, reports that since the 1990s this market has been an institution for Angolan arts and crafts: around 700 sellers display about 10 000 works every day, offering statues, animal figurines, Mwana Pwo masks, paintings and antiques. The market sits on the old road to the beach, just off the main highway.

Expat Exchange notes that it operates daily from 08:00–18:00 and is the place to buy hand‑carved wooden statues and masks.

Prices & bargains:  2025 souvenir guides list typical price brackets: capulana cloth pieces cost AOA 8 000–30 000 (US$8.75–32.80 / CDF 19 331–72 490) Chokwe masks range AOA 20 000–120 000 (US$21.87–131.20 / CDF 48 327–289 960); woven baskets go for AOA 3 000–20 000 (US$3.28–21.87 / CDF 7 249–48 327); and a 250 g bag of Angolan coffee beans costs AOA 2 500–8 000 (US$2.73–8.75 / CDF 6 041–19 331) Bargaining is expected start low and settle somewhere in the middle.

Local tip:  

Get there early (before 10:00) to avoid bus tours and the midday sun. Vendors accept cash only, so bring small bills and keep your bag close. If you have time, pair the market visit with the nearby National Slavery Museum in Morro Bento.

5. Asa Branca Market

In the crowded Cazenga municipality, the Asa Branca Market stands out for its orderliness. A 2020 FAO report (reused for the 2025 World Food Safety Day events) describes the market as clean and organised, chosen for official celebrations because it showcases best practices in hygiene. Government officials lauded it as a model for food safety and encouraged traders to maintain standards.

Expat Exchange lists it among Luanda’s top markets, highlighting its modern facilities, international and local produce and extended opening hours (07:00–22:00).

Prices & bargains:  Asa Branca is primarily a food market, so fresh produce is cheap.

Expect to pay AOA 3 000–5 000 (US$3.28–5.47 / CDF 7 249–12 105) for a bag of cassava or a selection of tropical fruit. Local cheeses and cured meats range around AOA 10 000–20 000 (US$10.93–21.87 / CDF 24 163–48 327). Hand‑carved cooking spoons or baskets fall in the same price range as Benfica’s – around US$3–22.

Local tip:  

Visit in the morning when fish and produce are freshest. The market is safe, but pickpockets work the edges, so keep valuables secure. There’s also a small canteen area where you can try Angolan staples like funje and muamba de galinha.

Luanda’s shopping landscape in 2025 is all about contrasts. Upscale malls like Belas Shopping, Shopping Avennida and Xyami offer air‑conditioned escapes with cinemas, karting and international brands. Meanwhile, the Benfica Crafts Market and Asa Branca Market remind you why Angola’s artisanal heritage remains strong.

Whatever your budget, bring curiosity, patience and a sense of humour and always leave room in your suitcase. With a little bargaining and some insider timing, you can come away with everything from Mwana Pwo masks to a new pair of sneakers and still have money left for a cold cerveja on the Ilha.