Marché HLM
Dakar's bustling Marché HLM is a vibrant marketplace renowned for its extensive selection of colorful fabrics, traditional attire, and unique crafts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed shopping
Marché HLM
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed shopping
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dakar's bustling Marché HLM is a vibrant marketplace renowned for its extensive selection of colorful fabrics, traditional attire, and unique crafts.
"A great place to visit as a tourist and walk around the many, densely packed shops."
🎯 Bargain Like a Pro
Prices are negotiable! Start lower than you're willing to pay and meet in the middle. :moneywithwings:
🚶♀️ Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking. Comfortable footwear is essential for navigating the market. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vast Fabric Selection
Explore endless stalls overflowing with colorful 'basin' and 'wax' fabrics, ideal for custom clothing.
Traditional & Modern Attire
Find ready-made boubous, modern fashion pieces, and unique accessories to complement your style.
Boutique Finds
Discover hidden gems in smaller boutiques offering exclusive designs and quality craftsmanship.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Bustle
Fabric Paradise
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Bargain Like a Pro
Prices are negotiable! Start lower than you're willing to pay and meet in the middle. :moneywithwings:
🚶♀️ Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking. Comfortable footwear is essential for navigating the market. :athletic_shoe:
📱 Save Vendor Numbers
Found a great fabric or shop? Save the vendor's number for future visits or custom orders. :iphone:
💰 Cash is King
While some vendors might accept mobile payments, having cash (CFA) is generally easier and expected. :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bargain Like a Pro
Prices are negotiable! Start lower than you're willing to pay and meet in the middle. :moneywithwings:
🚶♀️ Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking. Comfortable footwear is essential for navigating the market. :athletic_shoe:
📱 Save Vendor Numbers
Found a great fabric or shop? Save the vendor's number for future visits or custom orders. :iphone:
💰 Cash is King
While some vendors might accept mobile payments, having cash (CFA) is generally easier and expected. :moneywithwings:
🧐 Inspect Fabrics Closely
Check for any flaws or inconsistencies in the fabric before purchasing to ensure quality. :mag:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Marché HLM for its incredible variety of fabrics and goods, calling it a 'must-see' for its vibrant atmosphere. While some find it overwhelming, most appreciate the helpfulness of vendors and the reasonable prices, especially for textiles. It's a place where you can find unique items if you're willing to explore and haggle.
"The last time I visited , it was Sunday, and not all the stores were open. However, I was still able to buy some lovely fabric and a few second hand clothes. A definite Must See."
Haniyfa Scott
"A great place to visit as a tourist and walk around the many, densely packed shops.
Sellers have a variety of fabrics, mainly basin used for Boubous, but also wax too.
Wax should be about 1000-2000 CFA max."
theo jones
"It's a large overwhelming market very busy. Khelcom Art Plus in Almadies is a great alternative if you want to shop in a much smaller environment. It's tucked away in a corner near the creperie."
Shannon T
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Marché HLM is a well-known landmark in Dakar. You can easily reach it by taxi or local bus services. Many drivers will know the location directly. For specific areas within HLM, like HLM5, mention that to your driver.
Yes, local buses frequently pass by or near Marché HLM, making it accessible via public transport from various parts of Dakar. Taxis are also readily available.
The market is large and can be a bit overwhelming. It's best to have a general idea of what you're looking for. Many TikToks show the general layout and specific shop locations.
Yes, the market is extensive. Areas like HLM5 are frequently mentioned for specific boutiques and fabric vendors.
Parking can be challenging due to the market's popularity and busy nature. Taxis or ride-sharing services are often more convenient than driving yourself.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Marché HLM is a public market, and there is no admission fee to enter. You only pay for the goods you purchase.
The market is generally open daily, but hours can vary. Weekdays are typically best, with many stalls operating from morning until late afternoon or early evening. Sundays might have fewer vendors open.
Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded than afternoons or weekends, offering a more relaxed shopping experience.
During major holidays like Korité, the market might be very busy leading up to the event, or some vendors might close early. It's advisable to check locally if possible.
No, the market itself is free to enter. Any purchases made within the market or its boutiques are separate transactions.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Goods
You'll find an extensive variety of fabrics, including 'basin' (often used for boubous) and 'wax' prints. Many vendors specialize in these. 
Prices for wax fabric can range, but a good estimate is around 1000-2000 CFA per yard. Haggling is expected.
The market offers a wide array of goods, including traditional clothing (boubous), shoes, jewelry, perfumes, and home decor items. +1
Yes, several boutiques are highlighted on Instagram and TikTok, such as Dieng Bazin Riche for wax, Boutique Serigne Sy for brodé, and Wuriba for new collections.
Yes, you can find second-hand clothing, often referred to as 'second main'. Inspect items carefully before buying.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, taking photos of the general market atmosphere is acceptable. However, it's always polite to ask vendors before taking close-up shots of their merchandise or their stalls.
The vibrant displays of colorful fabrics, bustling crowds, and unique shop fronts offer great photographic opportunities. Look for well-lit areas with interesting textures.
For personal use, photography is usually fine. If you plan to use images commercially, it's best to seek explicit permission from vendors or market management.
A smartphone with good low-light capabilities is excellent for capturing the vibrant colors and dynamic scenes. A camera with a versatile lens can also be beneficial.
Absolutely. Always be respectful and ask for permission before photographing individuals, especially if they are the focus of the shot.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🛍️ Fashion Enthusiasts
+1 Beyond fabrics, explore the market for ready-to-wear traditional garments like boubous and modern fashion pieces. Don't miss the specialized boutiques for exclusive brodé items and contemporary designs. +1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Fabric Hunter's Guide
+1When shopping for fabrics, don't hesitate to touch and feel the material. Vendors are usually happy to unroll bolts for you to inspect. Prices can vary based on quality, design complexity, and the vendor. A common price range for wax fabric is around 1000-2000 CFA per yard, but this is negotiable. It's wise to have an idea of the going rate and be prepared to haggle politely to get the best deal.
Beyond the main fabric stalls, keep an eye out for specialized boutiques within the market that might offer unique or higher-end textiles, such as brodé (embroidered) fabrics. These can be perfect for special occasions or creating statement pieces.
+1Beyond Fabrics: A Shopper's Delight
In addition to clothing, the market is a treasure trove for accessories. Look for intricate jewelry, stylish handbags, and a variety of shoes. You might also discover stalls selling perfumes, home decor items, and even some electronics. The sheer variety means you can often find multiple items on your shopping list in one place.
Several boutiques within the market offer curated collections of fashion and accessories. These smaller shops, like Boutique Serigne Sy or Wuriba, often feature exclusive designs and can be great for finding unique pieces that stand out.
+3 Remember that haggling is part of the shopping culture here, so don't be afraid to negotiate prices respectfully.Navigating the Market Experience
Practical tips for navigating include wearing comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking. It's also advisable to carry cash, as not all vendors may accept mobile payments, though some do.
For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting on a weekday morning when crowds are typically thinner. If you're looking for specific items, like NBA jerseys, Redditors suggest that while HLM is good for general souvenirs, other places might be better for niche items.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit