Bibijagua Handicraft Market
A bustling marketplace offering a vast array of Dominican crafts, souvenirs, cigars, coffee, and local liquors, with a lively atmosphere and live musi...

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Live music adds ambiance
Bibijagua Handicraft Market
Best Time
Live music adds ambiance

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A bustling marketplace offering a vast array of Dominican crafts, souvenirs, cigars, coffee, and local liquors, with a lively atmosphere and live music.
"It is a nice place to buy all of your souvenirs and touristy stuff all at once."
Be Firm with Vendors
A polite but firm 'no' is best. They're persistent but usually respectful if you're clear.
Haggle Like a Pro
Expect to pay much less than the asking price. Start low and negotiate!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Souvenir Galore
Throughout the market
Find everything from trinkets and artwork to cigars, cocoa, and coffee. A one-stop shop for Dominican Republic gifts.

Local Artwork
Various stalls
Discover unique paintings, carvings, and handcrafted items that capture the spirit of the Dominican Republic.

Mamajuana & Rum
Specialty stalls
Sample and purchase the famous Dominican liqueur, Mamajuana, and a variety of local rums.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Vendor Interactions
Haggling is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Thoughts on beach vendors on bavaro Beach?
Be Firm with Vendors
A polite but firm 'no' is best. They're persistent but usually respectful if you're clear.
Haggle Like a Pro
Expect to pay much less than the asking price. Start low and negotiate!
Vendors won’t leave me alone
Beware of Beach Vendors and Excursion
Compare Prices
Don't buy from the first stall. Prices can vary significantly between vendors.
Look for Quality
Some items may be old or faded. Inspect goods carefully before purchasing.
Tips
from all over the internet
Be Firm with Vendors
A polite but firm 'no' is best. They're persistent but usually respectful if you're clear.
Haggle Like a Pro
Expect to pay much less than the asking price. Start low and negotiate!
Compare Prices
Don't buy from the first stall. Prices can vary significantly between vendors.
Look for Quality
Some items may be old or faded. Inspect goods carefully before purchasing.
Cash is King
While some vendors might accept cards, having cash makes transactions smoother and can help with haggling. :moneywithwings:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the incredible variety of souvenirs and the friendliness of many vendors, noting great value compared to other tourist spots. However, some find the market overpriced and the vendors overly pushy, with concerns about the age and condition of some products. The beach area is beautiful, but shopping can be a mixed experience.
"Variety is amazing and the vendors are super nice! Great values compared to airports or vendors on beach who can sell you fake jewelry."
Rosanna Batista
"Not worth the trip at all!!! Paid 50 dollars for the taxi to get there, the market is full of old products, all sell the same items, prices are over the roof, they asked triple the price of the hotel shops. Products have been sitting in the sun forever. Regretted going there! The beach is beautiful if you are going to sit only, but shopping wise, stick to the hotel shops or go to commercial shops."
Rayan Al Dabbah
"Lots of stalls right off the beach filled with souvenirs, artwork, hats, shirts, jewelry, Mamajuana, even rubber chickens. Be ready for lots of attention from the shopkeepers and make an offer."
jeff goyette
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
If you're staying at Barceló Bávaro Palace, head towards the waterfront and go left. Continue until you pass the adult area, and the market will be in front of you. Taxis are also readily available from most resorts.
It's generally considered a short taxi ride or a pleasant walk from many resorts in the Bávaro area, making it an accessible destination for souvenir shopping.
Taxis are the most common and convenient option. Some resorts might offer shuttle services, but it's best to check with your accommodation. Walking is feasible if you're staying nearby.
If you're staying at a resort like Barceló Bávaro Palace, a walk along the beach is possible. Always check local maps or ask your hotel concierge for the best route.
From Barceló Bávaro Palace, head left along the waterfront. The market is a straightforward walk from there.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Bibijagua Handicraft Market is typically free. You only pay for the items you choose to purchase. :ticket:
The market is generally open daily, with vendors setting up throughout the day. It's often livelier in the evenings when live music might be playing.
There is no admission fee to browse the market. It's a public space for shopping and experiencing local crafts. :ticket:
Visiting in the morning or earlier in the afternoon usually means fewer crowds, allowing for a more relaxed browsing experience.
The market generally operates daily, though hours can vary slightly. It's advisable to check locally if you have specific timing concerns.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
You'll find a wide array of souvenirs including artwork, handcrafted jewelry, cigars, coffee, cocoa, clothing, hats, and local liquors like Mamajuana.
Absolutely! Haggling is a significant part of the shopping experience here. Be prepared to negotiate prices down, often by 30-50%.
Prices at the Bibijagua Handicraft Market are generally much better than airport shops, especially after negotiation. However, some hotel shops might offer comparable prices.
Inspect items for quality, especially jewelry and wooden crafts. Some items might be older or have been exposed to the sun, so check for fading or damage.
Yes, you can find many authentic Dominican products like cigars, coffee, cocoa, and Mamajuana. Look for reputable vendors and inspect the goods.
🎫 🤝 Vendor Interactions
Vendors can be very persistent. A polite but firm 'no, thank you' and continuing to walk is usually effective. If they continue, a more direct 'no' or ignoring them is also an option.
Most vendors are friendly and eager to make a sale. They are often happy to chat, but their primary goal is to sell you something.
Simply state you are just browsing or not interested today. They will usually move on to the next potential customer.
It's not considered rude to refuse a purchase, especially if you've clearly stated your disinterest. They understand not everyone will buy.
Be clear from the start that you are only looking. If you feel too pressured, it's okay to leave the immediate area and return later or visit another stall.
🎫 🎶 Entertainment & Atmosphere
Yes, many visitors report live music playing in the evenings, adding a vibrant and enjoyable atmosphere to the market experience.
The market has a lively, bustling atmosphere, especially in the evenings. It's a great place to soak in local culture and enjoy the sounds of the Caribbean.
Yes, it's described as a quaint place for couples to spend a couple of hours browsing and shopping for souvenirs.
Absolutely. While shopping is the main draw, you can also enjoy the lively atmosphere, listen to music, and observe the local scene.
The market tends to be most lively in the evenings, often with live music adding to the festive ambiance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting earlier in the day to avoid the peak crowds and heat, making it more comfortable for younger children. It's a good opportunity to teach kids about different cultures and the art of negotiation in a controlled environment. Keep an eye on your belongings and ensure children stay close by in the bustling market.
💰 Budget Travelers
Compare prices across different stalls before making a purchase. What one vendor charges might be significantly higher than another for a similar item. Avoid impulse buys and take your time to find the best deals. While some items might seem like a bargain, always inspect the quality to ensure you're not overpaying for something subpar.
couples
Spend a couple of hours exploring the diverse stalls, perhaps picking out matching items or gifts for loved ones back home. The experience of navigating the market, interacting with vendors, and finding special treasures can be a memorable part of your trip. Enjoy the vibrant energy and the opportunity to immerse yourselves in the local Dominican culture.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Haggling
It's important to approach haggling with a friendly demeanor. While firmness is necessary, being overly aggressive can be counterproductive. Many visitors find that a good-natured negotiation leads to a more enjoyable interaction. Keep in mind that the prices reflect not only the cost of goods but also the vendor's livelihood. A successful haggle results in a fair price for you and a reasonable profit for them.
Navigating Vendor Interactions
It's helpful to remember that these vendors are trying to make a living. While their persistence can be tiring, they are generally not malicious. If you find yourself feeling uncomfortable, move to a different section of the market or take a break. Many visitors find that once they've made a purchase, the vendors become less insistent. Being prepared for this aspect of the market will help you enjoy your shopping experience more fully.
What to Buy: Dominican Delights
For those interested in art, the market features a variety of local artwork, including paintings and wood carvings that depict island life and culture. You'll also find handcrafted jewelry, often made with local stones or materials. When selecting items, especially food products or liquors, look for well-sealed packaging and check for any signs of tampering or age.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit