Tucked between the Amazon rainforest and the Atlantic Ocean, Georgetown, the capital of Guyana, is a vibrant city shaped by Caribbean flair, British colonial history, and Indigenous traditions. Whether you’re strolling past colorful wooden buildings or tasting your way through the market stalls, Georgetown offers a rich and lesser-known blend of cultures — and that makes for some fascinating and meaningful souvenirs.

Based on local tips, market finds, and regional specialties, here’s a guide to the best souvenirs to buy in Georgetown, plus helpful shopping tips and where to find the good stuff.

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Top 10 Souvenirs from Georgetown, Guyana

1. Handwoven Indigenous Baskets

Crafted by Indigenous communities from the interior regions of Guyana, these beautifully woven baskets are made using natural fibers like tibisiri (palm). Often patterned and dyed using local plants, they’re both decorative and functional — and a favorite at local artisan markets.

2. Pepper Sauce

A must for anyone who enjoys spice, Guyanese pepper sauce is usually made from fiery wiri wiri peppers, vinegar, and garlic. Local vendors often sell it in glass bottles at Stabroek Market or roadside stalls — just be sure to pack it carefully!

3. Cassava Bread or Cassareep

Both cassava bread (flat, crispy, and handmade) and cassareep (a dark, syrupy cassava extract used in stews like pepperpot) are classic Amerindian staples. Cassareep in particular is popular with adventurous cooks wanting a taste of authentic Guyanese cuisine.

4. Guyanese Gold Jewelry

Georgetown has a strong gold industry, and you’ll find a variety of jewelry made with locally mined gold, often in traditional or modern designs. Some shops even offer custom pieces — but prices vary, so it’s worth comparing.

5. Demerara Sugar and Local Honey

Named after the Demerara River, this light brown sugar with large crystals is well-known internationally but best bought locally. You can also find small jars of tropical honey, sometimes infused with cinnamon or cloves.

6. Rattan and Wooden Handicrafts

Wood carving is a respected craft in Guyana. Look out for bowls, trays, sculptures, or rattan furniture made from native hardwoods like greenheart or purpleheart. These items are commonly sold by local artisans in the city or at craft expos.

7. Locally Made Beauty Products

Based on what’s commonly found in eco-shops and boutique markets, many visitors take home soaps, lotions, and oils made with coconut, lemongrass, or neem — natural products with a Guyanese touch.

8. Handmade Jewelry with Seeds and Natural Materials

Some craftspeople use materials like jumbie beads, coconut shell, or tagua nuts to make earthy, handmade jewelry. These pieces often carry symbolic meaning in local folklore.

9. Guyanese Rum

Guyana is known for its rich rum heritage. El Dorado, one of the country’s most famous brands, is aged in wooden stills and comes in a variety of strengths and finishes. Great for gifting — or savoring slowly back home.

10. Postcards and Local Artwork

For something lightweight and meaningful, browse Georgetown’s bookstores and craft stands for illustrated postcards, watercolors, and small art prints by local artists depicting jungle scenes, colonial buildings, or riverside life.

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Where to Shop in Georgetown

• Stabroek Market:
  A busy and historic spot where you’ll find everything from spices and snacks to handmade baskets and pepper sauce. It can be chaotic but full of character — and bargains.
• Giftland Mall & Local Boutiques:
  For more modern shopping, Giftland has a mix of local products and imports. Some boutique stores inside offer beauty items, clothing, and small crafts from Guyanese makers.
• Guyanese Women’s Craft Centres:
  Based on local recommendations, these centers support women artisans and Indigenous communities, and often sell textiles, jewelry, and homewares made by hand.
• Georgetown Craft Expo (if timing lines up):
  Seasonal or holiday craft expos are held at public venues and parks. If you’re in town when one’s on, it’s an excellent chance to meet artisans directly and pick up one-of-a-kind items.
• Airport Duty-Free Shop (Cheddi Jagan International Airport):
  For last-minute souvenirs, especially El Dorado rum, Guyanese snacks, and small crafts, the duty-free area has a decent selection of locally sourced goods.

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Shopping Tips for Georgetown

• Bring local currency. Guyanese dollars (GYD) are preferred in most markets, though some shops may accept USD for larger purchases.
• Support small producers. Buying directly from vendors and cooperatives ensures that your money goes to the maker — especially for handwoven, carved, or food-based items.
• Negotiate politely. While fixed prices are common in stores, market vendors may expect some gentle haggling, particularly for bulk buys.
• Check packaging for travel. Pepper sauces and cassareep must be sealed and packed carefully if going in checked luggage.
• Look for authenticity. Not all items at the market are locally made — if that matters to you, ask vendors about the source or origin of the product.

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Final Thoughts

Georgetown’s souvenirs are as rich and diverse as Guyana itself. Whether you bring back a woven basket, a bottle of pepper sauce, or a piece of hand-carved greenheart wood, you’ll be taking home something that reflects the history, flavor, and warmth of this unforgettable capital city.

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