Red clay roads, mangrove-smoke on the breeze, and the steady pulse of gumbé drums — Guinea-Bissau hits the senses first and keeps you wanting more.

From the sun-bleached shells of the Bijagós to the cashew groves inland, the country’s markets and shorelines are full of handcrafted goods and bold flavors that tell local stories; these are the kinds of Guinea-Bissau souvenirs that bring those memories home.

Whether you’re browsing Bandim Market in Bissau, hopping a boat to Bubaque, or wandering the quiet ruins of Bolama, here’s what to buy in Guinea-Bissau to carry a piece of its islands, forests, and kitchens back with you.

1. Bijagó Woven Baskets

Why pick this up: Lightweight, sculptural and soaked in island style, these baskets are woven by Bijagó artisans from local raffia and seagrass — perfect as beach bags or wall pieces that smell faintly of salt.
What to look for: Tight, even weaving; vibrant dyed bands (natural indigo or vegetable dyes are common); sturdy handles and a finished inner lining if you plan to use it for groceries.
Price bracket (2025): XOF 2,000–12,000 depending on size and complexity.
Where to find it: Bubaque and Orango in the Bijagós, informal stalls around Bissau’s Bandim Market, and small cooperative shops on the islands.

2. Cashew Nuts and Cashew Spirits

Why pick this up: Guinea-Bissau is one of the world’s major cashew producers — the nuts are fresh, rich and a taste of the country’s agricultural backbone. Locally distilled cashew spirits (small-batch, grogue-style brandies) are a bold, island-style souvenir.
What to look for: Whole, uniformly roasted cashews for eating; glass-bottled spirits sealed by hand and labeled with the village or cooperative name.
Price bracket (2025): Cashews XOF 800–3,000/kg; small bottles of cashew spirit XOF 1,500–6,000.
Where to find it: Bandim Market and Mansôa’s market stalls, roadside vendors near processing centers, and island shops selling local produce.

3. Batik and Tie‑Dye Textiles

Why pick this up: Colorful batiks and indigo-dyed cloths are worn and displayed across Guinea-Bissau — they make expressive sarongs, wall hangings or throws that carry West African dyeing traditions.
What to look for: Strong, even indigo and resist patterns; tightly waxed batik panels; larger pieces for wraps or smaller ones made into headscarves.
Price bracket (2025): XOF 5,000–25,000 depending on size and handwork.
Where to find it: Textile stalls in Bissau’s markets, Mansôa and small shops near Bolama and Cacheu.

4. Bijagó Carved Masks and Figures

Why pick this up: Bijagó masks and carvings are ceremonial, bold and often abstract — they’re a direct link to island cosmology and craftsmanship. A small mask is a dramatic keepsake; a larger piece is a showstopper.
What to look for: Solid, well-carved wood with natural patina, signs of hand-tooling, and respectful provenance (ask which island or artist made it).
Price bracket (2025): XOF 20,000–120,000 depending on size and detail.
Where to find it: Bubaque and Orango island markets, artisan cooperatives, and some galleries in Bissau.

5. Hand‑Beaded Jewelry and Cowrie Pieces

Why pick this up: Bright glass beads, cowrie shells and seed beads are woven into necklaces, bracelets and waistbands that reflect both Atlantic trade history and local taste. They’re light, packable and perfect for gifts.
What to look for: Tight beadwork, secure clasps, and sustainably collected shells (avoid items made from live-sourced coral).
Price bracket (2025): XOF 1,000–8,000.
Where to find it: Bandim Market, beach stalls on the Bijagós, and craft tables at cultural events in Bissau.

6. Baobab Powder and Baobab Oil

Why pick this up: Baobab fruit powder is tangy and vitamin-rich for smoothies or sauces; baobab oil is prized in local skincare for its light, nourishing properties. Both capture the wild, nutty flavors of the inland savanna.
What to look for: Clean, sealed jars with minimal additives; cold‑pressed oil labelled for cosmetic use.
Price bracket (2025): XOF 1,000–6,000 per jar/bottle.
Where to find it: Markets in Bissau, producers around Cacheu and Mansôa, and stalls at eco-lodges near Cantanhez.

7. Cacheu Earthenware Pottery

Why pick this up: Simple, functional clay pots and cooking bowls from Cacheu are fired by hand and bear a warm, rustic character — great as planters or kitchenware that ages beautifully.
What to look for: Even firing (no large cracks), smooth rims, and traditional forms used locally for cooking or storage.
Price bracket (2025): XOF 2,000–15,000.
Where to find it: Cacheu town, markets along the Cacheu River, and craft sellers in Bissau.

8. Traditional Percussion Instruments

Why pick this up: From djembes to small tambores and frame drums, Guinea-Bissau’s percussive pulse is at the heart of its music — taking home a hand drum brings a literal rhythm of the country with you.
What to look for: Solid, well‑tuned skin heads, tight rope or screw tuning, and a comfortable playing size for travel.
Price bracket (2025): XOF 10,000–60,000 depending on size and maker.
Where to find it: Music shops and instrument makers in Bissau, market stalls near live-music bars, and artisan workshops on the islands.

9. Piri‑Piri and Local Chili Pastes

Why pick this up: A jar of fiery piri-piri or homemade chili paste is a little bottle of Guinea-Bissau’s kitchens — bright, garlicky and great for marinades or drips on grilled fish.
What to look for: Sealed glass jars, clear ingredient lists if possible, and locally made labels for authenticity.
Price bracket (2025): XOF 500–2,000.
Where to find it: Street-food vendors, Bandim Market, coastal town kiosks and souvenir stands.

10. Gumbé Music Recordings and Local Prints

Why pick this up: Gumbé records, cassette tapes or local art prints capture the country’s sound and visual language — an instant cultural soundtrack for your home.
What to look for: Recordings of well-known Bissauan artists or live-session CDs, signed prints or small-format original artworks.
Price bracket (2025): XOF 500–5,000.
Where to find it: Music stands and street sellers in Bissau, small galleries, and cultural festivals around the capital.

Tip: Haggle kindly at Bandim Market, ask for the maker’s story when you can, and pack fragile pieces with padding — happy hunting for Guinea-Bissau souvenirs! 🌴

Let me know in the comments if you have any other top ‘what to buy’ ideas!

About the Author

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!