The old bazaar of Kandahar is one of the great trading markets of the Pashtun belt, a sprawling warren of covered lanes where carpets, dried fruit, metalwork, and fabrics have been traded for centuries. The dried fruit section is particularly worth seeking out — Kandahar is famous throughout Afghanistan for its grapes, pomegranates, apricots, and almonds, and the bazaar is where they concentrate.
The carpet dealers here offer Baluch and Turkmen pieces from across southern Afghanistan and the border regions. Prices are negotiable and selection is serious. The metalwork section sells hand-forged knives, copper vessels, and decorative pieces typical of Pashtun craft traditions.