Sylhet's shopping is concentrated in Zindabazar, Bondorbazar, and Lalbazar — the dense old commercial streets around the Keane Bridge and dargah, where you'll find everything from cheap electronics to clothing, gold jewellery, and traditional crafts.
The best local buys are:
- Manipuri textiles — woven sarees and shawls from the Manipuri community around Sylhet, with distinctive geometric patterns. Cooperatives sell direct.
- Shitalpati mats — cool, silky woven mats from the murta reed, a Sylhet speciality.
- Tea — fresh from the estates, far better than what is exported. Tin packs make good gifts.
- Cane and bamboo craft — baskets, lamps, and furniture from the rural traditions of the region.
Blue Water Shopping City is the largest modern mall, with international brands and a food court. Prices are higher than the bazaars but no haggling.