The old Mercado Municipal building, a handsome Portuguese-era hall, has been restored as the Dili Convention Centre, but the daily market that gave it its name still spreads through the surrounding streets and an adjacent open hall. Vegetables, fish, betel nut, and coffee at one end; tais (the handwoven cloth that is Timor's national craft) at the other.
The tais section is where most visitors come. Each region of the country weaves its own patterns — colours and motifs distinguish a sash from Lospalos from one from Suai or Oecusse. Prices are negotiable but rarely worth haggling hard on; a good shawl runs around $30–60 USD. Arrive in the morning for the freshest produce and the fullest selection of cloth.