Bamako is known for its markets and one of the best things to do is .. to SHOP. The well known market of Dibida is in the centre of town, but the best market is the one the tourists don't find .. Medina Coura. This is where local people shop for quality material, clothing, ironmongery, in fact almost anything anybody needs. People are very friendly and enjoy it if you take time to stop and talk, or even take a glass of tea. This is an experience to savour, not rush.${QuickSuggestions} Learn a few greetings in Bambara, the language which most people in Bamako speak. You will be rewarded with smiles and a whole different atmosphere. Greet people with 'I ni se' (E nee chay). ${BestWay} The best way to get around really depends on where you stay in Bamako. You will find little green buses (bachees) almost everywhere. But you have to ask which ones go to where you want to go to. The easier option for first-timers is to use a local taxi. These are yellow and registered. However, you need to choose one that is not too decrepit. You should negotiate a price for the journey before getting in the taxi. For most journeys around Bamako a price of 2-3,000 cfa is normal, although expect to pay more if you have a lot of bags or your hotel is far from the centre of town.
From journal Bamako, the friendly city