Town Center / CBD

Town center has cheaper prices and local atmosphere, but only go during daylight. After sunset, head back to your accommodation.

Downtown has colonial-era buildings along Mosi-oa-Tunya Road with cafés, restaurants, and small shops. During the day you can walk around, visit the Livingstone Museum, or check out craft markets where prices beat the tourist areas. Locals go about their business and it's generally friendly. Staff at restaurants speak English - places like Olga's Italian Corner and Café Zambezi work fine for eating alone. There are two small malls, Falls Park Mall and Mosi-oa-Tunya Square, for daytime shopping. After 6pm the situation changes completely. Streets empty fast, lighting is poor, and locals who work downtown leave for other neighborhoods. Don't walk around at night, even short distances. During the day, watch for pickpockets near transport hubs and markets - keep valuables out of sight. Come here for budget meals and local atmosphere during daylight, but head back to your accommodation or the tourist zone before evening.