Since being named World Design Capital in 2014, Cape Town has become a hub of local craft and design. With a number of well-established and growing artisan markets throughout the city, there is no shortage of traditional African crafts, handmade goods, and bespoke souvenirs to add to your collection.
Markets range from bustling urban shopping centres to seaside craft fairs and attractions for food lovers. At each stall, the best of Cape Town is on offer. Expect a few opportunities to haggle, to meet the local designers, and to taste the simply wonderful flavours of the local Cape communities.
Green Market Square
In the heart of Cape Town’s business district, you’ll find Greenmarket Square. Once a slave market, it’s now a bustling marketplace where stalls offer every kind of African souvenir imaginable. There’s also entertainment to be found, in the form of buskers, mime artists, and jugglers, especially on Saturday mornings. Soak up the scene after you shop, and grab a shaded seat at one of the cafes that surround the cobblestoned square.
- Opening hours: Monday – Saturday: 9:00 – 16:00
- Address: Corner Shortmarket and Longmarket Streets, Cape Town, 8000
Cape Town City Bowl Market
City Bowl Market on Hope Street is the place where Cape Town’s food lovers meet. Featuring tastes from across the globe, you’ll find huge pots of paella, famous Durban curries, spicy samoosas, and more on offer from the various traders here. Along with the food, vendors are local winemakers and craft brewers introducing their latest ranges. Expect a vibrant scene of locals and visitors by 18:00 when the market welcomes live performances from Cape Town’s up-and-coming musicians.
- Opening hours: Thursday only: 16:30 – 20:30
- Address: 14 Hope Street, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001
- Website: www.citybowlmarket.co.za
Neighbourgoods Market in Woodstock, Cape Town
One of the hippest places in Cape Town, the Neighbourgoods Market in Woodstock is a must-visit Saturday market. Housed in the Old Biscuit Mill, a converted mill house, it offers a number of quirky shops selling crafts, clothing, and jewellery from local artisans. Live entertainment is also on offer, filling the bustling square with a range of acoustic or DJ tunes. But the major draw of this market is the food. A variety of mouth-watering food stalls here sell everything from breakfast fare to dumplings and gyros, with craft beers and bubbles to wash it all down.
- Opening hours: Saturday only: 9:00 – 14:00
- Address: The Old Biscuit Mill, 373 Albert Road, Cape Town, 7915
- Website: www.neighbourhood market.co.za
Oranjezicht City Farm, Cape Town’s farmers’ market
A true farmer’s market, the Oranjezicht City Farm sells the products and produce of local urban farmers. Everything from seasonal fruit and veg, flowers, and homemade goodies are on offer here.
Vegans and vegetarians will be especially happy here, as the market is well-known for catering to all types of foodies, as well as those seeking wheat, gluten, sugar, and dairy-free alternatives. Housed at the V&A Waterfront, this market is perfect for outdoor breakfast with a sea view.
- Opening hours: Saturday only: 9:00 – 14:00
- Address: Granger Bay Blvd, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, 8002
- Website: www.ozcf.co.za
Watershed Market on Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront
This beautiful Waterfront space next to the Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront is home to over 150 local designers. Immensely popular with locals, visitors have caught on to the unique locally-made goods sold here, including ceramics, furniture, fashion, and jewellery. Everything at the market is South African-made and offers a true opportunity to support local trade. Upstairs at the market, find ‘Wellness at the Watershed’, offering a range of spa treatments. If you’re peckish, swing next door to the V&A Market on the Wharf for a food lover’s marketplace.
- Opening hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 – 19:00
- Address: 17 Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, 8002
- Website: www.waterfront.co.za
Bay Harbour Market in the fishing village of Hout Bay
The Bay Harbour Market is a vibrant weekend must-do just 20 minutes from the city centre. Located at the Hout Bay Harbour, the seaside market offers handmade and second-hand gems every Friday evening and Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Live music entertains shoppers, who are treated with a wide selection of traders offering a little bit of everything. An ideal afternoon getaway, the market is kid-friendly, and many visitors get stuck in with a drink and lunch alongside the live music stage.
- Opening hours: Fri 17:00-21:00, Sat-Sun 09:30-16:00
- Address: 31 Harbour Road, Hout Bay, Cape Town, 7872
- Website: www.bayharbour.co.za
