The Best Markets in Cape Town, South Africa

Held every Saturday at Granger Bay on the V&A Waterfront, the Oranjezicht City Farm Market is a community farmers’-style market for independent local farmers and artisanal food producers. Here, customers can do their weekly food shopping for fresh fruit and vegetables, organic dairy products, home-baked bread, free-range eggs and more. You can also try some of the delicious cooked and raw foods on offer if you fancy a break from cooking. There are also edible plants and seedlings on sale, as well as compost and gardening supplies.

Situated a short distance from the CBD at The Old Biscuit Mill, The Neighbourgoods Market is a vibrant platform for micro-merchants, designers, specialty producers and traders from around the city. Although many head to the market for its food and drink options, there’s also a growing craft and clothing section that’s well worth checking out. There you’ll find everything from backpacks and dresses to leather goods and jewellery. The market is open every Saturday from 9 AM until 3 PM, rain or shine.

The Blaauwklippen market is one that has a strong leaning towards family time. Although much of the focus is on food and drink, thanks to its location in the heart of Cape wine country, there are also traders who focus on arts, crafts and fashion. Established in 2011, the picturesque picnic spot is tastefully settled among the vineyards of Stellenbosch with stalls that overflow with new and exciting produce. So it’s the perfect place to let the children run between the wild fig trees with an ice cream while you peruse the latest bespoke fashion and design trends at the numerous stalls.

Blue Bird Garage Market is as original and unpretentious as they come. Held in Muizenberg’s trendy old postal plane hangar, it’s a market for those who enjoy something off the beaten track. There you’ll find a range of items, from craft beers and hand-picked wines to quirky clothing and local artwork. The whole affair is accompanied by live music from local artists, giving the market an upbeat, festival vibe. The market also offers a creative corner for children, where they can play and get their faces painted.

The Bay Harbour Market is a veritable feast of food and drink, arts and crafts, fashion, beauty products and live music all under one roof. The market is housed in a refurbished fish factory in the working harbour of Hout Bay and features more than 80 stalls, offering everything from fresh mussels to freshly brewed coffee. Enjoy a variety of delicious eats on offer while sipping on superb wine or craft beer on tap. Meanwhile, established and up-and-coming musicians provide a live soundtrack for the day.

This iconic inner-city market has been a feature of Greenmarket Square for years, and is one of the best places to find African souvenirs and crafts in Cape Town. After browsing the numerous colourful stalls, you can stop for lunch at one of the restaurants in the square and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Go in prepared to bargain, and be sure to watch your pockets for the occasional opportunistic pickpocket, however, even a visit without a purchase is an enjoyable experience.

The City Bowl Market on Hope Street in the Cape Town CBD is the place to be for foodies every Thursday evening from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM On the last Thursday of the month, they add fashion stalls to the mix, bringing you a selection of local clothing and jewellery in addition to food and drink. There are approximately 30 stalls to choose from, each offering a range of cuisine from around the world. Indulge in Argentinian empanadas, authentic Durban-style curry, gourmet hot dogs, delicious salads and more. Don’t forget to check out the array of sweet treats for dessert lovers. A weekly live band adds to the upbeat atmosphere of the market.

If you feel like escaping the city, plan a day trip to the Lourensford Market in the beautiful suburb of Somerset West. The bustling market is set on the scenic Lourensford Wine Estate, which is situated on the slopes of the Hottentots Holland Mountain Range. There are more than 70 stalls to browse, which offer everything from delectable food and art and crafts to organic and artisanal produce. You can also enjoy a glass of the estate’s superb selection of wines or in-house craft beer to complement your food. There is weekly live music, fun entertainment for kids and pets are welcome. The market is open every Sunday from 10 AM to 3 PM and on alternate Fridays, from 4 PM to 9 PM.

The latest addition to the Cape Town market scene is the trendy Mojo Market. The large indoor space is filled with beautiful, locally produced items, with everything from shoes, clothing and furniture to food and drink. The space has become a bustling meeting place, and features live music seven nights a week. The indoor market is also open all week and includes 45 retail stalls, a fresh goods section, and 25 food vendors.

Set in the heart of the Cape Winelands, Root 44 is situated on the R44 route between Somerset West and Stellenbosch. The market is housed in large marquees surrounded by rolling vineyards and trees providing shady areas. Satisfy rumbling tummies with wood-fired pizza, traditional roosterkoek (grilled bread), biltong (dried, cured meat with spices), healthy salads, sandwiches, spicy curries and more. Take-home products include olive oils, cured and smoked meats, freshly baked goods and more, while shopping enthusiasts can browse the wide selection of craft, fashion and homeware stalls. There’s also weekly live entertainment and a park for children. Dogs are welcome on leashes.