Markets in Cape Town and surrounds have become a popular excursion for individuals, couples, and families.
These trendy events are usually well organized and aim to please visitors with unique delights one wouldn’t ordinarily find in a retail mall. Cape Town Markets also help if you want to kill a bit of time, or explore something new with friends and family. What better way to spend the day, than being outdoors in fresh air browsing through authentically produced goods with your family and friends? Cape Town markets sell a variety of goods – ranging from culinary treats, rare clothing finds and vintage jewellery to organic fruit and vegetables, interior décor items and more! Although some markets are laid-back and do not require an entrance fee, there are some that do. There is also a few that do not allow pets, and persons under the age of 18. However, it does depend on the market and the occasion. To help you decide what markets to check out while you are staying in the Mother City, view our top picks below.
Willowbridge & Stellenbosch Slow Market
Every Saturday in Tygervalley and Stellenbosch, there is the Slow Market from 9am to 2pm. The organizers claim that these markets only sell produced items that have been ‘grown, raised, caught, preserved or transformed’ by the producers themselves . Visitors can delight in both artisan food items, and organic goodies. These stall owners aim for responsible and sustainable methods. The markets are partly covered, and rest assured that the show will go on come rain or shine.
Meerendal Farmers Market
On the second Saturday of each month is the Meerendal Farmers Market on the Meerendal Wine Estate in Durbanville. It runs from 9am to 2pm. Savour a wide variety of foods such as home-made bread, pesto, olives, pies, preserves, sweet honey, as well as tasty waffles, biltong and droëwors. There is also rusks, cakes, and fudge for the sweet tooth lovers. Or if you are perhaps you are looking to do some gardening over the weekend – pop into this market for a few garden plants. There is great entertainment for kids, like – pony rides, toys and a jumping castle to name a few. Sip on the award-winning Meerendal wines and enjoy the beats from the live music.
Blaauwklippen Family Market
The Blaauwklippen Family Market is an ideal excursion for a Sunday, from 10am to 3pm. It is situated on the Blaauwklippen wine estate, the perfect location for wine tasting and food experimentation. Be sure to taste the cheeses, olives and baked treats in the carriage museum. Check out the arts and crafts under the wild fig trees, while the kids enjoy their own entertainment. We hear the artisanal ice cream and flammkuchen is divine.
The Market at The Palms
The Market at the Palms in Woodstock is a firm favourite (among locals and tourists) for its fresh produce and funky art. This market is indoors at the Palms Décor and Lifestyle Centre. There you can smell delicious food wafting through the air, offering you the sweetest invitation. Every Saturday this market is open from 9am to 2pm, and hosts over 40 food traders. Enjoy free entry, free parking and free entertainment while you socialize with friends and try something scrumptious.
City Bowl Market
The City Bowl Market is held on Thursday evenings and every first Friday of the month from 4.30pm to 8.30pm. This unique market is located within a historical building on Hope Street in Gardens. Traders are carefully selected to ensure a diverse range of food, crafts and jewellery. Tap your feet to the sounds of live acts performing at every market! They also cater for fashionistas, who can scoop up reasonably priced garments once a month (on Thursday evenings) at their fashion market.
Neighbourgoods Market
Neighbourgoods Market can be found at the Old Biscuit Mill every Saturday from 9am to 2pm. This trendy institution showcases the finest farm produce, organic merchants, bakers and distributors, grocers, butchers, artisan producers, celebrated local chefs and micro entrepreneurs. The market itself is in a forlorn sky-brick warehouse, but this simply adds to its authenticity. It is the perfect social hub, where ideas and stories can be shared and food can be devoured. The organizers have special calendar events in the year, such as the I Love Coffee and I Love Real Beer festivals.
Oranjezicht City Farm Market
The Oranjezicht City Farm (OZCF) is a non-profit project celebrating local food, culture and community through urban farming in Cape Town. Their market is held every Saturday from 9am to 2pm at Granger Bay, V&A Waterfront. Weather is not dependent, as they have organized large marquees. Visitors can do their weekly fruit and veg shopping there, so be sure to take a basket or cooler bag along. They hope to inspire their customers about eating from and investing in an alternative food system. There is also the option of buying your own seedlings, compost and garden tools. There is no fee to enter the market. Pedestrian entrances are open directly from Beach Road, and cyclists, joggers, dog walkers and others are most welcome. Educational talks and events are linked to the market, and there are plenty of activities for kids such as storytelling, planting, crafts, yoga and more.
Spice Route
The modern-day Spice Route in Paarl is a sensory feast for today’s connoisseurs of craftsmanship and authenticity. The Spice Route is a unique concept for the wine and hospitality industry, because you can park your car and wander through a carefully curated selection of artisans. Find the Cape Brewing Company, De Villiers Artisan Chocolate, Spice Route wine tasting, Richard Bosman cured meats and more. Their stores showcase excellent produce, which entices you to try a bit of everything on offer. There is also the Barn Artists studio and gallery displaying landscape and portrait paintings. Find this enigma only 40 minutes from Cape Town. It is the perfect place to take the entire family.
V&A Food Market
The V&A Food Market is located in the historical Pumphouse building off Nobel Square at the V&A Waterfront. This is foodie paradise, with workshops and demo kitchens at your fingertips. There are over 40 vendors that serve up fresh, scrumptious dishes with step-by-step guidance. Taste international cuisines made from organic ingredients. There is ample parking, not more than 20 meters away in the Portswood and Ulundi garages. The V&A Market promises to be the largest fresh produce and prepared food market in South Africa. The V&A Market on the Wharf is open 7 days a week, except for Christmas and New Year’s Day. Their opening hours are 10am to 7pm in the summer months. In winter they close at 5.30pm.
The Watershed Market
The Watershed Market is based at the V&A Waterfront, with over 150 traders and 365 brands showcasing African innovation, design and crafts. This market has a vast selection of locally produced items, which caters for both the locals and tourists. Find art, ceramics, craft, fashion and accessories, furniture, jewellery, curios and textiles. The Watershed also offers a range of mind and body treatments. The Watershed Market is open from Mondays to Sundays from 10:00-18:00. In addition to their daily craft market, they also host their ‘Good Night’ market on the last Wednesday of every month. This market showcases everything creative, and is open from 18:00-21:00. It offers live entertainment, bars and food trucks.
Root 44 Market
In Stellenbosch, find the Root 44 Market at Audacia Wine Estate every weekend from 10am to 4pm. The market is covered by a giant marquee, which ensures that rain won’t be a problem while you browse. The view of the surrounding vineyards and trees is spectacular. Enjoy live entertainment, craft and home décor stalls. There is a fantastic selection of edible and drinkable treats. The market is child-friendly, and has a variety of activities for the kids to partake in.