Markets are a big deal in the Mother City. It’s not only where Capetonians get fresh produce, but it’s a vibe as well, with each market drawing different crowds for different reasons, from delicious global food, unique fashion finds and live entertainment.
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Whether you’re a local or tourist, exploring Cape Town’s thriving market culture is a must-do when you’re in the beautiful port city. Here’s a low-down on the Mother City’s most vibrant market cultures:
1. Mojo Market
- Location: 30 Regent Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
- Open: Monday – Thursday 8pm-10pm , Friday (Evening Shows) 6:30pm – 08:30pm and 9pm – 11pm
2. Greenmarket Square
This popular street market one can buy everything from African curio, souvenirs and leatherwork to foods and African music. Apart from a vibrant atmosphere, the square has a rich history. The square was originally built in 1696, when the first burgher watch house was erected here, and was ingeniously known as ‘Burgher Watch Square’. Today, you can enjoy a cup of coffee at one of the cafes or restaurants surrounding the square, which is now a beloved pedestrian-friendly zone.
- Location: Burg Street & Longmarket Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
- Open: Monday to Saturday 9am – 5pm
3. Bay Harbour Market
A place where the creative energy and the vibrancy of Cape Town come alive in an authentic fish factory in a working. With more than 100 stalls, it’s an artsan eclectic stylish wonderland of exquisite art, craft, jewellery and fashion that’s complemented by the delicious aromas of food to tempt all the senses including, freshly baked breads, spicy seafood and citrus fruits.
- Location: 31 Harbour Road, Hout Bay, Cape Town
- Open: Fridays 5pm – 9pm and weekends 9:30am – 4pm
4. Lourensford Market
Discover a market experience like no other at the trendiest weekend hangout spot in the Helderberg. Ease into the weekend at the Twilight Market on Friday evenings. Bring the kids and invite some friends for a chance to soak up the sun, and marvel at the exquisite sprawling lawns, landscaped gardens and majestic oaks. Taste award-winning wines, snack on decadent delights, or spend hours combing through our vendors’ treasure-troves of unusual and offbeat offerings – there’s something for everyone.
- Location: Laurent at Lourensford Lourensford Estate, Lourensford Road, Somerset West, Cape Town
- Open: Fridays 5pm – 9pm and weekends 10am – 3pm
5. Blaauwklippen Family Market
The popular Blaauwklippen Family Market is open on Sundays with a seasonal focus and a strong emphasis on local, organic and sustainable food, produce and goods. Its’s a child’s paradise at the Blaauwklippen Family Market in Stellenbosch. With endless rides and activities for children to choose from and keep them occupied for hours. While the kids enjoy their fun, parents can sit back and relax under fig trees and nibble on anything from Chinese dumplings to heavenly burgers, paired with Blaauwklippen wine, of course. Not only can you groove away the afternoon to live music and browse the arts, crafts but also buy clothes and gadgets on sale too.
- Location: R44 Strand Road, Stellenbosch
- Open: Sundays 10am – 3pm
6. Root44 Market
Good food, delicious drinks, fine tunes and brilliant company – doesn’t that sound perfect for a full-day outing? Come rain or shine, the doors of of the popular market at Root44 are always open. There’s something for everyone, bring your family and friends (including pets) to browse a wide selection of goods and feast on delicious food. Wine tasting, a kids’ play zone and funky live entertainment to enjoy. Every weekend they host various artists to keep you entertained. From Blues and jazz, to acoustic and rock. A genre for everyone.Coffee lovers can indulge in their favourite blend from a selection of baristas.
- Location: C/O Annandale Road, Stellenbosch
- Open: Weekly Saturdays and Sundays 10am – 6pm
7. Earth Fair Food Market
Saturdays are a perfect place to grab breakfast or lunch, do some shopping for the week, explore the craft traders and drink a nice craft beer afterwards. Saturday mornings are the most packed with families enjoying a weekend break from cooking. Munch on home-made meals and tasty treats while the kids enjoy their own dedicated play area.
- Location: Corner St Joans Road and Timour Hall Road, Constantia, Cape Town
- Open: Wednesdays 4pm – 9pm and Saturdays 9am – 2pm
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