Top markets in Cape Town's City Bowl

A selection of the best markets in Cape Town's City Bowl

For the 2019 updates:

Heart, soul, scenery and food at these special Cape Town markets.

Outstanding and out of town: markets worth travelling tor at these Western Cape Village markets.

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Cape Town is famous for its markets, and the bustling City Bowl is no exception. Browsing markets is not only an interesting leisure activity, but also a fun bargain-hunting mission. You're sure to find something unique, whether you're on the lookout for a piece or a light bite that's innovative, traditional, vintage, gourmet or creative. Plus, you'll meet colourful market sellers with unique insights into the City Bowl's patchwork of cultures.

Neighbourgoods Market
A little original gourmet is a decadent start to your weekend. Over 100 speciality traders sell fresh vegetables, sustainably snared seafood, gourmet goodies, artisan breads, home-brewed organic cider and aromatic coffee. This festive market is open between 09:00 and 14:00 every Saturday -arrive early to avoid the rush.

The Old Biscuit Mill Complex | 373-375 Albert Road | Woodstock | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 448 1438

City Bowl Market
This charming city centre market operates in an old school hall once a week (Thursday night) and prides itself on bringing people together in a relaxed environment over the common denominator of good food. The 30- to 40-odd vendors change regularly, but the fare’s always enjoyable and well priced and the vibe’s always warm and inviting. Not to mention, as it's an evening affair, the bazaar takes on a fun-loving, party-esque atmosphere (there’s craft beer on draught), live music’s typically on the cards and, once a month, a fashion show and wine tasting are on the bill. The market runs from 4:30pm to 8:30pm on Thursdays.

14 Hope Street | Gardens | Cape Town | +27 (0)73 270 8043

V&A Market on the Wharf
Housed in the Waterfront’s historic Old Power Station, this Monday-to-Sunday market is the Mother City’s first permanent food bazaar. Meaning that, unlike the countless pop-up Saturday and Sunday affairs, Market on the Wharf gives both locals and tourists the chance to cruise the more than 50 stalls and meet for a light bite 7 days a week from 9:30am to 6pm. The bazaar focuses on both global cuisine and traditional favourites, so it’s just as possible to devour an authentic German pretzel and Belgian waffles as it is to tuck into spicy Durban curry or delicious South African biltong. And while the spacious double-storey venue boasts plenty of indoor seating, the outdoor tables flaunt breathtaking views of the Waterfront’s working harbour and majestic Table Mountain. So, grab the little ones – there’s a special kiddies’ area – and spend a relaxing lunch or early dinner at this colourful market – if you’re lucky, there may even be some live music on the go.

Dock Road | V&A Waterfront | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 276 0200

Pan African Market
Those in search of African arts, crafts and designer goods will find Cape Town's widest range at the Pan African Market. Open between 08:30 and 17:30 Monday to Saturday, the indoor market is a maze of shelves packed with local masks, jewellery, gifts, curios, musical instruments and household goods.

76 Long Street | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 426 4478

Church St Antiques Market
Amongst Church Streets delightful eateries you'll find a charming and cheerful market selling vintage clothes, antique and costume jewellery, accessories, handmade curios, silverware and even a tarot card reader. The market is open between 09:00 and 16:00 Monday to Saturday (the market packs up early on Saturdays, so arrive early).

Corner of Long and Wale Streets | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 438 8566

Adderley Street Flower Market
If you're looking for an exquisite bloom or a bespoke bouquet for a special occasion or to brighten up your home, head to a speciality market that houses the largest gathering of aesthetically pleasing blossoms under one roof. Visit the market between 07:00 and 20:00 Monday to Saturday and you'll also encounter an entertaining bunch of flower sellers.

Between Strand Street and Darling Street | Cape Town

Earth Fair Food Market
Between 12:00 and 18:00 every Thursday, artisans and traders sell farm cheeses, organic produce, smoked fish, speciality sausages, olives and much more. Visit the pie stand for a Guinness and steak pie or enjoy the live music. Read more about the Earth Fair Food Market.

St Georges Mall | City Bowl | Cape Town

Greenmarket Square
In the heart of Cape Town, Greenmarket Square plays host to a vibrant market full of interesting characters. Expect hand painted fabrics, wood carvings, glassware, clothing, jewellery, footwear, music, sunglasses, paintings and curios. The all African market is open between 09:00 and 16:00 Monday to Friday and between 09:00 and 15:00 on Saturday. Read more about Greenmarket Square

Corner of Longmarket and Shortmarket Streets | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 426 1052

The Red Shed Craft Workshop
Open between 09:00 and 21:00 Monday to Saturday and between 10:00 and 21:00 on Sundays and public holidays, the Red Shed is a showcase for creativity and talent. Unique gift ideas, exclusive clothing , stylish leather goods, colourful children’s creations, contemporary furnishings and highly sought after works of art are all on offer.

Victoria Wharf | V&A Waterfront | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 408 7600 

Waterfront Craft Market & Wellness Centre
The V&A’s central point for Small Business is home to more than 100 crafters from the art, craft, African Experience, jewellery and clothing categories. Our Wellness Centre is one of a kind in this informal retail environment and offers a range of therapies, treatments and holistic products.

Adjacent to the Two Oceans Aquarium | V&A Waterfront | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 408 7840

The Barrows
Relish the experience of finding distinctive gifts, clothing, accessories and more at these centrally located barrows. Visit between 09:00 and 21:00 Monday to Sunday and you'll meet inspiring entrepreneurs with big dreams and bright ideas.

Victoria Wharf | V&A Waterfront | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 408 7600

Bo-Kaap Food and Craft Market
Experience the sights, sounds and tastes of Cape Malay culture in colourful Bo-kaap between 10:00 and 14:00 on the first Saturday of every month. View Aunty Galijas fascinating collection of historical photographs and enjoy cakes, samoosas, koeksisters, homemade jams and vibrant handicrafts.

Schotschekloof Civic Centre | Upper Wale Street | Bo-Kaap | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 424 3736

Bo-Kaap Market
On the last Saturday of every month this market will take place in the Haas Collective gallery space in the Bo-Kaap. The 24 stalls will rotate monthly and will be run by traders from the community who will be selling Cape Malay delicacies. As well as traditional Cape Malay food there will be crafts, accessories, children’s clothing and soaps for sale. The market will run from 10am to 4pm.

67 Rose Street | Bo-Kaap | Cape Town

Die Platteland Market at the Palms
Die Platteland Market in Woodstock, the down-to-earth counterpart of the nearby Old Biscuit Mill bazaar, is all about real food, real people and real recipes. Every Saturday, the family-friendly shindig – there’s plenty of space to push a pram – brings country food to city tables and serves up hearty cuisine fit to whisk both locals and foreigners back to the kitchens of their childhood, where gran was elbow deep in a mixing bowl and the smell of home-cooked food simmered on an open stove. Housed inside the breathtaking Palms Decor & Lifestyle Centre, the weekly to-do is as viable an option in winter as it is in summer. Expect fare made with love and passion, like traditional jaffles, sweet and savoury breakfast pancakes, artisan cupcakes, angelfish pate, gourmet samoosas and much much more.

145 Sir Lowry Road | Woodstock | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 462 0394

By Amanda Agulhas

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Picnic on the lawns to the sounds of jazz at the Kirstenbosch Craft & Food market.  

Great vibes, over 115 stalls, live music, delicious food and planet-friendly recycling at the monthly Thrift Fest.

Read more about markets in Cape Town and surrounds in our overviews of markets in the southern suburbs, markets in the northern suburbs, markets in Cape Town's surrounds and markets in the Cape Winelands. Be sure to read our 10 speciality markets in Cape Town and surrounds.

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