Cape Town – Exploring the market capital of South Africa

Cape Town, a key city in South Africa, has become a paradise for shopaholics. It has over the years gained reputation and is now known as the ‘Market Capital of South Africa’. The city is home to a number of markets offering a wide range of goods ranging from antiques to souvenirs, curios, organic foods and fresh produce. Most of the markets are open over the weekend providing ample opportunities for both the locals and tourists to search and buy all kind of items available here.

If you are on a shopping vacation to Cape Town, here are some of the best markets you should consider vesting during your stay in the city. These include City Bowl Market, V&A Market on the Wharf, Old Biscuit Mill, Milnerton Flea Market and Greenmarket Square. Let us take a virtual tour of these shopping places and see what all you can buy or take back home as souvenirs.

City Bowl Market
The City Bowl Market is situated at 14 Hope Street in Gardens area of the city. The market operates twice weekly in an old school hall in the charming city center. The market can be visited on every Thursday from 4.30 pm to 8.30 pm and on Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm. It’s a great place, particularly for foodies. Here you can enjoy good and reasonably priced food sold by some 30 to 40 odd vendors. A varied assortment of homemade delicacies is available here. You can also buy cheeses, egg rolls, bacon, croissants, bagels, Indian food, draft beer and many more. It’s a great place for kids as well where they can enjoy at the ‘jungle gym’. The fourth Saturday of every month is the best for design lovers to purchase jewelry, décor and fashionable items.

V&A Market on the Wharf
The V&A Market on the Wharf is situated on the scenic V&A Waterfront. It is conveniently located adjacent to Nobel Square between the V&A Hotel and Two Oceans Aquarium. It is open on all days from 9.30 am to 6 pm. It is the only permanent market in the city offering a wide range of local and international gourmet food stalls. There are various reasons that the V&A Market on the Wharf is mostly visited by the locals and tourists. The Demo Kitchen offers fabulous experience to the visitors. Many events and product launches are regularly held here. It’s the best place in the city to buy organic foods and fresh seafood. A wide range of sweet treats are also available including waffles, preserves, pastries, ice cream, sweets, honey and more. Explore the market for its gourmet delicacies and international cuisines such as Malay, Thai, Indonesian, German, Greek, Italian, Danish and Argentinean.

Old Biscuit Mill
The Old Biscuit Mill is a funky shopping destination in Cape Town. It is situated in the industrial area of Woodstock. Popularly called the Neighborhoods Market, it is operated weekly on Saturdays starting from 9 am to 2 pm. The market prominently features a wide range of organic foods, books, artworks, vintage goods and knickknacks. This market is indeed a feast for all those looking for interesting designer objects. The Old Biscuit Mill is also a fantastic place for the locals to meet and swap stories and ideas. The enormous selection of fine wine and gourmet food undoubtedly makes it a great attraction for both the locals and tourists. You will simply love visiting this weekly market and enjoy culinary treats such as home-made smoothies, biltong, curries, quiches, and lamb and tuna burgers.

Milnerton Flea Market
The Milnerton Flea Market is located adjacent to Marine Drive. It is open every Saturday and Sunday of the week. The market also comes alive on all public holidays except Easter and Christmas. The market hosts more than 200 stalls offering a wide range of goods ranging from classic vinyls, household goods, clothes, vintage cameras, old furniture and antiques. This place is also a great place to look out for typical flea market products and second hand products. If you want to purchase something special at unbeatable prices, then surely spend some time to explore the vast grounds of this market.  
 
Greenmarket Square
The Greenmarket Square is situated at the intersection of Burg Street, Shortmarket and Longmarket streets. It is located in the heart of city’s central business district and is among the famous markets in Cape Town. It’s a one-stop for African curios. Everything ranging from African masks to ornaments, textiles and trinkets is available here. Don’t forget to bargain while purchasing goods. The market is open from Mondays to Saturdays.