Markets are great for shopping for gifts, getting inspiration, indulging in delicious homemade treats and gourmet meals and sampling the likes of craft beer, wines and the latest foodie craze. We are spoilt for choice when it comes to markets in the Cape so we thought we’d make your choice a little easier with our list of the Top 10 Markets in Cape Town & the Cape Peninsula.
Earth Fair Food Market – Tokai and St Georges Mall
Great for: Work Lunches and Midweek Treats
What: The St Georges Mall Earth Fair Market began three years ago and has become an institution in the city centre. Business people, students, locals and tourists pop down to the little piece of paradise between Wale Street and Church Street every Thursday to grab their lunch, a snack or a sweet treat. Regular traders appear week after week to deliver their delicious creations to the eagerly awaiting public. If town isn’t your preferred hangout, the Earth Fair Market is also held in a warehouse style environment in the well-known South Palms Centre in Tokai. Catering slightly more for locals and families, this market offers the same delicious fare but visitors can lounge around and enjoy their purchases at one of the many communal tables.
When: Tokai – every Wednesday from 3pm to 8:30pm and every Saturday from 9am to 2pm. St Georges Mall – every Thursday from 11am to 3pm
Where: Tokai – South Palms Centre, Main Road, Tokai. St Georges Mall – Upper St Georges Mall, opposite St Georges’ Cathedral, off Wale Street and Church Street, Cape Town CBD.
The Palms Market – Woodstock
Great for: Spotting the Rich and Famous
What: Located in trendy Woodstock, The Palms is home to a variety of decor and lifestyle stores. The center is also the office space of many architects, designers, fabric houses and photographers. This upmarket spot is definitely the place to see and been seen and what better way than by spending the day at the regular Saturday Palms Market. While this market is definitely for the “cool kids”, it remains unpretentious and relaxed with friendly vendors and a range of unique characters. With over 40 food traders, foodies are spoilt for choice and are bound to put on some extra weight for Winter! The market also boasts live music most Saturdays.
When: Every Saturday from 9am to 2pm
Where: The Palms Centre, 45 Sir Lowry Road, Woodstock
The Range Market – Tokai
Great for: Entertaining the Kids
What: A family market set in a tent in the middle of pine trees and vineyards in the Constantia Valley. If you live in the Southern Suburbs, you are bound to bump into at least a dozen people that you know at this market. With it stunning views of majestic Elephant’s Eye, delicious food and kids play area, this market is a perfect night out for the whole family.
When: Every Friday from 4:30pm to 9:30pm
Where: The Range, Orpen Road, Tokai
The Bay Harbour Market – Hout Bay
Great for: Crafts, Fashion and Live Music
What: Housed in an old authentic fish factory in Hout Bay Harbour, the Bay Harbour Market is where people of all ages and cultures gather together to enjoy some of the Cape’s best food, art, craft and fashion. The market features over 80 traders (ranging from fashion and jewellery, to arts and crafts, decor and health and wellness) and food vendors, live music every market day and 9 beers on tap. What more could one want?
When: Fridays: 5pm to 9pm, Saturdays: 9:30am to 4pm and Sundays: 9:30am to 4pm
Where: 31 Harbour Road, Hout Bay
Cape Point Vineyards Market – Noordhoek
Great for: Spectacular Views
What: A weekly outdoor food market with the most spectacular views. Visitors can look forward to sampling Cape Point Wines with an array of home cooked food using fresh, local and free range ingredients wherever possible. While the food options are plenty tasty, the view is what people go for…mountains, fynbos, vineyards, and glorious sunsets over the Atlantic ocean.
When: Summer – Every Thursday from 4:30pm to 8:30pm
Winter – Sundays from 12pm to 3pm
Where: Cape Point Vineyards, Silvermine Road, Noordhoek
The Neighbourgoods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill
Great for: Locals and Tourists
What: The Neighbourgoods Market was one of the first public markets in Cape Town and was the brainchild of entrepreneurs Justin Rhodes and Cameron Munro. Every Saturday, hundreds of people flock to The Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock to visit this award-winning market. With over 100 speciality traders including local farmers, organic merchants, bakers, butchers and artisan producers, it’s no wonder that “a visit to the Neighbourgoods Market” has landed on the itineraries of many tourists visiting Cape Town. The market is housed in a brick warehouse and overflows into the courtyard at The Old Biscuit Mill.
When: Every Saturday from 9am to 2pm
Where: Old Biscuit Mill, 373 Albert Road, Woodstock
Blue Bird Garage Food & Goods Market
Great for: Chilled Locals & Creative Types
What: A night market set in an old postal plane hangar in trendy Muizenberg. This market is all about the locals. From eclectic clothes, jewellery, vintage stalls and local artisans to live music from local artists, this market is a welcome escape from the bustling City Bowl markets. A creative kids area will keep the kiddies entertained whilst you enjoy a few hand-picked South African wines and craft beers in the presence of families and friendly vendors.
When: Every Friday from 4pm until 10pm
Where: 39 Albertyn Road, Muizenberg
V&A Food Market – V&A Waterfront
Great for: Any Day Of The Week
What: 40 vendors offering a variety of tantalizing street food, housed in the historical Pumphouse building off Nobel Square at the V&A Waterfront. This market boasts live music, craft beer and great food and is open 7 days a week except Christmas Day and New Years Day. Think Sushi, Lamb Fold Overs, The Creamery Ice Cream, Stokkiesdraai Biltong and Truth Coffee.
When: Monday – Sunday 10am until 6pm
Where: V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
The Deer Little Market – Vredehoek & City Bowl
Great for: New and Preloved Baby Things
What: A local market stocking everything baby and child related. The Deer Little Market used to be held at well-known Deer Park Café in Vredehoek and has just moved to the popular City Bowl Market Venue for Winter. Visitors can purchase both new items and quality pre-loved items. The market is a perfect outing for the whole family; moms and dads can shop and sample the yummy food and drinks and the kids can be entertained with book readings, facepainting and a ball pit!
When: First Saturday of every month from 9am until 2pm
Where: 14 Hope Street, Gardens
Oranjezicht City Farm Market – Granger Bay
Great for: Local Farm Produce
What: A farmers market for independent local farmers and artisanal food producers. Visitors can do their weekly shopping or get to know other market-goers whilst enjoy the cuisine at one of the communal tables. The market encourages start up businesses by keeping the stallholder costs as low as possible and supporting stalls where possible. They also provides free wifi, courtesy of Vanilla Internet Services. The OCFM market caters for vegans, vegetarians, raw foodies, and customers who use wheat, gluten, sugar and dairy-free alternatives.
When: Every Saturday from 9am to 2pm. Visitors are welcome to pick their own harvests on the first Wednesday of every month.
Where: Granger Bay at the V&A Waterfront
