The lowdown on Cape Town's best markets to visit!

The lowdown on Cape Town's best markets to visit!

Cape Town, South Africa, is full of fun activities and exciting adventures waiting to be explored. There are an abundance of secret local markets located around Cape Town for you to explore and enjoy when visiting Cape Town. These hidden gems boast a variety of delicious food and drinks, large assortments of fresh produce, various arts and crafts, curios, and more. Take a look at our top market picks for you to visit during your Cape Town holiday.

First on our list is the Oranjezicht Farm Market which runs every Saturday from 9am to 2pm in Granger Bay (next to The Lookout). This market proudly supports the Oranjezicht City Farm and gives visitors the opportunity to buy fresh produce straight from the farm. Some favourites also include raw honey, free-range eggs, cheeses, snoek, and ethically sourced meats. But it is not all about fresh produce, there is a wide variety of stalls available to browse which sell clothing, jewellery and accessories, and arts and crafts. You will also be able to indulge in yummy food items, and selections of wine and craft beer. This is one not to be missed.

Neighbourgoods Market, located in the Old Biscuit Mill, is a massively popular market held every Saturday from 9am – 3pm. This market began in 2006 and has continued to grow and gain a mass following over the last 12 years. There are more than 100 speciality traders at the market with a large variety of items on sale. You can expect to meet local farmer and bakers, to butchers and local chefs. This market has it all. There is a wide selection of food items so come hungry. The market encourages the use of public transport due to limited parking at the venue.

The Tokai Forest Market takes place outside against the picturesque backdrop of the Tokai forest. This market focuses on providing market goers with fresh, organic produce, raw honey, artisan breads, free-range lamb meats, and hand-crafted items. The market takes place on weekdays. On Saturday the market runs from 9am to 3pm, with Sundays beginning at 10am and ending at 3pm.

Another Cape Town favourite is the Bay Harbour Market, locally known as the Hout Bay Market. This market runs every weekend and offers a wide selection of stalls, food items, drinks and confectioneries. There is live music entertainment every weekend for visitors to enjoy while perusing through the market. The market is open on a Friday from 4pm to 9pm, and on Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 4pm. You are able to take the MyCiti bus to and from the market on all 3 days. This market is one of the best markets in winter due to its lovely fireplace which heats up the venue.

The Red Shed Craft Warehouse at the V & A Waterfront is known for its exquisite African Handcrafted items and unique items. You will find 22 small shops within the warehouse which is easily located inside the Victoria Wharf. This market operates daily from 9am to 9pm allowing you to fit it in during any point of your Cape Town stay.

The Root 44 Market in Stellenbosch is well worth the drive! The market is housed under a large marquee with a wide selection of stalls to choose from.  This market has it all! Craft beers, a selection of food items, antiques, funky t-shirts, jewellery, arts and crafts, you name it! The Root 44 Markets opens every Saturday from 9am to 4pm, and every Sunday from 10am to 4pm, and runs regardless of rain.

One of the newest additions to the Cape Town market scene is the Mojo Market housed on Sea Point main road. The market runs 7 days a week, which makes it easily accessible with food stalls operating from 11am to 10pm Monday through Thursday, and from 10am to 10pm Friday through Sunday. There is a wide variety of food traders and curio retailers for you to browse. There is a live music act each evening which is guaranteed to keep you entertained. The market has an official bar – known as Moco'o Bar – as well as a coffee station for all the caffeine lovers. This is a definite must visit on your trip to Cape Town.

The City Bowl Market is the last on our extensive "must see" list. Every Thursday the market, located in Hope Street in Gardens, is open from 4.30pm to 8.30pm and features around 30 local foodie experts offering you a wide selection of delicious food items. And on the last Thursday each month, the market transforms into a fashion hub with jewellery and fashion items on sale, along with the usual food stalls. To make it even more fun, there is a live band performing at every market so that you can enjoy your food items while soaking up the musical ambiance. 

As you can see, there really is something for everyone at the large selection of markets spread throughout Cape Town. You can venture from one to another, or pick your favourite, the choices are endless, and are entirely up to you. 

Oranjezicht Farm Market

Bay Harbour Market

Neighbourgoods Market