10 Best Places for Shopping in Cape Town

Who doesn’t enjoy shopping! Shopping is an important aspect of tourism, where visitors shop for souvenirs and items that reflect the place's culture. Perhaps, which is why every city or town has its unique shopping experiences. And the same holds true for Cape Town! The city has several modern malls and shopping complexes, but street shopping is also relevant and an exciting experience in Cape Town. Here is looking at some of the best places for shopping in Cape Town.

1. Greenmarket Square

One of Cape Town's oldest markets, the Greenmarket Square is a historical area open to flea markets and street shopping throughout the year. Colourful and vibrant with several shops and stalls, Greenmarket Square is a hub for artists and music concerts, along with various musical and cultural festivals, which are also hosted here.

Things to buy: Clothing, jewellery, curios, gifting items, ornaments, clothing, tribal masks, bags, and souvenirs. Besides, there are stalls selling artwork, carvings, African handicrafts, and leather goods, such as shoes, sandals and more. 
Timings: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Sunday closed

2. The Old Biscuit Mill

The Old Biscuit Mill is one of the best places for shopping in Cape Town. Designers, artists, office goers, shoppers, photographers, and food lovers all make their way to the Old Biscuit Mill to showcase their products, produce and art. Besides the shops, myriad restaurants, and eating options, the Neighbourgoods Market set up every Saturday and Sunday is one of the major highlights at the Old Biscuit Mill. 

Things to buy: There are designer boutiques, clothing shops, bags, jewelry, ornaments and other accessory items that are sold here. A number of local fresh products are also sold including cheese, vegetables, fruits etc. Creatively skilled items, such as, artworks, paintings, embroidery and crochet works, photographs and more are accessible at the Old Biscuit Mill. 
Timings: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Neighbourgoods Market – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

3. Milnerton Flea Market

Held on Saturday and Sunday, the Milnerton Flea Market is a weekend hub located along Marine Drive R27 in Milnerton. Also, for those looking to bargain and get products at cheap rates, the Milnerton Flea Market is a great option. It is also family-friendly, allowing pets into the premises as well. With easy parking and some eating stalls selling snacking delicacies, this market offers a wide range of everyday necessary household items at reasonable prices. Also, it is well-known for its second-hand and upcycled goods.

Things to buy: Hardware, books, crockery, glassware, electrical goods, toys, tools, (such as spanners, wrenches), furniture, handmade goods, plants, clothes and accessories etc. Besides, many second-hand items at discounted prices are also available here.
Timings: Saturday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Sunday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Public Holidays (closed only on Christmas and Good Friday) 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

4. Long Street, Bree Street, Kloof Street

There are a few iconic streets that cut across the heart of Cape Town. These streets are landmarks on their own, for on them thrives several shopping stores and restaurants. The Long Street from the Cape Town Convention Centre ends at Kloof Street and is a cultural bonanza all along the way. Several interesting stalls and shops are lined up that sell designer, chic, vintage and bohemian clothes, décor, collections, etc. Nearby Bree Street is a close second, with its exceptional shopping options, restaurants and clubs. On the other hand, Kloof Street is where the Lifestyle Shopping Mall is located for all shopping needs found under one roof.

Things to buy: Book stores, boutiques and shops selling clothing and accessories, home décor, The Pan African Market and more are found along Long Street. Bree Street is home to international clothing brands, as well as local designer and artist showrooms. Both the streets are wonderful to take a stroll on and unwind after a long day.
Timings: Most of the shops along Long and Bree Street open from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. However, the exact timings vary from shop to shop.

5. Blue Bird Garage Food and Goods Market

The Blue Bird Garage Food and Goods Market is set up every Thursday and Friday night in a postal plane old hangar that is located at the edge of Muizenberg. The marketplace is the coming together of different professions and people. There are bakers, producers, butchers, artists, cooks, designers and more who all come together to display and sell their products. There are also fruit and vegetable stalls and shops selling pickles, jams, fresh cheese, smoked sausages and more. The food stalls sell a variety of delicacies, such as brownies, cupcakes, rolls, crepes, burgers etc. Besides, there is a bar to hang out with friends and a kid's play zone.

Things to buy: Leather bags, hats, body oils and cosmetics, handmade jewelry, clothes, vintage stalls etc.
TimingsThursday and Friday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM

6. V & A Waterfront Watershed

The V & A Waterfront’s Watershed, located next to Two Oceans Aquarium on Dock Road, is a huge space that houses around 150 tenants and has more than 350 brands selling their products. The Watershed is the hallmark of local goods. The shops are locally owned and usually small, whereas the prices are reasonable. There are also exhibitions, workshops and entertainment hosted here frequently. It is best known for its locally made products, handmade goods, homewares, handicraft items, gift items and traditional African products. There are also food stalls and vendors from whom one can buy snacks when hungry.

Things to buy: Jewelry, ceramics, furniture, textiles, hand woven baskets, pot plants, beauty and health products, souvenirs, clothing, paintings, sculptures, accessories, kitchen items, such as pots, pans, bowls, mugs etc.
Timings: All days: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

7. Spier’s Craft Market

A daily market in Cape Town, the Spier’s Craft Market is all about handicrafts, art and crafts. It is located on the lawns of the Spier Wine Farm at R 310, Stellenbosch. Local artisans and crafters display and sell their products with items ranging from gallery-quality paintings to locally handcrafted items. Perfect for souvenirs and customized items, the Spier’s Craft Market is especially for all art lovers.

Things to buy: The handicraft and artistic collections on sale include beadwork, paintings, items made from recycled materials, textiles, jewellery, mosaics, woodworks, ceramics, Nguni style woven tapestries, pottery works and more. One can shop for souvenirs, such as magnets, key chains etc.
Timings: All days 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

8. Century City Natural Goods Market

An outdoor extravaganza, the Century City Natural Goods Market is a Sunday market in Cape Town. Perfect for spending a holiday out in the open, buying handmade items and enjoying delicious meals along with entertaining musicals, a kid’s play area and free train rides – that is what all entails at the Century City Natural Goods Market. The market is located in Central Park in Century City and houses around 40 stalls of artisans and handicraft sellers. 

Things to buy: Hand-crafted products, clothing, accessories, beauty products, toy stalls and more. 
Timings: Sunday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

9. Khayelitsha Craft Market

Located in St Michaels and All Angels Anglican Church, the Khayelitsha Craft Market is where the area's locals create and sell their products. A reflection of their hard reality, this market is unlike anything fancy. However, one can interact with the community and watch them in their real surroundings as they create goods from what is available around them. Tourism is a major draw for the Khayelitsha Craft Market. Most of the products are recycled from cans, bicycle parts, wires, tin, plastic bags etc. 

Things to buy: You can buy jewelry made from beads, handbags, sculptures made from clay and scrap metal and more.
Timings: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PMSaturdays: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

10. Shopping Centers and Malls

Street shopping and markets are the perfect way to buy local goods at reasonable prices. However, Cape Town also has many shopping centres and malls. Some of the popular malls and shopping plazas across Cape Town are Canal Walk Shopping Center, Gardens Shopping Center, Victoria Wharf Shopping Center, Blue Route Mall, Cavendish Square, Tyger Valley Shopping Center and more. There are also various other shopping outlets that are consolidated shopping centres, such as V & A Waterfront, Cape Quarter Lifestyle Village, Woodstock Exchange and more.

Street shopping in Cape Town is a vibrant and meaningful experience. Not only can one buy traditional and local goods, but there is also seamless interaction with the makers. Besides the infectious laughter and coming together of different people who enjoy shopping, eating and soaking in the culture of the place together, shopping in Cape Town is much more than merely picking up items from different local stalls.