4 of the best markets in cape town

Cape Town loves markets, and you can find a market just about anywhere in Cape Town. This is where you will find delicious food, Creative crafts and live music to set the mood. These are really more of an experience, than just  plain Markets and they are not just for rainy days in Cape Town either.

The local markets in Cape Town have their own magic to them and the best part is you can often find one-of-a-kind craft goods which make for unique gift ideas. Just being in these markets is an experience in itself. You can browse the stalls at your leisure under the shade of the trees or in the warm summer sun. You also get to speak to the actual artisans and find out exactly where the items come from and the history behind them, then find something to eat at the food stalls that are any foodie’s dream, or simply get a fresh brewed cup of coffee.

I especially love looking for baked goods or chocolates that are unique to that market.

Here are some of my favourite markets to browse for that perfect gift:

1 The Neighbour Goods Market 

Located at the old biscuit mill this market in Cape Town boasts a charming mix of food, music and craft goods that will keep you busy for hours. The ambiance is infectious and it really is a food lover’s dream of a market.

Days and times: every Saturday 9am – 2pm

Map:

2 The Bay harbour market

This is a cute, creative and vibey little market in Cape Town with lots of craft stalls, clothing stalls and even some second hand goods. But the best part by far is the food section. You can find an assortment of foods from sushi to baked goods, fresh juices to fresh coffee, and once you’ve decided what you want you can sit and chill and just listen to some live music. It is an enclosed market so even if it’s raining cats and dogs you can still enjoy the market to its fullest.

Days and times: fridays 5pm – 9pm   saturdays and sundays 9:30am – 4pm

They are also open the week before Christmas:

Wed 21^st: 12-6pm

Thursday 22^nd: 12- 6pm

Friday 23^rd: 12-9pm

Saturday 24^th : 9:30 – 4pm

Sunday 25^th: closed

Location: 31 Harbour Rd, Hout Bay, Cape Town, 7872

Map:

3 The Watershed Market

Located near the V&A Waterfront mall this market is another one of my favourites to visit. You can find locally designed goodies like art, unique jewelry and clothing in this bright up market setting. The best part is it’s enclosed so you can browse to your heart’s content no matter the weather. It’s also one of the few markets in Cape Town that is open every day, so it’s perfect for last minute gift shopping.

Days and times: open daily from 10am -6pm

Location: V & A Waterfront, 17 Dock Rd, V & A Waterfront,

Map:

4 The Made in the Cape Market

This is another great showcase of locally designed and made goodies from food and household decorations to jewellery and small unique gifts. The best part is that the market is situated in the Cavendish mall, so you can do all your usual shopping and still take some time out to enjoy the market. This is what makes it one of the most chilled markets in Cape Town.

Days and times: ± Once a month, usually the first weekend of the month (Thursday-Sunday), but some exceptions may apply.

Weekdays and Saturdays: 9am-7pm

Sundays: 10am-5pm

Location: Cavendish Mall in Claremont

Map:

 

There is so much to see and do in Cape Town, even when it rains, but the Markets that Cape Town has on offer are definitely Winter adventures in themselves. Who wouldn’t want a warm cup of coffee and some live music on a winter’s day.