Markets in Cape Town have become a valuable part of the Mother City identity in recent years. If you ask any person in Cape Town, they’ll tell you that the city has always prided itself on its support for local entrepreneurs through its world-class markets. Whether you’re a foodie, looking for locally-made gifts, or seeking some live entertainment from the city’s best bands, these markets will provide.
Kuier@TheCastle Market: A new craft market in a historic setting
The new Kuier@TheCastle market is curated by the Craft + Design Institute (CDI) and brings together a diverse range of products, including jewellery, ceramics, textiles, woodwork, and fine art, accompanied by local performers and a feast of food options. With networks stretching far and wide, the CDI is sourcing new products and vendors to delight visitors while spotlighting Cape Town’s creative community.
What sets Kuier@TheCastle apart from Cape Town markets is its unique location, located within the Castle of Good Hope where Table Mountain looms in the background. Make the most of your visit and explore exhibitions at the Castle’s six museums and historically significant sites. Visitors can also try one of the guided tours and wander on their own.
Visitors can also enjoy live entertainment by local performers, as well as live demonstrations and workshops, allowing visitors to explore the skill that goes into crafting unique pieces.
Cost: R30 | R15 children + pensioners | U7 free. Safe parking inside the Castle via the Darling Street entrance.
When: Last Saturday of each month 9am – 4pm
Where: Castle of Good Hope, cnr Darling St & Buitenkant St, Cape Town
Website: kuiermarket.com
Email: news@thecdi.org.za
Tel: 021 461 1488
Instagram: @craft_and_design_institute
Facebook: @thecraftdesigninstitute
The Freedom Weekend Market: Pet-Friendly Weekend Market in the Winelands
The Freedom Weekend offers the ideal family outing filled with food, drinks, live music, kids’ entertainment and shopping – set in the beautiful Winelands between Paarl and Franschhoek.
The market was started in 2020 by three Paarl moms, Tania Durr, Annelet Viljoen and Louise Human, who wanted to create a space for local entrepreneurs and small business owners who needed a platform to generate income after the lockdown.
Food offerings at the market include gourmet burgers, salads and sandwiches by Baconville, Fish & Calamari Stop, fresh authentic sushi, freshly squeezed fruit and veggie juices, candy-coated roasted nuts, and fresh bakes and sweet treats. Honouring its gorgeous Winelands location, ice-cold refreshments are served in thin-edged glasses by the Winedown bar in the centre of the large shed. Visitors can choose between a few wines from the region, as well as refreshing cocktails and mocktails. For beer lovers, Diesel and Dust craft brews from Stellenbosch are served on tap and frosty cold.
The market is also child-friendly with a dedicated play area, enclosure with ponies and tractor rides around the grounds. Well-behaved pets are also welcome.
Cost: Free entry
Where: Freedom Weekend Market, Freedom Village, 301, Wemmershoek Rd, Paarl
When: Sat – Sun, 10am – 4pm
Email: viljoen.annelet18@gmail.com
Tel: 083 458 6452
Instagram: @freedomweekendmarket
Facebook: @FreedomWeekendMarket|
Courtyard 53 Craft Market: Small Market in the Suburbs
Courtyard 53 is one of those hidden gems; a tranquil garden courtyard in the heart of Plumstead home to shops, a nursery and a garden café. It’s the ideal spot to catch up with friends or enjoy an outdoor, relaxing shopping experience at one of the surrounding shops or monthly markets.
At the centre of the courtyard is High Tea, the quaint tea and cake shop, where, as the name suggests, you can enjoy a high tea, simple cake and coffee or even a light lunch. Adding to the already lusciously green courtyard is Elderflower Nursery, a Boutique, family-run, nursery focussing on favourites both old and new.
With a selection of fantastic traders and vendors, there are also a bunch of stores to browse through. From antiques and art sculptures to clothing, leather goods and artisanal home supplies and interiors, this market has more than enough for everyone.
Cost: Free entry
Where: Buckingham Rd, Plumstead, Cape Town
When: Sat: 8:30 am – 1pm
Email: info@courtyard53.co.za
Tel: 072 632 2595
Instagram: @courtyard53craftmarket
Facebook: @Courtyard53CraftMarket |
The Neighbourgoods Market: Award-Winning Woodstock Wonder
Founded in 2006 by entrepreneurs Justin Rhodes and Cameron Munro, the Neighbourgoods Market is an independent initiative to revive and reinvent the Public Market as a civic institution.
This award-winning market features over 100 speciality traders every weekend. So, the market essentially creates a weekly platform for local farmers and fine-food purveyors. The stalls grant access to all the local organic traders such as bakers and distributors, grocers, mongers, butchers, artisan producers, celebrated local chefs, micro-enterprises, designers, collectors, and even thrifters.
The market is housed at the Old Biscuit Mill, in an old sky-lit brick warehouse and courtyard. It is as much a source for farm fresh as well as organic foods and locally produced specialty goods, as it is a meeting point to embrace community. It’s a place where people can swap ideas and stories, and educate themselves on what we buy and eat. This is done by going directly to the source.
A calendar of seasonal events, speciality festivals, and live music features throughout the year.
Cost: Free entry
Where: 375 Albert Rd, Woodstock
When: Sat: 9am – 3pm, Sun: 10am – 4pm
Website: neighbourgoodsmarket.co.za
Email: info@neighbourgoodsmarket.co.za
Instagram: @neighbourgoodsmarket
Facebook: @NeighbourgoodsMarket |
Mojo Market: Seapoint’s ‘See and Be Seen’ with Excellent Cuisine
Mojo Market is a trendy food and lifestyle market in Sea Point. Unlike any other mixed use market in Cape Town, it is open every day of the week and offers a great place to meet old friends, make new ones and find some much-needed ‘mojo’.
From live music to sports screenings, and with four bars to thirty food stalls or artisan retail offerings, there is bound to be something of interest to everyone. One of the aforementioned bars is said to have the widest selection of beverages on tap in the southern hemisphere. So, be on the lookout.
There is a variety of different cuisines to choose from. These meals can then be enjoyed at the food court which has a floor-to-ceiling view of the sea and a palm-lined promenade. From burritos, ramens and kormas to sushi platters, there’s hardly a continent of the world that isn’t represented at the food stalls.
The artisan stores offer fresh and contemporary wares made by local and international producers. These include clothing, jewellery and homeware.
Cost: Free entry
Where: 30 Regent Rd, Sea Point
When: Daily, 11am – 9pm
Website: mojomarket.co.za
Email: admin1@freedomproperties.co.za
Tel: 021 422 4888
Instagram: @themojomarket
Facebook: @TheMojoMarket
Time Out Market: Proudly South African Flavours in Globally Recognised Franchise
Time Out Market is a global franchise, and this one, at the V&A Waterfront, is the first to open on the African continent. Cape Town’s Time Out Market offers culinary and cultural adventures – providing food, drinks, culture, music, and creativity in one exciting space. Boasting 13 kitchens, three bars, a dedicated wine bar, and a stage for cultural experiences, it’s a must-see for a taste of the Mother City.
Guests can try traditional South African food like Cape Malay cuisine and shisanyama, or sample dishes like ramen from award-winning South African chefs. Indian, Italian, Asian and other speciality dishes are also on offer.
Restaurateur and chef, Matt Manning, offers a curated selection of South Africa’s fine wine through the Culture Wine Bar, while NØSH CAFÉ brings the team behind Origin Coffee to pour three of the best coffee brands into your cup.
Cost: Free entry
When: Sunday to Wednesday 11am to 10pm, and Thursday to Saturday – 8am to 11pm. Nøsh Café is open from 8am daily. Traders close 30-min before the market closing time.
Where: The Old Power Station Building, V&A Waterfont
Website: www.timeoutmarket.com/capetown/
Tel: info.capetown@timeoutmarket.com
Instagram: @timeoutmarketcapetown
Facebook: @timeoutmarketcapetown
Blue Bird Garage Food & Goods Market: Muizenberg Marvel
The Blue Bird Garage Food and Goods Market is held every Thursday and Friday night in a beautiful old postal plane hangar. Filled with a collection of local artisans, speciality chefs, bakers, producers and designers, it is considered to be the cornerstone of the Muizenberg community.
With a variety of food stalls, guests can enjoy almost any meal that comes to mind, from steak and burgers to falafel, salads, empanadas and wraps. There is also a delicious collection of pastries, fudge, cupcakes and brownies, and of course, excellent coffee.
Those more focused on grabbing a drink with some friends can head straight to the Bicycle Bar for a variety of local beers on tap, wine and spirits. The market also boasts several wonderful stores selling handmade jewellery, leather items, books, vintage fashion and more. A dedicated kids’ play area is equipped with a jungle gym and offers activities like face painting and sand art, so you can be sure your little ones will be just as entertained as you.
Cost: Free entry
Where: Thu: 4pm – 9pm | Fri: 4pm – 10pm
When: 39, Albertyn Road, Muizenberg
Website: bluebirdgarage.co.za
Email: bluebirdgarage@gmail.com
Tel: 084 405 3544
Instagram: @bluebirdgaragemarket
Facebook: @bluebirdgaragemarket
Noordhoek Farm Village Market: Jungle Gyms and Market Gems
The Noordhoek Farm Village Market is a quaint spot out on the main street of the Noordhoek area. Situated just 30 minutes outside Cape Town’s city centre, this is a charming collection of restaurants, pubs, shops and galleries, as well as a large play area for children with jungle gyms and more.
The weekly Wednesday open-air evening market is a must, with a wide selection of food stalls, and the courtyard stores staying open until 8pm.
Cost: Free entry
Where: Corner of Village Lane and Noordhoek Main Road, Noordhoek
When: Wednesdays 4pm – 8pm
Website: thefarmvillage.co.za
Email: info@thefarmvillage.co.za
Tel: 021 789 2812
Instagram: @noordhoekfarmvillage
Facebook: @noordhoekfarmvillage
Bay Harbour Market: Live Music and More in Hout Bay
The Bay Harbour Market offers an authentic and eclectic blend of all things South African. Housed in an abandoned factory, the Hout Bay market is now a vibrant wharf-side warehouse space known for its lively atmosphere. The colourful, creative and welcoming space is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
Guests can expect a proudly South African range of unique handmade items, from leather goods to art, and jewellery to quirky stationery. Like most of Cape Town’s markets, you can also expect to find an array of wonderful health and wellness products. The market’s food is freshly made and locally sourced, with an emphasis on sustainability. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and banting-friendly options are available.
Catch live music performances every Friday, Saturday and Sunday (check out the market’s social pages for lineups and times).
Cost: Free entry
Where: 31 Harbour Rd, Hout Bay, Cape Town
When: Fridays 5pm – 9pm, Sat – Sun 9:30am – 4pm
Website: bayharbour.co.za
Email: info@bayharbour.co.za
Tel: 072 858 7763
Instagram: @bayharbourmarket
Facebook: @bayharbour |
Oranjezicht City Farm Market: Outdoor Market with a Sea View
The Oranjezicht City Farm Market’s name might be confusing if you’re new to the market. However, this farmers-style market moved from Oranjezicht and is now located at Granger Bay next to the V&A Waterfront. This is one of the only markets in Cape Town where guests have access to jaw-dropping sea views while enjoying fresh market fare, with plenty of outdoor seating overlooking Table Bay.
Stalls here offer a wide range of fresh local produce, including organic vegetables and fruit at their seasonal peak, freshly baked bread, organic honey and dairy products, fresh seafood, and free-range meat and eggs. Mouth-watering artisanal food, baked and raw foods, fresh beverages and good coffee add appeal.
Oranjezicht City Farm Market is also a popular gathering place for green-fingered folk, with its numerous stalls of organic plants and seedlings, compost, gardening supplies and equipment. Visitors will find pretty much anything needed to start a sustainable garden.
The market is also popular for its superb fashion items and the fact that it’s ideal for families and pets.
Cost: Free entry
Where: Granger Bay Boulevard, V&A Waterfront
When: Saturdays 8:15am – 2pm, Sundays: 9am – 2pm, Wednesdays 5pm – 9pm from September – April.
Website: ozcf.co.za
Email: cityfarm@ozcf.co.za
Tel: 083 628 3426
Instagram: @ozcfarm
Facebook: @OZCfarm
Century City Natural Goods Market: An Oasis of Outdoor Fun
In the heart of urban Century City, there is a market that focuses on the natural side of life. Known as the Century City Natural Goods Market, it takes place once a month and is an excellent choice for things to do in the Northern suburbs with children and pets.
In summer, the markets are held on the Village Green close to Intaka Island, and offer some great activities for kids, including free train rides. Visitors can look forward to craft beers, gins and tonics, organic wines, and numerous great food stalls. The market is known for its top-notch live music too.
Cost: Free entry
Where: Park Lane, Central Park, Century City
When: Last weekend of the month, Saturday and Sunday. Night markets also take place in summer. Various times.
Website: centurycity.co.za
Email: naturalgoodsmarket@gmail.com
Instagram: @centurycitynaturalgoodsmarket
Facebook: @centurycitynaturalgoodsmarket
Earth Fair Market: Midweek (and weekend) Magic at a Tree-filled Manor
The Earth Fair Market takes place every Saturday morning and Wednesday evening at the idyllic grounds of the Timour Hall Villa in Plumstead. The large manor estate is filled with trees and lovely little lawned areas, making this one of the more idyllic market settings in Cape Town.
Artisanal food vendors serve delicious Indian curries, ribs, Thai bowls and more. In the drinks section, visitors will find an impressive number of beers on tap at the bar, as well as some of the finest coffee brands in the country.
Both markets are family-friendly and set up with a kids’ entertainment area.
Cost: Free entry
Where: Corner St Joans Road & Timour Hall Road, Constantia, South Africa
When: Wednesday 4pm – 9pm, Saturdays 9am – 3pm
Website: earthfairmarket.co.za
Email: info@earthfairmarket.co.za
Tel: 067 108 1530
Instagram: @earthfairmarket
Facebook: @earthfairmarket
Makers Landing: Jazz, Halaal Food and More
The Makers Landing Market has fast become famous for its live jazz performances, which are free to the public and feature some of the top names in the industry regularly. Makers Landing is also a collaborative food community and offers several Halaal kitchens. It’s a place where foodies celebrate South Africa’s rich and diverse culinary culture.
Currently, the landing showcases 22 makers including Afrikoa, the Bread Bar, B2 Brewer and Frikadeli, to name but a few. The Makers celebrate a farm-to-table, nose-to-tail approach to cuisine. Visitors can expect to experience the best of South African food from curries and local cheeses to fresh koeksisters and coffees.
Cost: Free entry
Where: Silo District, V&A Waterfront, South Arm Rd
When: Thu – Sat: 10am – 7pm | Sun: 10am – 5pm
Website: makerslanding.co.za
Email: sshongwe@waterfront.co.za
Tel: 021 408 7529
Instagram: @makerslanding
Facebook: @makerslanding
Under the Trees Market: Constantia Crafts and Culinary Creations
This authentic outdoor market houses a wide selection of artisanal and original products displayed at sun-kissed stalls amongst the trees. Under The Trees Market is a place to find stunning local creations and enjoy an educational conversation with the crafters and bakers themselves.
Local musicians provide live entertainment as visitors browse, and guests are encouraged to bring their four-legged friends or even take one home at the adoption stall.
The Under the Trees Market in Constantia is the ideal place to connect with nature and get a little retail therapy simultaneously.
Cost: Free entry
When: Sundays, from 10am-3pm
Where: False Bay Rugby Club, Sports Complex, Constantia, Constantia Main Road, Alphen, Cape Town
Email: underthetreesmarket@gmail.com
Tel: 073 195 4298
Instagram: @underthetreesmarket
Facebook: @underthetreesmarket
Chilled Market at The Range: Escape to Tokai Woodlands
The Chilled Market at the Range is a cut above the usual in Cape Town. This weekly food market is a popular attraction for families or anyone looking to escape busy grocery stores and support small businesses instead while relaxing in an enthralling natural environment.
There are loads of stalls selling a great variety of locally grown and harvested produce sourced straight from the Cape farmers. However, the main attraction of this market is its location. It’s a quick escape from the city, set between the Constantia wine valley and the lush woodlands of Tokai.
The market exudes a cosy atmosphere and promises to satisfy all kinds of food cravings. and guests can also expect to find a well-stocked bar and partake in once-off tasting sessions. Lovely live music tops off the experience.
Cost: Free entry
Where: Orpen Road, Tokai, Cape Town
When: Fri: 4:30pm – 9:30pm | Sun: 10am – 4pm
Website: therange.co.za
Email: chilledmarket@therange.co.za
Tel: 021 713 2340
Instagram: @chilledmarketattherange
Facebook: @TheRangeMarket