By Biance Bunge.
The Mother City is at the very top of her market game and we’re loving every glorious second of it, and we certainly hope you are too! Cape Town’s vibrant market scene is thrilling, thriving and taking no prisoners on it’s rise to the top in becoming the ultimate Mother City must-do experience. It has without a doubt positioned itself as a bustling hub of creativity, art and culture, culinary pursuits and delicious food, entertainment and everything in between. Yes, in Cape Town it’s all about the cool market vibes and good fun-loving times and you’ll be silly not to join in on all the epic market action. So, just to make sure you get the full Cape Town market experience, we’ve put together the ultimate countdown list to crown the best and vibiest market in town. But we certainly encourage you to go out there and explore and experience them all, because let’s be honest, is there anything better than a Mother City market-hopping adventure? We think not! But, for right now, let the countdown to the best market in Cape Town begin.
8. V&A Waterfront: V&A Food Market & the Watershed at the V&A Waterfront
The vibe:
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Boasting double the market trouble you better know you’re in for double the vibe. And the two vibrant V&A Waterfront Markets, the V&A Food Market and the Watershed at the V&A, promise to not disappoint. While each V&A Waterfront market brings something unique and different to the table, the cool vibe, electric energy and hustle and bustle, yet welcoming atmosphere remains the same. You can therefore expect to be swept up in the cool V&A vibe never wanting to return. And all the local and international food loving souls, hipster Cape Town cool kids, hustling execs, laid-back weekenders and travellers looking for something cool to do will be right there with you.
Eats, beats & everything in between:
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The V&A Food Market and the Watershed at the V&A truly is a match-made-in-market-heaven, and some would say the picture-perfect pair too. With the Watershed at the V&A showcasing over 150 stalls, selling more than 365 brands ranging from ceramics, textiles, furniture, art and craft, fashion and jewellery, it truly is the ultimate Waterfront destination to satisfy all your purchasing needs. It has therefore fast become the ultimate Mother City hotspot for gift shopping, spoil-yourself-shopping, or any occasion shopping, if you get what we mean! This cool inner-city space also includes the Jubilee Exhibition Hall and smaller spaces which play host to world famous exhibitions, live entertainment and workshops. Just further adding to the cool vibe and vibrant energy of this cool local market. But what would a cool Cape Town market experience be without FOOD! And this is where the V&A Food Market comes out to play in full force! And what an incredible culinary and street food celebration it is indeed. This vibrant and lively artisan street food market showcases 42 of the finest local products and offer a platform for small business to launch trend concept food stores and bars alike. And we get to go along for every second of the cool and delicious ride, how lucky are we? And with so many incredible, indulgent and mouth-wateringly delicious options to choose from, the only thing you’ll have trouble with is deciding what to try first. With choices like TRUTH Coffee Roasting, Sushi to go, Gourmet Pantry, Sant Alessandro, Knysna Oyster Company, Luna Rice Rolls, Sweet Dreams, Vegabond Kitchens, Stack That and SO much more, the only thing to do is to let your food inhibitions run wild and succumb to each and every one of them. Because if not, why not, and that’s exactly what we intend to do too! But besides being one of the leading street food experiences in Cape Town, the V&A Food Market also boasts a variety of awesome artisan retail stores too.
Cool to know:
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The V&A Food Market is housed in a historical old power station that was established in 1882 to bring power to the Cape Town dockyard. Thereby giving you an edgy and authentic market location that is every bit as cool as it’s vibe. It also offers its visitors both indoor seating when shelter from the wind and rain is required as well as outdoor quayside hangout spots perfect for sundowners and sunset watching.
Where & when does the market magic happen:
With the Watershed at the V&A located on Dock Road, next to the Two Oceans Aquarium, and the V&A Food Market taking place in the Old Power Station, Building 19, on Dock Road at the Waterfront, it offers you the perfect opportunity to explore both! The Watershed at the V&A is open daily from 10am – 7pm with the V&A Food Market’s operating hours being Sunday – Thursday from 10am – 7pm and Friday and Saturday from 10am – 8pm (during Winter months: May – October) and Sunday – Thursday from 10am – 8pm and Friday and Saturday from 10am – 9pm (during Summer months: November – April).
7. ROOT 44 Market
The vibe:
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Good food, viby tunes, delicious drinks and a great time shared with awesome people is the ROOT44 market way of life, and it’s a pretty good one indeed. Because honestly, what more do you need? Priding themselves on being a market with a difference, this cool Stellenbosch market welcomes everyone with open arms. So, whether you’re young or young at heart ROOT44 promises to make you feel right at home.
Eat, beats & everything in between:
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ROOT44 isn’t known as #1 out of 24 for shopping in Stellenbosch for nothing. So, you better know you’re in for quite an incredible market experience. Boasting a variety of unique take-home products, homeware stalls, hand-picked antiques, leather goods, arts and crafts, clothing, jewellery and everything in between, there truly is something for everyone at ROOT44. But let’s not forget about all the delicious eats and cool beats! And boy are you in for a treat, quite literally in fact! From decadent sweet treats, wood-fired pizza’s, gourmet hamburgers and biltong to healthy salads, sandwiches and spicy curries there is something for every foodie or lover of delicious things. Plus, the ROOT44 craft beers are enough to have you coming back for more. And the best thing is all the cool ROOT44 stalls and lekker food and drinks can be enjoyed to the sound of viby beats and funky live entertainment as live bands take the ROOT44 stage every Saturday and Sunday from 12.30pm to 4pm.
Cool to know:
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One of the coolest things about this market, despite the obvious of course, is the fact that it is one of Cape Town’s best all-weather markets. So, come rain or shine, ROOT44 will continue the good vibes and cool market times all the way through. This cool Stellies market is also one of the most child-friendly markets around and allows dogs (except in the food court and must be kept on a leash), so everyone is invited to join in on the ROOT44 action.
Where & when does the market magic happen:
This cool Cape Town market is set in the heart of the beautiful Cape Winelands on the R44 route between Somerset West and Stellenbosch. The market is housed in large marquees surrounded by rolling vineyards and trees, thereby providing the perfect shady areas for lazy weekend lounging and market strolling. ROOT44 opening hours are Saturday & Sunday from 9am to 4pm.
6. The Noordhoek Farm Village Market
The vibe:
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Warm and welcoming is what the Noordhoek Farm Village Market vibe is all about, and you’ll be sure to experience the full embracing force of it as soon as you arrive. You therefore can’t help but feel right at home and eager to explore, taste and discover everything it has to offer. It’s easy, relaxed, comfortable and everyone-is-welcome atmosphere makes it the perfect place to enjoy a Wednesday evening filled with great food, shared in great company. But don’t be fooled by this cool Cape Town night market’s quite nature, there is far more below the Farm Village Market surface that is absolutely worth every second of exploring.
Eats, beats & everything in between:
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Are you ready for a Noordhoek Farm Village Market feast unlike any other? Well, you better be, because it’s about o go down! Choose between Italian, vegan, Mexican, Potjies and Food Barn offerings as well as delicious and unique delights ranging from freshly baked artisan breads, handcrafted ice cream made from the finest natural ingredients, coffee roastery, raw juices and so much more. The choices truly are endless! You even have the opportunity to sample a variety of locally brewed beers on tap as well as a changing wine bar. Besides being the new thriving food hub of the South Peninsula, this cool Cape Town evening market has so much more to offer. From local travel and adventure operators and a tack shop for horse lovers to a spa and beauty centre and local craft shop, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. But the fun doesn’t end there, the Noordhoek Farm Village Market takes it up another cool notch by adding regular live music acts from South Africa’s best artists and comedians from around the country to the market mix too. Thereby truly offering you the full, cool Cape Town evening market experience.
Cool to know:
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This amazing local community market certainly goes out of its way to make sure every member of the family has a big smile on their face all the way through. The large outdoor playground area therefore provides a safe & spacious area for kiddies to have tons of fun in while the adults sit back and enjoy an evening of well-earned blissful relaxation.
Where & when does the market magic happen:
Taking place weekly on Wednesdays from 4 – 8pm at the Noordhoek Farm Village, corner of Village Lane and Noordhoek Main Road it really is the perfect Wednesday evening activity for the whole family.
5. Cape Point Vineyards Thursday Night Market
The vibe:
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There’s nothing quite like a night market to kick the cool vibes up a notch, and that’s exactly what the Cape Point Vineyards Thursday Night Market is all about. You can therefore expect super chilled vibes and all the good times as you spend an evening enjoying everything one of the coolest markets in the Mother City has to offer. Known to draw quite the crowd of after work locals, out of towners and travellers wondering through, this weekly pop-up market has fast become the ultimate Thursday night hotspot for everyone looking to chill out and take the load off in one of the most beautiful vineyard destinations.
Eats, beats & everything in between:
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The same way the Cape Point Vineyards Market welcomes market-loving-souls from all walks of life, the same thing applies to their vendors. Boasting a selection of the country’s most iconic food vendors such as Peter Geoffe Wood’s Kitchen Cowboys and the Lamb Man, as well as rising stars such as Sunshine Food’s Vegan burgers and Something Simple’s Vegan Sushi, it truly invites everyone to join in on all the Thursday night market culinary fun. It’s therefore safe to say that it may well be any foodie’s dream come true! But let’s not forget about the wine, oh glorious wine! As this market takes place on the renowned Cape Point Vineyards, OF COURSE you’ll be able to enjoy all the delicious food and cool laid-back vibes with a glass of their award-winning Cape Point Vineyard wine in hand. But, if you’re not a die-hard wine-lover at heart, don’t fear, there’s a variety of craft beer options just waiting to be tried out and enjoyed by you.
Cool to know:
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The sunset is absolutely out of this world! Yes, there is nothing quite like a Cape Point Vineyards Thursday Night Market sunset view, and you’ll be sure to savour every glorious second of it. So, if lounging on the Cape Point Vineyard’s lushes lawns while watching the Mother City sun go down is not on your Cape Town bucket-list, put it on there right away! You definitely won’t be disappointed! Besides one of the most breath-taking sunset sights, this cool weekly pop-up market also has tons of open space and jungle gyms to keep the kiddies entertained.
Where & when does the market magic happen:
This weekly community market is open Thursday evenings from 16h30 – 20h30 from 1 November to 31st of May. It takes place at the Cape Point Vineyards Restaurant and Function Venue.
4. City Bowl Night Market
The vibe:
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If food is your vibe, the City Bowl Night Market on Hope Street is where you’ll find your tribe. Yes, you’ve guessed it, this cool Cape Town market is all about bringing foodies and culinary enthusiast from every corner of the Cape Town block and beyond together for the ultimate culinary celebration. And what a cool vibe it is indeed! So, if you consider yourself to be a forward-thinking, head-over-heels foodie fanatic, this is definitely the place to be. And even if you’re not a food aficionado at heart, we recommend you check it out anyway. Because after your first visit, you might just be one through and through.
Eats, beats & everything in between:
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Priding themselves on being THE place where Cape foodies meet, the City Bowl Night Market has fast become one of the vibiest must-be inner city foodie hotspot. And with good reason too! With some of the best traders from in and around Cape Town gathering together in an exquisite, historical building to cook up a storm, you better take advantage of every delicious and indulgent second of it. But with over 30 carefully handpicked stalls boasting only the highest quality, freshest ingredients and a passion for food, how can you not? Besides being any foodie’s perfect escape, the City Bowl Night Market pride themselves on offering an abundance of choices suited to every dietary requirement, craving, flavour pallet or taste bud. You can therefore enjoy a broad selection of some of the best food and drinks the Mother City culinary scene has to offer. From delicious deli dishes, curry-in-a-hurry, Empanadas, gourmet pasta, chocolate brownies and indulgent salads to organic wine and preservative free soft drinks, there’s nothing you won’t find at this cool Cape Town night market. But besides delicious things to drink and eat, the City Bowl market certainly knows how to bring the beat! With a live band performing every market, it’s bound to get you on your feet and jamming the night away in the very best way.
Cool to know:
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On the last Thursday of every month the City Bowl Night Market likes to show off its fashion-forward, trend-setting side with a super cool Fashion Market. Showcasing a selection of incredible fashion and jewellery stores showcasing everything from locally designed jewellery pieces to a selection of clothing ranging from new, vintage and uniquely designed one-of-a-kind pieces. You can therefore shop up a Cape Town storm all while enjoying the rest of the cool foodie market vibes too!
Where & when does the market magic happen:
The City Bowl Night Market is located on Hope Street right in the heart of the Cape Town CBD. It takes place every Thursday evening from 16:30 – 20:30 and everyone is invited to join in on all the delicious foodie and cool night market action.
3. Bay Harbour Market
The vibe:
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The Bay Harbour Market isn’t known as the most vibrant market in Cape Town for just anything, and you better believe it lives up to it’s high market praise in every way. It’s been said that there’s no vibe quite like the Bay Harbour Market vibe, and they might just be right. There’s a certain magical energy, an infectious atmosphere and lively spirit that’s hard to explain, but you’ll certainly feel it from the moment you arrive. It truly is the ultimate celebration of community, culture, culinary pursuits, creative expression and everything in between. And what a glorious and vibrant celebration it is indeed! The Bay Harbour Market vibe is EVERYTHING, and the best thing is absolutely everyone is invited to join in on the fun and march to the beat of the Bay Harbour Market drum.
Eats, beats & everything in between:
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Not only has the Bay Harbour Market claimed the title as the most vibrant and welcoming market in Cape Town, it has positioned itself as one of the coolest culinary hubs in the city too. And boy oh boy is there A LOT to choose from. Yeah, variety is definitely the spice of Bay Harbour Market life and you’ll be silly not to take advantage of the abundance of delicious options available to you. With over 80 awesome weekly traders and 26 culinary experts and artisan food stalls catering to every taste bud, sweet tooth, street food or savoury loving soul, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And don’t be surprised if you find yourself going back for more again and again, it happens to the best of us. Besides delicious things to eat and its epic selection of craft beers (it has over 9 draught beers on tap), wine and more, the Bay Harbour Market is also known to have some of the most innovative and creative traders in the entire city. It’s therefore no surprise that it has become the ultimate mecca for arts, crafts, design, décor, jewellery, clothing and just about everything in between. But wait, there’s more, yeah, we told you the Bay Harbour Market fun never ends. And the viby beats and epic Bay Harbour live music scene will make sure of it. The sounds of a township guitarist, groovy sax and a jam-packed entertainment line-up of top and up-and-coming local muso’s that take to the KWV Sound Stage is just some of what you can expect to keep you entertained and loving life.
Cool to know:
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The fact that it takes place at the Hout Bay Harbour means you get to share in all the Bay Harbour fun with another one of Cape Town’s cool locals by your side, the charismatic Cape Fur Seals of course! These guys are only to eager to show-up, show-off and join in on all the action, so be sure to keep a look out for them. This cool local Hout Bay market also has tons of cool kiddies’ activities to keep the young ones happy and entertained.
Where & when does the market magic happen:
All the Bay Harbour Market magic and action takes place in an authentic fish factory of the working Hout Bay Harbour. Thereby making its market location every bit as authentic as its vibe. It kicks off the weekend festivities on Fridays from 5pm – 9pm with Friday Nite LIVE! And then continues the good times all the way through to Saturday and Sunday from 09:30am – 4pm. Thereby making it the perfect weekend activity for the whole family.
2. Old Biscuit Mill & the Neighbourgoods Market
The vibe:
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We’re all about the cool Old Biscuit Mill vibe, and if you’re not, trust us, you will be soon. Well, if we have anything to do with it of course. Known as Cape Town’s very own capital of cool, the Old Biscuit Mill is thriving, thrilling and the real deal when it comes to its market cool cred. Home to a vibrant community where talented people come together to share, collaborate and show off their heartfelt passions, it’s filled with an infectious energy of hustle and bustle that will have you hooked in a matter of seconds. Besides its hip and happening vibe and ability to real in the true trend-setters, cool-cats, forward-thinkers, worldly fashionistas, artistic souls, hipsters and business savvy cool kids from all corners of the globe, the Old Biscuit Mill has also become the ultimate hub of art, design, food, and all things unique and trendy. And every Saturday the Neighbourgoods Market adds even more cool market vibes to the mix. It’s therefore no surprise that locals and travellers alike flock to this cool Woodstock spot to enjoy just a second of that lekker Mill vibe! Are you keen to jump on the Old Biscuit Mill bandwagon and explore what it’s all about?
Eats, beats & everything in between:
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The Old Biscuit Mill and Neighbourgoods Market certainly has it all going on! Boasting everything from breakfast fare to dumplings and gyros to craft beers, clothing stores, arts and crafts and artisan products, there really is something for everyone to enjoy. It therefore comes as no surprise that the Mill has established itself as an authentic and unlikely culinary hub right in the middle of downtown Woodstock. Besides delicious food stalls, street food and artisan baked goods, it’s also home to some of the Mother City’s top restaurant heavy hitters like The Test Kitchen, The Pot Luck Club and Saucisse Boutique Deli, to mention just a few. But don’t you dare forget about The Mill’s artistic side, the Old Biscuit Mill isn’t known as a mecca for local art and design for nothing. Home to some of South Africa’s most innovative and creative designers, artists, photographers and connoisseurs of fine taste and décor, you’ll have tons of fun exploring all the cool creative conquests and trendy shops and stops along the way. But if that’s not enough every Saturday from 9am, come rain or shine, the Neighbourgoods Market brings even more local artisans, designers and foodies to the Old Biscuit Mill. It isn’t known as one of the biggest and coolest markets in Cape Town for nothing.
Cool to know:
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Behind all the trendy things, creative expressions and foodie hotspots, there is tons of history and a story behind it all. The Neighbourgoods Market initially started as an effort to revive the community market as a social institution. Housed in the historic sky-lit warehouse of The Old Biscuit Mill, the market quickly established itself as a catalyst for, and celebration of, the urban renaissance that has seen the once run-down neighbourhood of Woodstock become the thriving heart of the city’s creative industries. Not only did the Neighbourgoods Market pave the way and set the scene for future markets to enter the thriving Cape Town market space, but to this day remains one of the coolest Mother City hangouts. And the best thing is, come rain or shine, the Neighbourgoods Market and Old Biscuit Mill market vibe will continue to live on through it all.
Where & when does the market magic happen:
The Neighbourgoods Market is housed inside the trendy Old Biscuit Mill located at 375 Albert Road, Woodstock. While the Neighbourgoods Market is only open on Saturdays from 9am – 2pm, the Old Biscuit Mill is open 6 days a week (closed on Sundays and public holidays) from 10am – 4pm (Mondays – Fridays) and 9am – 2pm on Saturdays.
1. Oranjezicht City Farmers Market: #1 best & coolest market in Cape Town!
The vibe:
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Just like many other Cape Town locals and travellers, the Oranjezicht City Farmers Market has charmed us, wowed us and stolen our market-loving-hearts all in one. And we’re certainly not mad about it one bit! Whether it’s the cool Oranjezicht City Farm vibe, it’s fresh local produce and mouth-wateringly delicious farmer’s market spread, it’s cool community everyone-is-welcome atmosphere or its epic Granger Bay location, people just can’t seem to get enough of this Cape Town market gem. And it’s wonderfully chilled and cool festive vibe has us going back for more again and again. The Oranjezicht City Farmer’s Market pays tribute to its true local farmer’s market roots all while offering people a cool place to get together, hangout and do their weekly produce shopping. And of course, enjoy a beautiful day out in the Mother City at the same time!
Eats, beats & everything in between:
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Food oh glorious fresh food! The Oranjezicht City Farmer’s Market is fresh local produce heaven in every single way. From fresh-from-the-patch veggies and herbs, fruit, bread, organic dairy products, free-range eggs, raw honey, muesli, and ethically sourced meats and seafood, be prepared to be swept right off your feet and whisked away to a place fresh produce dreams are made of. It’s therefore no surprise that the Oranjezicht City Farmers Market has become THE Mother City hotspot to do your weekly food and produce shopping. But besides being the best community farmers-style market for independent local farmers and fresh produce, it has also positioned itself as a thriving culinary hub for artisanal food stalls and products too. Selling amazing cooked and raw dishes for all palates, tastes and flavour and dietary preferences, there’s something for every vegan, vegetarian, foodie, carnivore, sweet-tooth-lover, diabetic or chocoholic to enjoy. The Oranjezicht City Farmer’s Market truly is a celebration of local food, culture and community in every way, and its ample amount of outdoor seating and beautiful sea views allows you to sit back, relax and enjoy every second of it.
Cool to know:
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The Oranjezicht City Framers Market is open rain or shine and welcomes every member of the family to join in on the action. With tons of kiddies’ activities available to keep them entertained and loving life, no member of the fam is left behind. Even the 4-legged ones can join in on the fun (although they must be kept on a leash and keep to the rules). But besides being the ultimate hub and celebration of local produce and community, this cool Cape Town market goes a step further. All done in support of the non-profit Oranjezicht City Farm, the Oranjezicht City Framers Market’s mission is to not only create a space where local traders and start up businesses can showcase their talents, but to improve under-utilised public green spaces in the city too. By creating demonstration gardens for hands-on community-wide food gardening education, they aim to increase access to fresh vegetables, pretty incredible right!
Where & when does the market magic happen:
Located at the historic Granger Bay site of the V&A Waterfront, under tents and trees in the Granger Bay section, this cool Cape Town market not only has a cool inner-city location, but one of the most beautiful backdrops too. You can therefore admire all the stunning sea views the Mother City has to offer all while doing your weekly fresh produce shopping. Now that’s a pretty epic deal if you ask us! Open on Saturdays from 9am – 2pm and Sundays from 9am – 3pm, come rain or shine, a visit to the Oranjezicht City Framers Market is the perfect start, mid-way pitstop or end to your Cape Town weekend celebrations and shenanigans.
By Biance Bunge.
Related Tag: Cape Town Food Tour