A market is one of the best ways to experience the culture of a country or city. Stocked with a variety of local foods, produce, clothes, and trinkets markets can give you a glimpse into the local fare and flavours. While also providing a pleasant social atmosphere where you can engage with local creators and producers to truly understand the culture.
While the biggest market in South Africa is the African Craft market in Rosebank. There are many great Cape Town markets that you must see to experience the culture of the mother city. This is why we have put together this list of the 4 best Cape Town markets to visit in 2022. So you can find the perfect market experience for your needs.
The Neighbourgoods market
The Neighbourgoods market takes place at the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock giving it a vibrant and lively atmosphere. This market started in 2006 and played a vital role in the growth of the local market scene as its aim was to revive public markets.
Today this market hosts a wide variety of local street food chefs, farmers, bakers, designers, artisans, and more. This allows you to peruse and buy foods and trinkets that demonstrate the diverse cultures of Cape Town. All in a sociable setting that encourages interaction within the community. With so much to offer it is easy to see why the Neighbourgoods market is rated as the best market in South Africa, and at the top of our list of Cape Town markets.
The Neighbourgoods market takes place every Saturday from 09:00-15:00, and Sundays from 10:00-16:00. Making it the perfect activity to do in Cape Town on a Saturday, allowing you to experience the community.
V&A Food Market
If you are an avid foodie then the V&A Food Market is perfect for you. Located at 19 Dock Road on the V&A Waterfront in the historical Old Power Station that was established in 1882.
This indoor market focuses on local and international street foods. With over 40 vendors offering dishes like Cape Malay curry Rotis, Korean fried chicken, fynbos-infused gin, and much more. Of all the Cape Town markets this one truly is a foodie paradise with enough variety to satisfy any craving.
The V&A Food Market is open daily from 10:00-19:00 (18:00 in the winter). With its indoor and outdoor seating areas, you can enjoy all this market has to offer no matter the weather. Therefore be sure to bring your appetite so you can sample all this market has to offer.
Blue Bird Garage Market
Taking place inside an old postal plane hangar the Blue Bird Garage market is a vibrant weekly night market, that encapsulates the spirit of Muizenberg. This urban market has a creative and laidback vibe that all the Cape Town markets strive for.
This market has something for everyone. With a variety of foods available like burgers, ostrich pies, kebabs, and prego rolls to name just a few. There are also sweet treats like crepes, doughnuts, fudge, and more. If you want some retail therapy there are books, clothes, ceramics, and jewellery available, with a lot of it made by local designers. There are also a number of bars at the market offering a variety of local beers, wine and other refreshments.
The Blue Bird Garage Market takes place every Thursday and Friday from 16:00-22:00. This market is reminiscent of the bohemian spirit, as it is a great social gathering for creatives from all walks of life. Making it a not to be missed experience for any trip to Cape Town.
Bay Harbour Market
Last on our list of Cape Town markets is the Bay Harbour Market. This market located in an old fish factory in Hout bay started in 2010. Since then it has grown into a vibrant and colourful seaside market.
With over 80 vendors this market is sure to have something for everyone. There are a host of local artisans offering their works for sale at this market. Including artists, jewellers, carvers, and fashion designers, so you may just find your new favourite piece amongst them all. There are also plenty of foods on offer to keep the foodies happy. Things like waffles, pizza, Mexican food, ice cream, and more ensure your taste buds are never bored. Additionally, once you’ve built up a thirst there are four bars with a substantial variety of craft beers on offer. All of this is accompanied by live music to give the market the perfect atmosphere.
The Bay Harbour Market is open Fridays from 17:00-21:00 and Saturdays and Sundays from 09:30-16:00. This is the perfect seaside market to really feel the pulse of the city hosting a variety of events throughout the year. These include comedy nights that can rival the Cape Town funny festival that takes place in Cape Town in July.
These are our picks for the 4 best Cape Town markets to visit in 2022. These markets provide a wonderful glimpse into the vibrant culture of the mother city. So be sure to stop by these markets the next time you are in Cape Town, for an experience that you won’t easily forget.
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