[Updated 4 July 2019]

There’s something quintessentially Capetonian about a local food and craft market. It all started with the Old Biscuit Mill and has spread into all kinds of both pop-up and permanent markets across the city. These markets often feature more than just local fruit and veg. You can find local artisans making and selling their wares like jewellery, leather goods, clothing, bags, crafts and homeware. Choose from a variety of delectable dining options and sip on locally made craft beer and wine. A trip to the market has turned into a family and friends outing where you can stay for the whole day. It brings together the community and is an amazing way to get an authentic understanding of local living. Get ready to experience the best markets in Cape Town.

Image credit: @cape_town_breakfast_club via Instagram

Neighbourgoods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill

Open: Every Saturday from 9am – 3pm

The Old Biscuit Mill is a lively and warm node in the heart of Woodstock. This is a place where talented people come together to collaborate, showcase and share their passion. The Old Biscuit Mill is home to markets, office space, workshops, designer shops and decadent restaurants. At the weekly market held every Saturday, you will meet some of South Africa’s most talented artists, designers and connoisseurs of fine taste. Forget about your homemade breakfast and experience some of the amazing food at the market. The Mill houses some of the most charming architecture and as the name suggests, The Old Biscuit Mill is the re-imagined version of what used to be a working biscuit mill.

Image credit: @rovingplaces via Instagram

Oranjezicht City Farm Market

Open: Every Saturday from 9am – 2pm & Sunday from 9am – 3pm

A top contender on the list of best markets in Cape Town, the Oranjezicht City Farm Market is held every Saturday and Sunday at the historic Granger Bay site of the V&A Waterfront. It is a common farmers market for independent local farmers and artisanal and slow food producers. At the Oranjezicht City Farm market, patrons can shop for groceries like organic vegetables, fresh bread, locally produced sodas, fynbos honey and delicious fresh fruit. Besides shopping, you can also taste some delicious cooked (and raw) foods that will inspire you to help take part in and build an alternative eco-friendly food industry. At the market, you also have the opportunity to buy some edible plants and seedlings, organic compost and garden supplies and equipment.

Mojo Market

Open: 7 days a week. Coffee shops & breakfast bars open from 7am – 9pm. Food stalls open from 10am – 9pm. Retailers open from 9am – 9pm.

A seven-day-a-week permanent food and lifestyle market… what more do you want!? Mojo Market has a department of 15 fresh food suppliers, three cosy bars, 40 designer retailers and, last but not least, a live entertainment venue. The Mojo Market is the first market located on the Sea Point strip and has an international food offering including (but not limited to) Asian, American, Dutch and Mexican stalls in the mix. The design of the market is inspired by street and city markets around the world. Have a great time tasting some of the best food with a beautiful view of the ocean.

Image credit: @themojomarket via Instagram

Blue Bird Garage Food & Goods Market

Open: Fridays from 4pm – 10pm 

The Blue Bird Garage Food and Goods Market is a cosy and vibey market in Muizenberg. On a sunny (or rainy) Friday afternoon, you can visit the market in a beautiful old postal plane hangar. The market offers you a wide variety of delicious food like burgers, steaks, vegan foods and homemade baked goods. It’s not all about the food though. You can also find handpicked South African wines, craft beer and live music from local artists. The perfect spot to bring the kids, the market has a creative kids area where they can learn and play together. 

Hout Bay Market

Open: Fridays from 5pm – 9pm. Saturdays and Sundays from 9.30am – 4pm

The Hout Bay Market is a place where the energy and the vibrancy of South Africa come alive in an old authentic harbour. People of all ages and cultures gather alongside one another to have a wonderful time. The Hout Bay Market has stylish art, craft and local fashion complemented with the delicious aromas of freshly made foodie treats. Think freshly baked breads, hearty curries and braaiing fish.  Enjoy this beautiful market with the view of Chapman’s Peak and the sweet sounds of a township guitarist and groovy sax playing in the background. After one visit you’ll understand why this is considered one of the best markets in Cape Town.

Image credit: @bayharbourmarket via Instagram

City Bowl Market on Hope Street

Open: Every Thursday from 4.30pm – 8.30pm

The City Bowl Market on Hope is the place where Cape foodies meet up. The market is located in an exquisite, historical building in the heart of the central business district area. You can choose from 30 different stalls that offer the highest quality, freshest ingredients and a real passion for food, all of which are carefully handpicked. Every week a live band will play some good background music. If you are interested in art and you want to visit a gallery, the City Bowl Market on Hope is the perfect market. In additions to the food, there is also an art gallery to browse with a drink in hand. 

Cape Point Vineyards Community Market

Open: Every Thursday from 4.30 pm – 8.30pm

Set at the beautiful Cape Point Vineyards overlooking Noordhoek’s mountain range, sea views and the estate’s vineyards, this weekly pop-up market hits all the right notes for a week time outing. Boasting a wide selection of different food stalls, visitors get to choose from delicious vegan dishes to authentically South African favourites all paired with the estate’s world-class wines and a collection of different craft beers. Gather a couple of friends, a few bottles of wine and enjoy a great night out while taking in arguably one of the best sunset views in Cape Town.  

Image credit: @go2capetown via Instagram

Further afield in Stellenbosch, you’ll find…

The Blaauwklippen Family Market

Open: Every Sunday from 10am – 3pm

The Blaauwklippen Family Market is the best way to spend your Sunday in the Western Cape. The market has plenty of opportunities to appease your appetite, whether with a burger, samosas or one of the amazing international dishes. You can pair all the food perfectly with Blaauwklippen wines and if you have time, do not forget to do an amazing wine tasting. The market has a wide array of arts, crafts, clothing and gadgets. The Blaauwklippen Market is great for families with children because of all the crafts and fantastic children activities.  Enjoy a good glass of wine while your child has a great time during a pony ride. The market also thinks about the animals, because every third Sunday dog lovers can enjoy the Vineyard doggy walk.

So there we have it, the best markets in Cape Town! Be sure to add them to your Cape Town to-do list – they really are worth the visit (and calories).  You’ll no doubt go home with a full belly, a bag packed with goodies and a smile on your face.