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When it comes to shopping, Cape Town has something for everyone—from sophisticated malls to trendy markets. Although African art and curios are obvious choices (and you will find some gems), South Africans have woken up to their own sense of style and creativity, and the results are fantastic and as diverse as the people who make up this rainbow nation. So in a morning you could bag some sophisticated tableware from Carrol Boyes, a funky wire-art object from a street vendor, and a beautifully designed handbag made by HIV-positive women working as part of a community development program.
Cape Town has great malls selling well-known international brands. The V&A Waterfront is an excellent place to start by virtue of its location at the harbor. Cavendish Square in Claremont and Canal Walk at Century City are also vast, the latter on the N1 heading out of town toward Paarl. But you could be anywhere in the world. Gardens Centre in the suburb of Gardens is small and manageable, offering a good selection of stores (Germans love it for the German deli). It's beyond the malls that you can get a richer shopping experience, one that will give you greater insight into the soul of the city and its people.
Shopping malls usually have extended shopping hours beyond the normal 9–5 on weekdays and 9–1 on Saturday. Most shops outside of malls (except for small grocery stores) are closed on Sunday.
A new market on the cruise terminal, Maker's hosts numerous vendors showcasing some of the most delicious food businesses in Cape Town. With its incubator program, Maker's Landing gives neighborhood favorites a place to launch their business successfully and aims to promote pride in African foods. Here you'll find intriguing bites, drinks, and views of docks.
This fantastic seven-day-a-week food-and-lifestyle market in Sea Point boasts 45 designer retail stalls selling everything from fashion to home decor to funky local souvenirs, as well as 25 food vendors representing some of Cape Town's favorite city restaurants and craft wine and beer makers. Large tables enjoying views of the Sea Point promenade and free weekend events like live music encourage hanging out as much as shopping.
Held every Saturday from 9 till 2 at the Granger Bay part of the V&A Waterfront, the OZCF Market Day is a community farmers'-style market for independent local farmers and artisanal food producers where you can buy everything from fresh organic veggies to unique artisanal products (meats, cheeses, chocolates, etc.). The prepared foods are also fabulous (everything from shakshuka to eggs Benedict on a rosti to Korean fried chicken) and can be enjoyed at the big tables set up with sea views. Some lovely crafts and fashion vendors also trade here. Great for the whole family.
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