Adderley Street flower sellers
The Adderley Street flower sellers are known for their friendliness and spicey humour. Photo courtesy JD van Zyl
Freshly cut flowers – including fynbos species such as king and pincushion proteas, depending on the season – are available from the friendly flower sellers in Adderley Street, where this trade has operated for the past 100 years. These flowers are generally a lot cheaper than anywhere else.
The Adderley Street flower sellers and their colourful blooms are located in the market place in Cape Town’s main thoroughfare, between Strand Street and Darling Street, and within easy walking distance of Greenmarket Square.
Adderley Street was formerly known as Heerengracht, after a canal that ran the length of the road. In days gone by the homes of many of Cape Town’s forefathers lined Heerengracht, where oak trees provided shade to those who strolled along its pavements. When Adderley became Cape Town’s main street in the mid-19th Century, the oaks were felled and the canal was covered. In 1908 wooden blocks were used to pave Adderley Street in an effort to dampen the noise caused by horses, wagons and carts.
Some of the architecture dating back to the early 1900s has been retained, but its beauty is hidden by more modern office blocks. In place of oak-shaded sidewalks, there are vendors and hawkers by the dozen, who sell a variety of goods ranging from fresh produce to cellphone accessories, sweets and towels.
In order to grow and greatly enhance the city centre area as a dynamic business and people centre, the City of Cape Town and the Cape Town Partnership www.capetownpartnership.co.za have been working on various projects and regeneration initiatives for the past 10 years. Many old office buildings have had long-overdue facelifts and a number of Art Deco buildings have been restored.
The flower sellers who peddle their wares on Adderley Street are known for their spicey humour and beautiful blooms – which are typically inexpensive, fresh and make a great present for someone special or just yourself.
There are a number of excellent walking tours that show you the culture and history of this interesting part of the city. Contact Cape Town Tourism’s Burg Street Visitor Information Centre to enquire or book a walk. Our friendly team are happy to help with information and bookings, for great advice on what to do, where to stay, where to eat and more.
Did you know?
Adderley Street, in Cape Town’s city centre, has been the site of a flower market for over 100 years.
- Phone: +27 (0)21 487 6800
- Physical Address: Adderley Street
Walking in Cape Town
Many visitors want to explore nature on higher ground as soon as they arrive in Cape Town and with Lion’s Head and Table Mountain beckoning, many do get to experience the local flora and fauna on foot. However, the entire peninsula can be enjoyed by avid walkers. From Blouberg Beach, with its picture perfect views from its sandy shores, to the more adventurous guided Hoerikwaggo Trails along the spine of Table Mountain, visitors have an expanse of ground to cover.
Castle Military Museum
The Castle Military Museum is housed in the oldest building in South Africa, the Castle of Good Hope, which was declared a national monument in 1936.
The Castle Military Museum is a tribute to the brave regiments of the past, providing an insight into the political history of the country and celebrating the rich military history of the Cape. Then Minister of Defence Joe Modise officially opened the Castle Military Museum on August 1, 1995.
South African Rugby Museum
Cape Town sport enthusiasts are lucky enough to live in the city that is home to the South African Rugby Museum. Located just a drop kick away from the Newlands Rugby Stadium in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town, home of the Stormers, the South African Rugby Museum is a full of tokens, collector’s items, memorabilia and history of one of the country’s most watched sports.
Historic buildings and architecture in Cape Town
As the oldest city in South Africa, Cape Town boasts a number of historical buildings, many of which are still in use today and open to visitors. The city’s architecture is a testament to the many varying influences in South Africa’s unique history.
Art galleries in Cape Town
More than 100 art galleries – as diverse as the colours daubed on an artist’s palette – await discovery in and around Cape Town.
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