SHOPPING

Wholesale. Retail. Shopping addicts, beware!

This is a city not afraid of enticing its visitors into buying things. But with the astonishing selection of goods (created or manufactured) on offer, it needn’t be ashamed. Outdoor markets, quirky out-of-the-way and one-of-a-kind shops or in one of our enormous indoor shopping temple ... Cape Town has become one of the world’s top shopping destinations.
From innovative indigenous arts and crafts to high-tech designer pieces, a Cape Town shopping spree is sure to make your suitcase heavier – while not necessarily making your wallet as light as you might think.

For tips on our favourite local shops, ask Cape Town Tourism – we are all serious shoppers at heart!

CAPE TOWN CENTRAL

If your budget’s tight, and you’re adventurous and have time and transport, you may want to imitate locals who often save by buying at factory shops. These are usually outlets where factories sell direct to the public, often with substan­tial savings. Pam Black’s Factory Shopping Guide is indispensable. Cape Town Tourism can also recommend operators who specialise in shopping, and tours can be organised Tel + 27 (0)21 487 6800.

On the topic of shopping – Cape Town’s City Centre has exploded into an eclectic mix of unique and authentic shops that offer a refreshing change from the big malls and chain stores. Take a stroll through Greenmarket Square.

Wander down Long Street, and explore the many interesting side streets to pick up some souvenirs, – but make sure you have your bargaining skills polished.

Cape Town is unashamedly creative! Visit one of Cape Town Central’s many art galleries. Notable galleries include Bell-Roberts Contemporary, the Linda Goodman Gallery in Woodstock and 34 On Long in Long Street. Kloof Street also features a number of small galleries displaying work by local artists.

For paintings of Capetonian and South African landscapes, people and animals, head to the V&A Waterfront Tel: +27 (0)21 487 6800.

The city is home to many talented designers and master crafters who work in media as varied as ceramics, textiles, leather, beads, metal, wire, jewel­lery items from recycled material and more. Products range from utilitarian to objects d’art. Contact the Cape Craft & Design Institute Tel: +27 (0)21 460 3982.

The V&A Waterfront, the working harbour and shopping-entertainment develop­ment, has become South Africa’s most visited man-made attraction. There are over 400 outlets, from simple barrows and world-class boutiques to informal trading areas where many local craftspeople sell their wares. Shops are open between 09h00 and 21h00 daily Tel +27 (0)21 408 7600.

On the corner of Long and Wale Streets in the city centre you’ll find the Antiques Craft Market, an indoor strip of shops selling fine antiques. Just around the corner is Church Street, a quaint outdoor version of the same.

The Neighbourgoods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock is a firm favourite. Held every Saturday between 09h00 and 14h00, the market has everything from second-hand clothing and organic breads to Mediterranean delights and delicious wines. It’s a simultaneous look at Capetonian gustatory ingenuity and disposable income.

CAPE TOWN EAST

Khayelitsha Mall, boasting banking facilities and 51 shops was the first shopping centre of its kind to open in a Western Cape township. Vibrant craft markets offer a wide choice of local wares.

Khayelitsha Craft Market is a popular stop for tourists wanting to buy unique local craft Tel: +27 (0)21 361 5246. Tourist attractions include visiting various jazz bars and shebeens (informal taverns) and sangomas (traditional healers and herbalists) Tel: +27 (0)82 454 7312.

Somerset West is famous for its two craft markets, which are held at Southey’s Vines on Main Street on Saturday mornings. The Country Craft Market is becoming known world-wide for its many handcrafted items. There are over 200 stalls, all manned by the crafters themselves.

Equally interesting is the Helderberg Veldwinkel. In the summer months this market is also held in the evening. Tel: +27 (0)21 855 9964. Situated in a former municipal beer hall you will find the Lwandle Hostel Museum and Arts & Crafts Centre that now produces a variety of handcrafts and encourages creativity and artistic talent.

There are two main shopping malls in Somerset West: the Waterstone Village Mall and the newly extended Somerset Mall Tel: +27 (0)21 852 7114. The latter is quite simply the most stylish shopping destination in the Cape Winelands and Cape Town East.

Brackenfell is home to the Capegate Regional Centre, a central business district with a mix of commercial, retail and leisure outlets. Themed shopping is contained within precincts like the Lifestyle Centre, Value Centre and Trade Centre. There are 26 eateries, eight cinemas (with reduced movie prices) and a wide choice of fashion and speciality stores.

CAPE TOWN NORTH

BLAAUWBERG

One of the largest shopping centres in South Africa is Canal Walk Shopping Centre. Located on Ratanga Road, Century City, Canal Walk is a comprehensive shopping and entertainment experience with hundreds of shops and many restaurants and cinemas Tel: +27 (0)21 529 9699/8. Contact the Cape Town Tourism Visitor Information Centre at Canal Walk for information on what’s on, where to eat, shop, stay and play in and around Canal Walk Tel: +27 (0)21 529 9799/8.

There is also a variety of other shops and shopping centres in the area. On Saturdays and Sundays (09h00-14h00), Milnerton hosts one of the largest flea markets in Cape Town Tel: +27 (0)21 521 1080.

A more recent development is Seaside Village in Big Bay, just 20 minutes' drive from central Cape Town. Seaside Village combines a modern lifestyle – shopping, bistros, bakeries, and coffee shops, – with an outdoor ethos. It's a stone's throw from unspoilt beaches perfect for windsurfing, swimming and diving Tel: +27 (0)21 554 0063.

TYGERBERG

There are a number of shopping centres in the area. These include the new Tygervalley Waterfront, which makes heading into the Waterfront at the city harbour unnecessary lowing to its 4ha man-made lake, storm-water waterfall and shopping and pleasure attractions Tel: +27 (0)21 914 0745.

Still, the prince of open-air shopping centres is Willowbridge Lifestyle Centre, South Africa's first true lifestyle centre, offering a world-class, open-air shop­ping experience specialising in homeware and décor. There is also a selection of fine restaurants Tel: +27 (0)21 914 7218, and a new Cape Town Tourism Visitor Information Centre Tel: +27 (0)21 915 4080.

The most well-known indoor option in Tygerberg is Tygervalley Shopping Centre in Bellville, off Durban Road Tel: +27 (0)21 915 4080.

CAPE TOWN SOUTH

CAPE FLATS

Shopping in the Gugulethu area has reached new heights with the opening of the Vangate Mall, which has a Moroccan/African theme Tel: +27 (0)21 633 1065.

MUIZENBERG & FALSE BAY

At Simon’s Town’s Quayside Waterfront Shopping Centre you can purchase African curios and carvings. The Red Hill Pottery Studio produces a wide range of ceramic ware Tel: +27 (0)21 786 8440.

Everything plus the kitchen sink is on sale at the Muizenberg Flea Market every Sunday and on public holidays.

St James and Kalk Bay offer a delightful mix of antique shops,  bric-lá-brac and curio shops.

ATLANTIC COAST

CAPE POINT TO HOUT BAY

Noordhoek Farm Village is a shopper’s dream with its wide choice of unique art, ethnic clothing, fresh produce and speciality shops. Set under oaks the farm also has a hotel and wonderful restaurants Tel: +27 (0)21 789 2812.

Imhoff Farm at Kommetjie has a number of local craft and gift shops housed in old farm buildings. The cheese shop attracts numerous visitors and the seven working studios keep visitors entertained for hours Tel: +27 (0)21 783 4545.

Hout Bay has a number of craft shops and galleries specialising in African arts and crafts. Every Sunday (weather permitting) a crafters market is held outside the Hout Bay Manor Hotel. A range of quality handcrafted goods, cloth­ing,  jewellery, bags, candles and a lot more are sold at the market, which is certainly worth a visit. A firm favourite with locals and international visitors is the Original T-bag Design Shop, where local township-residents create quality handmade goods such as candle holders, cards and even contemporary jewellery from used teabags! Tel:  +27 (0)21 791 8380. Visit the Mainstream Village and Mall Tel: +27 (0)21 790 2345.

SOUTHERN SUBURBS

Observatory is home to students and young professionals. It’s trendy and cosmopolitan and has some interesting shops along its main drag (Lower Main Road). Holistic markets are a great place to pick up bargains.

Cavendish Square, Claremont, is one of Cape   Town’s premier shopping destinations offering an array of local and international fashion brands, a choice of great mainstream and arthouse movies, and delicious fare at delis, restaurants and coffee shops. A free shuttle service will collect you at the mall and drop you off at your hotel, Kirstenbosch, or anywhere within the Southern Suburbs Tel: +27 (0)21 657 5600.

Kenilworth is home to Access Park, one of the biggest factory shop precincts in Cape Town Tel: +27 (0)21 683 5885.

Montebello Craft and Design Centre, in Newlands, showcases leading artists and crafters. You can enjoy visiting the various studios and shop for unique pieces of art Tel: +27 (0)21 685 6445.
  Sundays see Groot Constantia Antique &  Collectables Market in the courtyard of South Africa’s oldest wine farm.

Kirstenbosch Craft Market is held every last Sunday of the month, exclud­ing winter months (April to September). There’s an opportunity to purchase a wonderful selection of indigenous plants or to work as a volunteer.