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Cape Town is a great destination for shopping, offering a mix of modern malls, street markets, and unique boutiques. The city offers many options for souvenirs, fashion, art, or fresh produce. Shopping in Cape Town is a great experience as it combines local culture with international brands. From popular shopping malls to traditional markets, there is something for everyone. Below is a list of the top places to visit for shopping in the city, including their location, how to reach them, and opening hours.
10 Places For Shopping In Cape Town
Indulge in vibrant places for shopping in Cape Town mentioned below, from bustling markets to luxury boutiques.
1. V&A Waterfront
Photo: South African Tourism / Wikimedia Commons
V&A Waterfront has a lively atmosphere with a mix of modern and local stores. The layout is easy to navigate, with spacious walkways, making it comfortable for visitors. Well-known fashion brands, gift shops, and speciality stores sell African crafts. It attracts tourists and locals looking for trendy clothes, jewellery, and souvenirs. Entertainment options include cinemas, boat rides, and live performances. With plenty of restaurants and beautiful harbour views, shopping here feels like a full-day experience.
Location: V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Timings: 9 AM – 9 PM
2. The Old Biscuit Mill
Photo: Tho-Ge / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
The Old Biscuit Mill is one of the best shops in Cape Town for those who like handcrafted items and fresh food. This vibrant shopping spot has small boutiques, art galleries, and food stalls selling handmade goods. The layout is compact, with brick buildings giving it a traditional feel. The crowd is a mix of tourists and locals who enjoy exploring unique items. The Saturday market is a highlight, where you can find organic produce, street food, and handcrafted jewellery. The atmosphere is lively, with music and performances adding to the fun shopping experience.
Location: 375 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town
Timings: 8 AM – 4 PM
3. Greenmarket Square
Photo: Maethordaer / Wikimedia Commons
Greenmarket Square is a busy place for shopping in Cape Town, known for its open-air market. The square is surrounded by old buildings, creating a historical charm. Vendors set up colourful stalls selling African crafts, clothing, and handmade jewellery. The layout is simple, with narrow walkways between stalls. It attracts tourists looking for unique souvenirs and locals buying everyday items. The market has a friendly atmosphere, where sellers chat with customers and sometimes bargain. It’s a great spot to see local craftsmanship up close, as many products are made by hand, reflecting African culture.
Location: Greenmarket Square, Cape Town
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
4. Long Street
Photo: PhilippN / Wikimedia Commons
Long Street is a lively street with the best clothing shops in Cape Town , and a mix of vintage shops, bookstores, and African craft stores. The street is long and busy, with small shops next to each other, creating an exciting shopping experience. The crowd is mostly young shoppers, tourists, and artists looking for unique fashion, accessories, and second-hand treasures. Many stores focus on sustainable and handmade products, making them stand out. The atmosphere is energetic, with street performers and music playing in the background. The area also has cosy cafés where you can take a break from shopping.
Location: Long Street, Cape Town
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
5. Cape Quarter Mall
Photo: AntiM_photography / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Cape Quarter Mall is a stylish, famous shopping place in Cape Town. It has a modern layout with open spaces, glass ceilings, and plenty of natural light. The stores range from high-end fashion to local boutiques selling designer homeware and handmade crafts. It attracts professionals, tourists, and shoppers looking for exclusive items. There is also a strong focus on local brands, offering African-inspired décor and fashion. The shopping experience here is calm and organised, without the rush of larger malls. Many visitors also enjoy relaxing at the cafés and restaurants spread throughout the mall.
Location: 27 Somerset Road, Green Point, Cape Town
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
6. Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre
Photo: Mike Peel / Wikimedia Commons
Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre is spacious, with wide walkways and glass-fronted stores. The crowd mixes tourists and locals shopping for everyday needs or luxury brands. The variety of stores is impressive, including international fashion labels, tech shops, and African souvenir stores. The mall also has a large food court and many sit-down restaurants. The beautiful harbour views from some areas make it a unique shopping destination, and the frequent events and promotions keep visitors engaged.
Location: V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Timings: 9 AM – 9 PM
7. Gardens Shopping Centre
Photo: mediagoat / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Gardens Shopping Centre is a convenient place for shopping for both daily needs and stylish purchases. The centre is mid-sized, with an easy layout that allows shoppers to move around quickly. The stores include fashion boutiques, supermarkets, bookshops, and speciality gift stores. The crowd is a mix of families, professionals, and students. The shopping experience is simple and hassle-free, with a mix of affordable and high-end products. Many people visit for groceries, but there are also unique stores selling South African art, fashion, and home décor, making it a well-rounded shopping destination.
Location: Mill Street, Gardens, Cape Town
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
8. Golden Acre Shopping Centre
Photo: Discott / Wikimedia Commons
Golden Acre Shopping Centre is one of the busiest markets for shopping. It has a straightforward layout with narrow corridors lined with shops selling fashion, electronics, and beauty products. The crowd includes office workers, students, and daily commuters, as it is located near major transport points. The shopping experience is fast-paced, with stores offering budget-friendly options. Many local businesses operate here, selling everything from mobile accessories to stylish outfits. The shopping centre is always bustling, making it a great place to experience the local shopping culture in a central location.
Location: Adderley Street, Cape Town
Timings: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
9. Green Point Market
Photo: rkrandhir / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Green Point Market is popular for African crafts and handmade goods. The market is open-air, with rows of stalls selling beaded jewellery, wood carvings, paintings, and woven baskets. The crowd includes tourists searching for souvenirs and locals buying handcrafted gifts. Many vendors personally craft their products, and some demonstrate their skills while selling. The atmosphere is friendly, with sellers explaining the cultural meaning behind their items. Unlike big shopping malls, this market has a relaxed setting where you can explore different stalls and talk to artisans.
Location: Green Point, Cape Town
Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM
10. Canal Walk Shopping Centre
Photo: Andresdewet / Wikimedia Commons
Canal Walk Shopping Centre is one of the best places for shopping, with over 400 stores covering fashion, electronics, home décor, and more. The layout is spacious, making it easy to explore different sections. It attracts a mix of locals and tourists looking for both luxury and budget-friendly brands. The centre also has a large entertainment area, including cinemas and gaming zones. Families enjoy a wide range of dining options, from fast food to sit-down restaurants.
Location: Century Boulevard, Century City, Cape Town, South Africa
Timings: 9 AM – 9 PM
Shopping in Cape Town offers a mix of modern malls, traditional markets, and unique boutiques. The city has a wide range of shopping experiences from luxury brands to handcrafted African art. Whether you are looking for fashion, souvenirs, or local crafts, Cape Town has something for every shopper. Plan a with TripXL to explore these exciting destinations with ease.
Cover Photo: AndreasGoellner / Pixabay
