Shopping in Cape Town

Capetonians love to shop, and expats will find that shopping malls are ubiquitous in the city.

Location often influences the kinds of stores that feature in each mall. For example, the V&A Waterfront and Cape Quarter are situated in prime tourist territory, so expats should expect to find luxury items with prices to match. On the other hand, Canal Walk offers more practical stores that align with local needs and budgets.

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Shopping malls in Cape Town

V&A Waterfront

The much-photographed V&A Waterfront wraps around the old Cape Town harbour and is set against the always-breathtaking Table Mountain. There is a huge choice of shops, including upmarket clothing shops, supermarkets such as Pick 'n Pay and Woolworths, and bookshops. There are also many restaurants, a cinema and entertainment options such as the aquarium, boat trips, bands and buskers.

Cavendish Square

Located in the Southern Suburbs, the upmarket Cavendish shopping centre is packed with a huge range of shops from supermarkets to boutiques, bookshops and home décor shops. There are also plenty of restaurants and coffee shops as well as a cinema.

Canal Walk

Canal Walk is situated in the Northern Suburbs, just off the N1 highway. Canal Walk has hundreds of shops, including international brands, clothing shops, supermarkets, restaurants, fast food outlets, toy shops and a cinema. The shopping here might be slightly less upmarket than Cavendish or the Waterfront, but the choice at Cape Town's biggest shopping centre is vast.

Constantia Village

With over 80 stores, Constantia Village is an ambient, opulent shopping experience set in the heart of the vineyard-peppered, old-world charm of Constantia. Here, expats will find a number of great eateries, jewellery stores and fashion boutiques as well as a large supermarket.

Cape Quarter

This petite shopping centre packs a punch, full of unique designer brands, upmarket artisans, fabulous florists and incredible restaurants.

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Markets in Cape Town

Markets have become a mainstay for local fun in Cape Town. Expats won't find bustling souks or monstrous bazaars in the Mother City, but manageable niche markets have sprung up to offer everything from fresh produce and gourmet eats to collectable antiques and fantastic flea market finds. There are scores of weekly markets of all types dotted throughout the city.

The Bay Harbour Market

Situated in Hout Bay, this market is well worth the trip. It is open every weekend and is a must-visit for local curios, pottery, art and furniture.

Greenmarket Square

Built in 1696, Greenmarket Square is one of Cape Town's oldest market locations. The market is open daily and tends to cater to the tourist market with a wide variety of stalls selling African curios, clothing and candles.

The Neighbourgoods Market

Delicious food stalls, local cheeses, wine, crêpes, fresh bread and organic food can be found at this famed Cape Town market. Situated at the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock, it's open every Saturday and Sunday.