Local Markets
Cape Town & surrounds
Welcome to our blog on Cape Town farmer’s markets. One of our all time favourite ways to really get a feeling for a city is to visit markets where locals and visitors alike can gather.
So please take a look at some of the Mother City’s favourite and vibrant farmers markets. Fresh flowers, fantastic food vendors, abundant produce, and hand-crafted goods.
Visiting one of Cape Town’s markets is the ideal way to immersive yourself in the local way of life, whilst perusing, tasting and ogling the artisanal fare. And while farmer’s markets were virtually unheard of just a few short years ago, they have burst onto the scene in a prolific and colourful array of options.
The OZCF Market (Oranjezicht City Farm Market)
Without a doubt the flag bearer for fresh produce markets in the Cape, the OZCF offers visitors the chance to enjoy farm-fresh produce while simultaneously soaking up sea views.
Held every Saturday (and Sundays in summer) at the historic Granger Bay site of the V&A Waterfront, the OZCF Market Day is a community farmers-style market for independent local farmers and artisanal food producers.
Locals flock to stock up on vegetables, fruit, bread, organic dairy, free-range eggs, honey, meats, and cheeses, while everyone jostles around their favourite food stalls for hearty breakfasts, vegan and veggie lunches, steak rolls, or tempting dessert creations. Go early if you prefer the quiet and enjoy perusing the plants and beautiful blooms before grabbing a coffee (or smoothie) and sampling all of the lovely and ever-evolving snacks.
Opening hours: Saturdays 9am – 2pm, Sundays (Summer): 9am – 3pm
Bay Harbour Market
A little further down the coast, the Bay Harbour Market hums with an eclectic energy, fuelled by the live bands, quirky vendors, fireplaces and tasty array of foods. Set in a bygone authentic fishery in the working harbour of Hout Bay, customers can enjoy everything from artisanal coffee to craft beer on tap. Add to that the arts, crafts, baked and ‘braaied’ goods on offer, and your weekend plans are set to be more than jovial.
Visitors might even look forward to a swing dance or two, always to the beat of a local, up and coming band, groovy township guitarist or saxophonist.
Opening hours: Friday 5 – 9pm, Saturday/Sunday 9.30am – 4pm
The Neighbourgoods Market
The one that started them all, the Neighbourgoods Market, at the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock, is always a wonderful way to while away on Saturday morning.
The winning combination of trendy clothing, jewellers, food stalls, cocktail makers, and permanent stores attracts a young, hip crowd; the undercover and sunny spots ideal for all-weather Saturdays.
The award-winning market features over 100 specialty traders, creating a weekly platform for local farmers, food alchemists, organic merchants, bakers, grocers, butchers, artisanal producers and celebrated local chefs to showcase and sell their wares. Again, make sure you’re an early bird, or face the crowds and just go with the flow.
Opening hours: Saturdays, 9am – 3pm
The Root 44 Market
Housed in sturdy marquees (which means rain is never an issue), and surrounded by gorgeous vineyards and trees, The Root 44 market is worth the drive out to Stellenbosch to visit. A sprawling colony of stalls offers crafts, and homeware (children’s clothing, funky t-shirts, jewellery, homeware, leather goods etc.) perfect for leisurely browsing, with an awesome selection of edible and drinkable treats available to snack on throughout breakfast and lunch.
Tuck into a wood-fired pizza and craft beer, or sip on a flute of bubbles accompanied by oysters – all to the background tunes provided by the live entertainment.
The Root 44 Market is also known to be exceptionally kiddie-friendly, boasting a natural wood play park and lawn area – ideal for busy-bodies who like to run around.
Opening hours: Saturdays & Sundays, 9 am – late
The Mojo Market
You don’t have to wait for the weekend or for the weather to play along, to enjoy the Mojo Market. New(ish) on the scene, this urban, indoor market is located in the vibrant area of Sea Point, and is open 7 days a week! With a motley bunch of independent designers, artists and makers, and over 30 food vendors, there’s lots to take in.
The Mojo Bar is the fulcrum around which the stalls unfold, so head there for a glass of something before taking a peek at the delectable food options.
We love The Mussel Monger & Oyster Bar, as well the eternally popular Tortilla Modern Mexican, but there truly is something for every taste. When you’re loaded up, grab a seat at a booth, and appreciate a beautiful pink Sea Point sunset while the band plays on.
Opening hours: Food Stalls open Mondays to Thursdays, 11am – 10pm, Friday to Sundays, 10am – 10pm Retailers open Mondays – Sundays, 11 am – 6 pm
Cape Town sightseeing
There is so much to see and do in Cape Town. Once you’ve explored the local markets, why not head off on a food tour, a fynbos tasting or even visit some of the beautiful historical farms in South Africa. Some serve up delightful dishes that you’ll devour in no time! Travel with your taste buds!