The best Cape Town markets – 2022

We could not think of a better way to shop than buying the freshest produce in season straight from the market, with as little interference as possible. Even better if it offers ample reason to linger longer, tasting local delights and taking in cool vibes. Here’s our list of the best Cape Town markets to do just that.

Not so long ago many fresh goods markets in Cape town disappeared from daily life, but luckily this has all changed in a big way in recent years. The Mother City has an epic selection of markets, so there is bound to be at least one that ticks all of your must-have boxes. Here is our little black book of markets in Cape Town and the Winelands that hit that al fresco adventuring, food-loving sweet spot.

[Last update: July 2022, please note that markets are grouped by area, not specifically numbered by best ranking]

Cape Town markets with fresh produce and cool vibes

#1 Oranjezicht City Farm Market (V&A Waterfront)

BEST FOR: Serious foodies who love to cook, peeps with pets & plastic-free eco-warriors

Despite being founded in and named after Oranjezicht, an affluent suburb on the slopes of Table Mountain, this market is in fact situated just outside the popular Waterfront of Cape Town.

This bustling market is arguably the top choice of all local foodies because not only is the vibe cool and the vistas sparkling blue but this is the type of market where you can kick off the weekend by picking up a wonderful cup of coffee, tucking into a gorgeous breakfast, and then do your weekly shopping while you’re at it.

Why yes – all of that, with the option of taking your pooch along and supporting a variety of micro-producers while you do so! Those special heirloom tomatoes you’re after? That special not-so-hairy Italian variety of artichokes? Freshly foraged porcini mushrooms? Yes, you will find it all.

The Oranjezicht City Farm Market is a great spot for the whole family and offers a wide variety of fresh produce sourced from small producers throughout the Western Cape, which you can buy without taking home even a whisper of plastic. Joy to the world!

It also happens to be home to a variety of very talented foodie vendors that serve up everything from vegan-friendly raw meals to freshly baked artisanal bread made with stoneground flour.

Eatsplorer Insider Tip: Come early on Saturdays, this is one of those Cape Town markets that gets busy quickly. Make a bee-line for the fresh produce before it gets packed. We never leave before having coffee and a pasteis de nata (or three) from Vadas Bakery.

When: Saturdays 08:15 – 14:00, Sunday, 9:00 – 14:00, Wednesday, 17:00 – 21:00 (November – March) | Where: Granger Bay, V&A Waterfront

#2 Neighbourgoods Market (Woodstock)

BEST FOR: Hipsters, lovers of handmade crafts, young couples

This is the market that kick-started the return of food markets to the Mothercity back in 2006. Situated at the uber-cool Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock, the Neighbourgoods Market is pumping on a quiet day.

You are welcome to bring along your dog (on a leash, of course) but we really wouldn’t advise you to do so, unless your tail-wagging friend is super sociable otherwise it might be hard to deal with the masses.

The Neighbourgoods Market is the place to be if you want to run into Insta-famous Capetonians and enjoy some really good street food while you do so.

Of all the Cape Town markets this is the most design-driven spot, filled with everything your heart desires, from fresh produce and artisanal goodies to fashion ranges and -accessories to keep up your good looks.

Eatsplorer Insider Tip: We highly recommend grabbing some bubbly and freshly-shucked oysters, securing a prime spot at one of the communal tables, and indulging your inner fabulousness without feeling guilty in the slightest. Sometimes you just have to be full-on extra, and this is the place to do so.

When: Saturdays 09:00 – 15:00 | Where: The Old Biscuit Mill, 375 Albert Rd, Woodstock

#3 Mojo Market (Sea Point)

BEST FOR: People-watching, rainy days, rubbing shoulders with the urban foodies of Cape Town, and flip-flop-wearing Sea Point cool-crowd

Mojo Market is inner-city coolness at its best. If you have friends visiting from abroad, you have to take them to Mojo at least once. It’s a microcosm of all the trendy, beautiful, fashion-forward stuff Cape Town is known for around the globe.

Plus, it’s under cover and open right throughout the week, so it’s a great option for those rainy days when you want a market vibe, but don’t want to huddle under a dripping tent. Also a cool option for a less-obvious date night when you want to treat your partner to a lovely meal, but don’t quite know what kind of food they’ll feel like.

You will also find some of Cape Town’s favourite vintage traders, local designers, and antique collectors here, so if it is shopping you’re after, there’s no reason to stop at food.

Eatsplorer Insider Tip: At busy times the noise level at this Cape Town market can get almost unbearable. Especially on Saturdays when there’s live jazz in the morning, and DJ vibes in the afternoon. Unless of course, you want to invite friends and make a party of it, in which case we say make a bee-line for the Mussel Monger to feed the pack in the most delicious way. Earthfire Pizza with its crispy wood-fired pizza is also a crowd-pleaser.

When: Mondays – Sunday 11:00 – 23:00 | Where: Regent Road, Sea Point

#4 V&A Food Market

BEST FOR: Shoppers or travellers that want to discover and enjoy local food flavours after some V&A retail therapy 

Ready to bite into some local street food? The V&A Food Market at the Victorian Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town is a lovely spot if you want to meet up with a few friends to take in some harbour vibes whilst downing a craft beer or two. 

At this market, there’s no shortage of local bites and flavours such as the African stews, samp, pap, vetkoek, and tripe of celebrity chef Nolu Dube-Cele of Seven Colours Eatery. If you have a sweet tooth the selection of donuts, cakes and waffles will more than satisfy that craving.

Whilst you’re at it you can stock up the pantry with some locally-produced artisanal goodies that have been grown, harvested, or prepared by the makers themselves.

Eatsplorer Insider Tip: We have a particular soft spot for the spicy rotis and biryani of Cape Malay House by halaal chef Ammaarah Petersen.

When: Trading 7 days a week (check website for detailed operating hours) | Where: The Old Power Station, Building 19, Dock Road, Pier Head, V&A Waterfront

#5 Earth Fair Food Market (Constantia)

BEST FOR: Eco-conscious foodies, locavores, getting some inspiration on clean eating & going green

If you like your markets eco-conscious, the Earth Fair Food Market is the place for you.

Here you will find all sorts of wonderful meal options, fresh produce, and innovative products from local producers who are on a mission to minimise waste and support initiatives that give back to the community, the earth, and Gaia in general. Happy & healthy vibes all around.

Eatsplorer Insider Tip: If you want to enjoy a taste of the Earth Fair, but don’t want to make the mission to Tokai, you can always join in on their satellite market at St George’s Mall in the CBD on Thursdays from 11:00 – 15:00.

When: Wednesdays 16:00 – 21:00; Saturdays 10:00 – 15:00 | Where: Corner St Joan’s Road and Timour Hall Road, Constantia

#6 Vegan Goods Market (Tokai)

BEST FOR: Vegan foodies, earth warriors, getting some inspiration on clean eating & going meat-free

A lot of Cape Town markets have vendors in common and offer a similar vibe. However, not this new market. If you like your food to be eco-conscious and fully plant-based there is no place like the Vegan Goods Market in Cape Town. 

In sync with the growing vegan movement in the Mothercity (and world), the market makes it a breeze to shop for vegan, eco-friendly, and cruelty-free food, drinks, home, and body products.

It doesn’t stop there, they are in collaboration with the Thrift Fest to host Vegan Thrift Markets at the month-end markets to create a complete sustainable shopping experience.

Come and mingle with like-minded foodies and support local, up-and-coming businesses whilst you’re at it. The vibe is super friendly and chilled, even your dog will love it.

Eatsplorer Insider Tip: Oh Oat Ice Cream is not to be missed! Bring the kids, it is the perfect, relaxed environment to learn about building a sustainable future.

When: Twice a month – every second & last Sunday of the month | Where: The Range, Orpen Rd, Tokai

#7 The Farm Village Market (Noordhoek)

BEST FOR: Nature-loving foodies, families, and those who want to travel to market on horseback

Situated at the Noordhoek Farm Village, the Noordhoek Farm Village Market is at the heart of the food hub of the South Peninsula. It is the perfect mid-week pause, so be sure to meet up with friends and let your hair hang down.

At this open-air market, you can look forward to freshly baked artisan bread, handcrafted ice cream, raw juice, delectable eats from Mexican to Italian, and the freshest sushi.

All the shops and restaurants of the village also remain open for trading, so you can shop and eat to your hearts’ delight.

Eatsplorer Insider Tip: Check the weather before you come, because it is an open-air market it is weather dependent, although a tent is pitched and gas heaters put in place for those chillier evenings.

When: Wednesdays 16:00 – 20:00 | Where: Noordhoek Farm Village, corner Village Lane and Noordhoek Main Road, Noordhoek

#8 Blue Bird Garage Food & Goods Market (Muizenberg)

BEST FOR: Surfers grabbing a post-break bite, locals who live nearby, and city folk looking for a chilled-out reprieve with seaside vibes.

Muizenberg is known for its super-chill vibes and the Blue Bird Garage Market fits right in. It is an eclectic, low-key neighborhood haunt with a real sense of community. The surfboards on the wall are reminiscent of the active local surfing community and create a real sense of place, as does the laid-back flip-flop-wearing-sun-bleached-hair crowd.

The market is housed in an old postal plane hangar on the edge of this urban village and vendors offer up anything from vintage clothing, jewelry, ceramics, and essential oils to crepes, empanadas, and vegan treats.

Although False Bay is a 40-minute drive from Cape Town the atmosphere totally makes up for the trek. Cape Town markets do not come more rad than this. 

Eatsplorer Insider Tip: Be sure not the miss out on Yoffi’s falafel washed down with a local craft beer.

When: Thursday, 16:00 – 21:00, Friday, 16:00 – 22:00 | Where: 39 Albertyn Road, Muizenberg (via M3)

#9 Bay Harbour Market (Hout Bay)

BEST FOR: Ocean lovers, families, live music enthusiasts, those after a bit of fresh seafood 

Located in an authentic fish factory in a bustling harbour, the Bay Harbour Market is a great spot to pick up some freshly prepared seafood (and we do mean fresh you guys – the fishing boats dock right there), peruse an eclectic selection of local arts and crafts and immerse yourself in the singular ambiance of Hout Bay and its people.

Eatsplorer Insider Tip: There’s live music by some of the most exciting up-and-coming local acts over the weekends, which means there’s always a vibe.

When: Fridays 17:00 – 21:00; Saturdays/Sundays 09:30 – 16:00 | Where: 31 Harbour Road, Hout Bay

#10 Cape Point Vineyards Community Market (Noordhoek)

BEST FOR: Leisurely midweek meanders, wine lovers, open-air awesomeness

Yet another wonderful opportunity for a midweek meander, the Community Market at Cape Point Vineyards is a great spot to enjoy sundowners and delicious al fresco eats on a Thursday after work.

Here you’ll find all sorts of delicious meal options to enjoy on the sprawling lawns overlooking the lake and all the way to the ocean. Surrounded by a few picture-perfect vineyards and the rather magnificent Noordhoek mountain range it is hard to imagine a better spot to see the sun dip away into the horizon.

Plus, those Cape Point Vineyard wines – yoh! If you’re coming from town, grab an Uber so you can indulge responsibly without any hassles on the way home.

Eatsplorer Insider Tip: Come hungry as you will be delighted with the slow-roasted lamb of The Lamb Man. End a perfect meal with churros from Don Churros washed down with a little espresso. 

When: Thursdays 16:30 – 20:30 (September – May)| Where: Cape Point Vineyards Estate, Silvermine Road, Noordhoek

Fabulous markets in the Cape Winelands

#1 Night Market at Boschendal (Franschhoek)

BEST FOR: An experience for the whole family with kids running around on the werf chasing after chickens and tail-wagging friends (on a leash) happily sniffing at your feet hopeful for a missed morsel that might find its way to the gravel. 

The beautiful and historic Boschendal Wine farm with its expansive vineyards, rustic vegetable gardens, and traditional farmyard layout has over recent years been sensitively developed into one of the most coveted wine farms in the Cape Winelands.

On Friday afternoons you can see fires being stoked, stalls set up, and a gradual build-up of activity because everyone is getting ready for the popular Boschendal Night Market.

It is the kind of market where you don’t get trampled by a stampede of punters. Rather, you get to kick back, meander, shop a bit, taste a bit and then eat and drink really well sitting under the rustling oaks with like-minded food and wine lovers.

Look forward to live music, fresh farm produce, food stalls, and a scattering of artisanal stands with handmade local products, everything with a high-quality ethos.

If you are staying over in one of the stylish farm cottages, you get to do it all again on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Nothing better than starting your day with a fresh-out-of-the-oven croissant and steaming cappuccino knowing that it is possibly the most arduous thing you would need to do all day, as the market sorts out any cooking headaches that you might have had to face that day. 

Eatsplorer Insider Tip: Arrive a little early and enjoy the sunset soiree cocktail offering on the Werf deck, available from 17:00. 

When: Friday 17:30 – 20:30; Saturday & Sunday 10:00 – 14:00 | Where: Boschendal Wine Estate, Pniel Road, Groot Drakenstein

#2 Franschhoek Village Market

BEST FOR: Combining a visit to one of the most popular towns in the Cape Winelands with some serious food shopping.

It’s not just the wine and the mountains that make Franschhoek special but also the fabulous fine dining that this mighty little town is known for. The Franschhoek Village Market takes things back to basics and celebrates simple local food – expect to find a feast of local organic produce, craft beers, coffee brewers, handmade deli items, and merchants with big personalities. 

The wonderfully vibrant market is situated in the center of town in the playful shadow of massive old oaks. It is a friendly community market with a welcoming warm atmosphere where you can start your day before setting off on a wine tasting mission, or easily just while away the best part of a day.

In addition to food, you will also find artwork and crafts, vintage clothing, and antiques – all carefully curated.

Eatsplorer Insider Tip: Take the opportunity to bite into local favourites such as rotis filled with fragrant curries, samoosas, gourmet pancakes, roosterkoek, and delicious braaied meat.

When: Every Saturday from 9:00 to 3:00 (weather permitting). | Where: 29 Huguenot Road in the center of Franschhoek

#3 Blaawklippen Family Market

BEST FOR: The whole family (it’s in the name), having an impromptu picnic on the lawn, a day out on the farm

One of the oldest and most beautiful wine farms in the Cape Winelands sets the scene for the wonderful Blaawklippen Family market. The market is focused on local, organic, and sustainable food, produce, and other goodies.

The slow-living farm atmosphere makes it easy to shift down a gear and take in the stalls and scenery at an unhurried pace. An old farm building houses the small producers’ section where you can stock up on charcuterie, cheese, freshly baked bread and olives. Outdoors are a scattering of craft, jewellery, and lifestyle stalls as well as some more food stalls.

Eatsplorer Insider Tip: Take your own picnic blanket and assemble a picnic from the many delicious food choices to have with a bottle of Blaauwklippen wine.

When: Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 – 15:00 | Where: Blaauwklippen Wine Estate, R44 Strand Road, Stellenbosch

#4 Lourensford Market (Somerset West)

Best for: The entire foodie family, peeps with pets, fitness enthusiasts

Lourensford, stunning in winter, and absolutely mesmerizing in summer, has to be one of the most unflinchingly good-looking wine estates around. Plus, the market is just great.

Wonderfully organised, pet-friendly, and fun enough to get even your grumpiest family member to crack a smile. At Lourensford Market they even have little misters under the Bedouin-tent area to keep you nice and cool when the mercury rises to those you’ve-got-to-be-kidding levels at the height of summer.

Eatsplorer Insider Tip: Lourensford also plays host to an epic line-up of sporting events (MTB, trail-running, the works) throughout the year, so if you’re that way inclined, you could even combine a market trip with a competitive workout. Double whammy!

When: Fridays 17:00 – 21:00; Sundays 10:00 – 15:00 (September – May) | Where: Lourensford Wine Estate, Lourensford Road, Somerset West

There you have it – this epic line-up of the tastiest Cape Town markets & fabulous markets in the Cape Winelands is bound to keep you well-fed, stocked up, and celebrating all year long.

Keep your eye on our social channels and website for more insider info on the best places to eat, shop for fabulous foodie things, and generally live it up in the Mother City and further beyond.

Photographs: (all Eatsplorer, unless otherwise mentioned) Neighbourhood Market; Boschendal; Lourensford; Mojo Market; Bay Harbour Market; Cape Point Vineyards; Earth Fair Food Market; V&A Food Market; Vegan Goods Market; The Farm Village Market