On Saturday mornings, the salty ocean breeze mingles with the aroma of freshly roasted coffee. At the end of Granger Bay, between the murmur of the waves and the laughter of families, stands one of Cape Town’s most popular gatherings: the Oranjezicht Market. More than just a market, it’s a true celebration of taste and togetherness. Everything here exudes the South African joie de vivre: sun-drenched fruits, artisan pastries, live music and the golden light of the seafront. At South African Travellers, we love taking our guests here to discover another side of the Cape — a city to be savoured, quite literally.
Oranjezicht Market: The Charm of an Oceanside Weekend
A food market with a chic, local “farm-to-table” vibe
A former neighbourhood market relocated to the V&A Waterfront, the Oranjezicht City Farm Market has kept its community spirit while gaining in elegance. Under its large white tents, local producers rub shoulders with Cape Town designers and artisan food makers. Between bouquets of wildflowers and stalls of homemade jams, it’s hard not to linger.
Our favourites: the brookie (half brownie, half cookie), the Eggs Benedict at the Sunday brunch, and the lemon-tequila jams from Leo’s Little Jars — yes, it’s as bold as it is delicious.
The market now opens on Saturdays (8am–2pm), Sundays (8:30am–2pm) and hosts a night market on Wednesday evenings during the warm season (4pm–9pm). Settle under the parasols with an ocean view: at certain times of year, you can even spot whale spouts offshore.
A perfect place to stroll during your family trip to South Africa.
The Neighbourgoods Market: Creativity and Buzz in Woodstock
In the Woodstock neighbourhood, a former biscuit factory has become one of the city’s most inspiring venues: The Neighbourgoods Market, in the heart of The Old Biscuit Mill. Every Saturday (and now Sunday mornings too), the hall comes alive to the rhythm of musicians, laughter and aromas from around the world. Smoothies, Asian street food, vegetarian burgers or local oysters — everything is savoured in a bohemian and convivial atmosphere.
Between tastings, browse the stalls of young designers: leather bags, handmade jewellery, textiles with African prints. It’s the market for creative souls, where every object has a story and every smile has a flavour.
We love recommending it to travellers looking for a taste of local life before setting off on the road — for example on the South Africa Highlights itinerary.
Mojo Market: The Festive Hotspot of Sea Point
In Sea Point, Mojo Market shakes up the traditional market concept. Open every day (from 8am to 11pm depending on the stalls), it brings together around fifty small restaurants, bars and food stalls in a laid-back atmosphere facing the sea. In the morning, enjoy a smoothie on the promenade; at noon, share sushi or a poke bowl; and in the evening, head upstairs for a live concert, a glass of local wine in hand.
This vibrant atmosphere appeals to travellers who love feeling the pulse of the Cape. It’s particularly well suited for a stop between two stages of a road trip on the Garden Route.
Greenmarket Square: The Artisan Heart of the City Centre
Located in the heart of Cape Town City Centre, Greenmarket Square remains a must-visit for anyone who loves browsing and bringing home a souvenir full of history. The stalls overflow with shweshwe fabrics, sculptures, jewellery and colourful little pouches. You’ll meet artisans from across Southern Africa, always ready to tell the story behind their creations — and to negotiate with a smile.
The place lives to the rhythm of the sun: open every day from 9am to 5pm, it reveals its charm in the morning, when the light illuminates the colonial facades and the crowds are still sparse. An authentic stop, in the heart of a neighbourhood in full renaissance.
Our Tips for Making the Most of Cape Town’s Food Markets
Cape Town’s markets are not just visited — they’re experienced. Here are a few tips from our travel designers to savour this experience like a true Capetonian:
- Come early: at Oranjezicht, the market fills up fast, and the best pastries are gone by 10am.
- Bring cash: some stalls don’t always accept card payments.
- Bring a reusable tote bag: it’s practically a fashion accessory here.
- Stay for brunch: the food courts are designed for lingering, listening to a musician or simply enjoying the moment.
- Above all, take time to chat: every producer has a story to tell, often rooted in a sustainable or family-driven approach. These exchanges are an integral part of the experience.
Gourmet Cape Town: Terroir, Creativity and the Good Life
Discovering Cape Town’s food markets means diving into the soul of a city that is both cosmopolitan and deeply rooted in its land. From the chic countryside feel of Oranjezicht to the buzzing energy of Woodstock, each market tells a piece of South African culture — generous, inventive and always authentic. What if the taste of travel started right here, between a local cappuccino and a sourdough loaf?
Contact South African Travellers to design your tailor-made itinerary.
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