5 Great Markets You Should Visit In South Africa

The idea of going all the way to a shopping centre is exhausting, right? Few things compare to the cultural mecca found in a buzzing flea market, outside of the confines of a predictable shopping centre. Another great thing about visiting these markets is that It gives the patron the opportunity to engage with the artisan and really get to know the person and the product they are making. With a world of great markets in South Africa, there is really no reason why you shouldn’t get out there and experience them for yourself.

Here are five great markets around South Africa to enjoy.

I Heart Market Durban

For a few years now, I Heart Market has been providing Durban, with a monthly market at the popular Moses Mabhida Stadium, and offers the customer an assortment of arts, crafts, cakes and other delicious things to eat and drink.  It’s also situated in an area of the city which is conducive for cycling, skateboarding and running and its proximity to other leading sporting stadiums in the city, and the beaches make it a popular Saturday morning destination. This market is easily accessible, but if you have trouble getting around with ease, rent a car with Durban car rental.

Greenmarket Square

Cape Town

This is one of the oldest markets in the country and is open daily from around 9 am until 5 pm. It’s been providing the city of Cape Town with its curious and trinkets for many years and today is famous for its African inspired arts, crafts, clothing and ornaments. It’s also a location of the city where most of the action happens from buskers to tour operates to eccentric wanderers you’re likely to find them at Greenmarket square.

The Old Biscuit Mill – The Neighbourgoods Market

Woodstock

This weekly market was founded in 2006 and since then come rain or shine, it’s been providing people of the Woodstock area, a community-based initiative with the mandate to ‘revive and reinvent the Public Market as a civic institution’. The main objective seems to be, to give an opportunity to over 100 traders in various disciplines in the area of food, farmers, and organic merchants. They also have live acoustic music. Visit The Old Biscuit Mill every Saturday to check it out.

Market on Main

Johannesburg

This weekly Sunday market focuses on both artisanal food and up and coming clothing designs from local fashion designers. It happens every Sunday in downtown Johannesburg and caters for a more discerning, upmarket clientele. The idea is all about creating more spaces within the city to bring people and cultures together.

The Valley Market

Port Elizabeth

This is Port Elizabeth’s answer to Neighbourgoods Market of Woodstock in Cape Town. Here you will be treated to a similar setting; however, this market largely revolves around artisan foods. They also focus quite heavily on bringing great live music to the Port Elizabeth area and their last event had chart-topping folk/pop artist Matthew Mole on the lineup.