Cape Town’s got a little bit of everything when it comes to shopping. One minute you’re digging through vintage finds at a local market, the next you’re browsing sleek storefronts in a luxury mall. Whether you’re into fashion, homeware, handmade crafts, or love a good window shop, there’s no shortage of places to explore. This Cape Town shopping guide walks you through the top spots to shop around the city.
Table of Contents
The list below is in no particular order. Each entry is equally celebrated for their achievements, and the sequence of names is arbitrary, not indicating any ranking or preference.
Malls & Modern Retail 🌆
Malls are a reliable place to find everything you need, so they are a must-mention on any Cape Town shopping guide. Explore these popular spots for everything you need.
V&A Waterfront 🛥️
You can easily spend a day at the V&A Waterfront without realising it. It mixes shopping with some seriously stunning views of Table Mountain in the background, and boats gently coming and going. The mall has a solid mix of local and international brands. Still, the real charm is in the details: street performers, boat rides, sunset cocktails, and the creative buzz of the Watershed, where Cape Town’s local artisans show off everything from ceramics to fashion. It’s not just a shopping trip, it’s an experience.
V&A Waterfront, Opening Hours: 9 am to 9 pm daily
Website: https://www.waterfront.co.za/
Canal Walk 🛍️
Situated in Century City, Canal Walk is one of the largest shopping centres in Cape Town, housing over 400 stores. If you’re after variety, this mall delivers in a big way. With over 400 stores under one roof, it’s easy to lose track of time hopping from fashion boutiques to tech shops to beauty counters. Century City hosts one of the biggest malls on the continent, but it’s also super convenient with loads of food options and spots to chill. Families will love the cinemas, game arcades, and kids’ play zones. It’s a win whether you’re on a mission to shop or need somewhere to hang out for a few hours.
Canal Walk Shopping Centre, Opening Hours: 9 am to 9 pm daily
Address: 490 Century Blvd, Century City, Cape Town
Website: https://canalwalk.co.za/
Cavendish Square 👛
Cavendish Square is a bit more low-key but doesn’t disappoint with its retail therapy. This mall features a mix of high-end and mainstream retailers. Over 180 stores, shoppers can find everything from fashion and beauty products to books and electronics. The mall also hosts the “Made in the Cape” artisans market, highlighting local crafts and products. A significant benefit of shopping here is that it is not necessarily a tourist hotspot like the other options, making it an excellent spot for a relaxed shopping trip, especially if you’re in the area. If you want the inside track on where to shop in Cape Town, check out our 2025 Guide.
Cavendish Square, Opening Hours: 9 am to 9 pm daily
Address: 1 Dreyer St, Claremont, Cape Town
Website: https://cavendish.co.za/
Local Markets & Artisanal Finds 🧑🎨
Neighbourgoods Market 💐
Every weekend, the Neighbourgoods Market in Woodstock transforms into a lively gathering of local artisans, designers, and food vendors. With live music and long communal tables, it’s a favourite for locals looking to start their Saturday right and for visitors wanting a taste of Cape Town’s creative energy. If you’re looking for handmade clothes, trinkets, and souvenirs alongside delicious bites, this market is for you.
Address: 373 Albert Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town
Website: http://www.neighbourgoodsmarket.co.za/
Contact: 064 894 7331
Oranjezicht City Farm Market 🥗
For a slower, more wholesome market experience, the Oranjezicht City Farm Market at Granger Bay is the place to be. The market is all about organic produce, artisanal cheeses, and seasonal treats. On weekends, the market supports over 40 local farmers and 80 food traders, promoting sustainable and regional food systems. Visitors can enjoy various products, from fresh fruits and vegetables to baked goods and dairy products.
Address: Haul Road, Granger Bay Blvd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
Website: https://ozcf.co.za/market-day/
Contact: 083 628 3426
Greenmarket Square 🎨
As one of Cape Town’s oldest public squares, Greenmarket Square hosts a daily market featuring African crafts, textiles, and souvenirs. The historic setting, with surrounding buildings dating back to the 18th century, adds charm. Visiting this spot is not only fun for shopping, but the entire ambience is immersive, with nearby restaurants and live music, making it a lovely cultural experience.
Address: Burg St &, Longmarket St, Cape Town City Centre
Local Fashion & Designer Boutiques 💎
Cape Town has no shortage of boutiques and designer brands (whether locally loved or internationally acclaimed). These are but a few of the stops on our shopping guide. If high-end shopping is your vibe, the we have a great guide to finding the best boutiques in Cape Town.
Kloof Street & Bree Street 💃
If you’re into browsing boutique stores at your own pace, Kloof and Bree Street are where it’s at. The two trendy streets in the City Bowl are packed with stylish concept stores, indie fashion labels, and one-of-a-kind homeware finds. It’s also a foodie’s paradise. Grab a coffee, settle in for brunch, or end the day with a cocktail at one of the bars and restaurants nearby. The creative energy is everywhere, from the shopfronts to the street art, making it the perfect area for a relaxed day of shopping and exploring.
AKJP Collective 👠
AKJP Collective is where cutting-edge South African fashion lives. The boutique takes a curated approach, bringing together work from some of the country’s most exciting up-and-coming designers. The space feels more like a gallery than a store, with a modern layout that lets the craftsmanship speak for itself. If you’re looking for something unique, thoughtful, and distinctly local, whether it’s clothing, accessories, or even homeware, this spot delivers.
AKJP Collective, Opening Hours: 9 am to 8 pm
Address: 73 Kloof St, Gardens, Cape Town
Website: https://www.akjpstudio.com/
Contact: 021 422 2898
Merchants on Long 👜
A Cape Town shopping guide is incomplete without mentioning Long Street. Merchants on Long is a concept store that combines fashion, art, and design. The boutique offers a selection of high-end African brands, emphasising ethical production and sustainability. It’s a must-visit for fashion enthusiasts interested in contemporary African design. The pieces here are refined and full of personality, perfect for shoppers who appreciate good design with a story behind it. It’s a standout destination for anyone curious about the future of African fashion.
Merchants on Long, Opening Hours: 9 am to 6 pm
Address: 34 Long St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
Website: https://www.merchantsonlong.co.za/
Contact: 021 422 2828
Souvenirs & African Crafts 🗝️
If you’re looking for trinkets and crafts to take home, this shopping guide will show you the top spots to find hidden gems in and around Cape Town.
Watershed at V&A Waterfront 🎭
You may know about Cape Town’s iconic Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, but its lively artisan market, The Watershed, is a fantastic spot to load up on luxury crafts. It’s an excellent place to find unique souvenirs, from handcrafted ceramics to bespoke jewellery, all under one roof. The Watershed features over 150 stalls selling everything from beaded toy animals to traditional high-quality clothing items and even handcrafted housewares. This is a must-visit if you enjoy browsing the best local crafts and artisans in Cape Town.
The Watershed, Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10 am to 7 pm
Address: 17 Dock Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
Website: https://www.waterfront.co.za/area/watershed/
Contact: 021 408 7600
Long Street Antique Arcade 💎
Long Street is well known for its trendy vibe, buzzing nightlife and shopping opportunities. The Antique Arcade is a collection of around 17 individually owned antique shops, each offering something different! This spot offers everything from military memorabilia to antique furniture, fine china, and thrifted clothing. It offers an eclectic mix of clothing styles and eras.
Long Street Antique Arcade, Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 3 pm and Saturday, 9 am to 2 pm
Address: 127 Long Street, Cape Town
Contact: 078 545 7934
Vintage, Thrift & Antiques 📽️
These spots are must-visits on any Cape Town shopping guide, although they barely scratch the surface of the city’s booming thrifting culture. For a more indepth look at the best thrift stores in Cape Town, don’t forget to click through to our curated list of the best 15 storess.
Collect Me A Story 🍶
The Old Biscuit Mill in Cape Town, Woodstock, is a popular spot for the city’s best creative stores. It is beloved for its array of shops specialising in Cape Town’s best artisanal goods and craftsmanship. In this area, CollectMeAStory is a quaint antique shop with a large selection of stunning items from furniture, collectables and decor. The shop’s tasteful cutlery and crockery collection is a great addition to anyone’s kitchen! From gorgeous pendants to collectable vintage toy cars to books and clothing, CollectMeAStory has it all!
CollectMeAStory, Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 9.30 am to 5 pm and Saturday, 9.30 am to 2 pm
Address: 354 Albert Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town, 7925
Contact: 076 639 0652
Artefact 🏮
Artefact is a luxury showroom in Wynberg that features grand furniture, interiors, and art selections. The showroom shows visitors original, carefully curated antique furniture, lighting, mirrors, and paintings. The owners design bespoke furniture and accessories combined with decorative antiques sourced from Europe. Some pieces are dated, like the Toleware Fountain vase from the 18th century and the Enamelled Jardiniere from the 19th century. France. The shop also offers antique Italian canvas paintings. This is the place to be if you’re primarily looking for luxury homeware.
Artefact, Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm and Saturday, 9.30 am to 1 pm
Address: 8 Riebeek Street, Chelsea, Wynberg, Cape Town
Website: https://www.artefect.co.za/
Contact: 021 762 6793
OnSite Gallery 🖼️
Established in 2005, Onsite Gallery has sourced an extensive collection of antiques and vintage decor from all over the world, specifically from England, France, Belgium, and Argentina. The gallery is unique in offering more than antiques; it is a mix of old and new, contemporary interiors, and bespoke options. Not only can you purchase everyday collectables such as mirrors and crockery, but you can also purchase tables, counters, chandeliers, and bar counters. If you’re a new homeowner or an antique collector, this gallery offers a wonderful space to build redecoration plans. For a list of the most inspiring galleries in Cape Town, don’t miss our updated guide2025.
Onsite Gallery, Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm & Saturday, 10 am to 2 pm
Address: 153 Loop Street, Cape Town
Website: https://onsitegallery.co.za/
Contact: 021 462 1357
Cape Town makes shopping feel like an adventure. Whether you’re sifting through handmade treasures at a market, checking out local fashion on Kloof Street, or wandering the aisles of a massive mall, there’s something here for every kind of shopper. It’s not just about what you buy. It’s about the vibe, the people, the little surprises you find along the way. So take your time, explore a little off the beaten path, and leave some room in your bag, you’re gonna need it.
