10 Irresistible Markets in South Africa You Must Explore

If you find the idea of visiting shopping centers exhausting, try going to markets in South Africa. South African markets are a treasure trove for shoppers who love to explore unique fashion, food, and culture. These markets have everything from antique jewelry to wonderful souvenirs for your loved ones. So, why not visit South African markets?

This guide will provide a detailed overview of the options for the markets in South Africa, their timings, and other important information.

Top 10 Shopping Markets in South Africa

1. Neighbourgoods Market

This is among the popular weekend markets in South Africa where you can explore the fashionable Braamfontein neighborhood in Woodstock. The vibe at this place is filled with the vibrant excitement that Neighbourgoods Market brings. 

This is a must-go shopping place when in Cape Town, and you will find everything that suits your fashion sense. You can explore delicious street food and pick some organic products and unique handicrafts for your new space.

Key Highlights

• A hub for creatives, entrepreneurs, and foodies
• Promoting local businesses
• A space for socializing and having food and entertainment

Location: Old Biscuit Mill, 373 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town

Timing: Every Saturday from 9 am to 3 pm

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2. Rosebank Sunday Market

This market in Johannesburg is a great source of fashion for people who are shopaholics. You can find this market on the Rosebank Mall rooftop, and its stunning backdrop of the city skyline adds it to the list of top shopping markets in South Africa. Rosebank Sunday Market offers a variety of fashion stalls with everything from vintage items to contemporary designs to handmade accessories.

Key Highlights

• A fantastic view of the Johannesburg skyline and sunset
• You get gourmet food, handmade crafts, and live music
• Fetch some fresh fruit and vegetables and homemade sauces

Location: 50 Bath Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg

Timing: Sundays, 9 am to 4 pm

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3. Montana Family Market

This is a traditional Pretoria market, which is popular as one of the most famous flea markets in South Africa. This market offers various shopping choices under one roof, with over 500 stalls and live performances every Saturday. 

The children would love to enjoy the regularly changing weekly fun activities atMontana Family Market. You can get the best bargains here, along with a jaw-dropping shopping collection of accessories, toys, fashion, and more.

Key Highlights

• Over 500 stalls for fresh food, electronics and crafts
• An atmosphere that offers activities for kids like pony rides and playground
• Enjoy live music while shopping

Location: Corner Enkeldoorn Avenue and Sefako Makgatho Drive, Pretoria

Timing: Tuesday-Sunday, Public Holidays from 9 am to 5 pm

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4. Greenmarket Square

You can find this historic Greenmarket Square in the middle of Cape Town’s heart. This has been a trading point since the 17th century and is renowned for its wide selection of African art and crafts. 

This is among the traditional markets in South Africa, housing stalls surrounded with colorful beads, gorgeously woven textiles, and wood-carved sculptures. You can find some great gifts or fantastic souvenirs in South Africa for your loved ones while coming to this market.

Key Highlights

• Liveliest hubs in Cape Town
• Quality clothes, jewellery and, leather products
• Exclusive art, souvenirs, and paintings
• Surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops

Location: Corner of Burg and Longmarket Streets, Cape Town

Timing: Daily from 9 am to 4 pm

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5. I Heart Market Durban

This is a popular monthly market known for the best experience in street shopping in South Africa. You can find a variety of crafts, cakes, and other delicacies to explore. This market is an area suitable for skateboarding, cycling, and running, which makes it an ideal Saturday morning getaway. You can find it near other top sports stadiums in the city and the beaches, which makes it easy to access.

Key Highlights

• Exclusive, innovative, and handmade products
• Mouth-watering delicacies in the food court
• A dedicated play area and a pram park
• Supports local artists and performers

Location: Moses Mabhida Stadium, 44 Isaiah Ntshangase Road, Durban

Timing: Every month first saturday- 9 am to 2 pm

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6. The Linden Market

This market started as a little pop-up in 2015 and has now grown to become one of the most prestigious markets in South Africa. The market at the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens brings opportunities for visitors to explore the stunning backdrop there. The market is surrounded by local music, and delicious food and unique items are being tasted all around.

Key Highlights

• Over 150 stalls to explore
• Great entertainment lineup
• Tickle your taste buds with so many gourmet food stalls

Location: Johannesburg Botanical Garden, 45 Thomas Bowler Street

Timing: 9 am to 4:30 pm Daily

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7. Bay Harbour Market

This market marks the position among the most beautiful markets in South Africa with a stunning ocean view. The visitors can get a fantastic shopping experience here while clicking pictures through the Hout Bay ocean in the background. You can experience a relaxing social atmosphere with live music and some delicious food here.

Key Highlights

• Buy fresh seafood
• Witness a blend of craftsmen, artists, and busking musicians
• Explore a plethora of boutique and hand-made clothing

Location: 31 Harbour Road, Hout Bay, Western Cape

Timing: Every Friday night- 5 pm to 9 pm; every Saturday & Sunday-9.30 am to 4 pm

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8. The Market Shed on Main

You can find this market in Pretoria which is a relatively new addition to the list of markets in South Africa. The Market Shed on Main quickly became a popular choice for fashion lovers. You can find distinctive accessories, home decor items, and more. The market has an exclusive collection of local artisans and designers, serving top-notch quality products at affordable prices. 

Key Highlights

• Highlights local culture
• Art, music, food, fashion and design
• Explore delicious gourmet street food
• Have fabulous drinks like craft beer, fine wine and cocktails

Location: 012 Central, 381 Helen Joseph Street, Pretoria

Timing: Last Saturday- 11am to 6 pm

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9. The Valley Market

This is among the local food markets in South Africa, where you can find a vibrant environment to explore some traditional cuisines. You can find different stalls, music, and other activities all bustling around the market. 

You can stroll around and explore the finest local food in Port Elizabeth. Apart from this, you can also buy some traditional African art pieces, which are something unique to gift.

Key Highlights

• Unlimited entertainment, shopping, and dining options
• Sampling the best local cuisine in Port Elizabeth
• Great place to pick up souvenirs
• Lively music scenes

Location: Corner of Lower Valley Road and Union Street, Port Elizabeth

Timing: First Saturday

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10. Victoria Street Market

This is a marketplace worth visiting when you want an authentic African market experience. This is among Durban’s renowned places, and a blend of Indian and African traditions makes up a large part of the fabric. 

You can find the best bargains in South Africa at Victoria Street Market and shop for your fresh, local produce and tasty spices at affordable prices. You find this market in front of the beautiful Victoria building, setting a vibrant culture-driven explosion.

Key Highlights

• Houses over 200 stalls and stores
• Exclusive collection of Indigenous arts and crafts
• Get Indian products, clothing, and brassware products
• Has an extensive seafood and meat market

Location: Corner of Queen and Victoria Streets, Durban

Timing: Monday to Saturday- 8am to 6pm; Sunday- 10am to 4pm

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Popular Night Markets in South Africa

1. Friday Night Market at Boschendal

This is a famous winery surrounded by beautiful gardens and stunning mountain views. The visitors can explore Boschendal’s market on Friday nights, which has a stunning setting in the historical Werf area. This place offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy live entertainment and a variety of gourmet dishes.

Location: Boschendal Wine Estate, Pniel Road, Groot Drakenstein

Timing: Friday, 5.30 pm – 8.30 pm

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2. Night Fox at The Sheds@1fox

Markets in South Africa, like Night Fox at The Sheds@1fox, happen every week in an area of warehouses converted into stalls in Johannesburg’s historic mining camps. You can find various street food options, breweries, local products, and small entertainment events happening all around. 

Location: 1 Fox St, FerreirasDorp, Johannesburg

Timing: 12 pm – 10 pm

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3. Fordsburg Night Market

This is a market spot in South Africa where you can explore the Indo-Pakistani vibe. Muslims mostly surround the area with lots of Indian and Pakistani street food. The market is full of things to buy, like spices, jewelry, Indian and Muslim clothes, and more. The delicacies available include biryanis, samosas, kebabs, pani puri and more.

Location: Fordsburg, Johannesburg, South Africa

Timing: 12 pm – 10 pm

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Shopping Tips for Markets in South Africa

Mentioned below are a few tips that you can follow while shopping at South African markets:

• Cash is Important: You can find some shops in markets in South Africa not accepting card or online payment. You must ensure that you have enough cash to satisfy the shopping freak in you.
• Try Bargain: Some Markets in South Africa that you’ll visit may have fixed prices, but haggling is a common practice in most markets. You can try to bargain wisely and make the best buy from these markets.
• Support Local: These markets are lifelines for local artisans and designers, and shopping directly at them helps their work and the local economy.
• Dress Comfortably: The markets can be busy and require lots of walking, so prefer wearing comfortable shoes and clothes.

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FAQs

What are the best things to buy from markets in South Africa?

You can buy exclusive souvenirs and traditional artifacts from The Valley Market and handmade silk and other antiques by visiting the top markets in South Africa.

What are the options for weekend markets in South Africa?

The Neighbourgoods Market and the Rosebank Sunday Market are a few markets that you can shop from during weekends.

Is it worth shopping at markets in South Africa?

Yes. South Africa has some of the best markets where you can find a vibrant atmosphere and multiple clothing, accessories, and food options.

Is shopping in South Africa expensive?

When visiting markets in South Africa, you can find fixed prices at some shops, but haggling is a common practice. 

What are the options for night markets in South Africa?

Friday Night Market at Boschendal and Fordsburg Night Market are a few markets that you can explore during the night.