Greenmarket Square Cape Town
A historic Cape Town square transformed into a bustling market filled with vibrant African crafts, art, and souvenirs.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better deals
Greenmarket Square Cape Town
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better deals
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Cape Town square transformed into a bustling market filled with vibrant African crafts, art, and souvenirs.
"Great place to spend time buying some real art and craft from South Africa."
🎯 Haggle for the Best Price
Always negotiate! Aim for 50-70% off the initial price. :moneywithwings:
📸 Capture the Colors
Vendors are often happy to let you take photos, especially if you buy something. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic African Crafts
Market Stalls
Discover vibrant paintings, intricate masks, unique jewelry, and traditional textiles crafted by local artisans.
Bargaining Experience
Market Stalls
Engage with friendly vendors and hone your negotiation skills for unique souvenirs and gifts.
Historical Square Ambiance
Greenmarket Square
Soak in the atmosphere of one of Cape Town's oldest public spaces, buzzing with energy and local life.
Planning Your Visit
Bargain Like a Pro
Timing is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Haggle for the Best Price
Always negotiate! Aim for 50-70% off the initial price.
:moneywithwings:📸 Capture the Colors
Vendors are often happy to let you take photos, especially if you buy something.
:camerawithflash:🛍️ Look Beyond the Stalls
Consider nearby Pan African Market for potentially better fixed prices.
:shopping_bags:🚶♀️ Explore with Ease
Wear comfortable shoes; you'll be doing a lot of walking and browsing.
:athletic_shoe:Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Haggle for the Best Price
Always negotiate! Aim for 50-70% off the initial price.
:moneywithwings:📸 Capture the Colors
Vendors are often happy to let you take photos, especially if you buy something.
:camerawithflash:🛍️ Look Beyond the Stalls
Consider nearby Pan African Market for potentially better fixed prices.
:shopping_bags:🚶♀️ Explore with Ease
Wear comfortable shoes; you'll be doing a lot of walking and browsing.
:athletic_shoe:💰 Cash is King
While some vendors might accept cards, cash is generally preferred and can help with bargaining.
:moneywithwings:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Greenmarket Square is a lively and colorful market offering a wide array of African crafts and souvenirs. Visitors appreciate the vibrant atmosphere, the friendly vendors, and the opportunity to find unique items. However, some find the prices high and the pressure to buy intense, making bargaining a crucial skill for a positive experience.
"Located in a very central area along long street, the market is composed of easily around 30 stalls selling magnets, keyrings, traditional African clothes, handcrafts, caps, decorative items and bracelets among others. Large variety of stuffs sold at high prices that you should at least divide by 3 to obtain a fair price. However, sometimes you can get better prices without much bargain in Pan African Market ( a building found 100m away) or cheaper fixed prices in African Curiosity (V&A Waterfront).
The market is active as from 9-10am till 5pm everyday, and amazingly as it might seem, they dismantle every stall at the end of the day and mount them again the next day, every single day."
Yashvin Awootar
"It's always a bustling place with a vibe. Most definitely a tourist hot spot."
A J
"Great place to spend time buying some real art and craft from South Africa. Buy clothes, native musical instruments, paintings, leather and jewellery. Lots of souvenir and gifting items available here. Make sure you bargain well for the best price."
Mohit Manohar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Greenmarket Square is centrally located in the heart of Cape Town, making it easily accessible. Many visitors arrive via taxi or ride-sharing services like Uber.
If you're exploring the city, it's also within walking distance of many hotels and attractions. Public transport options are available, but checking local routes and schedules is recommended.While generally safe, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas. Keep your belongings secure and be mindful of pickpockets.
The market is typically open daily from around 9 AM to 5 PM. However, it's always a good idea to check for any seasonal changes or public holiday hours.
Yes, you can take photos and videos. Vendors are often friendly and may even offer you a discount if you purchase items after taking pictures.
The square itself is an open public space, but the market stalls can be tightly packed. Navigating with a wheelchair might be challenging in some areas. It's best to assess the situation upon arrival.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Greenmarket Square is a public space and does not require an entrance ticket. You only pay for the items you wish to purchase from the vendors.
There are no entrance fees to visit Greenmarket Square itself. The costs are associated with the goods you decide to buy from the various stalls.
While some vendors may accept card payments, it's highly recommended to carry cash (South African Rand). Bargaining is easier with cash, and not all vendors are equipped for card transactions.
As it's a market with many independent vendors, returns policies can vary. It's best to inspect items carefully before purchasing and to clarify any return possibilities with the vendor at the time of sale.
While there aren't official 'tickets' for the market, many city tours of Cape Town include a stop at Greenmarket Square. This can be a great way to learn about its history and significance.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
You'll find a wide array of souvenirs, including traditional African clothing, handcrafted jewelry, wooden carvings, masks, paintings, textiles, and leather goods.
Prices can vary greatly. While some items are reasonably priced, many are marked up for tourists. Travelers suggest aiming to pay about a third of the initial asking price through bargaining.
Absolutely! Haggling is expected and part of the market experience. Be polite but firm, and don't be afraid to walk away if you don't get a price you're comfortable with.
Greenmarket Square is a great place for unique art, especially paintings and carvings. Look for pieces that resonate with you, and don't hesitate to ask vendors about their work.
Yes, the Pan African Market is located about 100 meters away and offers a similar range of goods, sometimes with fixed prices. The V&A Waterfront also has shops with African crafts.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, yes. Many vendors are happy for you to take photos, especially if you're a potential buyer. Some may even offer a small gift or discount if you purchase something after taking pictures.
The vibrant colors of the textiles, the intricate details of the crafts, the expressive faces of the vendors, and the lively atmosphere of the square itself make for excellent photographic subjects.
There are no official restrictions on photography for personal use. However, always be respectful and ask permission if you plan to take close-up portraits of individuals.
Morning light can be softer and less harsh, making it ideal for capturing details. However, the market is bustling throughout the day, offering dynamic scenes at any time.
Drone usage in urban areas like Greenmarket Square is generally restricted and requires permits. It's best to avoid using drones in this location to comply with local regulations.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While Greenmarket Square is primarily a craft and souvenir market, you might find some vendors selling snacks or drinks. For a full meal, there are numerous restaurants and cafes in the surrounding Long Street area.
The Long Street area offers a diverse culinary scene, from traditional South African cuisine to international flavors. You can find everything from casual eateries to more upscale dining options.
Cape Town is generally good with catering to various dietary needs. Many restaurants in the city center will offer vegetarian and vegan dishes. It's always best to check menus or ask staff.
There are no specific rules against bringing your own food and drinks, but it's not common practice. It's more typical to purchase refreshments from nearby establishments or vendors if available.
When exploring Cape Town, consider trying dishes like 'bobotie' (a spiced minced meat bake), 'biltong' (dried cured meat), and fresh seafood.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🎁 Souvenir Hunters
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of the Deal: Haggling at Greenmarket Square
Key Takeaway: Be confident, polite, and ready to negotiate. Don't be afraid to walk away if the price isn't right.
Consider visiting nearby markets like the Pan African Market for price comparisons, as some vendors there may have fixed prices or different negotiation dynamics. This can give you a better sense of fair value for similar items.
A Glimpse into History: Greenmarket Square's Past
Historical Significance: The square's longevity and continuous use as a marketplace underscore its importance in Cape Town's heritage.
Today, the market stalls are dismantled and reassembled daily, a testament to the dynamic nature of commerce and the enduring spirit of the vendors who bring life to this historic location. Visiting Greenmarket Square offers a chance to connect with the city's past while enjoying its present-day vibrancy.
Finding Treasures: What to Buy at Greenmarket Square
Look out for hand-carved wooden sculptures, traditional masks, and colorful paintings that capture the spirit of South Africa. Leather goods, such as bags and wallets, are also available. For those seeking something truly unique, keep an eye out for textiles and decorative items that showcase local artistry.
Pro Tip: If you find something you love, consider buying it on the spot, as you might not find the exact same item again. Remember to bargain to get the best possible price for your chosen treasures.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit