Greenmarket Square
Greenmarket Square
3.5
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Greenmarket Square is one of Cape town's oldest markets, full of crafts, jewelry, clothing and curios at a great value.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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3.5
1,304 reviews
Excellent
263
Very good
519
Average
369
Poor
115
Terrible
38
MiniverM
Asheville, NC205 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
This was once one of Cape Towns best markets for local crafters, but not it’s all about west, East and North African crafts that are mass produced and some made to look old.
Prices are guessed and inflated. Every second booth has the same thing. You can probably find the same items in your own countries for cheaper than you can at this market
Prices are guessed and inflated. Every second booth has the same thing. You can probably find the same items in your own countries for cheaper than you can at this market
Written 31 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angelscamp
Chicago, IL112 contributions
Aug 2021
We went back here 3 or 4 times during our week in Cape Town because it's really nice to browse around and shop outdoors. It wasn't very crowded or busy due to COVID, so it might have been different for us. They people were mostly very nice and not too pushy. It's a place you want to barter and negotiate and have some fun like any other street market in the world. We got several nice little figurines and cool art. It's funny to ask who painted X or carved Y cuz they always say it's their brother, haha.
Written 27 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hollyb14
North Yorkshire, UK187 contributions
Jan 2023 • Friends
We visited last Saturday morning and what a disappointment. Every stall sold the same thing. Stall holders seemed quite aggressive in getting you to see their stock, I was grabbed by a woman and made to wear something in the hope of buying it...which didn't happen!
It was very dirty and quite intimidating with homeless people literally following you all the way round..
One saving Grace, we came across a local group singing and performing which was absolutely fantastic. I found it quite emotional, but was very aware of the homeless gathering round getting closer and closer...we left to see what long street had to offer but left quickly as we found it very intimidating! Filthy streets, nothing to see or do (the part we saw at least) and such a disappointment.
If you're going to visit, be very aware of your surroundings, keep your belongings close, be prepared to haggle, hard!
Not a place I'd like to re-visit!
It was very dirty and quite intimidating with homeless people literally following you all the way round..
One saving Grace, we came across a local group singing and performing which was absolutely fantastic. I found it quite emotional, but was very aware of the homeless gathering round getting closer and closer...we left to see what long street had to offer but left quickly as we found it very intimidating! Filthy streets, nothing to see or do (the part we saw at least) and such a disappointment.
If you're going to visit, be very aware of your surroundings, keep your belongings close, be prepared to haggle, hard!
Not a place I'd like to re-visit!
Written 2 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NeilC
Newlands, South Africa20 contributions
Mar 2022 • Family
Greenmarket Square has deteriorated badly. What was and can still be a vibrant space is now lethargic and intimidating. The market is one-dimensional and lacks local flare. There’s a drinking hole called Shakira’s that is a stain on the heritage of the Square. During our visit I noticed several tourists and locals being intimidated by the very drunk and unruly customers. It’s like the local authority has given up on a space that has massive potential.
Written 16 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jerry Buirski
Cape Town, South Africa322 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
We used to like Greenmarket Square. Unfortunately, lately the vendors seem to be mostly foreigners and browsing or buying not so pleasant anymore. My daughter desperately wanted a SA flag and was blatantly ripped off. With no prices on items vendors can basically ask what they can get away with and we will be smarting for months that one charged her R250 for a smallish flag of cheap material. It will probably sell for R50 in any Chinatown.
Written 6 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travel_Girl_Reviews
London, UK711 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
I noticed that the most recent reviews were negative but we visited anyway. It was mostly a waste of our time.
The market has curios from all over the African continent, there are not actually many curios from South Africa. This makes sense as the vendors add all from Central and North Africa. It depends what you are after I guess but I found more South African curios in places like Kalk Bay or Simon’s Town.
There is also the issue of the prices. They are a total rip off and charged a lot more than the other vendors that I have bought from in other other parts of Cape Town. Some of the suggested prices were more than quadruple of what I’ve paid elsewhere.
You feel quite pressurized to buy, so if you want to go, be ready to say “no” quite forcefully.
I won’t ever return as there are few to no South African curios, the prices were ridiculous and because of how much pressure is put on you.
The market has curios from all over the African continent, there are not actually many curios from South Africa. This makes sense as the vendors add all from Central and North Africa. It depends what you are after I guess but I found more South African curios in places like Kalk Bay or Simon’s Town.
There is also the issue of the prices. They are a total rip off and charged a lot more than the other vendors that I have bought from in other other parts of Cape Town. Some of the suggested prices were more than quadruple of what I’ve paid elsewhere.
You feel quite pressurized to buy, so if you want to go, be ready to say “no” quite forcefully.
I won’t ever return as there are few to no South African curios, the prices were ridiculous and because of how much pressure is put on you.
Written 27 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NeilC
Newlands, South Africa20 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
The stallholders leave a tremendous amount of litter behind on the Square when the pack up. This happens on a daily basis. I have stopped visiting because I can't be part of such violations of the littering laws. The CoCT appears unable to deal with the blatant violation of the City's own laws. It is a terrible place.
Written 1 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NeilC
Newlands, South Africa20 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Greenmarket Square is an indication that Cape Town City Centre is deteriorating in the same way as all the other cities in South Africa. The informal traders violate bylaws with impunity: noise pollution early in the morning and in the evening when they assemble their metal structures; heaps of litter left behind every single day; loitering by petty criminals; and sale of drugs. Square has become known as the main location to obtain drugs such as heroine and cannabis.
Written 4 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Am B
13 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
So much fun in this market. Sellers come from every corner of Africa. They all have their stories. Hagling is necessary of course but with good laughs you get a good Price And fair for both parties.
Go there And buy your souvenir.
It s very safe, private security is every where
Go there And buy your souvenir.
It s very safe, private security is every where
Written 6 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve B
Fenton, MO6 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
We got there just as they started to break down shop for the day. All the vendors were saying 'closing price', but I don't know if it was any better than usual. You can get some good deals, just look around and compare prices before you buy. And remember, price negotiation is expected!
Written 9 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there a way I can buy a canvas painting I wish I would have bought while I was there? Maybe online or over the phone?
Written 9 March 2020
I don’t know but didn’t see anything tha would suggest vendors at Greenmarket would have a web presence.
Written 9 March 2020
Where can I park my car if I want to go the green market?
Written 23 December 2019
There are a few garages around the market ranging in price from R30 to R70 /hour.
Written 23 December 2019
It probably was!!!!! Seriously I do not know as they are local market stalls and not static. Have to be put up by hand. Try logging into Tourist information.
Written 16 October 2019
What are the hours that the market is open on Saturdays?
Written 28 February 2018
Officially, 9am-5pm, but they'll sell earlier if you're there with money and they'll start closing up at 4 if it's a slow day.
Written 1 March 2018
9 to 5 according to their website. Be cautious and watchful in this area. We witnessed a necklace snatching and credit card theft just feet from the market perimeter. Once inside the perimeter security is tight.
Written 1 March 2018
Will the vendors ship items home to the US for me or should I arrange that through my hotel?
Written 11 September 2017
No, they won't ship unless you buy inside a store, which might be more expensive, but sometimes they can surprise you with great bargains. There are plenty around the market. And if you fin something outside, It is always more recommendable to treat the shipping with the hotel.
Written 12 September 2017
hello
parking advice near green market square ?
thank you
Written 2 July 2017
Hi, we took the bus, so I have no idea. THere is street parking all over, but I can't recall how hard it seemed to find a spot. There are 2 or 3 parking garages near Greenmarket Square
Written 5 July 2017
Is this wheelchair accessible? And is there parking?
Written 6 March 2017
The market isn't enclosed, it's just out there on a closed-off street. In the middle of downtown, so yes, wheelchair accessible for sure. As for parking, it seemed to be just street parking.We were on foot so didn't pay much attention to parking garages or street parking availability.
Written 6 March 2017
We will be in Cape Town in April. At the markets is it best to bargain with SARs or US$? Thanks! Looking so forawrd to seeing/experiencing South Africa!!
Written 22 January 2017
exchange your dollars for rand at ATM or exchange shops. You can usually purchase items of half of the asking price. Keep your hang bag, wallet close to you as pick pockets will have an eye on you.
Written 10 October 2017
I've read a lot that the market is not like it used to be and locals say many of the crafts are made in China. Where is the best place to go for authentic art and souvenirs?
Written 17 April 2016
All items being sold on this market are manfactured in the so called Townships. Buying here is helping the local community.
Quality sometimes is questionable but they have nice give-aways to take home with you. Always negotiate because selling prices are over 40% lower as initially offered.
For genuine and high Quality souvenirs pls go to long street. Oyster eggs and other stuff is professional wrapped and save to be transported by airlines.
And, even if you do not buy on Green Market, taste the atmosphere of Africa there. Happy shopping!
Written 17 April 2016
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