Market Hopping in the Western Cape, South Africa

Aside from all of the nature, the beautiful beaches and magnificent mountain trails, Cape Town is revered for its food culture, its artisanal ingenuity, its creativity and proficiency in design. It’s also a place that – as a large, burgeoning community – is consciously aware about sustainable living. Sourcing seasonal ingredients, supporting local initiatives and celebrating the produce of the country, and the craftsmanship that comes with it. There’s no better place to experience and witness the resourcefulness and innovativeness of Cape Town, than at the markets. Whether it be an urban market, a farmer’s market, a communal craft market or a tantalisingly tasty food market, there are a plethora of places to visit. Whatever it is that incites your curiosity – food, literature, music, art, craft, coffee, people…our market stalls around the Mother City and her surrounding farm regions will have you moving to the beat and the pulse of Cape Town’s burgeoning communities.

At NIMANO Hillside - We love to recommend all of the authentic activities that expose this magical city for what it is…this is our Cape Town, South Africa.

Head to the following market places for some delightful winter wandering amongst the stalls. Gather your travelling team together and venture down the road, or farther afield to some of the wine estates, old train stations, harbour warehouses and country paddocks for a decent dose of Western Cape culture! Taste the best hot brews or sublime sparkling Method Cap Classique. Enjoy a gentle amble across the sawdust floors, listening to some live music, feeling the warmth of the open fireplaces, as you sample some seriously delicious artisanal food and beverages. Discovering unique pieces of art, furniture, fashion items and ornamental souvenirs that you’ll savour as part of your travels around Africa.

Here are just a handful or two of our suggestions…

No more than a five minute drive from your own private retreat at NIMANO Hillside, down into the village of Noordhoek, every Wednesday from 16h00 until 20h00 – weather depending – visit The Farm Village evening market. Our local weekly Wednesday open-air evening market is great for the whole family. Loads of entertainment and plenty of exciting things to see.
The Bay Harbour Market in Hout Bay is a wonderful market that really encapsulates the essence of the Cape Peninsula’s community. Where you can source some local ingredients and artisanal crafts, listen to live music and taste delicious craft beers and bakes. Fortunately it’s enclosed so it’s a fabulous winter outing for the whole family. A beautifully scenic drive along Chapman’s Peak, less than 30 minutes from NIMANO Hillside.
The OZCF Market, no more than a 45-minute drive from NIMANO Hillside to the Granger Bay shoreline of the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. A cluster of creative stalls and organic fruit and vegetable baskets and barrels. Delicious food options and some stylish fashion stands. It’s a glorious place to sit under the marquees and watch the boats sailing in and out of the harbour right in front. Listening to live music and all of the merry people meandering the wood-chipped lanes.
For a bit of urban grit, one of the pioneers of Cape Town’s market scene is The Old Biscuit Mill Neighbourgoods Market in Woodstock. An old converted warehouse that exhibits so much more than just food, art and craft. It’s the vibe of the place that will have you flocking to its stalls as many Saturdays as you can, jiving to the beats and sourcing loads of treats. Make sure you walk around the whole square, stopping in at some of the beautiful retail stores too.
A food only affair, where world-renowned chefs venture to the market stoves and serve some seriously delicious dishes, visit the TimeOut Market at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. No more than a 45-minute drive from NIMANO Hillside.
Mojo Market in Sea Point is a fun place to gather at any time of the day, also serving only food with the odd curio stalls. A visit to the promenade to feel the vibe of the Atlantic Seaboard is always invigorating.
If you’d like to drive a little further and experience the farmlands, head to the Elgin Railway Market, about 90 minutes from NIMANO Hillside. Located in an old apple warehouse, this market place oozes a lot of history and charm, where you can really feel the authenticity of the farmer’s communities in the area.