Informal Markets, Cape Town

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Greenmarket Square markets are now an institution in Cape Town.Everyone goes there. And anything goes there. Its one of those funky places that are fun to walk around in,even if shopping is not your priority. The markets are open 7 days a week- and crowded on every one. Just about everything is available here- jewellery,handcrafts,artwork,sculptures,musical instruments,ethnic and other clothing,hand painted T-shirts and my favourite thing to buy- hand-crafted toys and handbags made from recycled tin cans.
There is always music, and a carnival atmosphere. It is surrounded by trees which give good shade, and colourful umbrellas.
Surrounding the market area are many outdoor coffee shops and restuarants, so its lovely to be able to stroll around, have lunch, and pop back to the market. I found it very easy to spend a whole day browsing around.
Be prepared,if trying on clothing, to do so in make-shift flimsy 'changing booths'. Someone should stand guard lest you be caught in your underwear!

What to buy: All the above named, but especially the recycled tin articles, which are beautifully made and colourful.

What to pay: Bargain-but prices are really cheap anyway

Just like in other areas of Africa it is common to all of a sudden come across a random stall set up along the side of the road.
These people are usually selling local crafts - in Africa that usually means wooden giraffes and other wood carvings - they are cheap, good gifts - just make sure that you can carry them and that you are allowed to take them back into your country.

The informal markets is a great place to visit and find something special to take home. Less expensive than buying it in a shop and the quality is exactly the same. You are just buying directly from the suppliers

What to buy: These serving dishes makes for a lovely dish in which to serve your cous-cous salad or other african dish that you might have prepared for your guests.

The informal markets is a great place to visit and find something special to take home. Less expensive than buying it in a shop and the quality is exactly the same. You are just buying directly from the suppliers

What to buy: The zulu war shield makes a nice display on the wall.

The informal markets is a great place to visit and find something special to take home. Less expensive than buying it in a shop and the quality is exactly the same. You are just buying directly from the suppliers here and not working thru a third entity.

What to buy: These lovely chairs are very comfortable and make for interesting garden furniture.

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When you drive through Kommetjie and Scarborough, you happen upon an informal market that sells all kinds of sculptures.

What to buy: This picture is an example of the type of things they have on offer. The sculptures are of a very high standard, the sculptors very talented. There are small items too, but there are MANY large ones, which must weight a tonne! They are popular with foreigners though, although for me personally, the cost of flying/shopping such a huge and heavy item would put me off buying it.

As a local, of course it would be fine to buy! No worries re transportation.

What to pay: They are expensive in as much as they are worth alot, but are inexpensive when paying with foreign currency

While admiring the scenic beauty and historic sights of Cape Town on your meanderings, look out for hand sewn clothing, beautiful ethnic beadwork, handcrafted jewellery and handcareved sculpures.

Important to remember is that the person who is selling the art and crafts may be feeding a family of 20 members with whatever he brings home that night (as unemployment is high in the region), so where on the one hand I advocate bartering and negotiating, on the other hand, do so not too harshly, only if the cost seems ridiculous to you. It is often very subjective too (the worth of an artwork) and hard to put a price on an artists time and talent.

What to buy: Examples of arts and crafts from all over Africa are found here, not only South African craft, and this includes soapstone carvings, woven reed works, wirework creations (a personal favourite you might well imagine if you know my personal website haha) as well as replicas of the weapons, shields and war masks. The handcrafters and artists work in media as varied as ceramics, textile treatments, leather, bead, metal and wirework, jewellery, items from recycled material and more. Their work is an inspiration.

What to pay: Prices differ hugely. For a 1 metre tall handcarved girraffe made of jackleberry wood expect to pay at least R200.

Greenmarket Square has become a huge open-air African market, selling textiles, handicrafts and artwork from all over Africa. It?s a place heaving with activity all day, every day, and is an attractive place to linger even if you are not buying anything.

What to buy: Africana of al kinds. An amazing variety of textiles, wooden and leather crafts - some of it beautiful, some of it just rubbish. All is sold with style, panache and a smile.

People from South Africa and neighboring countries bring their crafts here.

What to buy: Masks, handpainted ostrich eggs, woodcarvings, malachite carvings?, clothes, etc. etc.

What to pay: Bargain, but everybody has got to make a living.

This craft market, which is located along the highway just outside Red Hill on the Cape Peninsula, is chock-a-block with quite respectably crafted sculpture, both in stone and in wood. Items range from very small statues of animals such as rhinos and hippos to huge wood figures representing both animals and people. It's certainly worth a stop, though if you buy something, make sure you haggle at least a little, even if the prices do seem to be quite low.