Greenmarket Square
Greenmarket Square
3.5
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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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1Â 061 within 5 kms
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
3.5
1Â 289 reviews
Excellent
259
Very good
514
Average
368
Poor
113
Terrible
35
NeilC
Newlands, South Africa12 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.
NeilC
Newlands, South Africa12 contributions
Sep 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.
JJBuirski
Cape Town, South Africa270 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.
Geraldine Fielies
1 contribution
Apr 2023 • Business
Do you have an open space for trader nuts products I'm a registered company so I need to ask if you can assist me contact me 0633745535.
Written 3 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.
kate680
Orlando, FL89 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
Area feels sketchy. The item prices start so high you can’t negotiate down to get any deals. Better shopping for souvenirs at the waterfront. Would not bother here.
Written 8 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.
hollyb14
North Yorkshire, UK181 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.
Chuck S
Oxford, MS19 contributions
Jan 2023 • Solo
This square has a lot of vendors selling souvenirs, t-shirts, clothes, and other things and has some vibrancy to it, albeit, many of the stalls have the same things. I didn’t see that many beggars like others described and I thought the area was fine. It is worth stopping by since they have the things you’d like for yourself and for others. If you’re not wanting to haggle, there are some stores on Long Street that have similar things. I was called a ‘bad man’ by one of the vendors for not buying something so the vendors can be pushy but just hold your ground.
Written 26 January 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.
TravelbugVietnam
Vietnam1Â 697 contributions
Dec 2022
This is a large outdoor market set in a square where stall holders sell their wares. A good place for souvenirs and an opportunity to interact with the locals. I bought a beaded necklace and a sundress in a vivid African print made by the stall holder's wife.
Written 24 January 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 Africa12 contributions
Dec 2022
The stallholders cause a tremendous noise when they set up their stalls and leave loads of litter behind when they leave. This occurs daily. The stallholders have a negative impact on this historic location.
Written 29 December 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.
Tessa P
1 contribution
Dec 2022 • Business
In our opinion a great place to browse the different curio shops. Also a great opportunity to support the artists, many of the crafts will be made by them or their families. Definitely don’t be afraid to negotiate! There can be some criminals looking for easy targets, so take your essentials and nothing more.
Written 13 December 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.
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?
Deborah K
Perth, Australia17 contributions
I don’t know but didn’t see anything tha would suggest vendors at Greenmarket would have a web presence.
Abu Ali
Dammam, Saudi Arabia119 contributions
Where can I park my car if I want to go the green market?
ProfessorMUSTAFA
Los Angeles, CA1Â 715 contributions
There are a few garages around the market ranging in price from R30 to R70 /hour.
Elise N
Delray Beach, FL13 contributions
What are the hours on Saturday?
Jessica H
Enfield, United States49 contributions
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.
StaySaneInCrazyTimes
Farmington Hills, MI44 contributions
Will the vendors ship items home to the US for me or should I arrange that through my hotel?
Juan Q
Mexico City, Mexico68 contributions
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.
Iris S
Rishon Lezion, Israel17 contributions
hello
parking advice near green market square ?
thank you
Erica R
Chicago, IL64 contributions
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
discogirl_97
Polokwane, South Africa18 contributions
Is this wheelchair accessible? And is there parking?
Erica R
Chicago, IL64 contributions
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.
Judy V
Whidbey Island, WA197 contributions
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!!
sjt817
Riverside32 contributions
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.
Danielle
11 contributions
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?
EJB59
Almere, The Netherlands128 contributions
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!
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Claim your listingGREENMARKET SQUARE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Greenmarket Square
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Greenmarket Square:
- PRIVATE TOUR: Highlights & Hidden Gems of Cape Town - Tickets and Snack Included (From RÂ 1Â 479,75)
- Cape Town City Center Walking Experience (From RÂ 1Â 222,67)
- A Taste of Africa (From RÂ 1Â 818,73)
- 1 Day Explore Cape Town Like a Local with Private Guided Transfer (From RÂ 2Â 750,95)
- Cape Town Scavenger Hunt: Rounding The Cape! (From RÂ 230,67)
- Hotels near Greenmarket Square:
- (0.01 km) ONOMO Hotel Cape Town - Inn On The Square
- (0.04 km) Greenmarket Place
- (0.06 km) Stylish central City Apartment on Greenmarket Square with secure parking garage.
- (0.06 km) At Greenmarket Place
- (0.06 km) Luxury, Designer City Centre Apartment on Historic Square, with Wifi and Parking
- Restaurants near Greenmarket Square:
- (0.01 km) The DISH
- (0.02 km) Choice Coffees
- (0.02 km) Bellini
- (0.03 km) The Food Lover's Market
- (0.04 km) Sinful