Greenmarket Square
Greenmarket Square, Cape Town Central: Address, Greenmarket Square Reviews: 3.5/5
Greenmarket Square
Greenmarket Square
3.5
About
Greenmarket Square is one of Cape town's oldest markets, full of crafts, jewelry, clothing and curios at a great value.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Greenmarket Square
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
1 034 within 5 kms
FYN
202
0.3 kmRRRR • International • Contemporary • Vegetarian Friendly
Burger & Lobster
961
0.2 kmRR - RRR • Bar • Dining bars
madam taitou
350
86 mRR - RRR • African • Healthy • Ethiopian
Chefs Warehouse
1 405
0.3 kmRR - RRR • European • Healthy • Vegetarian Friendly
Bouchon Wine Bar & Bistro
183
0.3 kmRR - RRR • Mediterranean • European • Wine Bar
Addis in Cape Ethiopian Restaurant
857
0.1 kmRR - RRR • African • Ethiopian • Vegetarian Friendly
Bombay Brasserie
548
0.2 kmRRRR • Indian • Asian • Vegetarian Friendly
The Africa Cafe' Restaurant
1 034
0.3 kmRR - RRR • African • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
The Cousins Trattoria
512
0.4 kmRR - RRR • Italian • Mediterranean • European
The Shortmarket Club
537
0.2 kmRRRR • French • Bar • Asian
Attractions
142 within 5 kms
Green Point Market
75
12 mFlea & Street Markets
Michaelis Collection at the Iziko Old Town House
8
52 mSpeciality Museums
Go That Way
44
0.1 kmVisitor Centres
The African Portrait Art Gallery
4
0.1 kmArt Galleries
Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve
508
0.2 kmNature & Wildlife Areas • Off-Road & ATV Trails
Gateway Guides
1
0.1 kmHistoric Sites • Historic Walking Areas
Worldart Gallery
1
97 mArt Galleries
Cape Town Gateway Visitor Centre
14
0.2 kmVisitor Centres
St. George's Cathedral
312
0.2 kmChurches & Cathedrals
99 Loop Gallery
2
0.2 kmArt Galleries
Contribute
Popular mentions
3.5
1 262 reviews
Excellent
257
Very good
507
Average
364
Poor
108
Terrible
26
KodoDrummer
Yekaterinburg, Russia63 922 contributions
Amazing place to search for African gems
Mar 2020
An over 320 year old square. We came shopping for unique souvenirs. We enjoyed the market. Lots of interesting and unusual African handicrafts and other things to see.
Written 24 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MiniverM
Asheville, NC216 contributions
Get ripped off
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.
Choomi
Port Louis District9 contributions
walking to the Greenmarket place from Long Street
Dec 2019
Nice place to buy souvenirs but don't know if it will always safe with many people living on the street next to the market
Written 27 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tyrese B
11 contributions
Greenmarket Square
Oct 2019
Had some nice things to buy if you were looking for inexpensive gifts but alot of people panhandling every where in the area and a refugee camp right next to it
so be aware of your area just like anywhere you go
so be aware of your area just like anywhere you go
Written 12 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Deborah K
Perth, Australia14 contributions
Good open-air market with negotiable prices
Nov 2019
The quality of the goods in this market was of mixed quality, so browse first before you buy from any particular vendor. Prices are negotiable. Be aware there is a homeless mission nearby and many people will beg for money and follow you for quite some time asking for help. It made us want to leave the area quickly after leaving the market, because we couldn't help everyone who approached us.
Written 19 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Louise C
Pau, France168 contributions
Fun place for souvenir shopping
Oct 2019 • Family
A nice, relaxed market full of African souvenirs and handicrafts. It’s low key and friendly. Be ready to barter for your purchase!
Written 6 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
M O
Los Angeles, CA1 687 contributions
African market.
Oct 2019 • Couples
A must visit market for a look at the African artist displaying their arts for sale in addition to African cotton shirts and dresses.
Bargain is a must here as the asking price is usually multiplied by 5 to start with.
A fun place.
Bargain is a must here as the asking price is usually multiplied by 5 to start with.
A fun place.
Written 23 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
tonytsheng
243 contributions
You should visit
Aug 2019
Despite all the reviews stating that it is a tourist trap and how the goods are not worth it, if you visit with a bit of cultural sensitivity, it is worth the visit. Know that some of the goods are authentic and some are not. Some of the vendors are doing their best, some are not. There are definitely some items that you can't get anywhere else. You might be helping someone earn a fair wage.
Written 21 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
T Goebel
Johannesburg, South Africa10 contributions
The good usual stuff...
May 2019
Quote pricy and nothing really out of ordinary. Also didnt like the area too much. We went there on a Sunday morning and it was very quite... which didnt add to the experience.
Written 18 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sachin K
Plainview, NY5 818 contributions
Colorful, Vibrant, Lively and Lovely
Aug 2018 • Family
The Greenmarket Square in Cape Town is colorful, vibrant, lively and lovely. It is a must visit for any traveler in Cape Town mainly to see the vendors selling some great African arts. If you are good at bargaining, then you may find some awesome artwork at a reasonable price.
Written 26 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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, Australia14 contributions
I don’t know but didn’t see anything tha would suggest vendors at Greenmarket would have a web presence.
Elise J
Delray Beach, FL12 contributions
What are the hours on Saturday?
W5432LLjessicah
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, MI40 contributions
Will the vendors ship items home to the US for me or should I arrange that through my hotel?
Juan Q
Mexico City, Mexico67 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, Israel16 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 Netherlands113 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!
Frequently Asked Questions about Greenmarket Square
- We recommend booking Greenmarket Square tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 14 Greenmarket Square tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Greenmarket Square:
- Explore History and Culture of the BoKaap (From R 409,22)
- Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Cape Town Private Tour (From R 745,93)
- Cape Town City Center Walking Experience (From R 1 227,66)
- A Taste of Africa (From R 739,37)
- Full-Day Cape Town Highlights Private Tour with Local Guide (From R 2 659,86)
- Hotels near Greenmarket Square:
- (0.01 km) ONOMO Hotel Cape Town - Inn On The Square
- (0.04 km) Greenmarket Place
- (0.04 km) 9th floor Greenmarket Sq & Table mountain views
- (0.06 km) At Greenmarket Place
- (0.06 km) Luxury 2 bed with Table Mountain mountain views
- 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) Honeybun