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
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The area
Address
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Restaurants
1Â 052 within 5 kms
FYN
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0.3 kmRRRR • International • Contemporary • Vegetarian Friendly
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madam taitou
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0.2 kmRRRR • Indian • Asian • Vegetarian Friendly
Burger & Lobster
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0.3 kmRR - RRR • Steakhouse • Grill
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207 within 10 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 268 reviews
Excellent
258
Very good
508
Average
365
Poor
108
Terrible
29
Ashanti1212
Cape Town Central, South Africa1 contribution
This place has become extremely overcrowded and a cover for petty drug dealers. Its a pity that such an historical space has been allowed to deteriorate so badly.
Written 8 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
NeilC
Newlands, South Africa3 contributions
Family
On more than one occasion was i offered weed, crack, tik (local name for meth) by drug dealers who use the cover of the market to ply their trade.
Always wondered why stall-holder are able to make a living during the rainy winter months when there are hardly any tourists.
Always wondered why stall-holder are able to make a living during the rainy winter months when there are hardly any tourists.
Written 10 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nick
Nottingham, UK180 contributions
Couples
This was a small market compared tp other places I've visited in the past. Though it does have all the souvenirs you might want - wooden safari animals etc, tribal masks, antelope skins etc. I Picked up a cool antelope tribal mask.
Be prepared to haggle. The folk there were friendly and not overly pushy. They obviously want a sale, but if you're not interested, just say so and move on.
Overall, I'd recommend coming here, but o ly for like 20 minutes to half an hour.
Be prepared to haggle. The folk there were friendly and not overly pushy. They obviously want a sale, but if you're not interested, just say so and move on.
Overall, I'd recommend coming here, but o ly for like 20 minutes to half an hour.
Written 20 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
NeilC
Newlands, South Africa3 contributions
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.
Robert O
Rotterdam, The Netherlands3Â 229 contributions
During the early days of the colony end 1600s, farmers would come here with their ox carts loaded with produce to be sold. The Old Town House built in 1761 (still intact) was the center of the local administration. Nowadays green market is not longer green, but covered with stalls selling African handicrafts, garments, bags and what not. I did not find the vendors obtrusive. Yes, they want to sell things, but hey it is a market.
Written 18 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Angelscamp
Chicago, IL76 contributions
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.
KodoDrummer
Yekaterinburg, Russia64Â 096 contributions
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MiniverM
Asheville, NC216 contributions
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.
Choomi
Port Louis District9 contributions
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tyrese B
11 contributions
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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, Australia15 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, MI43 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 Netherlands119 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 RÂ 418,18)
- Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Cape Town Private Tour (From RÂ 723,12)
- Cape Town City Center Walking Experience (From RÂ 1Â 254,70)
- A Taste of Africa (From RÂ 1Â 463,87)
- Full-Day Cape Town Like a Local - Flexible Private Tour with Local Guide (From RÂ 2Â 823,15)
- Hotels near Greenmarket Square:
- (0.01 km) ONOMO Hotel Cape Town - Inn On The Square
- (0.04 km) Greenmarket Place
- (0.04 km) Spacious, Central Cape Town 2 en-suite bedrooms
- (0.04 km) 9th floor Greenmarket Sq & Table mountain views
- (0.06 km) At Greenmarket Place
- 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