Cape Town Shopping

Whether you're looking for African art, intricate beadwork, a perfect souvenir, or a designer label, Cape Town shopping is packed to the brim with unique stores as well as gorgeous malls and shopping centers. If you're visiting from outside South Africa, you'll enjoy the favorable exchange rate and the steals you'll find. Textiles, leather goods, outerwear, books, art, and wine are very well priced. If you like gold and medal work, consider buying jewelry while shopping in Cape Town. Not only will the exchange rate give you a good deal, but some of the best goldsmiths in South Africa live in Cape Town.

V&A Waterfront

Start the V&A Waterfront, if you're looking for the ultimate tourist Cape Town shopping experience. In addition to two large malls, the V&A Waterfront also has two fabulous craft markets. You're bound to find everything from designer boutiques and shopping centers to African Curios at the V&A Waterfront. If you're expecting authentic African crafts while Cape Town shopping, make sure to peruse the Red Shed art and craft market, the largest craft market in Southern Africa.

Green Market Square and St. George's Mall

In the heart of Cape Town, you'll find the Green Market Square and St. George's Mall where you can browse stalls that sell crafts, clothing, and other interesting gifts. Cape Town shopping has great deals if you look at the Green Market square. Make sure to check out the quality of an object before handing over your cash though, this area is infamous for finagling unsuspecting customers out of their money.

Pan African Market

For a Cape Town shopping experience that takes you through life in Africa, head to Long Street, the Pan African Market. Along the street, you'll find beautiful jewelry, arts, crafts, artifacts, and traditional African food from the entire continent. This vibrant street showcases a wide variety of colors, textures, and smells that will pleasantly tease your senses. Walking down the street, you'll actually feel as though you've travelled between countries. Kids might enjoy getting their hair braided on Long Street, and if you want to sample a variety of authentic African cuisine in one place, you must visit Long Street!

Century City

If you've got your walking legs ready, visit the largest shopping center in Africa: Century City at the end of the Canal Walk. Though you may feel overwhelmed at first, you'll like the large variety of shops to choose from. It is definitely a workout, but if you generally feel energized while shopping, head to Century City. If you have kids, they'll have a blast at the extraordinary science center within the shopping center. Who would have though that Cape Town shopping could also be educational?

Montebello Design Center

To visit real artists' studios, make a trip to the Montebello Design Center where you can see a variety of artists in their "habitat." Among the shops and studios, you'll find two jewelry smiths, a pottery studio, and a few other local artisan studios. The Montebello Design Center also has an impressive greenhouse with the Gardner's Cottage restaurant situated in the serene shade below the grand centuries-old oak trees. If you're tired after Cape Town shopping, resting at the Montebello Design Center is the perfect retreat.

Treasure Coast

For unique, antique Cape Town shopping, make your way to the False Bay Coastline, known as Treasure Coast for the wide variety of "treasures" and antiques available. Explore the niches of the wide variety of antique and bric-a-brac stores. Kalk Bay and Simonstown also have great antique shops for unique, one-of-a-kind treasures.

Imhoff Farm

If you still haven't found what you're looking for from Cape Town shopping, you're sure to have an irreplaceable experience at the Imhoff Farm, a small village on the road to Kommetjie. In addition to small, hand-crafted gifts, you'll also find tiny delicious restaurants at Imhoff farm. You'll feel like you're in a unique village created outside of space and time. Kids will also love the opportunity to enjoy a camel ride while you enjoy Cape Town shopping.