The best shopping in Cape Town

Telegraph

26-02-2025

In Cape Town, buying local can mean anything from traditional beadwork and carvings to modern designers producing sophisticated creations (often sourced by international design-savvy shops in London, New York and Paris).
You'll find the city's best shopping areas in pockets and certain streets, but for a one-stop destination with the densest collection of shops and stalls, the largely pedestrianised V&A Waterfront is hard to beat. The mall in the V&A Waterfront is popular but the offering is pretty generic (though Cape Union Mart is worthwhile if you're shopping for safari or camping gear). If you're looking specifically for locally produced wares, head over to the Watershed, with over 150 stalls in a large warehouse flogging only items made on the continent.
For a slightly less sanitised more characterful shopping experience, a personal favourite is browsing the antique, clothing, bric-a-brac and galleries that line Kalk Bay's high street, within sight of the sea, and interspersed with plenty of places to stop for breather. Fashionistas should also earmark visits to MaXhosa Africa, Stefania Morland, KLûK CGDT, Kat van Duinen, Wanda Lephoto, Viviers Studio and Mantsho.
All our recommendations below have been hand selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best things to do in Cape Town. Find out more below or for further inspiration, see our guide to the city and its best hotels, restaurants, nightlife and things to do. For further inspiration, read our expert's ultimate two-week holiday in South Africa.
Find places to shop by area:
City Centre
City Bowl
V&A Waterfront
Kalk Bay and Southern Peninsula
Atlantic Seaboard
Southern suburbs
Winelands
City Centre
The Olive Branch Deli
This tiny deli, tucked away down a narrow corridor in a corner of the Lifestyle Centre, is like a 19th-century apothecary or Victorian grocer, with wooden cabinets and floor-to-ceiling shelves jam-packed with visually arresting produce, large hessian sacks of wares, racks of bread (including the best gluten-free loaves) and a 1920s jazz soundtrack. Conceived as a community grocer by its hands-on owner-managers, brother and sister Ommy and Hélène Demetriou showcase the very best in local produce and are always on hand to advise patrons. Generally considered the best deli in the city, their goods also make great gifts.
The Old Biscuit Mill & Neighbourgoods Market
This turn-of-the-century mill and factory – pumping out Pyott's biscuits until 1946 – was relaunched in 2006 as a boho mixed-use retail space, centred on the weekly Neighbourgoods Market, housed in a large warehouse-style area adjacent to the old mill. The city's first properly curated gourmet food market is still one of the best (Oranjezicht Farmers Market offers stiff competition) luring flocks of foodies every Saturday and Sunday; by mid-morning it's a human river flowing past cheerfully-manned stalls, each offering bite-sized samples of their hand-held meals or stellar take-home ingredients. Aside from this weekend's pop-up there is a permanent collection of shops, all of them open during the week – look out for Botanica jewellery, Imiso ceramics, Karoo Moon Country Store and Plush Bazaar Vintage.
African Jacquard
A wonderful marriage of tradition and innovation, Christine Daron's Cape Town studio uses a French jacquard weaving loom to create highly-tactile almost damask-like textiles. The collections are inspired by traditional African print designs or landscapes: shweshwe (SA and Lesotho), Danakil (Ethiopian), Bogolan (Mali), Kuba (DRC). The popularity of these 100 per cent cotton reverse-weave fabrics have spread from Cape Town to 25 countries; she also makes bespoke products for a host of high-end African brands. Pop in and pick out your bath towel, table cloth, cushion or bed throw, or custom design your own range: the jacquard weave allows for intricate images and logos, in a choice of French linen, African cotton (SmiA Standard), and bamboo.
Merchants on Long
Championing African design for over a decade Merchants on Long showcases the best emerging and established talent. Visit their lovely city centre store or the smaller outlet in the V&A Waterfront and tap into Africa's trendsetters. The shop features capsule collections – you might find MaXhosa Africa, Sindiso Khumalo, Lukhanyo Mdingi, Rich Mnisi and MmusoMaxwell. Regardless of what is in store, Merchants on Long is a local trendsetter, making this an absolute must for fashionistas or anyone interested in local design.
Mervyn Gers Ceramics
You are almost certain to encounter Mervyn Gers Ceramics somewhere during your stay – on the tables of fine restaurants, high-end safari lodges, wine estates – because everything looks better on a Mervyn Gers plate. Entirely handcrafted, each plate passes through 22 pairs of hands. Surprisingly durable too, from the unique clay to the way it's rolled, shaped, fettled, dipped and fired, this is stoneware that is designed for plenty of use. You can find some at Yuppiechef (a local kitchenware retail chain with outlets in most malls), but for the real-deal experience visit the Gers factory in Paarden Island to inspect samples of all the ranges (bear in mind they usually produce stock to order). Better still, book a consultation for your own customised dinner service. Shipping arrangements are seamless; expect a lead time of around six weeks.
Gilles De Moyencourt Haute-Antiques
On weekends you may find self-confessed 'treasure hunter' Gilles De Moyencourt at the Milnerton Flea Market, ferreting for beauty amidst the junk, carrying his finds to his Aladdin's cave on the Woodstock high street. A French import (drawn to Cape Town by a South African ballerina he met in France), De Moyencourt has a true collectors' instinct, spotting the inherent beauty and 'soul' in the inanimate, breathing new life into that which others might discard. Perfection is not the aim; the objective is collecting character. It's thus a wonderful array, from junk shop frippery and the oddest knick-knacks to seriously covetable antiques; if you are interested and engaging enough, Gilles makes a most entertaining and erudite guide, able to tell a story around each find.
The Real Crystal Birch (aka The Hat Factory)
A graduate from Elizabeth Galloway Academy of Fashion, Crystal Birch trained under Piers Atkinson and Noel Stewart in London before returning home to work with her mentor Harry Faktor, eventually taking over the millinery he'd established in 1936, and rebranding it The Hat Factory. You'll find a wide range in the store, or order a bespoke fit. Lots of elegant straw hats to augment a pretty summer frock, add the final chic touch to a wedding outfit or, if you simply like to turn heads, be sure to look out for the big 'C' in downtown Harrington Street, and pick out your personal showstopper.
City Bowl
wine concepts
I love visiting this boutique wine company, not only because the staff are knowledgeable, but also because their selection offers everything from well-known quaffers to undiscovered garagistes. Every evening from 4pm to 7pm, and Saturdays 12 to 3pm the two shops host a free wine tasting. These feature top-drawer producers (you can check the tasting calendar online) and, as the owners insist that only the winemaker or someone intimately involved with the process can host the tasting, the introduction feels authentic, as well as edifying. There is no obligation to buy; it's just a wonderful opportunity to interact with the wine-farming community in the heart of the city or leafy Newlands.
Imiso Ceramics
Cape Town has many excellent ceramicists, but the hand-crafted one-off pieces produced by the contemporary African art studio Imiso stand out for the deep sense of place they evoke. Headed by Andile Dyalvane and Zizipho Poswa the work bears some European influences, like the Picasso-inspired Africasso range, but it's deeply rooted in Africa. Look for delicate renderings of traditional objects like isiXhosa milk pails and Ngumi storage vessels, and the beautifully textured Scarified Collection, inspired by tribal body scarification. Zizipho Poswa specialises in delicate pinch pot vases and vessels that make lovely statement pieces.
The South Africa Print Gallery
For quality local art that's easy to carry home, pop into the SA Print Gallery (SAPG). Established by master printmaker Gabriel Clark-Brown in 2009, it's the only exclusive fine art print dealership in the city, and the best place to browse for limited edition prints. Aside from selecting works by some of the big local names in printmaking (like William Kentridge), Clark-Brown seeks out lesser known artists who display strong technical qualities and embrace unusual subject matters, as well as showcasing quality printmaking.
Weylandts
In 1964 Chris Weylandts was born and his father opened a furniture shop in Windhoek, Namibia. Having absorbed his father's eye for clean-lined contemporary design, Chris moved Weylandts to Cape Town in 1999 and it has become one of the leading high-end furniture and homeware shops in southern Africa, with branches all over the country. It's a distinctive style; with well-designed, hand-hewn pieces in natural materials, it offers both provenance and longevity (the best kind of sustainability). It's this kind of Afro-Scandi design sensibility that has made Weylandts the go-to for interior designers commissioned to dress boutique guest houses and lodges in a modern African aesthetic. Shipping arrangements are easily arranged in-store, but there are also easy-to-pack smaller options.
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V&A Waterfront
aafricaa
'Well curated' has become such a cliché, but it's the word that drifts to mind while wandering around this excellent lifestyle store, fingering cushions in hand-dyed indigo cloth from Ghana or mudcloth from Mali, exquisite SOFA mohair jackets by Frances van Hasselt and hand-thrown ceramics by Chuma Maweni. Laurence Brick and his buying team have created arguably the city's best one-stop shop, showcasing why the continent is a contemporary design powerhouse, with gorgeous fashion and homeware. It's also great for small trinkets and gifts, from key rings to candlesticks. The location, in the dinky Alfred Mall, accessed from either Alfred Square or the Alfred basin quay, is also special.
Jane Valken
Owners Sarah Jane and her husband Cecil Valken Bosman have created a range of gorgeously feminine garments, conveniently displayed in colour-coded sections. It's predominantly a dress offering, with mostly printed hand-spun and -stitched cotton or cotton-silk blends, all with pretty detailing. But there are also handloom stoles, and quilts and cushions in soft shades and dense prints that work well together; combined they create what Jane describes as 'poetry in colour'. The epitome of 'slow fashion', handloom garments take up to 27 days to complete, so don't expect cheap.
Out Of This World
If you're short on time and looking for an expertly-curated collection of high-end African craft, Sue and Peter Vith both have an excellent eye, and have long-standing relationships with traders and suppliers across the continent. It's a destination shop, located in a 19th-century farmhouse in Green Point, and part of a fabulous all-day bistro The Strangers Club, opened by their daughter – worth visiting for the food alone. You'll find Out Of This World right at the back, beyond the courtyard seating. Expect gorgeous furniture, tribal art and linens but also smaller trinkets, from key rings to jewellery.
Contact: outofthisworld.co.za
Prices: £ to £££
The Watershed
To forage for the perfect gift, memento or local fashion gem, be sure to schedule at least a couple of hours for The Watershed, located between the Two Oceans Aquarium and the new Time Out Market. With more than 150 stalls in a large open-plan warehouse, Watershed offers the most varied selection of locally produced clothing in the city as well as jewellery, textiles, toys, homeware, ceramics, shoes and more. It's a great place to browse for real quality hidden amongst some tourist tat. One of the long term effects of lockdown was an improved offering, when interesting stand-alone boutique stores like Mungo, Jemima and Africa Nova decided to retain their foothold in the popular Waterfront by down-sizing to stalls in Watershed.
Maxhosa Africa
Africa's fashion designers are on fire, and Laduma Ngxokolo is the brightest spark. Ngxokolo founded his modern knitwear brand in 2011 with a clear and ambitious aim: 'to establish a luxury institution that showcases my culture, the greatness and beauty of the African continent'. He has achieved this in spades, opening his first international store in New York in 2024, and an instantly recognisable geometric design style – layering patterns inspired by traditional Xhosa beadwork patterns and symbolism into streetwear garments that are the epitome of urban cool, and unmistakably African. The brand has a loyal following – you'll find the 'Maxhosa community' partying hard at the MXS Kulture Festival, a banging music-cum-fashion-show event taking place every March in Gauteng.
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Kalk Bay and Southern Peninsula
Soul Design
This delightful little shop specialises in handmade African jewellery, from chic brass cuffs to Maasai-inspired necklaces, cowrie rings to Marrakesh earrings. This is the kind of understated jewellery you wear often, and affection grows alongside memories of where it's been and what it's seen. Choose from a gorgeous display of ready-mades, or pick out a pendant that speaks to you, decide on length and choice of beads, and the team will create a bespoke item while you wait, using only materials sourced and manufactured within Africa.
Kristen's KickAss Ice cream
Kristen started her business with a domestic ice-cream maker and today you can order her home-grown brand through Uber Eats but the basics remain: quality ingredients, in unpretentious, thoroughly delicious combinations. Favourites include Horlicks and maltballs, roasted cherry with dark chocolate, almond brittle and salted chocolate genache, and peaches and cream. Vegans stay happy too, with vegan banana cream with vegan Nutella or vegan black forest cake, to mention but two.
Kalk Bay Modern
Above Olympia Cafe, you'll find one of the city's most underrated galleries. A cluttered, unpretentious space, Kalk Bay Modern (KBM) looks at first glance to be just a bog-standard retail outlet for arts and crafts, but owner Cheryl Rumbak has a really excellent eye, cramming KBM with a great selection of well-known and emerging South African artists as well as lovely crafts and design – she is one of the rare galleries listed as a stockist of artist Nic Bladen's gorgeous botanical jewellery. Stock changes regularly, but aside from the more obviously famous (eg William Kentridge) you may find Nicolaas Maritz's colourful abstracts and classic South African landscapes by Ben Coutouvidis. KBM also holds one of the largest collections of contemporary San (Bushmen) art in South Africa.
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Atlantic Seaboard
Coast and Koi
Have a thing for gorgeous statement shoes? Make an appointment to view what Caryn Wilensky currently has in store. Her pumps are not only eye-catching but comfortable, and each pair – exported to boutiques across the world – is unique. Aside from her signature pumps Wilensky makes one-off sandals, espadrilles, boots and brogues in a range of materials (even vegan), all beautifully embellished.
Southern suburbs
Montebello Design Centre & Shop
A not-for-profit centre supporting local craft, the Montebello is in leafy Newlands (about 15 minutes from the city centre), with 25 arts and craft studios within a small wooded estate, some offering classes in embroidery, mosaics, ceramics, painting, alongside places to eat and shop. A slightly labyrinth-like experience, with the studios and old stable block sandwiched between the nursery, and large rough-hewn timber sculptures and shipping containers under trees. The time-poor head straight to the main Montebello Shop for a great selection of crafts sourced from all over South Africa. The Gardeners Cottage (adjacent) is also a fabulous breakfast or lunch spot; it's extremely popular, so worth booking a table ahead. Most classes require regular attendance but it is possible to book a three-hour 'explosive ceramics' class with John Bauer.
Ardmore Design
It's been three decades since Fée Halsted started teaching ceramics to the preternaturally talented Bonnie Ntshalintshali on Ardmore, the Halstead family farm located in foothills of the Drakensberg. The duo developed a highly-recognisable style, with 3D sculpted animals alongside protruding beaks, trunks and tails, and thrice-firing creating an intensity of colour to match the riotous design. Today Ardmore employs more than 70 artists; the value of these functional sculptures elevated to modern-day collectables in auctions held by Christies, Bonham's and Sotheby's. The unique style has since inspired a range of textile designs, as well as a range of luxury silk scarves (a collaboration with Hermès) and wallpapers (in conjunction with Cole and Son).
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Winelands
Mungo
Selling heirloom quality organic cotton towels, bed and table linen, throws and kikois in textured whites or wonderful colour combinations, the goods at Mungo really stand the test of time. Mungo has come a long way since master weaver Stuart Holding started weaving limited runs of his beautiful homeware textiles on two restored antique looms in 1998. The company is the first Global Organic Textile Standard-certified mill in Africa, and the range, exported to Europe and the US, really is outstanding in every way. There are two outlets in Cape Town; visit whichever is more convenient.
Okapi
Okapi's first stand-alone shop has opened (by appointment only) in the historic Manor House of the Anthonij Rupert wine farm in Franschhoek. The shop showcases luxurious leather bags, purses, wallets and even keyrings. These are limited edition accessories, 100 per cent locally produced, made by hand from sustainably-sourced leather (look out for the springbok and ostrich bags). You can choose the leather, colour and trim, or pick up from the pret-a-porter range, available to view online. Limited collections of homeware and jewellery are also available. The Anthonij Rupert wine farm is incidentally also one of the best tasting experiences. It's well worth making an appointment for both.
Boschendal Homeware & Farm Shop
Babylonstoren gardens get the glory but Boschendal's Homeware and Farm Shop offer arguably the better shopping experience, or at least a greater choice. Like Babylonstoren, Boschendal grows, makes, and bakes a host of fine produce, but buyers also range far and wide to source products made in the Cape's best kitchens and studios, and return to cram every shelf to the brim. It's foodie heaven in the Farm Shop, either to devour now or pack in and savour back home, while the Homeware shop will have you pondering wonderful ceramics, candles, cushions, baskets, table linen and kitchen textiles, mostly made to order.
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How we choose
Every shop, market and venue in this curated list has been expertly chosen by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations.
About our expert
Pippa de Bruyn, Telegraph Travel's South Africa destination expert and head judge for Africa in the inaugural Telegraph Travel Hotel Awards, has been researching and writing about Southern and East Africa since 1998.