SHOPPING IN CAPE TOWN AND HERMANUS

Be Warned! Shopping in Cape Town and its markets is addictive and it should be, because when you see the vast array of beautifully creative pieces of art, jewellery, carvings, beads and clothing, you wouldn’t be able to resist spoiling yourself, your friends or your family back home. 

Do not leave Cape Town without a memorable gift of some sort….as you could be back soon to come and fetch just that one specific piece of uniquely beaded cloth that keeps lingering in your mind!

Indoor Shopping Malls like the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town are spacious, clean and full of interesting shops with friendly shopkeepers. Galleries, jewellery stores, clothing stores, footwear, cosmetic stores, books / music shops and electronic gadget stores are plentiful. Lovely cafes, restaurants and wine bars are all around when you need to rest your aching feet, quench your thirst, or snack on delicious local delicacies.

The vast majority of shops take credit cards and some you can even bargain on prices, although that mainly happens at markets.

If Mom wants to shop and Dad fancies watching a movie while she’s bending his credit card, there are cinemas in most shopping malls.

In the heart of Cape Town City you will find Green Market Square Flea Market that is open 7 days per week. A wide variety of African curios, Township art, beaded artifacts, carvings, cloth, African music cds, weaving and interesting clothing / shoes can be found.  

If antiques are what you after, in Church Street, Cape Town, the Antique Market specialize in antique jewellery, but have cash ready as they certainly do not accept credit cards.

On Sundays and just on the outskirts of Cape Town City at Green Point, is a flea market with loads of interesting stalls filled with fascinating Township and ethnic African goods. Prices are good and bartering is very possible. Cash is the only payment, so leave the luxury of a credit card at home on this shopping trip.

Outside Cape Town in the village of Hout Bay on a Sunday, you can browse around at the Hout Bay Craft Market – from crafty handmade wooden toys to an eclectic mix of art and clothing.

Most South African cities, towns and country villages have very interesting shops and Art Galleries that support local artist who do incredible work. Look out for exhibitions and your chance of meeting the artists.

Shipping huge framed pieces over to your home country is not a problem and can be easily arranged. It’s also common to find a truly talented original artist displaying their works at a market. So get chatting.

Hermanus local town market is one of those interesting markets that buzz on weekends with not just the ethnic work from Africa, but many local artists exhibiting their work. Hermanus art and craft market is nestled right next to the sea, at the Old Harbour overlooking the Whales frolicking and it’s a lovely experience to wander around meeting locals and filling your shopping bag full of treasures from the Cape!

If diamonds, gold and silver are on your list, South Africa is the leading country for diamonds, gold, silver and platinum and is proud to offer many jewellery stores with stunning pieces that are created in very unique designs. If you would like to choose a diamond on its own and have it set to your own creation in gold or silver that is possible too! A worthwhile visit to one of the Gold of Africa Museums will lead you to view Permanent and Temporary exhibitions, a Museum shop, Presentation Suite, Goldsmith Workshop and Design Studio, even a Wine Cellar and a Tea Garden for refreshments. These Museums are dedicated to the history and artistry of African Gold. 

South Africa is also rich in all sorts of semi precious stones, some originating from neighboring countries, such as Rose Quartz, Tanzanite, Aquamarine, Rubies and Topaz. Southern Africa is often considered the gemstone treasure chest of the world as almost half of the Earth’s gemstones are found in this region. There are establishments that offer free tours to view their cutting & polishing works. You will see a large variety of rough South African semi precious stones cut and polished into beautiful shapes – such as carvings – and set in jewellery. All of these stores will gladly give a valid certificate for all your precious jewellery.




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