Shopping in Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town has many attractions and many things to do, but do not go with so many hopes of returning with bags and more bags in the suitcase. There are many stores and various items to buy, it is true, but when compared to other tourist cities, the reality is not so attractive. Visit countryaah.com for map of Cape Town, South Africa.
The country’s domestic trade is very strong and, unlike other destinations with great tourist appeal, there is no invasion of international brands. As many of the mall brands are not world famous, if you want to shop, pay attention to stores that you don’t know by name. It is worth remembering that South Africa is very rich in gold and diamond; then, the trip can be a good opportunity to acquire a jewel.
Prices tend to be at least a little lower than those practiced in Brazil, however, when interested in a product, we recommend not to be driven just by enthusiasm and make the conversion to check if it really is a purchase that pays off. Check abbreviationfinder.org for abbreviations and acronyms related to Cape Town, South Africa.
Remember that part of the money with purchases can be recovered through Tax Refund – just keep your tax notes. Check out this post for more details on how to get your refund.
The famous Waterfront is one of the best places on the Cape to shop. The region is full of stores and has a great mall, Victoria Wharf, with stores like Gucci, Adidas and TopShop. Very close to the mall and also in the Waterfront area is the Craft Martket, which sells handmade products, such as wooden objects, soaps and paintings.
Another mall that can yield good acquisitions is Canal Walk, which is large and has stores of all kinds. The negative side is that it is far from the center and is more worthwhile for those who are really focused on shopping, because, for sightseeing, other places are better.
Long Street, which is successful at night, is yet another place with good stores. There you can visit some of the local stores and buy travel souvenirs. The tip is to go during the day and do not fool around in the street at night, as there are trumpets in the region.
Staying at least one Saturday in Cabo, go to the Old Biscuit Mill and you will not regret it! It is a market that brings together clothing sales, some interesting stores and simply irresistible foods; makes you want to try a little bit of everything. We suggest arriving before 10 am to check out the place before it gets too busy, in addition to going prepared to make your brunch there.
Walk Channel
The Canal Walk is one of the shopping centers in the Cape region. It is further away from the tourist region of the city and therefore many people end up not knowing him.
There you will find some international brands, such as Nike, Puma, Rip Curl, Guess, Hugo Boss etc. But the vast majority of stores are of national origin.
The place is worth it if you are really committed to shopping, otherwise the Victoria Wharf meets your needs well and is not too far from the center.
Century Boulevard, Century City, Cape Town
Website: http://www.canalwalk.co.za/home.html
Craft Market and Wellness Center
Anyone looking to buy crafts doesn’t even have to leave the Waterfront to find it. Craft Market is a market located inside a shed on the Waterfront that sells various types of products.
There you can find paintings, objects carved in wood, magic games, paintings, handmade soaps, clothes and other products of your own creation.
Attached to the same market is the Wellness Center, an area where you can find a massage therapist, hairdresser, people who play cards and read the hand to predict the future, etc.
Green Market Square
Those who like to buy handicrafts when traveling cannot miss the Green Market Square, an open-air market. The place has little structure and is formed only by vendors’ stalls in a square in the center of Cape Town, but it is here that you should find the best prices for crafts in the city.
When you are interested in a product, be sure to bargain the price. As this is an area of great tourist interest, sellers end up putting the price of their products up there. Therefore, negotiating is the best way to guarantee a good deal.
Old Biscuit Mill
Anyone who spends at least one Saturday in Cape Town cannot fail to check out the Old Biscuit Mill. The space consists of different areas: in some clothes for adults and children are sold; in others there are shops and restaurants; and the most delicious part (literally!), which is the food market area.
The place works only on Saturdays and, as it is usually full, we recommend arriving before 10am. There is a huge variety of foods that sell there, so you can buy some things not only to consume on the spot, but also to take away. It is interesting that, although the place is relatively small, large tables are installed, where people who have never seen each other sit next to each other to eat.
It is worth leaving to make your breakfast / lunch at the market. There you will find waffles, juices, olives, cheeses, pates, sandwiches, cakes, pizzas, among many other delicious delicacies. Some stalls offer tastings to encourage purchase and ensure that you enjoy the product you buy.
The area where the Old Biscuit Mill is located is not considered very safe, and is not suitable for hanging out on the street at night. Go to the fair or enjoy Test Kitchen, a renowned restaurant in the place; other than that, there is not much to do in the neighborhood.
Many city dwellers do not know this market. Know exactly where it is so you don’t have trouble getting there.
Albert Road, 375, Woodstock, Cape Town
Website: http://www.theoldbiscuitmill.co.za
Victoria Wharf
Anyone who likes to do some shopping can not miss the Victoria Wharf. The mall is located in the heart of Cape Town, on the Waterfront, and is easily accessible.
There you will find a wide variety of restaurants and shops like Gucci, Lacoste, MAC, Puma, Adidas, Mango, Top Shop, Hugo Boss, Timberland, as well as a supermarket.
Most stores operate between 9 am and 9 pm, but the hours of each store may vary.
V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Website: http://www.waterfront.co.za/Pages/home.aspx