The 13 Best Boutique Shopping Experiences in Cape Town

Whether you’re looking for that perfect gift, want to add something special to your home or wardrobe, or you’re a visitor looking for a different kind of souvenir, our selection of Mother City stores should be your first port of call.

From luxury items and skilfully handmade pieces to sought-after collectables and quirky delights, the range of choice is diverse, creative, original and – in the eternal words of Marie Kondo – will definitely spark joy.

Poetry of Living

A lifestyle destination in a reimagined heritage space
Best for curated fashion, homeware, furniture and art
The experience This eye-catching, blush-pink Art Deco landmark in Sea Point is more a beautifully curated world than a retail store. A place to browse artisanal craftsmanship and global design, be inspired by quality natural materials and feed all the senses.
What you’ll find Poetry’s utterly divine collections of clothing, accessories, toiletries, homeware, textiles and furniture (including limited-edition collaborations), all styled to perfection. And a gallery-worthy art collection on the walls (all for sale), plus special workshops and events.
Don’t miss Make time for the full loop: coffee at Our Local (just through the door) and a leisurely wander through the space.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 9am – 6pm
Saturday, 9am – 5pm
Sunday, 9am – 3pm
Contact 021 003 2774, poetrystores.co.za
Where to find it 295 Main Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
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AAFRICAA

Concept store showcasing contemporary African design
Best for accessories, artisanal gifts, statement pieces and decor inspiration
The experience If concept stores are the new art galleries, this waterside space in The Alfred (a former 1900s warehouse) sets the benchmark. Spanning 450 square metres, AAFRICAA is an immersive celebration of contemporary, hand-crafted African creativity, overflowing with irresistible colour, form and artisanal exuberance.
What you’ll find An ever-evolving edit of collections and collaborations: intricate Keiskamma Art Project textiles, ceramics by Andile Dyalvane and Zizipho Poswa, mudcloth cushions, Mami Wata Surf posters, springbok-hide clutch bags, Cape Island candles, Xee Summer’s Cape Town postcards, and beautifully crafted accessories and clothing.
Inside Guide tip Do a slow lap before buying – the best pieces reveal themselves on the second look.
Opening times Daily, 9am – 8pm
Contact 021 300 0639
Where to find it The Alfred, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
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AKJP Studio

Cape Town’s creative scene, under one roof
Best for local fashion and trend-spotting
The experience This constantly evolving retail-meets-gallery space champions local creativity and fresh ideas. Founded as a space to nurture and promote talent, the collective has grown from seven designers to more than 50 and their own label, too. Look out for the window installations showcasing a new designer or collection every month
What you’ll find This is the place to pick up the latest fragrance from Apartment, clothing straight from the catwalks of fashion weeks, jewellery, accessories and cool homeware. There’s also a fantastic selection of magazines and artists’ books.
Don’t miss The AKJP Bar serves local goodies from New York Bagels, Babylonstoren, Father Coffee, Krone cap classique, exceptional cocktails and more.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 9am – 6pm
Saturday, 9am – 8pm
Contact 079 490 9492, [email protected]
Where to find it 73 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town
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House of Chommies

Design-forward lifestyle brand for dogs, and their humans
Best for dog accessories, gifts, walkwear
The experience This store is so beautifully put together, you’ll be envious it’s devoted to dogs, although the range now includes irresistible pieces for humans (and a cat collection too). Pooches are free to roam through the rooms and in the garden, where a water fountain, benches and café tables offer a respite from the city streets.
What you’ll find Colourful Chommies collars and leashes and handmade “walkwear” for every size of dog; ceramic bowls, calming car mists and treats. Lifestyle accessories and clothing for humans include tote bags, mohair knitwear and throws, Ilse Jacobsen rain boots, phone pouches and more.
Good to know Bring your dog in for a fitting for harness or collar and enjoy the dog-first social scene that is part of the Chommies charm.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 9am – 6pm
Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Contact 072 046 5629, [email protected]
Where to find it 110 Hatfield Street, Gardens, Cape Town
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Bastille | Maison Mara

International labels, impeccably curated
Best for investment pieces from global brands
The experience Set across three levels in a heritage building, this is a calm, considered space where fashion feels almost gallery-like. Browse high-end imported labels for men and women as well as covetable accessories, coffee-table books, cool candles and fragrances.
What you’ll find A considered edit of global brands, spanning the directional edge of Comme des Garçons and the timeless craft of Armor Lux to the contemporary ease of Ganni and Veja. The selection brings together Autry, Arte, and Pichulik alongside the vibrant silhouettes of Sea Me Happy, the clean lines of Ross & Brown eyewear, and the nuanced compositions of Gozdawa fragrances.
Don’t miss An authentic Italian espresso and cornetto at Lello’s Caffé downstairs – it completes the experience.
Opening times Tuesday – Friday, 10am – 5pm
Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Lello’s Caffé: Tuesday – Friday, 8.30am – 6pm; Saturday, 8.30am – 4pm
Contact 021 418 1600, [email protected]
Where to find it 5 Jarvis Street, De Waterkant, Cape Town
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The Corner Store

A collaboration of African design brands
Best for jewellery, travel accessories and African textiles
The experience A heritage building on Bree with baby blue shutters is home to five contemporary African brands. Explore a succession of delicious rooms and nooks, and a charming café by Lion’s Bread, inviting you to sip coffee on the terrace in-between shopping.
What you’ll find Sustainable travel accessories by Joinery; bespoke jewellery by Dear Rae; modern African woven textiles and homeware by SIAFU; sourdough breads and delicious pastries from Lion’s Bread; and a book nook.
Good to know On First Thursdays, Lion’s Bread hosts a supper club featuring seasonal produce, local wines and proper sourdough bread.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 8am – 4pm
Saturday, 8am – 2pm
Contact 021 447 1390
Where to find it 164 Bree Street, Cape Town

The Lobby

Effortless coastal style, thoughtfully assembled
Best for summer-holiday chic by local designers
The experience Tucked inside Jarryds, this compact boutique captures the essence of Sea Point – relaxed, stylish, easy-breezy coastal vibes. Impeccably curated by Emilia Bisogno-Segal with her Italian eye for style, the space is aesthetically pleasing and friendly – retail therapy at its best.
What you’ll find All made by local designers and artists, the collection includes clothing (sundresses, swimsuits, sandals, sneakers, hats), Chimi sunglasses, Solsken bags, jewellery, skincare and perfumes, homeware and eye-catching artworks and prints.
Inside Guide tip Keep the Sea Point style vibes going with lunch next door at Jarryds or Ariel Modern Italian.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 9am – 5pm
Contact 067 639 2280, [email protected]
Where to find it 90 Regent Road, Sea Point, Cape Town

Merchants on Long

Pan-African fashion with a sustainable ethos
Best for fashion, accessories, decor
The experience The Art Nouveau façade of this store on bustling Long Street, dating from 1896, gives it an appealing sense of a time warp. Inside, the stone walls (quarried from Table Mountain) and the huge mahogany counter create a suitably timeless backdrop to rails of cool contemporary fashion and couture, a small portfolio of decor and one-off jewellery pieces.
What you’ll find Regularly changing collections from the best in ethically made pan-African fashion. Think South Africa’s MaXhosa, Sindiso Khumalo, Rich Mnisi, Thebe Magugu – plus designers from Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Senegal, Ivory Coast and beyond; you can also pick up Dan Fani striped beach totes, candles, cushion covers, Apartment fragrances and much more.
Good to know The store often hosts creative panel discussions and other pop-up events, when the stunning counter doubles as a bubbly bar.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 9am – 6pm
Saturday, 9am – 4pm
Contact 021 422 2828, [email protected]
Where to find it 34 Long Street, Cape Town
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Madison

Timeless wardrobe staples, expertly curated
Best for elevated basics, occasionwear and styling
The experience Madison is a Constantia favourite that delivers polished, wearable fashion with a distinctly European sensibility, from elevated basics to statement pieces. With over two decades under its stylish belt, it’s the place to browse for a glam special-occasion get-up, that perfect “forever” pair of jeans, shoes and more.
What you’ll find A versatile mix of international labels: Barcelona-made knits from Aldomartins, easy everyday favourites from Dutch label Yaya, great-fitting French denim from Le Temps des Cerises, and floaty dresses from Australia’s OneSeason. There’s also the boutique’s sequined skirts and edgy items from Never Fully Dressed, and Karien Belle’s beautiful scarves to finish it all off.
Good to know The boutique offers a free in-store styling service, so book a one-hour session for a personal style makeover.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 9am – 3pm
Saturday + Sunday, 10am – 2pm
Contact 021 794 4447, [email protected]
Where to find it Constantia Village Courtyard, Main Road, Constantia, Cape Town
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Mash Boutique

Laidback lifestyle collections in natural shades
Best for gifts, homeware and clothing
The experience Layered, neutral, natural tones and raw textures come to life when you browse this beautifully curated boutique on Regent Road. There’s a distinct Bali-meets-Cape Town beach-forward lifestyle in the two adjoining rooms that spill over with beach vibes and natural-living chic.
What you’ll find The Sienna line of woven accessories and swimwear made in Bali; and their own Mash label of locally made quality clothing basics, active wear, shoes, jewellery, baskets and homeware.
Inside Guide tip Grab an authentic Italian gelato from Moro next door to seal the deal on the summer beach vibes.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 9am – 6pm
Saturday, 9am – 4pm
Sunday, 9am – 2pm
Contact 076 332 2075
Where to find it 85A Regent Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
Shop Now

SHOPPING PRECINCTS

OZCF Market

Sustainable local brands at a vibey farmers market
Best for food, homeware and clothing
The experience The vibey urban farmers market is now housed in custom-built wooden barns and buzzes on weekends (and Wednesday nights in summer), attracting crowds for its delicious food stalls as much as for the sustainably-minded grocery shopping.
What you’ll find Alongside the artisanal food products and fresh produce you’ll find a browse-worthy selection of local lifestyle and design labels, including Pedersen + Lennard Homeware, Verse (leather bags), Chommies, Chasing Bees and many more, with everything from sustainably sourced clothing and beachwear to decor, ceramics, vintage items and skincare.
Inside Guide tip Go early to beat the crowds and, after browsing, settle in for food and drinks from the many excellent stalls.
Opening times Saturday, 8am – 2pm
Sunday, 8.30am – 2pm
Wednesday, 4pm – 9pm (September – April)
Contact 083 628 3426, [email protected]
Where to find it Corner Dock Road and Granger Bay Boulevard, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

The Watershed

Curated market of vibrant South African art, craft and design
Best for artisanal gifts, clothing and jewellery
The experience A vast, light and airy street-style covered retail space at the V&A Waterfront hosts around 150 unique, artisanal and proudly local small and medium businesses. Full of colour and eye-catching individual pieces, it’s a joy to wander and browse.
What you’ll find A diverse selection of art, ceramics, craft, local fashion labels, kids clothing, accessories, leatherwork, furniture and furnishings, gifts, jewellery, curios and textiles. There’s also a wellness section, and the upstairs space hosts exhibitions and events such as the monthly Record and Music Fair.
Don’t miss The Time Out Market is right next door with an array of alluring food stalls by local chefs.
Opening times Daily, 10am – 7pm (summer); 10am – 6pm (winter)
Contact 021 408 7600, [email protected]
Where to find it Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Longkloof Precinct

A compact collection of designer stores
Best for local fashion and accessories
The experience This new precinct just off Kloof Street is a treasure trove of bijoux designer stores tucked between intimate cafés spilling out onto pedestrian lanes and a tranquil square. It feels away from the Kloof Street bustle but still connected to the lively community vibe.
What you’ll find A collection of local designer labels have their flagship stores here, including Sindiso Khumalo, Rosey & Vittori, Ogun, Ballo (ethical eyewear) and Rowdy (leather bags).
Inside Guide tip Pop into Custodian for their superb pasteis de nata (they’re part of the Hoghouse Brewing Co).
Opening times Monday – Friday, 10am – 6pm
Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Where to find it Longkloof Precinct, Park Road, Gardens, Cape Town

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