The Best Night Markets in Cape Town

Who doesn’t love a night market? Festive music, blazing fires, the sizzle of saucepans on open flames, delicious aromas wafting through the air, and crowds jostling for a seat at the communal table (okay, the last bit we can do without). In summer, when you’re looking for a lowkey evening out – without a hefty bill and having to make a reservation beforehand – there’s hardly a better way to do so than at a night market. No mess, no fuss, and no dishes to wash up after. Plus, nothing comes close to enjoying a meal under a starlit sky. Here are our best night markets in the Cape.

Is your favourite night market on our list? What do you love about it? Let us know in the comments below.

Oranjezicht City Farm Market

Where Granger Bay, V&A Waterfront
Despite its name, this farmers’ market is actually held at Granger Bay at the V&A Waterfront every Saturday and Sunday morning (and Wednesday evenings from November to March). Managed by the people who started the beautiful Oranjezicht urban farm, OZCF is a cheerleader for local produce and artisanal culture in Cape Town.
Its wonderfully chilled atmosphere makes shopping for weekly groceries a cinch – from fresh-from-the-patch veggies and herbs to cheese, meat and bread.
But if you’re here for a leisurely meal, grab a seat at one of the wooden tables and take your pick from the variety of international cuisines – vegans, carnivores, carb lovers, celiacs, chocoholics and diabetics are all catered for.
And, if the food offering wasn’t enough, there’s also a carefully curated section selling clothing, vintage items, shoes, houseplants and farm-to-vase flowers. There’s plenty of outdoor seating, space for the kids, and a family-friendly vibe with foot-tapping music.
Stand-out stalls 

• The OZCF fresh vegetable and fruit stall
• Yen’s Vietnamese Street Food for pho, stir-fry, spring rolls and bánh mì
• Sepial’s Kitchen for Korean fried chicken or cauliflower (KFC!)
• Delifish for fresh and smoked fish and snoek pâté
• How Bao Now for vegan jackfruit bao
• A Taste of Klass for traditional Jewish Food
• Vadas Bakery for pastéis de nata

Opening times Saturday, 8.15am – 2pm
Sunday, 9am – 2pm (rain or shine)
Wednesday, 5pm – 9pm (October – March)
Contact 083 628 3426, market@ozcf.co.za
Location Granger Bay, V&A Waterfront. Parking on site in Granger Bay Parking Garage (R10 for four hours) or on Beach Road for free.

Friday Night Market at Boschendal

Where Franschhoek
This illustrious winery is a scenic setting to be sure, with a maze of wonderful gardens and magnificent mountain views. And this season, visitors have the opportunity to experience this spectacular setting at nighttime. Boschendal’s Friday night market takes place in its historic Werf area, where guests can enjoy live music, and an array of artisanal food and drink stands.

Good to know

• Stalls at the market change weekly, so you’ll get to see new faces – and taste new things – every time you visit.

Opening times Friday, 5.30pm – 8.30pm (until 28 April 2023)
Contact 021 870 4200, enquiries@boschendal.co.za
Location Boschendal Wine Estate, Pniel Road, Groot Drakenstein

Bay Harbour Market

Fresh Local Markets

Where Hout Bay
This vibrant marketplace, set inside an old authentic fish factory, brings together local craftsmen, artists and musicians. Browse over 100 stalls from fashion and footwear, to jewellery and decor before sitting down to enjoy some of the delicious food and drinks on offer. Sit inside next to the cosy fire, or enjoy the refreshing ocean air on the outside patio. The market is open on Friday evenings and during the day on Saturday and Sunday.

Standout stalls

• Plank for modern-industrial furniture
• Boss Bagels for delicious, freshly prepared bagels
• Africa Made Only for ethically sourced fashion
• Afro-Trend for transformation of living spaces with a touch of African fabric and prints
• The Mexican Food Cartel for authentic flavours
• Bokke & Blomme for beautifully rendered colourful text carvings, in a variety of fonts, perfect for every mood and environment

Opening times Friday, 5pm –9pm
Saturday & Sunday, 9.30am – 4pm
Contact info@bayharbour.co.za
Location 31 Harbour Road, Hout Bay

Blue Bird Garage Market

All Events in City

Where Muizenberg
The bohemian flair of this beachside suburb in Cape Town is captured in this characterful market which, true to Muizenberg’s quirky nature, is situated in an old postal plane hangar. Artisans, artists, bakers and brewers gather every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evening for a vibrant night market that brings to mind New York’s buzzy East Village. In addition to the delicious food on offer, the market boasts a delightful range of books, clothes, jewellery, ceramics and more!
The unique venue gives the Blue Bird Market an urban edge, while the laid-back vibe makes it perfect for a family outing. Even dogs are welcome (please keep them on a leash), and children will have plenty to keep them occupied, with their own play area, that includes a jungle gym.

Standout stalls

• Juicy Kebab for authentic Turkish kebabs
• Yoffi Falafel for mouthwatering pita breads
• KT’s Kitchen for the tastiest brownies, cakes and cheesecakes
• The Donut Workshop for something sweet and sticky
• Craft beer on tap and local wines
• Aeroplane Jane Vintage for vintage clothing
• Amethyst Silver for gorgeous gemstone jewellery
• The Soap Chef for natural, handcrafted soap
• Nguni SA clothing for locally made garments

Opening times Thursdays + Fridays, 4pm – 10pm
Contact 084 405 3544 / 082 920 4285, bluebirdgarage@gmail.com
Location Blue Bird Garage, 39 Albertyn Road, Muizenberg

Cape Point Vineyards Noordhoek Community Market

Where Noordhoek
Frequented by the likes of Masterchef SA judge Peter Goffe-Wood, and Cape Point Vineyards’ resident chef, Jonathan Gargan, the Cape Point Vineyards Market is where south peninsula locals flock every Thursday evening for an array of inspired street food-style dishes, chilled vibes and stunning views.
The festivities take place in the restaurant and picnic area of Cape Point Vineyards, whose award-winning wines are available at great prices. There is ample parking and long stretches of open grass with a jungle gym for the little ones to blow off steam.

Standout stalls

• The Lamb Man for melt-in-your-mouth lamb neck
• Kitchen Cowboys for steak (or pork belly) ciabattas
• Earth Fire Pizza for crispy wood-fired pizza
• Donut Factory for vegan donuts
• Amethyst for imported silver and gemstone jewellery

Opening times Thursday, 4.30pm – 8.30pm
Contact 021 789 0900, events@cape-point.com
Location Silvermine Road, Noordhoek, Cape Town

Lourensford Twilight Market

Where Somerset West
The lush gardens of Lourensford Estate become more enchanting at these Friday night markets, when twinkly fairy lights deck the trees, creating a mystical forest atmosphere. Live entertainment, a dedicated children’s play area and an array of food and drink stalls make the Lourensford Twilight Market a wonderful place to kick off your weekend.

Good to know Every Friday evening, resident DJ Concorde takes to the decks to spin vibey tunes under a glittering night sky.
Good to know The market is dog-friendly.

Standout stalls

• The Rib Shack for hearty spare ribs
• The Samoosa Specialist for gourmet samoosas
• The Magnificent Barista Boys for great coffee
• The Fudge Kitchen for top-notch fudge
• Dr Juice for fresh fruit and vegetable juices
• Tunisian Delight’s tapas
• Ghenwa’s Lebanese treats (paired with Lourensford’s award-winning wines)
• Corlie’s Italian for gnocchi, arancini, and more

Opening times Friday, 5pm – 9pm (September – May)
Contact 072 284 1654, hello@lfhm.co.za
Location Lourensford Wine Estate, Lourensford Road, Somerset West

V&A Food Market

Where V&A Waterfront
Breakout of your comfort zone. After work drinks at the V&A Food Market. Why? Location is perfect in the V&A Waterfront (nominated top 10 food destination on TripAdvisor). It’s always open, you can sit indoors when windy or quayside for sundowners, there are two great bars with over 15 beers on tap, and for supper, you have over 40 trending food concept stores to choose from. It’s the place to be for those seeking an eating experience with a vibrant atmosphere and plenty of variety.

Good to know

• There’s also a Bottlebank showcasing 39 standout South African gins (to share the back seat with you while you uber home).
• On New Year’s Eve, the V&A Food Market is the perfect spot to enjoy the Waterfront vibe. At R100 per head, you get to enjoy the fireworks, while perusing the market’s array of enticing food stalls.

Standout stalls

• TOM & Burger & Wings Shack for chicken winglets by Jerry’s Burgers
• Nonna Lina for great pizza and salads
• Thai Hut for great Thai and Dim Sum
• Yokos for delicious dairy & vegan yoghurt smoothies and bowls
• Hokey Poké for fresh fish, meat and vegetarian poké bowls
• Vagabond Kitchens for chicken, steak or vegan wraps
• Knysna Oyster Co for smack-of-the-sea oysters, seared tuna and seafood
• Afrika Bites for hearty pap and meat, samp & beans, bobotie, boerewors
• Unframed vegan & non-vegan Ice Cream
• Hemazing Modern Indian for a Mumbai street food and Thali experience
• OMGoodness for vibrant, healthy salads and raw juices

Opening times Monday – Sunday, 9am – 8pm (until 24 January 2021)
Contact 021 418 1605, info@waterfrontmarket.co.za
Location Old Power Station, Building 19, Dock Road, Pierhead, V&A Waterfront

Chilled Market at The Range

Where Tokai
End the week with a visit to this forest market in Tokai, where a warm log cabin and covered seating provides shelter from the wind. Local wines from the valley, craft beers, a gin bar and an assortment of soft drinks and hot beverages and food can be purchased from the various stalls and enjoyed at seating dotted around the venue. Bring the kids; there’s a wide-open space for them to play, a jungle gym, jumping castles, play dough and craft activities to be enjoyed. Relax in the marquee to the sounds of live music, or bask in the outside ambience with a glass of wine overlooking the vineyards.
Good to know In addition to the Friday night market, The Range has a Sunday afternoon market which has additional craft and deli stands.

Standout stalls

• Wicked Waffles for the assortment of toppings
• Giros Greek for mouthwatering Greek wraps
• Earthfire Pizza for wood-fired, thin-based pizza
• Dragon Sushi for fresh sushi and poke bowls
• Sprung for fresh Vietnamese spring rolls, chilli poppers and fried spring rolls
• The Diner for juicy burger

Opening times Friday, 4.30pm – 9.30pm
Saturday, 9am – 3pm
Contact 021 713 2340, chilledmarket@therange.co.za
Location The Range Function and Conference Centre, Orpen Road, Tokai, Cape Town

Century City Night Market

Where Century City
Century City’s new Summer Night Market on The Square is up and running after the success of their Winter edition (at Intaka Island Eco-Centre), so you can enjoy it all year round! The summer edition takes place on the second Friday of the month, where you’ll find locals enjoying live music, delicious food and a festive ambience.

Standout stalls

• Crush for delicious raw, gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan dishes
• Sprung Food for an amazing variety of spring rolls and Vietnamese rice paper rolls
• Churros for delicious fried-dough pastry snacks with cinnamon sugar and chocolate syrup
• Ubon Noodles for tasty tofu, chicken or beef, Asian-inspired noodle meals
• Panizza for fine crisp dough, layered with a blend of five different cheese and herbs and all your favourite toppings
• Gyros Eat Greek for deliciously prepared, homemade Greek wraps

Opening times Second Friday of the month, 4pm – 9pm (October – April)
Good to know For the colder months, the Winter Night Market happens on the last Friday of the month, 4pm – 9pm, (May – August) at the chilled Intaka Island Eco-Centre. This is also where you’ll find the Natural Goods Market on the last Sunday of the month, 9am – 2pm, (January – April).
Contact 021 552 6889, info@centurycity.co.za
Location Summer Night Market: The Square, Century City, Cape Town

Researched by Annabel Short, Matthew Flax, Hannah Littlewood, Bianca Hausle

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