Indoor Markets to visit in Cape Town this Winter. Winter in the Mother City can be a particularly bleak time and for most of us, it’s hard to know how to spend those free moments without having to brave the elements - so what better way to stay safe and dry than browsing a fun and relaxing indoor market?

1. The Blue Bird Garage Food & Goods Market

Image source: withoutadoubt.co.za Since 2010, this market has been lovingly taken under the wing of the Muizenberg community and is a popular weekly event, held every Friday night from 4pm to 10pm. The market’s venue,  a characteristically cheerful blue-and-yellow garage, was formerly a postal plane hagar. What to expect: Good fun for the whole family in a relaxed indoor atmosphere. Look out for vintage goods, clothing and jewellry, collectibles, second-hand books, exotic liqueurs and fudges, a creative kids area (R20 per child) and of course, tasty, organic foods, wine/craft beer and live entertainment from local artists. Contact: bluebirdgarage@gmail.com Address: 39 Albertyn Road, Muizenberg, Cape Town  

2. The Neighbourgoods Market

Image source: moreawesomeblog.com Founded in 2006 by the entrepreneurial Justin Rhodes and Cameron Munro, this award-winning market is now a firm favourite with visitors from all over - though perhaps most especially Capetonians, who flock to the delightful Old Biscuit Mill every Saturday (from 9am - 2pm) to socialise and browse over 100 specialty trading stalls. What to expect: Everyone from organic farmers, local producers, butchers, acclaimed local chefs and artisan and micro enterprises. Enjoy being part of one of Cape Town’s hottest indoor markets. Contact: info@neighbourgoodsmarket.co.za Address: The Old Biscuit Mill 373-375 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town  

3. The Alphen Antiques and Collectables Market

Image Source: Sa Venues This market is perfect for those wishing to find another man’s treasure, as the saying goes, or to de-clutter their own homes. Held every month, on the 2nd and 4th Saturday at the Alphen Community Hall (across from Constantia Village) from 10am to 4pm, it offers visitors the chance to browse a variety of used goods on sale, whilst enjoying refreshments. What to expect: jewellry, glass, silver and ceramic pieces, toys, watches, coins, medals, books and even paintings - it’s the ultimate treasure trove! Contact: esd@cybersmart.co.za Address: Alphen Centre, Main Road, Constantia, Cape Town  

4. Bay Harbour Market

Image Source: www.capetown.travel Held in a once-abandoned factory in the bustling Hout Bay Harbour, with views of the famous Hangberg Mountain and Chapman’s Peak in the distance, this indoor weekend market is hugely popular - and over the course of each month, can attracts some 24,000 visitors from across the globe. What to expect: Over 100 entrepreneurial traders selling vintage clothing, fabrics, antiques, as well as different foods and drinks. Look out for live music on the Bay Harbour Sound Stage, Friday Nite Live! (with its delicious food offerings - everything from Tunisian cuisine to gourmet sandwiches) and finally, Viola, Queen of the Bay, a mobile pig artwork, who collects “change for change” to support this vibrant community. Times: Friday (5pm to 9pm) and Saturday and Sunday (9:30am to 4pm). Contact: (083) 275 5586 Address: 31 Harbour Rd, Hout Bay, Cape Town, 7872

5. The Palms Market

Image Source: www.saasawubona.com Yet another trendy Woodstock market, the Palms Market revolves around fresh food, farm produce, funky pieces and famous faces. With more than 40 food stalls, including the likes of Darling Gourmet Mushrooms, Wayland’s Nguni Meats and Stonehill Olives, this is definitely the place to get your food fix every Saturday from 9am to 2pm. What to expect: Good food, live performing artists (with the occasional round of table dances) and a spot of coffee or wine to tantalise the tastebuds. Contact:  021 462 0394, info@palms.co.za Address: Palms Décor & Lifestyle Centre, 145 Sir Lowry Road, Cape Town

6. Made in the Cape Market

Image Source: capemarkets.co.za This artisan goods market is held in the stylish Cavendish Square on select weekends and features a carefully selected array of local jewellry, designers, crafters and artists with their finest wares. What to expect: a ‘high end’ market, which reveals the Cape’s most creative streak. It also supports small business enterprise and buying local. Times: Select weekends (usually first weekend of the month); dates and times may be subject to change. Contact: madeinthecape@gmail.com or Dale de Ridder (072) 223 8046 Address: Cavendish Square, Dreyer Street, Claremont  

7. V&A Waterfront Food Market

Image Source: voychicktravel.wordpress.com This market holds the enviable status of being the Mother City’s only all-week Food Market (it even operates on public holidays) and is also Cape Town’s leading retail food store. What to expect: Located in the historical Pumphouse building, it’s the perfect place to sample a wonderful selection of artisanal street food just off from the V&A Waterfront’s famous Nobel Square. Times: (summer) 10am to 7pm, (winter) 10am to 6pm) Contact: 021 418 1605 Location: Pumphouse Building, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront

 

Written by Speckled Egg Digital Team.