The Best Shops in Cape Town

Cape Town for a long time lacked the variety of African handicrafts and art that Johannesburg and cities farther north had in abundance. With more migrants has come an explosion of curios. While the three-floor Pan African Market on Long Street and the vendors on Greenmarket Square have plenty to offer and will negotiate on price, several stores stock a more refined selection. Africa Nova, in the De Waterkant district, is by no means cheap, but its handpicked array of ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and other curios is impeccable. The same goes for Tribal Trends on Long Street, which also has bigger items such as furniture. Several other alternatives worth a visit are Baraka, around the corner from Africa Nova; Artvark Gallery, in Kalk Bay; and Monkeybiz, on Wale Street in the Bo-Kaap, whose beaded artwork has been sold in some of the best shops around the world.

Started by a British master weaver almost 20 years ago, Mungo weaves a wide range of quality linens, throws, blankets, bedding, towels, and apparel, which are sold internationally. The company says that ethical trading and integrity underpin its philosophy, and it is particular about sourcing quality natural fibers. The linen in raw form comes from Belgium, while the cotton, mohair, and wool are from South Africa. You can view some of Mungo’s weaving on its 19th-century Hattersley looms at its Old Nick Village headquarters, outside Plettenberg Bay. Better yet, just go to the Cape Town store (with its own micromill) on Hout Street and see the products for yourself.

One of the best coffee shops in the city, the Haas “Collective” (haas means “rabbit” in Afrikaans) has grown organically over the years to include not only coffee, but also design, art, and advertising. Formerly located in an old slave home in the Bo Kaap, Haas now takes up a refurbished colonial building in the city, where you can also have light meals at the plush yet relaxed venue. Selected artworks for sale include must-have gilded African bowls by Michou.

Followers and admirers of talented Cape Town based ceramicist, Mervyn Gers, whose unique and beautiful dinnerware graces many private homes, discerning restaurants and other properties, will be delighted at the opening in central Cape Town of a retail shop, showcasing the varied decorative and also functional items created by this modest yet innovative designer. The range incorporates those wanting quality gift items to take home with them, to those looking for complete sets for their own homes.

Woodstock is the creative heart of Cape Town, filled with galleries, studios, street art, and artsy types galore. The Woodstock Exchange is a hub for the design set, home to a rotating legion of furniture shops, coffee shops, and furniture shops combined with coffee shops. Because, why not? Right when you enter the space, you’ll be greeted by this mammoth sculpture of a sleeping dog. Proceed with caution: this doesn’t look like the kind of guy you’d want to wake up.

“Ubuntu” is a Xhosa and Zulu word for conveying how, when we support one another as a part of a community, everyone in that community can accomplish great things. Ubuntu Bicycles, located in Salt River, is a bespoke bicycle shop combining the founder’s passion for bicycling and interest in giving back to the community of Cape Town. This social enterprise is transforms used and abused bicycles into something great by employing local artists and grassroots organizations to do custom paint jobs, sew leather seats, and craft custom accessories. The bikes are then sold online and locally in Cape Town out of their workshop. Part of the proceeds from their bicycle sales go back into the Ubuntu Trust, a non-profit arm partnered with other local community organizations to offer funding and support for their causes.

Among the several art galleries along Main Road in Kalk Bay, Kalk Bay Modern displays a variety of art, jewelry, fabric, photography, and pottery from several different African countries, as well as an exciting collection of the works of South African aboriginal San artists.

For years, the large warehouse next to the Two Oceans Aquarium was a dimly lit place where local craftsmen hawked traditional African curios. Many of these items were duplicates of items already found in Greenmarket Square, or worse, were made in China. The popularity of local markets and handcrafted goods in South Africa has increased recently, especially after Cape Town was named World Design Capital in 2014. Despite the entrepreneurial outpouring, the opportunities to purchase goods from local makers remained fragmented and spread out across the city’s numerous weekly markets. The Watershed, a permanent market at the V&A Waterfront, has created the opportunity for international visitors to shop 150 of South Africa’s best makers in one central location. The application process for a booth at The Watershed is strict and ensures a wide variety of high-quality products are displayed. The upstairs of the Watershed is taken up by an open-air floor plan with several wellness vendors, as well as, event space available for rental. From leather bags, to jewelry, clothing, and art, you’ll want to save room in your luggage for your time spent here.

MeMeMe is one of the cutest boutiques in Cape Town and a great place to discover local, emerging designers. Not only is it a great place for finding the perfect summer dress, they stock a decent range of accessories like shoes, bags, and jewelry, also made by South African designers. Its location on Long Street makes it convenient to most downtown hotels and backpackers.

“Karin Rae Matthee’s jewelry line Dear Rae is often a simple play on basic geometric shapes. Her delicate rings and necklaces went on display at local markets like the weekly Neighbourgoods Market and drew attention. She next exhibited at Design Indaba, one of South Africa’s premier trade shows for creatives. Her business has grown into a showroom/studio in Woodstock at The Foundry. For timeless charming pieces or a bespoke design, you’ll want to seek out her stand at the market or visit her showroom while you’re in Cape Town.

Imiso Ceramics studio and gallery is located in the Old Biscuit Mill. Founding artists Zizipho Poswa and Andile Dyalvane are known for producing high-end interior ceramic art for both domestic and international clientele. This a great studio for art lovers and interior decorators.

As you look at the chair, the vintage country-style fabrics will initially catch your eye, but it’s the suitcase frame that will make you do a double take. To Katie Thompson, the fit between old and new only seems natural. A graduate of the Design Time School of Interior Design in Cape Town, she’s been hoarding old housewares like suitcases, telephones, and typewriters and recycling them into functional pieces of furniture for years. Now that the Recreate showroom has moved into Katie’s original workspace on Stow Street in Salt River, travelers have a unique opportunity to see some of her pieces in development while shopping. You can also grab a cup of coffee and sit for a moment on the front patio before heading onwards to explore the rest of the Woodstock and Salt River neighborhood.

In 2009, Caleb Pedersen made a backpack. He wore it around town while riding his bicycle to and from work, hanging out with friends, etc. Little did he know, his bag’s exposure would lead to other people asking, “Where’d you get that bag?” So, he started making bags, which led to the launch of his brand: Chapel. All bags are handmade in the Chapel workshop at the Woodstock Exchange. In fact, you might just bump into Caleb when you visit the shop. Everything they use to craft their bags is sourced from South Africa. Bag designs are functional and universally stylish, so you’ll look good in Cape Town and everywhere else your travels may take you.

This little market is full of treasures (and a few tourist souvenirs). What you get to experience here is everyone’s trade and how these crafts help support their family and village. Lots of things to buy...and they’re willing to bargain.

Abode’s clean, bright interior is filled with a wonderland of craft and design pieces—made by local designers across the country—that range from quirky to whimsical. Find lamps and mirrors made from up-cycled construction materials, housewares for your most aesthetically-inclined friend, and a rainbow of notebooks and framed prints. Just be sure to bring an extra bag to carry it all home!