Colourful African craft stalls on cobbled Greenmarket Square in central Cape Town

City Tour Highlights

Greenmarket Square

Greenmarket Square has been at the centre of Cape Town public life since 1696 — first as a slave market, then a farmers' market, and today as a pan-African craft and curio market surrounded by Cape Georgian and Art Deco buildings.

  • Since1696
  • WhereCity Bowl — off Longmarket Street
  • MarketMon–Sat, 09:00–17:00
  • Time needed30–60 minutes

Why visit Greenmarket Square

One of the oldest public squares in South Africa and the best place in the CBD to see the architectural mix of the historic city — Old Town House (1755), Art Deco Kimberley Hotel and Cape Georgian townhouses.

The daily craft market brings traders from across Africa selling textiles, wood carvings, jewellery and paintings.

Where Greenmarket Square is

Between Shortmarket, Longmarket, Burg and Waterkant streets in the City Bowl, a short walk from St George's Mall and Long Street.

What to expect

Cobbled square lined with cafés and packed with market stalls Monday to Saturday.

The Old Town House on the north side houses the Michaelis Collection of Dutch and Flemish paintings.

How to include Greenmarket Square in a Wanderer private tour

Wanderer includes Greenmarket Square on the walking segment of a private city tour, between the Company's Garden, Bo-Kaap and St George's Cathedral.

Practical tips

  • Prices are negotiable — polite bargaining is expected.
  • Watch pockets in the busiest hours, as with any city market.

Frequently asked

Questions about Greenmarket Square

Plan your trip

Include Greenmarket Square in your Wanderer private tour

Share your dates and interests and we'll design a private route around Greenmarket Square — with a professional guide, a branded Mercedes vehicle and every logistical detail handled.

Cape Town Highlights — updated regularly