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Shopping in Cape Town and Area

With the current exchange rate of 8 Rand to 1$ US it is a good time for visitors to go on a shopping spree while enjoying the attractions of Cape Town and area. Here's part of what Cape Tourism has to say. There's more on their web site (below).

'Shopping till you drop' is not an uncommon phenomenon in Cape Town, where your hunt for that special something can lead you on a trail right around the mountain and back...

Victoria and Albert Waterfront Shopping Mall.Retail therapy is one of Cape Town's favourite pastimes, enjoyed by local residents and visitors alike, mesmerised by the sheer variety of goodies to be purchased. One of the best things about shopping here, however, is the enjoyment to be had from browsing itself - the city's intricate streets, enticing markets and cool, glamourous malls offer a splendid way to wile away entire days!

Saturday, Sunday or week-day, plot a course that includes such retail pleasuredomes as the Victoria Wharf at the V&A Waterfront complex and Cavendish Square in the leafy Southern Suburbs. One should not, of course, forget the enormous Tyger Valley Centre and the opulent Somerset Mall - a short drive from the city centre.

Victoria Warf at the Victoria and Albert Waterfront offers world-class shopping.

Cape Town is famous for its beautiful antiques - from art nouveau jewellery to rare books and precious objets - which can be discovered in the stalls along paved Church Street, or behind the shop fronts of the original Victorian buildings lining Long Street and its surrounds. A block or two further, the dazzling colours, textures, smells and sounds of Greenmarket Square, the city's favourite fleamarket, enthrall all who experience it.

Weekday or Saturday, Greenmarket Square is great for browsing.

The cosmopolitan city centre is alive with informal markets and pavement traders, selling a vast array of bargain items, original curios and collectables, clothes and food. The sound of djembe drumming or children singing often fills the air, giving one the sense that this is, indeed, the heart and soul of Cape Town.

Don't forget to drop in at Heritage Square for a stylish rendezvous, or the Pan African Market and other specialist African art stores such as African Image for the best indigenous craftwork. After stopping for a breather or quick espresso at one of the many little coffee shops lining the streets, continue your hunt for collectable wines, jewellery or ostrich leather goods - all to be found in close proximity to most hotels.

You may want to visit the Khayalitsha Craft Market - for a range of uniquely crafted items - or the Philani Flagship Project in Crossroads for hand-printed fabric. For further details contact Cape Town Tourism.

Shopping in the city is essentially on foot, but, if you don't have a car at your disposal, getting to any of the malls or larger centres is as easy as hopping onto a taxi, bus or train.

Cape Town Tourism : http://www.tourismcapetown.co.za/capetown


Visas and Passports: Most passport holders need visas to get into South Africa. Check with your local travel agent to determine if you need one. Upon arrival, you must be able to prove that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay. You must also have a valid return ticket. VISA INQUIRIES CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HOME AFFAIRS: +27 12 314 8911

 

Photos at top of page: (Cape Views) Selwyn Davidowitz, I Love Cape Town