About Greenmarket Square
You cannot visit Cape Town and not visit one of its oldest markets, set on a cobbled square between Short and Longmarket Streets.
Did you know? Greenmarket Square square dates back to 1696, the year when the first Burgher Watch House (Now the Old Town House) was built.
This is where Capetonians have been buying their clothing, jewellery, sandals, crafts and nick-nacks for years, and, whilst the face of the market may have changed a little - African curios now predominate - there is still an exciting buzz as well as evidence of the city’s most colourful and eccentric characters.
Greenmarket Square is unbeatable value too. You can pick up local art, crafts, fabrics and artifacts from almost every country on the continent at this open-air gathering place. Bartering is the name of the game on the square, which used to function as a trading area for passing ships.
Today Greenmarket Square is bordered by a selection of restaurants and cafés that provide ample opportunity to people-watch and enjoy local fare, although a cup of coffee might suffice as Cape Town’s renowned hospitality isn’t always in evidence here. There are an few coffee shops, restaurants and hotels bordering on Greenmarket Square, convenient for customers who need to relax after shopping.
The square was originally built in 1696, when the first burgher watch house was erected here, and was ingeniously known as ‘Burgher Watch Square’. The watch house was replaced by the old town house, built in 1761, which also functioned as the city’s City Hall for a while.
Today it houses the Michaelis collection, through which you can browse - entrance is by donation. Many of the other houses on the square date back to the 1860’s and, whilst the square, declared a national monument in 1961, may originally have been for the wealthy and elite, today it is the stamping ground of people from all walks of life and a tribute to the vibrancy of Africa.
Need to Know
WhereGreenmarket Square, Cape Town Central, City Bowl, Cape Town, South Africa
WhenMonday to Saturday from 09h00 to 16h00.
OvernightStay in Cape Town Accommodation, Western Cape
Disclaimer
Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.
Feedback?
If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.
Additional Reading
You might also be interested in
Attractions near Cape Town Central
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Cape Town
201 Piazza
201 Piazza is a four sleeper self catering villa found in the heart of De Waterkant. The villa sleeps four guests in two bedrooms. Both bedrooms ...
Ezantsi Lodge
Ezantsi Lodge is located in 600 acres of forest, fynbos and vineyards on the edge of the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve near Somerset West on ...
Woodbridge Lodge
Elegant accommodation for the discerning holidaymaker. All our en-suite rooms are tastefully decorated and fitted with amenities to make sure our...
Ocean View Penthouse Apartment
Boasting views of the coastline and mountains, Ocean View Penthouse accommodates eight guests. The Penthouse has four en-suite bedrooms. Poseidon...
Eight On Burnside
Eight on Burnside offers superb accommodation. This comfortable, spacious and superbly furnished garden apartment situated in trendy Tamboerskloo...
Villa Misty Cliffs
Villa Misty Cliffs is an exquisite three bedroom villa situated right on the beach at Misty Cliffs which sleeps a maximum of eight guests. It is ...
Phezulu Lodge
Phezulu Lodge is hidden in 600 acres of forest, fynbos and vineyards on the edge of the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve near Somerset West. Phe...
The Quadrant Penthouse A406
The Quadrant Penthouse is a holiday apartment in Claremont offering self catering accommodation in Cape Town close to major shopping centres and ...
Mandelas Gold Apartment
Mandelas Gold is a spacious holiday apartment in Walmer Estate that sleeps six guests. The apartment has splendid views of Table Mountain and Tab...
Things to do in the area
Helicopter Flights With Extreme Scene
Take a tour via Helicopter over Cape Town and the Peninsula. Get a birds eye view of the Cape on this fun and popular Helicopter Tour. Various tr...
Ski-Hi Ride
Did you know that the odd adrenaline rush has some amazing health benefits? It helps you to breathe easier, it’s a great pain-blocker, it boosts ...
Attend a Parliamentary Session
The city of Cape Town, despite not being the capital of South Africa, is home to South Africa’s Parliament (Cape Town is the legislative capital)...
Bathe at Long Street Baths
In the centre of Long Street, Cape Town, facing the Long Street Bath's heritage doors, look to the right for a view of Table Mountain, look to th...
Be Cool at Daddy Cools
The Grand Daddy’s hotel bar is the ‘blingest’ in Cape Town. It’s not just a cool bar, it’s a Daddy Cool bar! A palette of metallics and a roll-ca...
Carriage Tour of Cape Town
Cape Town Carriage Company offers the experience of exploring The Cape Town Business District and the Company’s Garden in style and allows a more...
Diamond Cutting Tours
The Diamond Works is a one-stop, exciting experience for tourists, both young and old. Situated on the ground floor of the Metropolitan Life Cent...
Dine at Addis
Addis in Cape provides you with an inviting ambience and a unique dining experience right in the heart of the city of Cape Town. With its talente...
Eastern Food Bazaar
If you thought you could no longer afford to eat out when you stay in Cape Town, consider the Eastern Food Bazaar in what used to be the Wellingt...
Accommodation convenient to Greenmarket Square
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Western Cape Accommodation / Cape Town Accommodation