Shopping in Cape Town - South Africa

Cape Town is the ideal place for a bit of retail therapy, with visitors often mesmerised by the sheer variety of goodies to be purchased. And the experience need not be expensive as one of the best things about shopping here is the enjoyment to be had from browsing itself. The city's intricate streets, enticing markets and glamorous malls offer a splendid way to while away the entire day.

Make sure to visit retail havens such as the Victoria Wharf at the V&A Waterfront complex and Cavendish Square in the Southern Suburbs. One should not, of course, forget the enormous Tyger Valley Centre and the Somerset Mall - a short drive from the city centre.

In Cape Town you will find beautiful and rare antiques. Discover art nouveau jewelry, rare books and precious objects, which can be found in the stalls along paved Church Street, or behind the shop fronts of the original Victorian buildings lining Long Street and its surrounds.

Informal markets and pavement traders are found in abundance in Cape Town. Here you will find a vast array of bargain items, original curios and collectables, clothes and food. Shop with the sound of djembe drumming or children singing filling the air.

Another must stop is the Khayalitsha Craft Market where you will find a range of uniquely crafted items such as hand-printed fabric.

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.