17 Fantastic Things to Do in Cape Town at Night
Find out all the best things to do in Cape Town at night, plus answers to all the frequently asked questions about safety and going out in the city at night.
While I was in Cape Town, one of my favorite things to do at night was to hit up all the amazing night markets.
Basically, they’re adorable little spaces filled with different food booths, bars, boutiques, and crafts.
Locals love hitting up these places with friends after work, so it’s a great way to meet people and get unique ideas for things to see in Cape Town that may not already be on your to-do list.
So without further ado, read on to find out about the best night Cape Town night markets.
A local recommended them all to us, some we’ve been to, others are still on my to-do list for my next visit to Cape Town.
Best Night Markets in Cape Town
1. Mojo Market
This is my favorite market that my friend April and I went to. In fact, we ended up here for two nights during our trip because we loved it so much.
Mojo Market has everything you could want in an evening, including multiple bars, live music, tons of different cuisines to choose from.
It’s such an easy and chill way to spend the evening, and everyone’s friendly.
This is where we made that local friend who gave us a list of all the Cape Town night markets that he likes best.
If you’re in Cape Town, even for just a brief stay, hitting up Mojo Market should absolutely be on your itinerary.
Oh, and it’s indoor, so you can enjoy any time of year, despite the weather.
Address: 30 Regent Road, Sea Point, Cape Town, 8060, South Africa
Hours: Open 7 days a week from 8:00 am until 12:00 am (confirm schedule on holidays)
2. Chilled Market at The Range
Want to spend your Friday night relaxing with a view of the mountain range while enjoying a variety of food, drinks,shopping, music, and maybe a bit of dancing?
Just head to Chilled Market at The Range and you’ll be greeted with great vibes and a cool local crowd.
They even have a kids’ zone with a play area, including a blow up bouncy castle.
Oh, and my favorite part, dogs are welcome, so you’ll get to watch adorable dogs wander by while you hang out enjoying the market.
Address: Orpen Road, Porter Reform Estate, Cape Town, 7945, South Africa
Hours: Open Fridays from 4:30 to 9:30 (confirm schedule on holidays)
3. Oranjezicht City Farm Market
Oranjezicht City Farm Market has a view of the ocean, a great food selection, drinks, and baked goods, making it the perfect stop for a chill night out in Cape Town.
It’s a fairly small market that’s easily doable in under two hours, so it’s a great pregame to a night out on the town, or an easy and quick night out if you’re tired after sightseeing all day.
Just remember to double check their schedule, because the night market only happens during the summer months.
They also hold some market hours during certain days of the week as well. Check their schedule for the latest daytime hours.
Address: Haul Road, Granger Bay Blvd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Hours: Open Wednesday from 5:00pm to 9:00pm during the summer (confirm schedule on holidays)
4. Greenmarket Square Night on The Square Market
You’ll find Greenmarket Square in the center of Old Cape Town, which is the second oldest space in Cape Town after the Grand Parade.
With a history like that, hitting up this market during your trip should be a no-brainer.
Although I’m ashamed to admit we didn’t make it to this one because we were exhausted after doing a day trip to see the penguins and check out the views along the coast.
This area is worth coming at least a couple of hours early to check out before hitting up Night on the Square.
You’ll find lots of tasty food and drink stands, plus lots of local crafts and gift items.
My local friend also told me that this is one market you’ll want to be careful of prices with.
He says some stands will target tourists with higher prices, so always try to negotiate before buying.
Address: Greenmarket Square between Burg and Shortmarket Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Hours: Saturdays from 7:00 pm until 12:00 am
5. Bluebird Garage Market
Running both Thursday and Friday nights, Bluebird George Market has something for the whole family.
If you’re traveling with kids, they can play in a jungle gym, slide, and monkey bars with other kids while you relax with a drink.
There’s also tons of food options that are sure to please everyone’s cravings.
I really loved the samosas and the little bookshop near the front. Don’t leave before checking out both.
Address: 39 Albertyn Road, Muizenberg, Cape Town, South Africa
Hours: Running Thursdays and Fridays from 4:00 pm until 12:00 pm
6. Bay Harbour Market
Bay Harbour Market has fantastic live music every Friday night, plus tons of delicious food stalls, craft stands, and bars.
It’s the perfect place to grab a glass of wine and do some shopping before choosing what you want for dinner out of a ton of different cuisine options.
I really loved the vegetable soup I got at Melly’s Soups. Everything she sells is plant based, so you can feel good about what you’re eating.
Don’t forget to leave room for dessert. The waffle stand here is really delightful.
Address: 31 Harbour Road, Hout Bay, Cape Town, 7872, South Africa
Hours: Open Fridays from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm
7. Friday Night Market at Boschendal
Okay, fair warning, this one is about an hour’s drive outside of Cape Town.
The reason it’s on the list is hat a lot of people do wine tours in Cape Town, which often places them in this area.
So if you’ve done an afternoon wine tasting and aren’t quite ready for the long drive home to the city center, it’s good to know you can hit up the Friday Night Market at Boschendal.
This wine estate offers weather dependent fun every Friday during the summer.
Their market features lots of local artisans, fresh farm produce, live music, and a selection of food stalls.
Bonus points if you plan ahead and book a room on site.
Address: Boschendal Estate, Pniel Road, Groot, Franschhoek, 7690, South Africa
Hours: Running every Friday during the summer from 5:00 pm until 8:30 pm.
8. Earth Fair Market
Come to Earth Fair Market to listen to live music while sampling foods from their delicious stands.
Afterwards, catch up over beer or wine with friends, or mingle and make friends with locals.
Besides drinks and food, you can also shop local produce, crafts, and even cheeses.
Don’t miss out on trying the pizza, my local friend told us it’s a must-eat when visiting this market.
Address: Center St Joans Road &, Timour Hall Rd, Constantia, Cape Town, 7801, South Africa
Hours: Open Wednesdays from 4:00 pm until 9:00 pm
9. Lourensford Twilight Market
This is another market that’s going to be closer to get to if you’ve already spent the day in wine country.
Lourensford Twilight Market is high up on my Cape Town bucket list because it looks stunning with tons of stalls, beautiful views, and a bit of music.
If you’re driving from the city center, expect about an hour’s drive one way to this market.
Address: Lourensford Market Lourensford Estate, Lourensford Rd, Somerset West, Cape Town, 7129, South Africa
Hours: Running Thursdays and Fridays from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm
10. V&A Food Market
This is a market you need to either hit up earlier in the evening, ideally as a pre-game to a night out.
Or go during the afternoon and make it your lunchtime shopping spot.
Either way, V&A Food Market is a ton of fun to wander around. There’s tons of local food, artisan booths, and a bunch of seating.
Fair warning, this place gets crowded, especially around mealtime, so don’t be surprised if you’re waiting in a sizable line.
Don’t miss out on the freshly shucked oysters, they’re delicious!
Address: The Old Power Station Building, Pier Head, 19 Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8005, South Africa
Hours: Running 7 days a week from 10:00 am until 7:00 pm
Wrapping It Up
I hope this list has given you all the inspiration you need to pick the perfect Cape Town night markets for your itinerary.
Let me know in the comments below which night market you’re most looking forward to checking out!
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