Traveling is about experiences, memories and sharing them when we return home. For many of us, souvenirs that remind us of a special place in our travels also make their way into our backpacks. Buying souvenirs serves not only as a reminder of a treasured time of one’s holiday but also as gifts for friends and family.
In many cities around the world, very little local craft is available but Cape Town certainly bucks that trend. With plenty of craft markets, local art shops and souvenir stalls, the Mother City is an outstanding place to buy South African souvenirs.
Here are a few places you’re bound to find some amazing momentos when visiting Cape Town.
Green Market Square
Located in the centre of the CBD, Green Market Square is one of the liveliest hubs in Cape Town. Here you’ll find many local artists and entrepreneurial traders showcasing a wide range of arts and crafts, both South African and from elsewhere on the continent.
Here you’ll find everything from hand-crafted jewellery, stunning vibrant fabrics, and beautiful ornaments. You could easily spend a few hours here just admiring all the things on offer at each of the stalls. In addition to the offerings from the stalls, get into the vibe of Africa with the many local music artists who visit Green Market Square to share their love of the music of Africa. Enjoy marimba bands, drums and other street performers at this iconic spot in the city.
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Bay Harbour Market
Situated in Hout Bay, the Bay Harbour Market is considered one of the Mother City’s most popular tourist and local destinations.It’s also a great place to shop for South African memorabilia and locally made artwork. If that’s not enough for you, in close proximity, the Hout Bay Harbour offers daily boat rides to Seal Island, and they have some of the best fisheries in town.
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V&A Waterfront
If you’re looking for a place to spend some time with the family or on your own without getting bored,your best bet would be the V&A Waterfront. Here you can find all kinds of activities ranging from sunset cruises, helicopter rides around the city and rides up the ferris wheel which offers a glimpse of the beautiful Waterfront from a bird’s perspective.
The V&A Waterfront is also known for the amazing souvenirs, arts and crafts inside and outside the mall. You’ll find everything from Picasso-like paintings, lovable stuffed toys for kids to play with as well as a wide range of foods for you to choose from.
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Cape Point Nature Reserve
A lifetime of things to see and do awaits visitors to Cape Point, from the breathtaking viewpoints to hidden beaches and beautiful hiking trails all over the reserve; so much that it’s impossible to fit them all into a single visit.
But make sure you fit in a visit to the three curio stores at the reserve. Here you’ll find everything from T-shirts, magnets and books. The Cape Point Certificate – the official record of a visit to Cape Point – is also sold here. Everyone will be able to find a memento to take home as a reminder of their visit to this beautiful place.
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Cape Town International Airport
More often than not, we are stuck trying to buy special souvenirs for our family and friends at the airport gift shop due to a lack of space in our luggage. Or you may find yourself bored at the airport as you while away time so why not take a look at the various items on sale at the airport?
Cape Town International Airport has loads of stores filled with all kinds of souvenirs which depict the local culture of the Mother City.
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