The buzz around this Cape Town market starts early as traders arrive with their goods and begin to setup their stalls amid jibes and laughter. Greenmarket Square is an historic site laid down in 1696 and initially used as a gathering point from which to make public announcements. The cobbled stones have seen trading in various forms over the centuries, from the dealing in slaves to the selling of farmer’s produce to passing ships.

Today the square is a home for informal traders selling a range of goods from sinister wooden masks to beautiful Nguni cow hides and African art. Stall owners expect a hard bargain from buyers who mostly walk away with a well-priced find.

Greenmarket Square has a piazza style layout with pavement restaurants overlooking the busy trading. Buskers keep the patrons entertained with music and other street performances and there are a few benches scattered under old trees to stop and enjoy the... Show more

Two magnificent buildings face north-eastwards from the square; the old Town House and the gothic-style Methodist church with spire that reaches into the heavens. The Town House holds important works of Dutch art donated by Sir Max Michaelis and is the centre for chamber music. Other buildings include art deco creations built for major corporates and a top hotel.

Greenmarket Square is central to Cape Town’s vibe; Long street’s café and bar scene and St George’s mall, a pedestrian walkway lined with shops, hotels and more informal traders, flank Greenmarket Square. Also within walking distance is the Company’s Garden, a green lung in the city housing several museums. Nearby is the city terminus for the Cape Town hop on-hop off tour buses.

Be on the lookout for the ‘Eggy Man’ who regularly frequents Greenmarket Square. Gregory da Silva of Benin wears outrageous headgear that includes dozens of eggs, masks, plastic items, feathers and other adornments. The headgear weighs around 50kg and Gregory is a popular photo opportunity in exchange for a few coins.

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Accommodation Near Greenmarket Square

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Accommodation in Greenmarket Square

1000+ listings for accommodation in Greenmarket Square. Enter dates to see full pricing and availability:

Cozier Glitz

Holiday Homes, Self Catering in Table View, Cape Town

R5,850

La Cabina 601

Apartments, Holiday Homes, Self Catering in Bloubergstrand, Cape Town

R3,150

At My Beachfront Flat 1 and 2

Apartments, Holiday Homes, Self Catering in Lagoon Beach, Cape Town

R1,500

Cbay58

Self Catering in Camps Bay, Cape Town

R1,495

White Sands Beachfront Apartment Cape Town

Apartments, Holiday Homes, Self Catering in Bloubergstrand, Cape Town

R830

Devonshire

Apartments, Self Catering in Green Point, Cape Town

R2,250

Joy's Place

Cottages, Guest Houses, Self Catering, Pets By Arrangement in Plumstead, Cape Town

R1,200

Howard's End Manor

Bed And Breakfast, Guest Houses in Pinelands, Cape Town

R995

Bradclin House

Self Catering in Pinelands, Cape Town

R1,200

Junior-Suite Merlot - Constantia Cottages

Apartments, Self Catering in Constantia, Cape Town

R2,447

Premier Hotel Cape Town

Hotels in Sea Point, Cape Town

Valley Heights B & B

Bed And Breakfast, Guest Houses, Self Catering in Kenilworth, Cape Town

R890

Bradclin @ York Place

Apartments, Holiday Homes, Self Catering in Pinelands, Cape Town

R1,600

Mandalay Beach Guest House

Bed And Breakfast, Guest Houses in Bloubergstrand, Cape Town

R1,200

Navona Constantia Guest Cottage

Cottages, Self Catering in Constantia, Cape Town

R1,695

Garden Retreat

Bed And Breakfast, Cottages, Guest Houses in Pinelands, Cape Town

R2,900

Kaya La Provence

Self Catering in Constantia, Cape Town

R1,400

Pentzhaven Guesthouse

Bed And Breakfast, Guest Houses in Table View, Cape Town

R700

MOY Guesthouse & Backpackers

Bed And Breakfast, Guest Houses, Backpacker, Self Catering in Green Point, Cape Town

R400

The Villa Rosa Guesthouse

Bed And Breakfast, Guest Houses in Sea Point, Cape Town

R1,250

Brightwater Lodge

Bed And Breakfast, Apartments, Guest Lodge, Self Catering in Hout Bay, Cape Town

R936

The Greenhouse GuestHouse

Guest Houses, Self Catering in Green Point, Cape Town

R1,150

The Salt House Guest House

Bed And Breakfast, Apartments, Guest Houses, Guest Lodge, Self Catering in Hout Bay, Cape Town

R1,700

Phantom Acres

Guest Houses, Holiday Homes, Self Catering in Hout Bay, Cape Town

R1,950

34 on Lincoln Guesthouse