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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Pet Friendly Accommodation Near Greenmarket Square

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Accommodation in Greenmarket Square

Joy's Place

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

R1,200

Cottage Cabernet

Cottages, Holiday Homes, Self Catering in Constantia, Cape Town

R3,192

Welgemoed Villa

Guest Houses, Self Catering, Villas in Bellville, Cape Town

R750

Nansen Place

Apartments, Self Catering, Pets By Arrangement in Claremont, Cape Town

R2,000

Bay Reflections

Apartments, Guest Houses, Self Catering, Villas in Camps Bay, Cape Town

R8,100

Nova Constantia Boutique Residence

Guest Houses, Self Catering, Boutique Hotels, Hotels, Villas in Constantia, Cape Town

R4,687

Highgrove Cottage

Cottages, Holiday Homes, Self Catering, Pets By Arrangement in Kirstenhof, Cape Town

R2,814

Cottage Sauvignon

Cottages, Holiday Homes, Self Catering, Pets By Arrangement in Constantia, Cape Town

R4,690

Cottage Chenin

Cottages, Holiday Homes, Self Catering, Pets By Arrangement in Constantia, Cape Town

R2,234

Cottage Chardonnay

Cottages, Chalets, Self Catering, Pets By Arrangement in Constantia, Cape Town

R1,702

Sweetest Apartments Hideaway Studio

Apartments, Self Catering, Pets By Arrangement in Sea Point, Cape Town

R949

Westfield Guest House

Guest Houses in Newlands, Cape Town

R1,000

House on the Hill

Guest Houses, Self Catering, Pets By Arrangement in Green Point, Cape Town

R900

InAweStays

Bed And Breakfast, Cottages, Self Catering, Villas in Gardens, Cape Town

R3,600

Hout Bay Hilltop

Holiday Homes, Self Catering, Pets By Arrangement in Hout Bay, Cape Town

R3,900

Cottage Studio

Cottages, Self Catering, Pets By Arrangement in Bergvliet, Cape Town

R1,600

Sweetest Apartments SA Luxury Sea View

Apartments, Self Catering, Pets By Arrangement in Sea Point, Cape Town

R4,390

Sweetest Apartments Getaway Studio

Apartments, Self Catering, Pets By Arrangement in Sea Point, Cape Town

R1,099

Unique Hout Bay House on Half Acre

Guest Houses, Holiday Homes, Self Catering, Villas, Pets By Arrangement in Hout Bay, Cape Town

R4,215

Table View Lodge - House

Guest Houses, Self Catering, Pets By Arrangement in Table View, Cape Town

R2,625

Boston Ivy

Apartments, Holiday Homes, Self Catering, Pets By Arrangement in Bellville, Cape Town

R650

Mitchell's Guest House

Bed And Breakfast, Guest Houses, Self Catering, Pets By Arrangement in Parow, Cape Town

R650

Woodcutters Villa

Self Catering, Villas in Hout Bay, Cape Town

R5,700

Sunset Loft

Guest Houses in Sunset Beach, Cape Town

R2,000

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