Why go
Bead and wire work, pottery, glass, embroidery and objects made from reused materials show the range of crafts described in Cape Town's markets and shops. Gallery visits offer a different encounter with contemporary South African artists. The distinction helps you spend time in the places that match what you want to see or buy.
The full story
A craft search in Cape Town can begin with the material. Wire and beads can become small figures and ornaments; reused plastic bags can be worked into playful objects. Pottery, glass and embroidery bring other techniques into the same browsing trip. These details are more useful than treating every stall as a source of interchangeable souvenirs. Ask who made a piece and how it was produced when that history is part of your reason for buying. Contemporary art calls for a different kind of stop. Galleries allow more time to consider individual artists and larger works, while market stalls make it easier to compare smaller objects side by side. Kloof Street, the V&A Waterfront and De Waterkant give the search three different settings. Check current exhibitions and traders before setting out, then leave enough time to look beyond the first display that catches your eye.
Useful to know
- For small crafts, compare market stalls and shops around the V&A Waterfront or Kloof Street.
- For contemporary art, check current gallery exhibitions before choosing an area to visit.