About Greenmarket Square

You cannot visit Cape Town and not visit one of its oldest markets, set on a cobbled square between Short and Longmarket Streets.

Did you know? Greenmarket Square square dates back to 1696, the year when the first Burgher Watch House (Now the Old Town House) was built.

This is where Capetonians have been buying their clothing, jewellery, sandals, crafts and nick-nacks for years, and, whilst the face of the market may have changed a little - African curios now predominate - there is still an exciting buzz as well as evidence of the city's most colourful and eccentric characters.

Greenmarket Square is unbeatable value too. You can pick up local art, crafts, fabrics and artifacts from almost every country on the continent at this open-air gathering place. Bartering is the name of the game on the square, which used to function as a trading area for passing ships.

Today Greenmarket Square is bordered by a selection of restaurants and cafés that provide ample opportunity to people-watch and enjoy local fare, although a cup of coffee might suffice as Cape Town's renowned hospitality isn't always in evidence here. There are an few coffee shops, restaurants and hotels bordering on Greenmarket Square, convenient for customers who need to relax after shopping.

The square was originally built in 1696, when the first burgher watch house was erected here, and was ingeniously known as ‘Burgher Watch Square'. The watch house was replaced by the old town house, built in 1761, which also functioned as the city's City Hall for a while.

Today it houses the Michaelis collection, through which you can browse - entrance is by donation. Many of the other houses on the square date back to the 1860's and, whilst the square, declared a national monument in 1961, may originally have been for the wealthy and elite, today it is the stamping ground of people from all walks of life and a tribute to the vibrancy of Africa.

Need to Know

WhereGreenmarket Square, Cape Town Central, City Bowl, Cape Town, South Africa

WhenMonday to Saturday from 09h00 to 16h00.

OvernightStay in Cape Town Accommodation, Western Cape

Disclaimer

Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.

Feedback?

If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.

Stay at Greenmarket Square

Cape Town Central Self Catering

602 Green Market Place

Sleeps 2 people in 1 unit

Experience the vibrant energy of Cape Town’s City Centre with a stay at Green Market Place, a charming self-catering ...

  • free wifi
  • all ages welcome
  • parking
  • swimming pool
  • from 1400
  • R
  • 1330
  • unit rate per night
    for up to 2 people
View accommodation

instant booking possible

Cape Town Central Self Catering

Green Market Place Apartment

Sleeps 2 people in 1 unit

Green Market Place Apartment offers Cape Town Central accommodation right on the door step of the famous Green Market ...


1 review
  • free wifi
  • all ages welcome
  • parking
  • swimming pool
  • from 1500
  • R
  • 1425
  • unit rate per night
    for up to 2 people
View accommodation

instant booking possible

In the vicinity

Hotels & other accommodation options in Cape Town

Things to do in the area

Accommodation convenient to Greenmarket Square

FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Western Cape Accommodation / Cape Town Accommodation

Cape Town as a destination

Want to stay overnight?

Dates

When would you like to stay?
Choose dates

Number of Guests

Why book with SA-Venues.com
  • Your card is safe with us; strictest card verification in the industry and we don't store card numbers.
  • No airy fairy service fees; you save!
  • We care. Service with integrity.
  • Multiple payment methods:
    credit card, SID instant EFT, bank transfer.
  • All Cape Town Central property owners / managers are verified (our experience protects you from online fraud).
  • Secure your booking
Our Payment Protection Guarantee only applies if your deposit payment is made via SA-Venues.com
South Africa. Explore. Experience. Stay

SA-Venues.com® has been assisting travellers with their South Africa travel plans since 1999, and is the largest, independent online travel guide for South Africa available in both English and German.