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| Waterkant shopping mall |
Shopping is a default activity when visiting a new place. You have to eat and you may find unusual things to take home. You could have family and friends expecting a souvenir? And tour guides take you to places where they get a kickback and leave you for what seems like hours to shop. Don’t you hate that?
V and A Waterfront and Gardens Centre are the main shopping malls in the city. A bit further south is Cavendish Square and heading north is Canal Walk. Canal Walk is reputed to be the largest shopping mall in the southern hemisphere. If you’ve bought stuff before, which I’m sure you have, you know how to shop. One shop looks like another if you ask me.
I prefer markets. So here are a few of my favorite places to go. First up, Long Street. Just go and see why it’s such a great place to lurk. Look forward to loads of sunny cafes, fun fashions, vintage items and cute interior design shops. Make sure you follow Long Street all the way up Kloof Street and take in an organic meal at Wellness Warehouse. Wellness are great for things like soy candles and crystals. Next up is Neighbourgoods Market in Salt River on a Saturday morning. Get there early. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Lots of eco designs and fresh wholesome food.
I like Milnerton market on a Sunday. They sell bric-a-brac and just about everything from second hand spanners to vintage crockery. This is a scratch and find place. Green Point flea market is also on a Sunday. A great place to scour for gifts to take back home. Then there is a fabulous market in Observatory the first Sunday of every month called the Holistic Lifestyle Fair. Great for trying out alternative treatments such as Reiki or Thai Massage at bargain prices. You can also taste exquisite raw foods and juices.
Here is a link to a website for what’s on and more markets – Mother City living guide
What to buy? The same old tat you find all over the world. But unique things are Rooibos tea, biltong, rusks and local wines and liquors. You can also look for beaded or wire art ornaments, jewelry and key rings. Maybe a hand-made picnic basket or shopping basket? The Waterfront Craft Market has over 100 stalls with local craftware on sale.
