Greenmarket Square Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Greenmarket Square. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Understanding Cape Town Walking Tour
• African Food and Storytelling Tour Cape Town City Centre
• Taste Of Africa Food Experience in Cape Town
• Cape Town Highlights & Hidden Gems Including Tickets and Snack
• Cape Town Golf Cart Private Tour

While it's free to visit Greenmarket Square on your own, there are plenty of affordable tours that can help you learn more with an expert guide. City center walking tours cost from US$44 and food-tasting experiences start around US$57, while it’s US$90 for a private food tour.

The history of Greenmarket Square began in 1696 when the Dutch established the market as a place for vendors to sell fruit and vegetables. Later, slave owners used the market to buy and sell enslaved people. A watchhouse was built in 1716, which was demolished in 1761 when the Old Town House was built here.

The types of goods you can find at Greenmarket Square include pan-African crafts such as painted batik fabrics, beaded jewelry, handcrafted musical instruments, and wooden carvings, plus paintings, sculptures, food products, clothing, footwear, and sunglasses.

The opening hours of Greenmarket Square are from 9am to 4pm Monday to Saturday—although you may find a few stalls open on a Sunday. The market is open year-round and is busiest during Cape Town’s peak summer season from November to March.

Yes, bargaining is expected at Greenmarket Square, especially for large or bulk purchases. Feel free to engage in some friendly haggling but be mindful of offering a fair price. Most vendors only accept cash, so get some bills from a nearby ATM before you start shopping.