Whether it be the African Craft Market of Rosebank, where things you only get in South Africa are available, or the Neighbourgoods Market Johannesburg, which has some of the best options for souvenirs, shopping in South Africa is not an easy task! There are plenty of opportunities from big brands to local artists who allure you with art, design, with a pinch of tradition and culture. You will find places that have some typical south African things, while the others may specialise in global products!
9 Places For Shopping In South Africa
Here are the top 9 places for the most ultimate shopping experience in South Africa that will add immensely to your vacation. So, scroll through and take notes about where you ought to stop b by and shop!
1. Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Well worth of being at the top of this list, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, more commonly known as V&A Waterfront is a paradise for shopaholics. Everything from the big fashion brands, to local markets are part of this centre which is the best for shopping in Cape Town, South Africa. Not to mention its restaurants that serve delicious multi-cuisine food. While here, do indulge in a little seafood! It would also be interesting to note that there are a number of quirky shops that you can explore if you want cheap things to buy in South Africa.
Timings: 9 AM to 9 PM
Location: 19 Dock Rd, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Website
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2. Fourways Mall
One of the popular shopping centres in South Africa, Fourways Mall is a wonderful place to enjoy, relax, as well as rejuvenate. It has a lush golf field where you can enjoy a game, and more than 170 shops and centres offering a wide variety of items. Sparkling jewellery and South African chain stores are some of the best features of this mall. Head here for an elite, posh shopping experience!
Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM from Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 3 PM on Sunday
Location: William Nicol Dr & Fourways Boulevard, Fourways, Johannesburg, 2055, South Africa
Website
3. Melrose Arch
Set in one of the luxurious areas of the town, there is nothing mediocre about the Melrose Arch. enough to be called a city, it has multiple shops, boutiques, and showrooms offering exquisite items of fashion, body care, and even jewellery. Lavish restaurants with extensive menus and specialising in different cuisines can be found here, making this destination perfect for a full day trip. Keep a lookout for any events, as this also serves as a venue to some of the best music concerts and other performances here.
Timings: NA
Location: 60 Melrose Blvd, Melrose North, Johannesburg, 2076, South Africa
Website: NA
Suggested Read: 15 Best Restaurants In South Africa To Enjoy Ultimate Culinary Delight
4. Sandton City
When it comes to shopping in South Africa, Sandton City is a must! Renowned for being one of the fanciest places in the country, brands like Gucci, Armani, Lacoste, and Mont Blanc have found solid ground at this centre. Apart from these there are some posh multi cuisine restaurants too which are great for an official meeting, or even a romantic dinner. Move around, and the nightlife in this area is quite exciting.
Timings: 9 Am to 8 PM from Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 6 PM on Sunday
Location: Unit U61a, Sandton City, 83 Rivonia Rd, Sandhurst, Sandton, 2196, South Africa
Website
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5. Gateway Theatre of Shopping
Often claimed to be one of the best entertainment centres in the country, Gateway Theatre of Shopping is a catalogue of more than 380 elite stores. Fashion boutiques like Pringle and Sissy Boy, along with some other quirky options give the guests the best shopping experience in South Africa. Indoor games, recreational activities, restaurants and fast food joints are only some of the additional perks of this place, other that the stores. The centre also has a Skate Park designed by none other than, Tony Hawk!
Timings: 9 AM to 7 PM from Monday to Thursday, 9 AM to 9 PM on Friday and Saturday, 9 AM to 6 PM on Sunday
Location: Gateway Ave, Umhlanga Ridge, Umhlanga, 4319, South Africa
Website
Suggested Read: Table Mountain National Park: The Surreal Beauty Of South Africa
6. The Pavillion
For all those looking for some South Africa shopping tips, you are bound to come across this name. Famous for being one of the largest shopping malls in the country, you can spend an entire day here, amongst shopping, food, and entertainment. With almost 290 stores, this mall is ever expanding. It is the perfect place to go window shopping with friends, or even a fun filled day with family and children. You will find everything from fragrances and body care products, to fashion garments and accessories.
Timings: 9 AM to 7 PM
Location: Jack Martens Dr, Dawncliffe, Westville, 3611, South Africa
Website
Suggested Read: 10 Best Places To Visit In Bloemfontein For An Authentic South African Experience
7. Riverside Mall
Leading on the list of best shopping malls in South Africa, is Riverside Mall. Located at a perfect spot by the White River, and close to the famous Kruger National Park, it is also one of the top places to grab some souvenirs on your way. They have a huge collection of stores, approximately 140 or even more! And the 650,000 people who visit it per month are a testimony to their quality.
Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM from Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 3 PM on Sunday and Public Holidays
Location: Nelspruit, 1200, South Africa
Website
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8. Canal Walk
Rightfully named, the Canal Walk is a shopping centre built around a canal! Innovatively built, and a treat to experience, there are various types of shopping stores that make this centre one of the best South African markets. It is the third largest shopping areas in the country, and is perfect for tourists, as well as locals. Families and friends often come here for a day out, which is the best way to enjoy all that it offers.
Timings: 9 AM to 9 PM
Location: Canal Walk, Century Blvd, Century City, Cape Town, 7441, South Africa
Website
9. Cavendish Square
Cavendish Square is one of the fancy shopping areas with the top international as well as national brands showcasing their best in the sparkly glass showrooms. Along with these, there are also a few chic coffee shops perfect for a quick bite overlooking the streets, and a few entertainment centres like cinema halls too. For those of you who are looking for exclusive South African products, there are a few crafty shops near the Dreyer Street Market which may be worth a visit!
Timings: 9 AM to 7 PM from Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM on Sunday
Location: 1 Dreyer St, Claremont, Cape Town, 7708, South Africa
Website
Further Read: Tsitsikamma National Park: A Guide To Explore South Africa’s Spectacular Wilderness
And so here we are! Add the best of the above, that interests you the most, to your itinerary, and have a fabulous shopping experience on your South Africa trip with TravelTriangle!
The raw material used to make goods like souvenirs that you buy in South Africa come from the natural resources that are abundant in this region. Watch our South Africa travel video to find out what these natural resources are.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Shopping in South Africa
What can you buy in South Africa?
There are a lot of things you can buy in South Africa and here are some of the most unique SA souvenirs that the locals recommend, Zulu ceremonial spoons, Kalahari salt, Old World wine, Africa-shaped pendant, Local leather backpack, Rooibos Tea, Pichulik earrings, and Pink Lady gin.
What is famous in South Africa?
There are a lot of things that are famous here in South Africa. Here are some of the top-rated tourist attractions in South Africa. You have the Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga and Limpopo Provinces, Cape Town, Western Cape, Kgalagadi (Kalahari) Transfrontier Park, Northern Cape, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, The Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal, The Garden Route, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal, and Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Mpumalanga.
What can I buy in Johannesburg?
The most bought souvenirs in Johannesburg are, a Johannesburg sky-line mug from Love Jozi, artisanal spirits from Time Anchor Distillery, gold jewelry from Henriette Botha, leather jacket from Vintage Zionist, African craft from the Rosebank Sunday Market, Mandela memorabilia, and the Ndebele art from Lesedi Cultural Village.
What should I wear in South Africa?
Well, you can dress light in South Africa if you have come for a holiday. You can wear a shirt, blazer, jeans or trousers for men. There are dresses for women. Aim for neutral and earthy toned colors rather than flashy ones.
Are things cheaper in South Africa?
South Africans do have a weak economy and several products are cheaper to buy in South Africa. The fruits, furniture, pieces of bread and cereals are all cheap in South Africa.
What is the famous food in South Africa?
You have goat, beef, chicken, mutton, and other meats mostly. There is a special braai, “pap and vleis”, which is maize meal and grilled meat every Sunday.
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