The 11 best shops in Cape Town

What is it? Thought to be South Africa’s most-visited tourist destination, the V&A Waterfront draws almost 24 million visitors per year, largely thanks to the shopping on offer. The retail experience is spread amongst a handful of separate malls, each with a particular focus and all surrounding a working harbour, set against the backdrop of Table Mountain.

Why go? To shop ’til you drop at local chain stores, before trawling the boulevard of international luxury brands. For local creativity, the Watershed market is a must, while Mungo & Jemima is a wonderful showcase for South African fashion. Add-in restaurants and entertainment, and you’ve got a one-stop-shop, as it were, loved by locals and visitors alike. Open daily.

What is it? A carefully curated boutique on Buitenkant Street fusing big-brand vintage and pre-owned collectable items at fair prices. The idea, say the owners, is for this tiny shop to be full of items you wish “your mother had kept for you”. Open Monday to Saturday. 

Why go? Because Afraid of Mice isn’t stuffy, dusty or unattainable. With a little luck you can find stellar-quality items from fashion heavyweights such as Salvatore Ferragamo, Diane von Fürstenberg, Oscar de la Renta, Mulberry, Nina Ricci or Prada, to name but a few.

What is it? An ode to the best of the continent, Merchants on Long opened in 2010 in a historic building on Long Street as a showcase of pan-African design. Stocking everything from clothing to shoes to homeware, it’s said to be the first concept store to shine a light on the breadth of African fashion and design under one roof. That includes Cape Town-based sustainable swimwear store Akina, Ethiopian fashion label Lemlem and Kenya-based brand Zuri, amongst many others.

Why go? To find exquisite items like Zulu-inspired sandals, distinctive MaXhosa knits by Laduma Ngxokolo and gorgeous woven baskets made to exacting standards by craftspeople, artisans and designers.

What is it? Not to be confused with Mungo & Jemima over at V&A Waterfront, Mungo is the inner-city boutique for a family-owned textile mill on the Garden Route. Their kikois, towels and linens grace many of Africa’s leading safari lodges and hotels.

Why go? Mungo’s unique textile designs reflect Africa’s rich heritage of weaving, while incorporating early American weaving patterns and Mediterranean and Provençal hues. Mungo works exclusively with natural fibres and in 2020 became the first textile-weaving mill in South Africa to be certified organic by the stringent Global Organic Textile Standard.

What is it? A luxury design house that focuses on fine clothes and ‘exotic’ leathers for its bespoke handbags.

Why go? The attention to detail and commitment to fairly compensating staff and artisans is admirable. Kat van Duinen is one of the few places where you can buy an ostrich-skin bag, clutch or tote and trust that both the environment and the people involved have been taken into account throughout the process.

What is it? An artisan jewellery boutique based in the quaint fishing village of Kalk Bay, offering the opportunity to consult directly with the jeweller on bespoke pieces. With a focus on organic, hand-finished works, Anpa is known for its sculptural statement pieces that use gold, silver, Tanzanite, African emeralds and myriad precious stones. Open Tuesday to Saturday.

Why go? For unique designs infused with African inspiration or for the great-value custom jewellery, which can also be created on short notice. Call ahead for a consultation.

What is it? The OG of South African haute couture, with local and international accolades to prove it. The flagship store in Bree Street stocks runway-inspired approachable designs for work, fun and special occasions. Open Monday to Saturday (custom designs by appointment only).

Why go? Simply because it’s a must-stop for fashionistas of all kinds. While KLûK CGDT is known for its bespoke, tailor-made gowns, the ready-to-wear racks are all about quality materials and expert craftsmanship.

What is it? A proudly South African company creating bags, backpacks, duffels and accessories from upcycled yacht sails, kite sails, sustainable cotton and recycled nylon.

Why go? With a focus on sustainability and ocean conservation, Sealand manufactures its high-end bags and accessories in the seaside suburb of Hout Bay, but the best place to experience the eye-catching bags, clothing and accessories is at the Sealand Experience Store in De Waterkant, close to the city centre.

What is it? Fun, high-end fashion by a designer who’s stood the test of time. The Kloof Street store is discreet and in-line with the designer’s ethos of creating beautiful, expertly constructed clothing without being loud or outlandish. 

Why go? While the ready-to-wear items attract the style-savvy, Stefania Morland is known for her custom-made, elegant and customary wedding dresses, tuxedos and bridal-party outfits. Look forward to a unique collection of playful and timeless high-fashion pieces.

What is it? An ethical jewellery atelier combining pan-African inspiration with a global aesthetic.

Why go? To shop for striking sculptural jewellery that’s sure to be a talking point. When über-luxurious Dubai mega-hotel Atlantis The Royal opened in 2023, with Beyoncé providing the evening’s entertainment, the security bracelets for the star-studded event were made by none other than Pichulik. That gives a measure of the brand’s cachet abroad, so it’s a treat to enjoy it on home-turf, at the elegant boutique just off Bree Street.

What is it? In South African lingo a ‘chommie’ is your best mate. Your wing(wo)man. Your BFF. They’re all terms which can equally be applied to any faithful hound – a perfect fit, then, for the House of Chommies Concept Store, which offers bespoke pet accessories for the furry family member(s) in your life.  

Why go? Chommies adds a dollop of colourful luxury to the world of pet accessories, with a range of collars, harnesses, travel mats and other items. Each is handcrafted in Cape Town by local artisans, and features African-inspired bold colours, textures and patterns.