Johannesburg

A guide to Joburg's best markets

05 Feb 2024
For locals and visitors alike, markets are a fantastic window into the heart of a city and its people. And in a city like Joburg, there's no shortage of exciting markets offering authentic flavour and locally made goods. Johannesburg's markets are varied enough to cater to all tastes and inclinations and are a meeting point for people from all walks of life to enjoy food, music, culture, and craft. Our guide to the city's very best includes daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal markets; revisit an old favourite or be inspired to try something new. 

DAILY MARKETS

CHINATOWN IN CYRILDENE

Strolling down Derrick Avenue in Cyrildene, you'd be forgiven for thinking you've somehow stepped through a portal to China. Once a predominantly Jewish neighbourhood, Cyrildene saw a large influx of Chinese immigrants in the 2000s as the First Chinatown on Commissioner Street was abandoned. If you're interested in authentic Asian cuisine, are searching far and wide for an uncommon ingredient, want to sing some karaoke, sit down for a cup of tea or go for a beauty day at the spa, Chinatown in Cyrildene has plenty to offer. You're spoilt for choice when it comes to places to eat tasty and well-priced Asian food – anything from Szechuan cuisine to Thai, Taiwanese, Korean and Shanghai delicacies. And for affordable, fresh produce from bok choy to shimeji mushrooms, look no further.
Derrick Ave, Cyrildene
Open Mon – Fri from 08:00 – 16:30, Sat from 08:00 – 14:30, Sun from 08:00 – 12:00 

FORDSBURG SQUARE DAY AND NIGHT MARKET

This is Indian, Pakistani and Syrian street food heaven. The arcades off the central market area at Fordsburg Square lead into a culinary odyssey across the Indian subcontinent and into the Middle East. From dainty pani puri, savoury doughnut-like vadas and crispy bhajis to wholesome Friday biryani and tandoori barbecued chicken, you certainly won't go hungry. Interestingly, The Square holds one of Fordsburg's many heritage Blue Plaques detailing its history as a focal point for the 1922 Rand Rebellion. Nowadays, more than 100 years on, the area is more reminiscent of the hustle and bustle of an Arabic souk. Beyond the food stalls, you'll find knock-off football kits, cooking pots, spices, diamante-adorned Islamic hijabs and a seriously impressive selection of Bollywood DVDs.
Cnr Albertina Sisulu Rd, Mint St and Central Rd, Fordsburg  
Open Mon – Fri from 12:00 – 17:30, Sat and Sun from 10:00 – 22:30

KERK STREET MARKET

For five blocks between Harrison and Von Brandis Streets in the Joburg City Centre stretches the Kerk Street Market, an outdoor shopping bounty known particularly for its fresh fruit and vegetables, vendors selling traditional beaded skirts, necklaces and knobkerries, as well as the plethora of barbers and hairdressers who ply their braiding and weaving skills from stools on the street.
Between Harrison and Von Brandis Sts, City Centre 
Open daily during daylight hours

KWA MAI MAI MARKET IN JEPPESTOWN

One of Joburg's oldest markets, the Kwa Mai Mai Market is also known as Ezinyangeni or 'The place of healers', and has for decades been one of the city's most established muthi (traditional medicine) markets. Located just a few blocks from the Maboneng Precinct, the market's reputation as a down-to-earth spot to grab traditional South African street food positively exploded in 2020 and is well worth experiencing for yourself. Vendors sell their spin on grilled beef cuts, sausages and ox liver (isibindi senkomo), all of which come with a side of phuthu pap (also known as krummel pap), sliced tomato and fresh chilli. Note that no photographs are allowed and, for those unfamiliar with the area, we'd recommend you tag along to this one with someone who knows their way around. For a bit of history, discover 10 things you need to know about Kwa Mai Mai Market
Cnr Anderson and Berea Sts, City Centre, Maboneng  
Open Mon – Fri from 08:00–17:00, Sat and Sun from 08:00 – 18:00

MULTIFLORA FLOWER MARKET

A bloom-lover's delight, what started out as a small business on Jeppe Street in 1944 is now the largest flower auction house on the African continent with no less than 600 flower growers on its books. At least 80% of the flowers on auction at the Multiflora Flower Market are grown within 300 km of Johannesburg, while the rest come from the Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and as far as Kenya and Zimbabwe. Whether you're in search of something unique for a special occasion or are simply curious to see what's flowering and in season, this ultra-colourful market offering changes daily and the beautiful bustle is well worth experiencing first-hand. From wholesaling to boutique flower arrangements, the Multiflora Flower Market caters to all.
Multiflora Building, Cnr Fig Place and Vickers Rd, City Deep
Open Mon Mon – Fri from 08:00 – 16:00, Sat from 08:00 – 14:00

ROSEBANK ART & CRAFT MARKET

Johannesburg's largest and most well-known craft market, Rosebank Art & Craft Market is a gem next to the entrance of Rosebank Mall; it's a one-stop-shop for all of your African souvenir needs. Find the widest range of hand-crafted items such as carved wooden chests, colourful paintings, West African masks, local fabrics, waistbeads, quintessential Big Five figurines, leather goods, Afro-chic fashion and much more. "We bargain" is the motto of traders here, so be ready to negotiate! They take custom orders, too.
Rosebank Mall, Cradock Ave, Rosebank
Open Mon – Thu from 09:00 – 18:30, Fri from 09:00 – 19:00, Sat, Sun, public holidays from 09:00 – 17:00
 
Fordsburg Night Market
A veritable feast at the Fordsburg Square night market. Photo: Johannesburg In Your Pocket.

WEEKLY MARKETS

BRYANSTON MARKET

Running for over 40 years and counting, Bryanston Market offers a brilliant array of stalls for the eco-conscious including the freshest organic produce, wholesome home-baked goods, natural cosmetics, sustainable fashion and a selection of traditional artisan wares. What the Mai Mai Market lacks for vegans and vegetarians, Bryanston Market caters to generously. It's held in a relaxed, outdoor environment with a spacious central dining area, perfect for parking off and listening to live music over lunch from one of the many delectable food stalls. There's also a play area for kids on the premises, making this a great outing for the whole family to enjoy.
40 Culross Rd, Bryanston, Sandton  
Open every Thu and Sat 09:00 – 15:00

FOURWAYS FARMERS MARKET

Near to the city yet spacious enough for you to forget that temporarily, Fourways Farmers Market at the Modderfontein Reserve is as good as a holiday. Whether you're a family with young children, a hiking adventurer, cycling, or birdwatching sort or you're simply looking for a lovely day out, we'd recommend a weekend visit to the Fourways Farmers Market. There are tasty food stalls, delicious drinks, and live entertainment on offer. The market is open Sat through Sun. Note that Modderfontein is a private reserve and you will need to pay R30 per adult and R15 per kid to access the property. Additional entrance fees to the markets may apply. Note that dogs aren't allowed in the reserve but leashed and socialised pups are allowed at the markets.
Norfolk Lane, Klipfontein 12-Ir, Lethabong (Taroko Farm)
Open every Fri from 15:00 – 22:00, Sat and Sun from 08:00 – 17:00

THE PLAYGROUND MARKET IN BRAAMFONTEIN

The Playground has been reimagined (January 2024) and now takes its place along with a host of new developments in the Play Braam precinct. This includes Joburg's first rooftop basketball court, a beach club, a KFC concept store, and other attractions designed to delight a youthful (and young-at-heart) crowd. Read about it in detail here
73 Juta St, Braamfontein
Open every Sat from 11:00 – 19:00 

PRISON BREAK MARKET IN GLENFERNESS

Nestled in the suburb of Glenferness between Lonehill and Kyalami, escape the daily drudge with Prison Break Market – a unique collection of seven sheds offering food, crafts, art, wine and entertainment. Each with a particular focus and different operating days and times in the week, the sheds include the Star Food Market, the Crafters Shed and The Pour House. Prison Break Market was created to be a midway environment between a pop-up market and a shopping centre, encouraging artisans to teach their trade while enjoying the benefits of selling the end products. Your pups are welcome in select sheds, provided they're leashed and friendly. Note this is a cashless market. 
10 MacMillan Rd, Cnr Main and Lachlan Rd, Glenferness
Open every Wed from 09:00 – 15:00, Thu – Sat from 09:00 – 21:00, Sun from 09:00 – 19:00 (Find shed-specific visiting hours here.)

ROSEBANK SUNDAY MARKET

From colourful handmade baskets to wooden toys, second-hand books, ceramics and a glorious collection of African print clothing, this expansive rooftop market is a fun and relaxed spot and a great place to pick up something special for yourself or as a gift. While colourful crafts and artwork are the order of the day here, Rosebank Sunday Market also offers plenty of food stalls and a craft beer and gin bar. There's a real flea market feel to this market with lots of vintage and antique traders, especially on the last two Sundays of the month when the famous car boot sales take place.
Rosebank Mall (Level 4), Cnr Bath and Baker Sts, Rosebank 
Open every Sun from 09:00 – 16:00
 
The Playground Market in Braamfontein
Come and play. Don't miss your photo op at The Playground Market's signature pink alleyway. Photo: The Playground Market.

MONTHLY MARKETS

CURATED MAKER'S MARKET AT CONSTITUTION HILL

The Curated Maker's Market is a monthly market at Constitution Hill showcasing Joburg's talented independent artisans, designer-makers and small businesses on the first Fri of every month. With more than 40 stalls to meander through, there's bound to be something to catch your eye. If you need a break from browsing, there are pop-up exhibitions on site or you can explore Constitution Hill at night with free tours throughout the evening. And, the designated play area by Play Africa ensures your little ones will have just as good a time as you do.
Constitution Hill, Cnr Joubert St and Kotze St, Braamfontein
Every first Fri of the month from 16:00 – 23:00

FIRST SUNDAY MAKER'S MARKET AT VICTORIA YARDS

The vibrant Victoria Yards complex is home to dozens of artist studios, artisan workshops, boutiques, art galleries and showrooms, as well as a craft gin distillery, an excellent coffee roastery, bakery and a stellar fish and chip shop, to boot. Each month for First Sunday, resident artists open their doors to the public for an open studio day while the fabulous Maker's Market brings together everything from vintage fashion and crafts to plants and locally grown, organic veggies. Budding collectors will love Art Start: a chance to choose from over 100 artworks with nothing over R1,000.
16 Viljoen St, Lorentzville
Open every first Sun of the month from 10:00 – 16:00

THE FIELD MARKET

The Field Market is a monthly market in the tranquil green surrounds of the Field & Study centre, a large park with some great walking trails located in the heart of Sandton's suburbs. Enjoy local produce and artisanal food under the trees or relax in the sun along the banks of the Braamfontein Spruit, which runs through the park. In this a family-friendly affair, jungle gyms keep your kids entertained while you peruse local arts and crafts or enjoy live music with a glass of wine. 
Field & Study Park, Cnr 14th St and Louise Ave, Parkmore
Every second Sat of the month from 09:00 – 15:00.
 
Artisan goods aplenty at First Sundays. Photo: Victoria Yards.
Artisan goods abound at the Maker's Market, part of Victoria Yards' popular First Sunday event. Photo: Victoria Yards.

SEASONAL & POP-UP MARKETS

THE FIELD BERRY FARM MARKET IN WALKERVILLE

Taking a drive to The Field Berry Farm Market, a raspberry farm in the South of Joburg, is guaranteed fun for the whole family. Who could say no to a bucketful of sweet raspberries fresh from the farm? Make a day of it and stick around for a delicious lunch from a variety of vendors. The kids will enjoy the jungle gym and obstacle course and there are bicycle tracks on the property, so bring your bikes and helmets along. Don't forget your picnic blankets and camp chairs either for a maximally chilled-out time.
The Field Berry Farm, Walkerville (find detailed directions here)
Every Sat and Sun, Jan – Apr, from 09:00 – 15:00 

HALAAL GOODS MARKET IN FERREIRASDORP

Joburg’s original artisanal halaal food and design market, the pop-up Halaal Goods Market takes place at Fox Street Precinct in the City Centre. This is the first artisanal halaal food and design market in Southern Africa with a thoughtfully curated selection of locally sourced offerings. Over 90 stalls cater to your every need, from gourmet food and mocktails to stylish modest clothing, handmade crafts and natural beauty products.
1 Fox St, Ferreirasdorp
Pop-up market, follow @halaalgoodsmarket for updates

THE LINDEN MARKET

Taking place once each season at the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens in Emmarentia, The Linden Market celebrates artisanal traditions, local talent, creativity, craft eats and ethical shopping. This super sociable event in one of Joburg's most-loved green spaces boasts crafting workshops, live music and plenty of stalls that'll keep you captivated all day long. From delectable food and drinks to one-of-a-kind designer wearables, vintage fashion, hand-crafted cosmetics and more, you'll be hard-pressed to leave The Linden Market empty-handed. Plus, your furry friends are welcome too.
Johannesburg Botanical Gardens, entrances at 45 Thomas Bowler St and on Olifants Rd, Emmarentia
Once every three months, follow @thelindenmarket for updates

KAMERS (MAKERS) IN SANDTON

Said to be the largest artisan pop-up retail experience in Africa with over 150 small businesses, designers and makers from across the country selling their most covetable and creative wares, KAMERS/Makers is a whopper of a market with everything from fashion and jewellery to art and homeware. This long-running market is a pleasure to attend; a lovingly curated celebration of handmade artistry and an opportunity for face-to-face encounters with those who produce it. Be inspired, pick up something altogether lovely and round out the magic with good food and music in a beautiful setting.
St Stithians College, 40 Peter Place, Lyme Park, Sandton
Pop-up market, follow @kamersmakers for updates
 
Fun for all at the open-air Linden Market in Johannesburg Botanical Gardens. Photo: The Linden Market.
Fun in the sun for all at The Linden Market in Emmarentia. Photo: The Linden Market.

Related Events

Wednesday May 1 - Sunday May 5
KAMERS/Makers Joburg Market

Joburg markets

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