Mall Shopping in Cape Town for those Rainy days!
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| V&A Waterfront, Cape Town |
Sometimes, visitors to our shores get caught with inclement weather (May - August) but don't be put off as we still have glorious days of sunshine during these months. For those rainy, wet and miserable days, the many local shopping malls will keep you occupied.
V&A Waterfront:
Our Number One choice is the V&A Waterfront. It's scenic location, surrounded by a working harbour, offers locals and tourists alike, an exciting shopping experience. Table Mountain looms over the city in it's many different moods and the huge "table cloth" that drapes over the mountain is a sight to behold. One of the 7 wonders of the natural world, this famous mountain is loved by all who gaze upon her. If you are unmoved by Table Mountain, perhaps it's time to step back and wonder where your sense of awe and child-like wonder has vanished to! Get it back from its hidey hole and enjoy Cape Town's cosmopolitan atmosphere.
The V&A is visited by locals and tourists and buzzes over week-ends and in the summer months. Whilst it is less busy during winter, this makes shopping easier and the many restaurants often have special deals on hearty winter fare. With over 80 restaurants to chose from, there is something for everybody's taste.
Shops abound with many craft areas like the Red Shed and the WaterShed Craft Market that are must visits. With much to discover, you can wander along, just browsing the many, varied shops, or take in a movie, until the rain stops. The shops are open from 09.00 hrs - 21.00 hrs so plenty of time to catch a cruise or brave the adrenalin adventure boat on a sunny day. Sometimes, just "people" watching whilst nursing a beer or coffee can be just as much fun as spending your hard-earned cash!
Canal Walk:
Over 400 shops on 2 levels - do the complete circuit and your feet will realise that you have visited Canal Walk! Open 09.00 hrs - 21.00 hrs every day, this shopping centre enjoys a busy trade on most days. Week-ends are often very hectic and prior to Christmas it competes with Oxford Street!
In addition to its popularity with the Western Cape's vibrant and discerning shoppers, Canal Walk has evolved into a must-visit tourist destination. It attracts thousands of international visitors every year with its spectacular architecture, spacious malls and unparallelled array of local and international retail brands as well as the unique Afri-Bizarre, which showcases the work of local retailers and craftsmen.
Cavendish Square:
40 years on and still looking good, due to refurbishment, this is Southern Suburbs most exclusive shopping centre with approx. 200 shops and numerous coffee bars and restaurants. Frequented mainly by locals, the shopping hours are not as long as V&A or Canal Walk.
Kalk Bay and Simonstown: Daytime shopping only
Both these villages offer unique shopping experiences, albeit on the Main Road so not water-proof! Kalk Bay has antiques, art, china and bric-a-brac with numerous cafes to sustain the hunger pangs.
Simonstown has an interesting array of small shops, many with tourist souvenir's.
I have not listed the many smaller shopping experiences that abound in Cape Town - you are sure to chance upon these as you explore the peninsula.
We hope you enjoy this small sample of Cape Town indoor shopping venues!
© Judelle Drake
For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa
