Linden Market Joburg
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The Best Markets in Joburg

ByThe Scribs & Nibs

There are so many markets in Joburg! Most operate every weekend, some are quarterly, while others are open on weekdays as well. Most stalls are equipped with card machines and oftentimes a market can be totally cashless. Here is my list of the best markets in Joburg.

This post is updated regularly as I visit new markets and learn of closings. However, markets and vendors change quickly in Joburg so be sure to double check info for yourself.

Weekend Markets in Joburg

Rosebank Sunday Market

Food, African souvenirs, and antiques, Rosebank Sunday Market is a great market to visit if you want classic African souvenirs. There are books, clothes, food, and much more here. Also, I’ve only seen ceramic artist Lisa Hojem at the Sunday Market. I’m obsessed with everything Linda makes. She makes funky, contemporary ceramics like mugs, bowls, plates, candleholders, and the like.

Bryanston Market

I like heading to Bryanston for crafts, coffee, and veggies. There are two great fresh veggie stands that have great microgreens that I love. Additionally, one of my favorite creative ceramic artists, Bheki, is located at the market and he has great 3D style animal mugs that I love to give as gifts. The market also has picnic benches in a covered space and it makes for a great spot to catch up with friends.

The Playground

Be cool and check out the Playground in Braam. Also, visit JFF rooftop and check out the bars around the area if you manage to make it out. There is great food at the market so go with an appetite and enjoy the live music. The bar on the 2nd floor are where you should get your drinks. There is a growing number of stalls selling Joburg fashion and home goods. Plan to visit with friends to spend an afternoon hanging out. Grab a sweatshirt with Joburg’s skyline on it here. Read the full post about visiting The Playground.  

Fourways Farmers Market

Located inside Modderfontein Reserve, you can go for a hike or bike ride around the two dams before you get food and shop. Most of the stalls are food. Although it’s named a “farmers market,” there is no produce for sale. It’s more exciting on Saturdays and the market is family-friendly. There is usually a DJ and occasionally some songs played for kids. Check out more here.

Prison Break Market

About 30 minutes outside of town, Prison Break Market gives a literal Cape Town market vibe that isn’t typical in Joburg. The market is spread out across several large sheds that are perfect for summertime as many markets around Joburg are outside and don’t have much shelter from the sun. The market is open Wednesday-Sunday.

There are two large food sheds with meals to eat there from sushi and shisanyama grills to bao buns and Croque monsieurs. There is also bread, cheese, sauces, and more to take home. The dessert also looks delish but I was too fun to try any! I saw a ton of vendors that I had not seen at other markets! Me and my friends got bao buns and they were delish. There is a ton of indoor and outdoor seating.

Hi Shannon and Michael!

One of the sheds hosts stalls with clothes, leather goods, paintings, and more.

The San Quenten Shed hosts occasional events. When I visited, there were more stalls that were part of a pop-up. I bought some gorgeous vintage clothes there and a purse.

For instagrammers, there is a whole shed dedicated to taking pics!

There is also a Pour Shed for cocktails, beers, and more. I had drinks with my friends here! I definitely want to come back to try the food here (as there is a Mexican place!).

One of the most unique things to do while at Prison Break Market is the Clay Cafe shed with a full-on pottery painting and decorating extravaganza. Be sure to book in advance.

Is driving out of town worth it? It just took one visit and I’m convinced it’s a great person to head out with friends or family for the day. I spent 3 hours here but it’s easy to spend more if you pair it with an activity.

Occasional Markets in Joburg

Victoria Yards First Sundays

Victoria Yards First Sundays is an experience you don’t want to miss. We usually go every first Sunday, even if it’s just to get a coffee at Foakes and walk around without any intention of buying anything. We like going around brunchtime so that we can also take advantage of the food stalls. There are some permanent food stalls for pizza and fish and chips, but there are also great stalls of Greek and Asian food that pop up each month as well. There are artists’ workshops, shops, and a market space. The market has live music and it’s all family-friendly. Some of my favorite shops are Wrapt, Delaney Studio, and Shwe.

Picnic and Thrift

  • Saturday or Sunday, around 11am-4pm
  • Location changes
  • Free

This hip thrift market focuses on second-hand and homemade clothing. The events are usually themed and people are encouraged to dress up accordingly. The location changes each month or so and the rules about either bringing your own picnic or purchasing onsite at the venue change. Check their Instagram page for the latest dates and info.

The Linden Market

  • Quarterly, Saturday and Sunday, 9am-4:30pm
  • Emmarentia Park (Joburg Botanical Gardens)
  • R30

The Linden Market is one of my favorite markets in Joburg. There are plenty of stalls with food, clothes, home goods, jewelry, etc. My favorite part of the market is the pottery section. There is always something new and interesting from Joburg’s creatives. We have several gorgeous bowls from different artists at the market. The food stalls have South African fare as well as global favorites like Thai, sushi, and Mexican food. Though there are some stalls that are evergreen, there will be something different for you to try each time you visit. There is a selection of plants for sale and a thrift section of the market that has great second-hand clothes. Check out the next dates here.

Kamer’s Market

  • Usually 5 days (including a weekend)
  • Location changes
  • R70-110

One of the biggest markets for Joburg’s and South Africa’s creatives, Kamer’s Market is huge and actually rotates its locations around South Africa.  There is a huge selection of everything, and you can spend 4 hours eating, drinking, shopping, and hanging out at the market. Because the market also brings in artisans from around South Africa, you’ll come across some stalls that you won’t see at other markets around Joburg. Check the next dates here.

The Halaal Good Market

The Halaal Good Market operates just twice a year (since I’ve been in Joburg, though they say they aim for 3 a year).

It’s a feast! Be sure to go hungry as you sample food from all over the world: from bao buns and sushi to curries and samosas. There are also shops selling clothes, trinkets, and spices. When I attended the market in October 2023, it was hosted at the 1 on Fox Center in downtown Joburg—what a cool venue!

I had to try to Crayfish Curry… So delish! I saw a lot of vendors here that I haven’t seen at other markets. It’s the perfect opportunity for foodies to explore something different in Joburg.

Tickets are R20 online or R30 at the door. Check their website to keep in the loop about the next market. The market had indoor and outdoor seating with plenty of parking and security (inside and out of the venue).

Curated Markers Market

On the first Friday of each month, The Curated Markers Market takes place on Constitution Hill in downtown Joburg. There are food vendors and stalls with homemade goods, clothes, and jewelry. Be sure to get a drink at the bar too. I loved the chill vibe. We went between 6-8pm and it looked like the party was just getting started. We had a great falafel sandwich and later, some spinach dumplings. There isn’t a huge variety of food but there is enough to have a good meal.

I bought a fun shirt that matches an aranda blanket. There is safe and secure underground parking too. I’ve ubered in the past to Constitution Hill but prefer to drive because I always put the wrong pick up location…

Want to shop more? Check out the post of my favorite gift ideas from Joburg and South Africa.