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 – Sun from 08:00 – 21:00
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 Joburg's 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 offer their cutting, braiding and weaving skills from stools on the street.
Between Harrison St and Von Brandis St, 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 with someone who knows their way around it. For a bit of history, discover
10 things you need to know about Kwa Mai Mai Market
.
Cnr Anderson St and Berea St, 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 in Africa 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 300km of Johannesburg, while the rest come from the Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and as far away 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 a 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 – Fri from 08:00 – 16:00; Sat from 08:00 – 14:00
Johannesburg's largest and most well-known craft market, Rosebank Art & Craft Marketis a gem next to the entrance of Rosebank Mall
, and 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 – Sun from 09:00 – 18:00
Weekly markets
BRYANSTON MARKET
Running for 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 Kwa 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
4WAYS FARMERS MARKET
Close to the city yet spacious enough for you to forget that temporarily, visiting the
4Ways Farmers Market
in the
Modderfontein Reserve
is as good as a holiday. Whether you're a family with young children, a hiking adventurer, cyclist, or birdwatching sort, or if you're simply looking for a lovely day out, we'd recommend a weekend visit to the 4Ways Farmers Market. There are tasty food stalls, delicious drinks, and live entertainment on offer. The market is open on weekends, with an entrance fee of R20 per person. Any other activities – such as hiking or cycling – will require an additional fee. Note that dogs aren't allowed in the reserve, but leashed and socialised pups are allowed at the market.
Norfolk Lane, Klipfontein 12-Ir, Lethabong (Taroko Farm) Open Sat and Sun from 09:00 – 18:00
MELVILLE MARKET
The community-led
Melville Market
has become a go-to for locally made treasures, fresh organic produce, and all things delicious – from quail eggs and rusks to artisanal bread and handmade soaps. Whether you're sipping on top-notch coffee or browsing unique jewellery, every visit feels like a neighbourhood catch-up. Launched in May 2024, it's already a weekend favourite.
Melville Kruis Church, Corner of 51 4th Ave and 4th St, Melville Open every Sat from 09:00 – 14:00
Nestled in the suburb of Glenferness between Lonehill and Kyalami, you can 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 that this is a cashless market.
10 MacMillan Rd, Cnr Main Rd and Lachlan Rd, Glenferness Open every Wed from 09:00 – 17:00 and Thu – Sun from 09:00 – 20:00 (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, the
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 St and Baker St, Rosebank Open every Sun from 09:00 – 16:00
THE PLAYGROUND MARKET IN BRAAMFONTEIN
Come and play. Don't miss your photo op atThe Playground Market's signature pink alleyway. Photo: The Playground Market.
The Playground Market
is one of 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
Monthly markets
FIRST SUNDAY MAKERS MARKET AT VICTORIA YARDS
Artisanal goods abound at the Makers Market, part of Victoria Yards' popular First Sunday event. Photo: 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, a bakery, and a stellar fish and chip shop to boot. Each month (except January) for
First Sunday
, resident artists open their doors to the public for an open studio day, while the fabulous Makers Market brings together everything from vintage fashion and crafts to plants and locally grown, organic veggies.
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 surrounds of the
Field & Study Park
, a large park with some great walking trails located in the heart of suburban Sandton. It takes place every second Sat of the month from March to December. 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 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.
VINYL & VINTAGE MARKET JOZI
Add to your classic vinyl collection at Vinyl & Vintage Market Jozi. Photo: Vinyl & Vintage Market Jozi via Instagram.
Step back in time at the
Vinyl & Vintage Market Jozi
at Victoria Yards, where records, retro fashion, and rare finds come together. Dig through crates of funk, soul, disco, and house classics, or thrift your next statement piece while DJs keep the groove alive. A family-friendly market with music, style, and nostalgia in every corner.
Victoria Yards, 16 Viljoen St, Lorentzville Every second Sat of the month from 11:00 – 20:00
Seasonal & pop-up markets
HALAAL GOODS MARKET IN FERREIRASDORP
Joburg's original pop-up 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, offering a thoughtfully curated selection of locally sourced offerings. More than 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 This is a pop-up market, so follow @halaalgoodsmarket on Instagram for updates.
KAMERS/MAKERS
Fashion, food, fun and more at KAMERS/Makers. Photo: KAMERS/Makers via Instagram.
St David's Marist Inanda, 36 Rivonia Rd, Sandown, Sandton This is a pop-up market, so follow @kamersmakers on Instagram for updates.
PICNIC & THRIFT
Fun in the sun at Picnic & Thrift markets. Photo: Picnic & Thrift via Instagram.
Picnic & Thrift is a regular pop-up market that combines the beautiful outdoors with shopping for the best vintage finds at super thrifty prices. Bring along picnic blankets for an afternoon in the park and enjoy the 80 thrift, craft, food, and drink stalls. Rivonia Recreation Club, 47 Achter Rd, Paulshof, Sandton This is a pop-up market, so follow @picnicandthrift on Instagram for updates.
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? Open during berry-picking season from January to April, this is the perfect place to 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 camping chairs for a maximally chilled-out time, and remember to book your spot for berry picking