Pan African Market

The Pan African Market at 76 Long Street in Cape Town's City Centre is a multi-storey indoor market housed in a converted building, with craft stalls and small studios representing many African countries. Goods include masks, sculptures in wood and stone, textiles, beadwork, baskets, jewellery, paintings and musical instruments such as drums and thumb pianos. Compared with open-air squares nearby, the market feels more curated, and many vendors are the makers or are from the countries whose crafts they sell, so the proportion of authentic regional pieces is higher than at most souvenir stands, although mass-produced items still appear. Prices range roughly from R50 for small items to R2,000 or more for large sculptures. Bargaining is customary but tends to be gentler than at open-air markets; a modest discount is usually possible, particularly on larger pieces or multiple purchases. Cash in rand is the safest way to pay, and some stalls accept cards. Visitors who buy larger items should ask about packaging and shipping, as several traders arrange international posting. VAT refunds for foreign visitors apply only to qualifying purchases with proper tax invoices, so visitors should request an invoice if planning to claim at the airport. The layout is a warren of narrow aisles over several floors, with stalls packed closely and goods stacked to the ceiling, so allowing time to explore each level is worthwhile. The upper floors often hold the most distinctive carvings and textiles. A cafe on site serves light meals and drinks, and Long Street's many restaurants and bars are immediately outside. The atmosphere is relaxed, with vendors often keen to explain the origin and meaning of their pieces, and drums are sometimes played. Opening hours are approximately 9AM to 5PM on weekdays and Saturdays, with shorter Sunday hours.