If you’re looking for small gifts to bring back for friends, Baraka is an absolute must. A little shop in the Waterkant shopping centre, right opposite the Manhattan café. It’s impossible to describe what you’ll find there — I’ll leave that for you to discover yourself, though I’m certain you won’t leave empty-handed.

Nestled within the futuristic Century City complex, just a few minutes from Cape Town city centre, Canal Walk is a major shopping mall. With over 400 stores spread across two levels, it offers a wide variety of international brands.

At the heart of Cape Town’s city centre lies Greenmarket Square, an iconic landmark steeped in history and buzzing with energy. Founded in 1696, the square has served many purposes over the years, from vegetable market to car park, as well as a space for public gatherings and demonstrations. Today, Greenmarket Square is best known for its lively market, where local vendors display a colourful array of goods ranging from handcrafted jewellery and clothing to African art objects, sculptures and regional souvenirs. Wandering among the stalls is an experience in itself, offering a unique opportunity to interact with local artisans and pick up one-of-a-kind pieces. The square is surrounded by historic architecture, with buildings dating back several centuries that bear witness to the city’s evolution. Numerous cafés and restaurants line the square, offering perfect vantage points to sit back, relax and watch the comings and goings of locals and visitors alike. Beyond its role as a commercial hub, Greenmarket Square is also a symbol of resistance. During apartheid, it was a gathering place for demonstrations and protests, and it retains that aura of defiance and resilience to this day.

Cape Town This iconic 123-hectare precinct is not only the city’s oldest working harbour, but also its beating heart. With over 450 shops, the V&A Waterfront offers an unrivalled shopping experience, ranging from high-end international brands to unique local creations. Food lovers can choose from a wealth of restaurants, cafés and food stalls serving everything from traditional South African dishes to cuisines from around the world. The precinct also hosts major attractions such as the Two Oceans Aquarium, the Zeitz MOCAA Museum of Contemporary African Art, and the departure point for ferry excursions to the famous Robben Island. Culture enthusiasts can enjoy live performances, craft markets and exhibitions throughout the year.

In the heart of Cape Town’s bohemian Woodstock neighbourhood, The Old Biscuit Mill is a unique crossroads of culture, fashion, design and gastronomy. Once a biscuit factory, this historic complex has been transformed into an urban hub of creativity and innovation. Every Saturday, the site comes alive with the Neighbourgoods Market, where local artisans present an impressive variety of homemade food products, organic produce, chocolates, pastries and much more. But the Mill is far more than just a market. It also houses a range of boutiques and design studios, from fashion clothing and handcrafted jewellery to designer furniture. Several restaurants and cafés are also established within the complex.