Johannesburg, Jo’burg, Jozi, ‘The City of Gold’ – are some of the names given to this largest city in South Africa. Its bustling streets and iconic skyline represent a world of opportunity. A night market in Johannesburg is a great place to meet friends, eat, relax and shop. Johannesburg markets have it all from food trucks to the widest variety of antique goods, clothes, handcrafted goods, and souvenirs. There are over 100 stalls offering food, cocktails, beer, and wine along with live entertainment. With Johannesburg being the melting pot of South African cultures, here is a guide of the best night markets in Johannesburg, South Africa for shopping and enjoyment.
1. The Greensider
The Greensider is a trendy market and should be on your must-visit list. It is a great place to visit in the evenings with your friends. Here you can taste delicious food at Mish Mash and enjoy wine and cocktails. The food is of good quality and healthy, sugar-free treats and Belgian waffles, Balkan Burgers and fruit smoothies are available too. It is under a covered area and there is plenty of seating with comfortable tables and chairs. It is a place where people can exchange ideas on different topics like fashion, food, and design. It is a great dinner destination and is open on Tuesday evenings, and Thursday to Sunday from 10.00 am to 11.00 pm.
The Greensider
Address: Johannesburg, 2034, South Africa
Website: The Greensider
Opening hours: 10am - 11pm
2. Boxes – Melville
The 27 Boxes center in Melville is named for the dozens of 27-meter (88 feet) long shipping containers it is built from. It provides visitors with a great and interesting space where they can spend their time eating food, shopping, playing and listening to live music. Here you can expect a wide range of food items, retail stalls for wares and crafts and an array of unique goods made by independent brands. The variety of food available here is extensive and includes Indian cuisine, tacos, dim sum, handmade cheese and a variety of cupcakes, carrot cakes, and cheesecakes. It is a great place to unwind and relax in the middle of the week. For a fun night out, visit one of the night markets hosted by 27 Boxes and be prepared to be blown away by the unique products on sale.
27 Boxes – Melville
Address: 74 4th Ave, Melville, Johannesburg, 2109, South Africa
Website: 27 Boxes
Opening hours: 5pm - 10pm
3. Night Fox at The Sheds@1fox
The 1Fox Market Shed is a weekly market that is located within the 1 Fox Precinct and is a cluster of historic warehouses which are converted into stalls in Johannesburg’s old mining camps. The market is made of at least 40 stalls that offer an array of exciting street food and beer brewery, local handicrafts and clothing and event venues that are large but can cater for smaller functions. It is packed with start-up entrepreneurs so you are assured to find something new and unique every time you visit. It is very spacious and safe and kids can run around. Parking is easier to find here. It is a great place to take your family and indulge in good food and live music. It is open on Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm and the last Friday of the month from 12 noon to 10 pm.
Night Fox at The Sheds@1fox
Address: 1 Fox St, Ferreiras Dorp, Johannesburg, 2048, South Africa
Website: Night Fox at The Sheds@1fox
Opening hours: 12pm - 10pm
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4. Fordsburg Night Market
Fordsburg Night Market is an open market with an Indo- Pakistani atmosphere. The neighborhood is predominantly Muslim where the aroma of Indian and Pakistani street food fills the air. The market has the atmosphere of an Indian flea market having a collection of items for sale from spices and incense, to jewelry, Indian and Muslim clothing and authentic Indian food. Some of the delicacies available here are biryanis, samosas, kebabs, shawarmas, pani puri, falooda, kulfi, jalebi, and even fresh sugarcane juice. There are Turkish restaurants, Pizza Hut, Burger King, KFC, and many other food joints. If you want to shop after dark, it is the right place. One can even get a haircut here for cheap. The place is always crowded like a busy Indian or Pakistani street with music playing in the background. The vendors are friendly and the environment is safe.
Fordsburg Night Market
Address: Fordsburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
Website: Fordsburg Night Market
Opening hours: 12pm - 10pm
5. Melville Food and Farmers' Market
Melville Food and Farmers’ Market is located in Bamboo, Melville and is open on Saturdays from 9 am to 1.30 am. The market is popular for local and organic fresh produce, farm milk, butter, handmade cheese, chickens, eggs, raw honey, olives, lemon products, dried fruits, lasagne, pesto, and preservative free bread. There is coffee, fresh bakes, great wine, fresh flowers, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. All produce is grown organically and the meat sources are raised on pasture. You can enjoy live performances along with a taste of different cuisines like Thai, German, and even Persian.
Melville Food and Farmers' Market
Address: Melville, Johannesburg, 2092, South Africa
Website: Melville Food and Farmers’ Market
Opening hours: Saturday 9am - 1:30am
6. The Stables Village Market – Chartwell
The Stables Village Market is open on Tuesdays to Thursdays from 9 am to 5 pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 am to 9 pm and on Sundays from 9 am to 5 pm. The grounds of the Stables are big and spacious and can host a variety of events like weddings, birthday parties, business events, school functions, and any other small get-togethers. The market stocks organic produce, food and refreshments, craft beer, fresh fish, Mexican food, sushi and pizzas, and desserts. It is an ideal place to bring your family and the kids can enjoy in the jungle gyms. There is a vintage Christmas market in early December where you can buy antiques, clothing, jewelry, bags, Persian carpets, books, furniture, toys, crockery, and silverware.
The Stables Village Market – Chartwell
Address: 212 3rd Rd, Chartwell, 2055, South Africa
Website: The Stables Village Market – Chartwell
Opening hours: Saturday 9am - 9pm
7. The Bedfordview Night Market
The Bedford View Night Market is a community-driven night market and is the perfect place for a community to spend time with friends and family on Friday nights. There are over 100 stalls offering great food, craft items, and unique cultural products. There is live music and entertainment by talented performers. You can drink some wine or coffee, taste the different flavors of food and even get onto the dance floor. The market is constantly adding new vendors to introduce customers to new experiences with every visit. The food is prepared by authentic cultured chefs. It is a unique experience and exposes every visitor to different cultures from around the world. Make sure you arrive hungry as there is lots of food to try.
The Bedfordview Night Market
Address: 79 Boeing Rd E, Bedfordview, Johannesburg, 2007, South Africa
Website: The Bedfordview Night Market
Opening hours: Friday 5pm - 10pm
A multi-cultural feast
Johannesburg is a city of dreams captivated by culture, history, and grit. The markets of Johannesburg are not just places for trading goods and commodities but they are social spaces where people can come together and exchange ideas on what is trending in the food, fashion, and decor industry. Whether you are on business or in search of a cultural encounter or simply want to unwind and relax while enjoying good food and music, the markets of Johannesburg have everything you are looking for and much more. They offer visitors an experience as unique and diverse as the city itself.