Shopping in Cape Town: Top 16 Trip Mementos, Cape Town, South Africa

The many hopes pinned on this place (Cape of Good Hope) by passing-by sailors over the centuries must have done a good job for Cape Town, seeing it become a colorful cultural hub and prominent metropolis (3rd largest) in South Africa. Overlooking the meeting point of the two oceans (Indian and Atlantic), this place has no shortage of eager visitors and is well-prepared to offer them many interesting things in return. Here's the list of some signature items from Cape Town worth picking up to memorize your trip.

Increasingly, young designers are making their mark on the face of Cape Town, often by incorporating local cultural symbols into colorful and bold textiles that are transformed into bags, pillows and other garments, sporting proudly the South African flag in such a colorful way that people can notice you from miles away on the street. Shine Shine is a popular such example, and can be bought at a couple of cute shops around the city. African Image, on the corner of Church and Burg Street (open on Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 17:00 and Saturday from 09:00 to 15:00), stocks a range of Shine Shine products. A tray will set you back around R189, and fashionable handbags - between R310 and R365. They describe themselves as an independent, tribal art dealership, but are also known to be the first to offer many contemporary design products, including wire work, recycled craft, funky African print shirts, bags, baskets and numerous other examples of Africa's creativity. The Plush Bazaar, at the Biscuit Mill in Albert Road (open from 09:00 to 16:30, Mondays to Friday and from 08:00 to 14:30 on Saturdays), also stocks Shine Shine products. If you can, go on Saturday, when the Biscuit Mill hosts a local produce market with a selection of goods fit to leave your mouth watering. Alternatively, you can also make an appointment with the designer by phoning +(27) 21 4242425. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).