10 Best Markets In Joburg
Johannesburg’s vibrant market scene offers families an incredible array of experiences, from artisanal crafts to mouthwatering street food, live entertainment, and unique shopping opportunities. For parents seeking engaging weekend activities that cater to both adults and children, the city’s markets provide the perfect blend of culture, community, and entertainment.
These bustling spaces have become essential gathering spots where locals and visitors alike can immerse themselves in Joburg’s creative spirit while enjoying quality family time.
The beauty of Johannesburg’s markets lies in their diversity. Whether one is hunting for handcrafted treasures, sampling international cuisines, or simply looking for a safe space where kids can play while adults browse, there’s a market to suit every family’s needs.
Many of these venues have evolved beyond simple trading spaces into full-fledged entertainment destinations, complete with play areas, live music, and activities specifically designed for younger visitors.
Why Johannesburg Markets Are Perfect for Families
Markets in Joburg have become increasingly family-oriented, with vendors and organizers understanding that creating child-friendly environments translates to longer visits and happier customers. Parents appreciate the open-air settings that allow children to move freely, the variety of food options that cater to even the pickiest eaters, and the educational opportunities these spaces provide.
From watching artisans craft their wares to learning about sustainable practices and diverse cultures, markets offer informal learning experiences that complement classroom education.
The social aspect shouldn’t be overlooked either. Markets provide opportunities for families to connect with their community, meet makers and creators face-to-face, and teach children about supporting local businesses. The relaxed atmosphere means parents can enjoy conversations with friends while keeping an eye on their little ones, creating a stress-free outing that benefits everyone involved.
The 10 Best Markets in Joburg
Neighbourgoods Market
Located in the trendy Braamfontein district, Neighbourgoods Market has established itself as Johannesburg’s premier foodie destination. Every Saturday, this warehouse space transforms into a bustling hub where families can experience an incredible diversity of cuisines and artisanal products.
The market’s appeal lies in its carefully curated selection of vendors offering everything from gourmet burgers and authentic Asian street food to vegan delights and traditional South African fare. Children are particularly drawn to the sweet treats section, where they’ll find artisanal ice cream, fresh doughnuts, and creative desserts that look almost too good to eat.
Beyond food, Neighbourgoods Market showcases local designers, jewelers, and craftspeople, making it an excellent spot for unique gift shopping. The live DJ sets and musicians create a vibrant atmosphere, though parents should note that the market can get quite crowded during peak hours. The rooftop area offers stunning city views and a slightly more relaxed environment for families seeking a breather from the crowds.
Best for: Foodie families with older children who appreciate culinary adventures
What kids love: The dessert selection, live music, and the energetic atmosphere
Rosebank Sunday Market
As one of Johannesburg’s longest-running markets, the Rosebank Sunday Market has been a family favorite for over two decades. Situated in the heart of Rosebank, this market sprawls across a large outdoor area and indoor halls, offering protection from both sun and unexpected rain showers.
The African craft section is particularly impressive, featuring authentic pieces from across the continent including masks, textiles, beadwork, and wood carvings. For families interested in teaching their children about African heritage and artistry, this market provides an invaluable hands-on education. The vendors are typically happy to share stories about their crafts and cultural significance.
Food options range from traditional South African boerewors rolls to international cuisines, ensuring even the fussiest eaters find something appealing. The market’s layout is stroller-friendly, making it accessible for families with younger children. Street performers and musicians often entertain crowds, adding to the festive atmosphere that makes Sunday mornings special.
Best for: Families interested in African art and crafts with children of all ages
What kids love: The colorful crafts, street performers, and variety of food trucks
The Stables Village Centre
Nestled in the northern suburbs, The Stables Village Centre offers families a charming market experience with a distinctly community-focused feel. This venue has cleverly transformed rustic stables into a welcoming market space that operates on weekends and hosts special events throughout the month.
What sets The Stables Village Centre apart is its emphasis on creating a genuine family-friendly environment. The venue features dedicated play areas where children can safely explore while parents browse nearby stalls. The market showcases local artisans, organic produce vendors, and food stalls serving fresh, often farm-to-table offerings that appeal to health-conscious families.
The atmosphere is relaxed and less commercial than some of Joburg’s larger markets, allowing families to take their time and truly connect with vendors. Many stallholders are happy to explain their processes, whether they’re making soap, roasting coffee, or creating jewelry. This educational aspect makes visits valuable learning experiences for curious children.
Regular workshops and activities are often scheduled, from face painting to craft sessions, ensuring kids remain engaged throughout the visit. The market also hosts seasonal events that celebrate holidays and community milestones, creating memorable experiences that families return to year after year.
Best for: Families seeking a relaxed, community-oriented market experience with younger children
What kids love: Dedicated play areas, regular activities and workshops, and the friendly, intimate atmosphere
Market on Main
Situated in the revitalized Maboneng Precinct, Market on Main represents Johannesburg’s creative renaissance. Open every Sunday, this market occupies a converted warehouse and showcases the city’s emerging artists, designers, and culinary innovators.
The industrial-chic setting appeals to design-conscious parents, while the variety of activities keeps children entertained. From art installations that kids can interact with to pop-up performances, Market on Main offers cultural enrichment alongside shopping and dining. The market has become known for its progressive approach, often featuring eco-conscious vendors and promoting sustainable practices.
Food offerings lean toward the innovative and experimental, with vendors pushing culinary boundaries while still offering familiar favorites for less adventurous young eaters. The venue’s connection to the broader Maboneng area means families can extend their visit to explore nearby galleries, street art, and additional eateries.
Parents appreciate the market’s commitment to supporting emerging entrepreneurs, making purchases feel like investments in the local creative economy. The atmosphere strikes a balance between sophisticated and accessible, never feeling pretentious despite its artistic focus.
Best for: Creative families who appreciate art, design, and innovative food
What kids love: Interactive art installations, the urban atmosphere, and discovering unexpected treasures
Fourways Farmers Market
For families prioritizing fresh, organic produce and healthy eating, Fourways Farmers Market delivers an authentic farm-to-table experience every Saturday morning. Located at Montecasino, this market has built a reputation for quality products and a genuine farmers market atmosphere.
The emphasis here is on wholesome, locally-sourced goods. Families can stock up on organic vegetables, free-range eggs, artisanal bread, and natural health products while teaching children about where their food comes from. Many vendors are actual farmers or small-scale producers, offering insights into sustainable agriculture and ethical farming practices.
Beyond produce, the market features craft vendors, live music, and food stalls serving breakfast and brunch options. The morning timing makes it perfect for early-rising families who enjoy starting their weekends productively. Children often enjoy seeing the variety of farm products and learning about different fruits and vegetables they might not encounter in regular supermarkets.
The market’s location at Montecasino means families can easily combine their market visit with other activities in the complex, from movies to gaming, making it a full morning or afternoon outing.
Best for: Health-conscious families and those interested in organic, locally-sourced products
What kids love: Sampling fresh fruits, seeing unusual vegetables, and the outdoor atmosphere
The Sheds at 1 Fox
Considered one of Johannesburg’s most stylish market destinations, The Sheds at 1 Fox in Ferreirasdorp combines industrial aesthetics with artisanal excellence. Operating on weekends, this market attracts families who appreciate quality craftsmanship and unique finds.
The venue’s carefully curated vendor selection ensures high standards across food, fashion, and home décor categories. Parents hunting for distinctive clothing, handmade toys, or designer homeware find plenty of options, while kids enjoy the relaxed vibe and tasty food offerings. The pizza, in particular, has developed a cult following among young visitors.
Live music performances add to the ambiance, creating a festival-like atmosphere without overwhelming noise levels. The outdoor and indoor spaces accommodate different weather conditions, and the layout allows children room to move while remaining easily supervisable.
What makes The Sheds special for families is the quality-over-quantity approach. Rather than hundreds of stalls, the market features a manageable number of vendors, preventing the overwhelm that sometimes occurs at larger markets. This makes it easier for families with younger children to explore everything without exhaustion setting in.
Best for: Families seeking quality artisanal products in a stylish setting
What kids love: The open spaces, great pizza, and the generally laid-back vibe
Arts on Main
Also located in Maboneng, Arts on Main operates as both a creative hub and market space. Every first Thursday of the month, the venue hosts a special evening market event, though regular weekend markets also take place throughout the month.
The focus here is firmly on arts, crafts, and creative expression. Families with budding artists appreciate the opportunity to see working studios, meet practicing artists, and purchase original artworks at accessible prices. The market celebrates African creativity, with many vendors offering contemporary takes on traditional crafts and techniques.
Food vendors range from experimental fusion concepts to comfort food classics, ensuring broad appeal. The venue often hosts workshops where children can try their hand at various crafts, from painting to jewelry-making, providing hands-on creative experiences that extend beyond simple shopping.
The First Thursday events create a particularly vibrant atmosphere, with extended hours, more vendors, and special performances. However, families with very young children might prefer the daytime weekend markets for a less crowded experience.
Best for: Families who value art and want to expose children to creative processes
What kids love: Craft workshops, seeing artists at work, and the colorful displays
Bryanston Organic Market
Operating every Thursday and Saturday, Bryanston Organic Market has become a beloved institution for health-conscious Johannesburg families. The market’s commitment to organic, sustainable, and ethically-produced goods resonates with parents raising environmentally aware children.
Beyond the impressive selection of organic produce, the market offers natural health products, eco-friendly household items, and sustainable fashion. Children learn valuable lessons about environmental stewardship simply by accompanying parents through the stalls and hearing vendors explain their sustainable practices.
The food court serves healthy breakfast and lunch options, with many vendors accommodating dietary restrictions and allergies. Parents with children who have specific dietary needs particularly appreciate the transparency about ingredients and preparation methods.
The market’s peaceful garden setting provides a calm alternative to more hectic venues. Families can enjoy their meals on outdoor seating while children explore safely within sight. The Thursday market tends to be quieter than the Saturday version, ideal for families preferring a more relaxed experience.
Best for: Eco-conscious families and those with dietary restrictions or allergies
What kids love: The garden atmosphere, healthy treats, and learning about sustainable living
Victoria Yards Market
Victoria Yards represents one of Johannesburg’s most exciting urban renewal projects, transforming an old industrial site into a creative community space. The weekend markets showcase the best of local design, crafts, and culinary talent in a genuinely inspiring setting.
What makes Victoria Yards special for families is the sense of discovery. The venue encourages exploration, with different areas revealing unexpected treasures from artist studios to hidden gardens. Children enjoy the adventure of navigating the space, finding new favorite spots with each visit.
The market emphasizes community building and social responsibility, with many vendors supporting local causes or employing disadvantaged community members. This provides opportunities for meaningful conversations with children about social issues and the power of conscious consumerism.
Food options reflect Johannesburg’s diversity, with vendors representing various cultures and culinary traditions. The venue’s ongoing development means there’s always something new to discover, encouraging repeat visits that never feel repetitive.
Best for: Families who enjoy exploring and discovering new creative spaces
What kids love: The sense of adventure, the industrial setting, and finding hidden corners
Irene Village Market
Though technically just outside Johannesburg in Centurion, Irene Village Market deserves inclusion for families willing to make the short journey. Operating every Saturday, this market has perfected the art of family-friendly market experiences over its many years of operation.
The venue’s extensive grounds provide ample space for children to run and play safely while parents shop. Dedicated kids’ entertainment areas, including jungle gyms and often face painting or craft activities, mean little ones stay occupied and happy throughout the visit. The market’s popularity among families creates a community atmosphere where children make friends and parents network.
Vendor variety is exceptional, covering everything from fresh produce and artisanal foods to clothing, home décor, and plants. The quality standards are consistently high, making it a reliable destination for both weekly shopping and special purchases.
The surrounding Irene Farm area offers additional attractions including animal interactions and tractor rides, allowing families to extend their outing into a fuller day trip. This makes the journey from Johannesburg worthwhile, especially for families seeking a more rural market experience.
Best for: Families willing to travel slightly outside Joburg for an extensive, well-established market experience
What kids love: Dedicated play areas, animal interactions nearby, and the spacious grounds
Planning Your Market Visit
Timing Considerations
Most Johannesburg markets operate on weekends, with peak crowds typically occurring between 10am and 1pm. Families with young children often find earlier arrival times more comfortable, securing parking easily and browsing before nap times. Markets opening for breakfast service around 8am or 9am offer the advantage of cooler temperatures during summer months and a more relaxed atmosphere.
What to Bring
Successful market visits require minimal but thoughtful preparation. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for both adults and children, as most markets involve considerable walking on various surfaces. Reusable shopping bags help manage purchases while supporting environmental sustainability, a value many market vendors champion.
Cash remains important at many markets, though card facilities have become increasingly common. Carrying smaller denominations makes transactions smoother, particularly at food stalls. Sunscreen and hats protect families during outdoor browsing, while a light jacket handles Johannesburg’s unpredictable weather shifts.
For families with young children, bringing snacks and water prevents meltdowns when market lines are long. While markets offer abundant food options, having familiar favorites on hand provides security for pickier eaters or those with dietary restrictions.
Budget Planning
Market visits can accommodate various budgets with thoughtful planning. Setting spending limits before arrival helps families prioritize purchases and avoid overspending in the excitement of browsing. Many markets offer free entry, with costs limited to purchases and parking.
Food expenses vary significantly depending on choices. Families can enjoy affordable street food or splurge on artisanal meals, with options typically ranging from budget-friendly to premium. Shopping for crafts and goods similarly spans price ranges, from small affordable items perfect for children’s pocket money to investment pieces from established artisans.
Market Visit Comparison
| Market | Best Day | Kid-Friendly Rating | Parking | Food Variety | Craft Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neighbourgoods Market | Saturday | ⭐⭐⭐ | Limited | Excellent | Moderate |
| Rosebank Sunday Market | Sunday | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Good | Very Good | Excellent |
| The Stables Village Centre | Weekends | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Market on Main | Sunday | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Moderate | Excellent | Excellent |
| Fourways Farmers Market | Saturday | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent | Good | Moderate |
| The Sheds at 1 Fox | Weekends | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Good | Very Good | Very Good |
| Arts on Main | Weekends | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Moderate | Good | Excellent |
| Bryanston Organic Market | Thu & Sat | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Good | Very Good | Moderate |
| Victoria Yards | Weekends | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Good | Very Good | Excellent |
| Irene Village Market | Saturday | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent | Excellent | Very Good |
Making the Most of Market Days
Educational Opportunities
Markets provide rich learning environments where children develop various skills naturally. Parents can encourage kids to practice math by calculating change, budgeting their allowance across multiple purchases, or comparing prices between vendors. Language skills develop through interactions with vendors from diverse backgrounds, exposing children to different accents and occasionally other languages.
Understanding where products come from and how they’re made opens conversations about craftsmanship, agriculture, and economics. Many artisans enjoy explaining their processes to interested children, offering insights into traditional techniques and modern innovations. These interactions plant seeds of appreciation for handmade goods and the value of skilled work.
Building Traditions
Regular market visits create family traditions that children remember into adulthood. Whether it’s Saturday morning breakfast at a favorite food stall, the hunt for birthday gifts at seasonal markets, or annual holiday shopping expeditions, these rituals strengthen family bonds and create shared memories.
Many families develop relationships with particular vendors, returning week after week to their favorite stalls. Children enjoy being recognized, and vendors often go out of their way to engage young regular customers, creating meaningful community connections in an increasingly digital world.
Supporting Local Economy
Teaching children about supporting local businesses and artisans provides valuable lessons in community economics and conscious consumerism. When kids understand that purchasing from local makers helps real people feed their families and continue their craft, shopping becomes more meaningful than simple transaction.
Markets offer tangible demonstrations of entrepreneurship, showing children that creative passion can translate into business success. For young people dreaming about their futures, seeing diverse vendors pursuing their interests while making a living provides inspiring real-world examples.
Conclusion
Johannesburg’s markets have evolved into essential community spaces where families create memories while supporting local artisans and enjoying diverse culinary experiences. From the artistic energy of Maboneng’s markets to the organic focus of Bryanston, the family-friendly atmosphere at The Stable Village Centre to the authentic African crafts at Rosebank, each market offers unique attractions suited to different family preferences and values.
These gathering spaces represent more than shopping destinations. They’re places where children learn about culture, craftsmanship, and community while parents relax, socialize, and discover unique treasures. The combination of entertainment, education, and quality time makes market visits valuable family activities that enrich weekends and create traditions lasting beyond childhood.
Whether families visit markets weekly for fresh produce and community connection or save them for special weekend adventures, Johannesburg’s market scene delivers consistent quality, diversity, and welcoming atmospheres.
In a world increasingly dominated by shopping malls and online retail, these vibrant spaces remind families of the joy found in face-to-face interactions, handmade quality, and shared community experiences. For families seeking meaningful activities that engage children while offering adults genuine enjoyment, Johannesburg’s markets remain unmatched destinations worth exploring repeatedly.
