If you are an avid flea, you will most likely agree that few things beat the childlike thrill of ferreting through a pile of fabulous fabrics or running your eager fingers over the spines of well-loved books in search of a particular volume that calls to be relocated to your already bulging bookshelf.
Or the excitement of discovering a pair of terracotta lampstands that will look perfect in your newly revamped earthy guest bedroom.
And if you are a foodie like me, what can compare to sampling creamy handmade cheeses on shards of salted crackers, or the delight of shopping for crusty artisan bread and tangy relishes to transform a simple roast beef sandwich into a gourmet extravagant-wich?
Aside from all the wonderful goodies you can buy (and try), markets are the ideal place to spend time with your favourite people in a relaxed, fun environment.
Imagine walking hand-in-hand with your sweetheart or arm-inarm with your besties, as you stroll among the stalls, foraging for organic salad ingredients or shopping for unique treasures and gifts. Most markets also offer live music, delicious fleamarket fare and fun activities for children, making them the perfect weekend outing for the entire family.
We have compiled a list of some of Durban’s most popular markets, hoping that you will be inspired to visit a few.
I Heart Market
Moses Mabhida Stadium, Isaiah Ntshangase Road
First Saturday of every month
Designer jewellery, art, fashion, home décor and recycled & repurposed goods
info@iheartmarket.com
The morning Trade
15 Station Drive, off Umgeni Road
Every Sunday: 8am – 1pm
Locally-supplied/prepared fresh, organic & artisanal produce
info@themorningtrade.co.za
stables lifestyle market
9 Jacko Jackson Drive (opposite Kingspark rugby stadium)
Wed & Fri night: 6pm – 10pm,Sunday: 10am – 5pm
Art & crafts, lifestyle goods, food, live music
info@StablesLifestyleMarket.co.za
Durban food market
Hellenic Club, 6 High Grove, Durban North
Last Saturday of every month: 8am – 1pm
Indoor foodie market: baked goodies, German specialities & fresh produce
info@thefoodmarket.co.za
Shongweni market
Lot 457, Road: MR551, Shongweni
Every Saturday: 6:30am – 11:30am
Fresh produce, art & crafts, handmade furniture, French, Eastern & Mediterranean deli foods, baked treats, breakfast & speciality coffees
info@shongwenimarket.co.za
New essenwood market
Essenwood Park, Stephen Dlamini Road, Morningside Route 1,
Every Saturday: 9am – 2pm
Food, crafts, books, jewellery, handmade décor, kids activities, incl. pony rides, jumping castle
planbessenwoodmarket@gmail.com
Musgrave Rooftop Night market
Musgrave Centre (Level 5 Parking lot), 115 Musgrave Road, Berea
First Friday of every month, from 5pm
Art & crafts, flea market fare, children’s entertainment
rooftopnightmarket@gmail.com
Victoria street market
Corner of Queen and Victoria Streets, Durban
Monday to Saturday: 8am – 6pm, Sunday: 10am – 4pm
African and Eastern curios, beadwork, jewellery, art, clothing, food & spices
admin@victoriastreetmarket.co.za
Car boot Fleamarket
Behind Greyville Racecourse, Avondale, Greyville Route 1, Durban Routes
Monday to Saturday: 8am – 6pm, Sunday: 10am – 4pm
Thrift store goods: books, bric-a-brac, linen & other household items & sports gear.
admin@victoriastreetmarket.co.za
