The tourism industry in Cape Town has started a new season with the arrival of the cruise ship Pacific World, which was the first liner of the 2026/27 season. The vessel docked at the Cape Town Cruise Terminal on Thursday, according to a statement from Cape Town Etc.
The arrival of this ship marks an important milestone, as it carried 1397 passengers, most of whom arrived from Japan. Their welcome was accompanied by traditional local music and entertainment in honor of Tourism Month.
This first call signifies the growing popularity of Cape Town and the Western Cape as a primary destination for cruises, as well as as a departure point for broader routes across South Africa.
Pacific World is part of the fleet of Peace Boat, an innovative non-governmental organization based in Japan. This organization promotes peace, human rights, sustainable development, and international cooperation through its global travels and educational programs.
The economic impact of cruise tourism is significant. In the 2024/25 season alone, cruise tourism brought R1.79 billion to the GDP of the Western Cape, contributing to business development, job creation, and providing tangible benefits to the entire tourism value chain.
The latest data on the economic impact of the 2025/26 season is expected to be published soon, further highlighting the importance of this sector.
Thinele Stander, CEO of Wesgro, emphasized the contribution of the cruise sector to the growth of provincial tourism. She noted that 'the key driver of this success is the power of public-private partnerships underpinning Cruise Cape Town. Through collaboration between government, industry, and private sector partners, we can attract more cruise calls, increase visitor numbers, and maximize the economic opportunities generated by the cruise economy.'
Andre Blaine, Executive Director for Maritime and Industrial Affairs at V&A Waterfront, expressed similar views, noting that 'every arrival of a cruise ship creates value that extends far beyond the terminal. Cruise visitors contribute significantly to local businesses, attractions, restaurants, tour operators, and accommodation providers, stimulating visitor spending throughout Cape Town and the wider region.'
Alderman James Vos, City Council member for Economic Growth in the City of Cape Town, reiterated the importance of cruise tourism for enhancing the city's competitiveness as a global tourist destination. He explained: 'Through strategic destination marketing and strong partnerships, we are working to attract more visitors and develop the tourism economy. Cruise tourism is a key factor in these efforts, generating jobs, supporting local businesses, and creating economic opportunities for residents across the city.'
Dr. Ivan Meyer, Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism of the Western Cape, congratulated the arrival of Pacific World. He stressed that the start of the cruise season demonstrates the strength of collaboration in developing Cape Town's growing visitor economy. Meyer added: 'Cruise tourism directly contributes to the goals of the Western Cape Government's Employment Growth Strategy by stimulating tourism growth, creating employment opportunities, supporting small businesses, and activating economic activity across the province.'
If you love buying vintage items or are looking for fresh farm produce, Cape Town has a market for every taste. Even if you have already visited popular spots like Neighbourgoods Market, Oranjezicht City Farm Market, and Mojo Market, the city has many other options.
Some markets attract visitors with their food, others with their atmosphere, local producers, or simply the chance to spend a Saturday in an unusual setting. Furthermore, not all of them require an early start.
Below is a list of five markets in Cape Town and its surroundings that are worth adding to your itinerary.
Kalk Bay is already a favorite spot for leisurely walks on weekends, and the Village Market offers another reason to stop here. It is located on the grounds of the Holy Trinity Church on Main Road. This is a smaller and more informal market where you can browse vintage finds, collectibles, handmade goods, and other interesting items before heading to the sea.
Additionally, there is street food and music, and the landscape offers views of the mountains and the ocean. Since its operation depends on the weather, it is recommended to check information before traveling.
If you haven't been to the Bay Harbour Market in a while, it is worth including it in your weekend visiting list. This market is situated in a former fish factory in the Hout Bay harbour, set against the backdrop of Table Mountain and Chapman's Peak. Inside, visitors can find food, fashion, jewellery, art, crafts, and decor, with live entertainment enhancing the atmosphere. It is an ideal place to come for lunch and spend much more time browsing the stalls.
The market operates on Fridays from 9:30 AM to 9:00 PM, and also on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
This market is worth making a trip for if you want your market visit to feel more like a daytime stroll rather than just regular shopping. It takes place inside the University of Stellenbosch Botanical Garden, where stalls are scattered throughout the garden instead of being gathered in a traditional market format.
Visitors can expect local producers, clothing, jewellery, artwork, baked goods, food, and other small finds, while music sets a Saturday atmosphere. You can also pop into the Botanical Cafe. Generally, the market is held on Saturdays, and current schedules show trading hours around 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The entrance fee is 15 Rand, but staff and students of the University of Stellenbosch enter free of charge.
The Franschhoek Village Market is an excellent choice that can easily become part of a full day in the Winelands. It is located under old oak trees in the center of Franschhoek. It features food and drinks, fresh produce, handmade goods, art, vintage clothing, and antiques. For families and visitors wishing to have a relaxing Saturday, live music and a children's play area are also provided.
The market operates on Saturdays, and its operation depends on the weather. Entry and parking are free.
The appeal of these markets lies in the fact that they offer completely different experiences. Blue Bird is suitable for an evening out in Muizenberg, Kalk Bay fits organically into a coastal day, and Bay Harbour is a light weekend stop in Hout Bay. Stellenbosch turns the market into a garden walk, while Franschhoek provides a reason to spend a Saturday in the Winelands. Thus, if your usual set of Cape Town markets has started to feel predictable, perhaps it is time to choose a less trodden path.
Residents of Cape Town looking for an alternative way to spend their evening can look up at the sky in September, as the South African Astronomical Observatory (NRF|SAAO) will open its historic facility for a series of night tours and open evenings.
Located at the Observatory on the grounds of the former Royal Observatory, NRF|SAAO combines astronomy with the history of one of the city's long-standing scientific institutions. The historic building of this site is recognized as a national heritage object.
Night tours offer visitors the opportunity to tour the observatory after dark while learning more about the history of astronomy in South Africa. The program includes visits to the Main Building, Visitor Centre, and Museum, as well as the historic McClain building.
Under favorable weather conditions, the evening may conclude with stargazing through telescopes set up for public viewing. Night tours are scheduled for September 8, 10, 15, 17, 19, 22, and 24, running from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
For those who prefer to combine astronomy with a science-oriented presentation, the observatory is also hosting Open Evenings on September 12 and 26. These evenings begin with a lecture on astronomy or a related scientific topic, followed by guided tours of the observatory's heritage sections. Guests can see the library, museum, and the historic McClain telescope, and if the weather is good, stargazing will be offered through mobile telescopes.
Currently, Open Evenings are held at the observatory on the second and fourth Saturday of every month, making the September dates part of its regular public program.
Although the opportunity to view the telescope is a significant part of the experience, it is not guaranteed. SAAO notes that stargazing depends on weather conditions; if conditions do not allow for telescope use, the planned astronomy and heritage events will still take place.
Visitors should also be prepared for an evening that requires moving between different locations. The observatory recommends wearing closed shoes and warm clothing, and advises bringing rain protection in case of expected rain.
Advance booking is essential as space is limited. SAAO also indicates that the tour fees support the observatory's education, public outreach, and socio-economic development programs.
Thus, September offers Cape Town residents several opportunities to visit the observatory after dark to replace ordinary evening plans with something focused on science, history, and the night sky.
