Shopping at a traditional mall is nice, and South African certainly has a ton of those. Anywhere you go, you can practically trip over one. But shopping at the Johannesburg markets is something completely different! It’s outdoors, it’s lively, it’s fresh… it’s something you really should experience when you’re in Johannesburg, aka Joburg, aka Jozi.

At the Johannesburg markets, you’ll find artwork, souvenirs, handmade crafts, clothes, all kinds of food, including exotic foods. Here are a few helpful tips for tackling the Johannesburg markets:

• Go hungry. There are so many good foods to eat. You don’t want to miss out because you’re too full to eat.
• Walk around before you buy. Depending on which market you go to, there may be hundreds of vendors. First, check them out before you commit.
• If you are buying wares, be willing to negotiate on price. 
• Take cash. Many vendors accept credit or debit card payments, but it’s best to be prepared because many don’t.
• Go early, especially if you don’t like crowds. These markets are very social and depending on where you go, they can get packed.