The City of Cape Town has closed most of Greenmarket Square in the CBD to vehicular traffic during the festive season so that it can more effectively fulfil its function as a traditional gathering place during times of celebration.

The area has played a significant role in the history of the Mother City since the first trading ships berthed in Table Bay in the late seventeenth century and used it as an area for trading goods and acquiring victuals for the rest of their voyage to the East.

Greenmarket Square’s characteristic cobbled streets were a consequence of the Burgher Watch House being built here in 1696 for security reasons.

Today, trade continues in the form of a vibrant flea market surrounded by restaurants, a combination which is finding increasing favour with citizens and tourists alike.

Greenmarket Street, Shortmarket Street and a small section of Burg Street (sea side) have been closed to through traffic, but Longmarket Street will stay open.

The idea is to create a pedestrian friendly environment on part of the Square without through traffic, encouraging street events and thereby drawing more people to it.

Read more about the City Centre of Cape Town, and find hotels on Greenmarket Square such as the Park Inn Hotel on the square, and other hotels in the city centre such as the Metropole Boutique Hotel, Mandela Rhodes and Adderley Street Hotel.

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