Get to the heart of Cape Town's design story
Find 150 local makers under one roof. Fashion, craft, art, design and flavour come together to create an iconic Cape Town experience that’s worth writing home about.
African creativity on show
Opened in 2014, the Watershed is the largest curated design market on the continent. Everything from local food to jewellery, fashion and ceramics fill these four walls to create a shopping and cultural experience to be remembered. There’s so much to explore that locals keep coming back and are constantly surprised by the evolution.
The Watershed gives over 150 makers and more than 360 brands a permanent stage. Behind every stall is a business, and behind every business is a person who chose to build something here.
We recommend coming to browse without a plan, or with a gift list. Either way, the hand-made African creations here are worth exploring.
Meet some of the people behind the work
Every maker brings a different perspective to Watershed. Meet a few of the designers, artists and entrepreneurs behind the work, and get a sense of the creativity that gives this space its character.
Explore what draws you in
From fashion and jewellery to art, homeware and flavour, there are many ways to experience Watershed. Start with what interests you most, then explore from there.
Craft & design market
Inside the Watershed
IMPACT
Discover the next generation of design
The Design Lab is a space within Watershed dedicated to promising creative brands and breakthrough design talent. Developed through a collaboration between the Craft and Design Institute (CDI) and the V&A Waterfront, it gives emerging makers a platform to test, grow and share their work with a wider audience.
More than a store, it is a living retail laboratory where visitors can discover exclusive products, fresh perspectives and the stories of designers building their businesses one piece at a time. It adds another layer to Watershed’s role as a place where Cape Town’s creative future is given room to be seen.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Plan your visit to the Watershed
Hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 6pm
Location: V&A Waterfront, next to the Two Oceans Aquarium.
Entrances: There are two main entrances at ground level. Enter via the Two Oceans Aquarium and City Sightseeing side, or via the Dock Road and Time Out Market side.
Parking: Undercover parking is available at the Portswood Parking Garage and this is the closest parking area to the Watershed. Electric vehicle charging is available at over 8 charging stations across the Victoria Wharf, Silo District and Alfred Mall parking areas.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible throughout.
Getting here: Travel by car or use the MyCiTi bus, e-hailing and City Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Tour. Find us only at the V&A Waterfront.
