The most visited tourist attraction in Cape Town is the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, with its sleek designer shops, luxury hotels and harbor cruises. But bohemian Long Street, a five-minute drive from the Waterfront, is where the locals—along with the more adventurous (and bargain-seeking) tourists—shop. This one-way thoroughfare, which crosses the historic city center, is lined with colorfully painted Victorian-era buildings. The gingerbread-trimmed stores sell antiques, surfing gear, fashions and African arts and crafts—all to the beat of reggae music.

Long Street’s bars and restaurants are popular with shoppers by day and partyers by night. If you start with breakfast at the M Café in the Metropole Hotel, try the muesli with almonds, coconut and toasted banana chips. At lunchtime, visit the café in the Pan African Market for authentic South African food; a plate of rice, samp (like polenta) and beans will cost you $2.50—or $4.50 out on the balcony. On Long Street, the second-floor terraces are perfect for watching the action below. Here, a guide to the best shops from south to north.

Tribal Trends
Authentic African arts and crafts are displayed here in a gallery-like setting. This family business started 28 years ago on nearby Greenmarket Square and moved here in 2006. Prices range from $44 for a beaded bowl to $85 for an ostrich-leather photo frame; $600 for a zebra-skin handbag to $2,150 for a carved wooden throne from Cameroon. Winchester House, 72-74 Long St.; 011-27-21-423-8008

The Pan African Market
Don’t be deterred by the slightly rundown entrance of this former youth hostel—the market inside has more than 30 stalls and stores presided over by traders from 14 African countries. The merchandise is similar to Tribal Trends next door—carved Congolese boxes ($30), drums and sculptures (from $30) and Yoruban crowns ($240). But prices are lower (a similar feathered hat from Cameroon might be $80 here; $175 next door) and you can barter. You can also get your hair braided or have a traditional African outfit tailor-made (from $45). 76 Long St.; 011-27-21-426-4478; panafrican.co.za

Church Street Market
This open-air antiques market, here since the 1960s, is always busy with both casual browsers and serious collectors. You might find an old top hat for $20, or a set of six American silver spoons for $85. The friendly merchants are well versed in local history. Corner of Church and Long Sts.

Imagenius
Intriguing South African art and design items (jewelry, fabric, dyed springbok-skin handbags), as well as frivolous gifts—like reproductions of antique tin wind-up toys. Look for the multicolored lampshades made by South African designer Heath Nash from recycled materials ($600). A spiral staircase leads to an upper gallery selling ceramics, paintings and more jewelry. 117 Long St.; 011-27-21-423-7870; imagenius.co.za

Long Street Antique Arcade
Seventeen antiques dealers sell everything from Victorian egg coddlers to war medals and vintage chopsticks. Joy’s Collectibles is a “girly shop” (according to its owner) full of costume jewelry, Victoriana and silver; prices range from 75 cents to $750. 127 Long St.; 011-27-21-422-0226

Bead Merchants of Africa
The place for glass, ceramic and plastic beads from Africa and the Far East. There’s also a gallery selling finished beadwork like Maasai bracelets from Kenya and San crafts from the Kalahari region, with beads made from ostrich-egg shells. 223 Long St.; 011-27-21-423-4687; beadmerchantsofafrica.com

African Music Store
In addition to a vast range of African music, you’ll find unusual instruments like the mbira, a Zimbabwean thumb guitar (from $11). The staff, passionate about music, might steer you to Ma’cheri, a new CD by South African band Freshlyground. And you can listen before you buy. 134 Long St.; 011-27-21-426-0857; africanmusicstore.co.za

Free Ride Surf Shop
This surfing gear/clothing store has a ’60s vibe, with fitting rooms that look like wooden beach huts. The shop also rents and repairs surfboards and wetsuits. Ask manager Dave Jenkins where to find the day’s best wind off the Cape Town coast; he has surfed for 36 years. 227 Long St.; 011-27-21-424-7532 

STAY

RCI®-affiliated resorts in Cape Town include:

STRAND PAVILION

THE PENINSULA

For more information, visit RCI.com or call
Weeks: 800-338-7777
Points: 877-968-7476

NON-RCI-AFFILIATED CAPE TOWN HOTELS:

DADDY LONG LEGS HOTEL
134 Long St.; 011-27-21-422-3074;
www.daddylonglegs.co.za; doubles from $62

METROPOLE HOTEL
38 Long St.; 011-27-21-424-7247;
www.metropolehotel.co.za; doubles from $171

CAPE GRACE
West Quay Rd., Victoria &
Alfred Waterfront; 011-27-21-410-7100;
www.capegrace.co.za; doubles from $530