Two South African markets ranked in world’s Top 20 list

Just as food seems to taste better when being consumed outdoors, shopping feels more real when wandering around a market.

South African markets – be they farmers, flea or street – are not only among the best on the African continent, but among the finest in the world.

Two Gauteng-based markets have been ranked in the world’s Top 20, according to a recently released ranking by Merchant Machine.

In addition, no fewer than 12 South African markets haven been ranked in Africa’s Top 20.

The Victoria Yards market in Johannesburg and the Market @ The Sheds in Pretoria have been ranked as the seventh and 15th best tourist markets in the world, respectively.

To rank the best markets for tourists, Merchant Machine analysed publicly available review data from Tripadvisor and ranked listings tagged “farmers market” or “street and flea market” by their percentage of five-star reviews.

Only markets with at least 25 reviews were considered and data was collected in December 2023.

The No 1-ranked market in the world is the Provo Farmers Market in Utah in the United States.

The United States boasts 12 of the Top 20 markets in the world.

It’s been a good week in terms of worldwide ‘rankings’ for South Africa with, as reported by the SAPeople website, Cape Town’s Bree Street voted in the Top 15 ‘coolest’ streets in the world list.

According to the rankings, the Top 20 best markets in the world are:

The Victoria Yards market, located in Lorentzville in Johannesburg, is held on the first Sunday of every month, and boasts a 91.9% five-star rating.

The Victoria Yards market is described as “a thriving hub of artists, artisans, designers, and small businesses.”

Meanwhile, the Market @ The Sheds is a monthly market which has received an 87% five-star rating.

On the continent, South Africa sports 12 of the Top 20 – and all 12 are in the top 16.

They are the Victoria Yards market (1), Market @ The Sheds (2), The Playground (4), Pretoria Farmers Market (5), Hermanus Country Market (6), The Old Biscuit Mill (7), Hazel Food Market (9), Mojo Market (10), Earth Fair Food Market (11), Mosaic Outdoor Market (14), The Bryanston Organic and Natural Market (15), and the Outeniqua Farmers Market (16).