Renowned as Cape Town’s bohemian heart, Observatory has earned its reputation as the city’s ultimate destination for thrifting vintage fashion and second-hand treasures. Along the vibrant stretch of Lower Main Road, a colourful collection of thrift stores, vintage markets, and second-hand shops beckons bargain hunters and style enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re a seasoned thrifter or just beginning your journey into sustainable fashion, Obs offers an eclectic mix of finds waiting to be discovered.
Nevernew
A favourite among student fashion enthusiasts, Nevernew is jam-packed with retro skirts, Doc Martens boots, and an ever-changing inventory that promises fresh finds at every visit. The store is known for its massive amount of stock that rotates weekly, with piles of clothing requiring a proper dig to uncover those hidden gems. Walk into the distinctive scent of incense with old-school records playing in the background, creating an authentic vintage shopping vibe.
And heads up! There is a second Nevernew store just around the corner in Norfolk Rd. New stock arrives almost daily and is split between the two stores so there’s always new discoveries to be made in both stores.
When: Mon to Sat 10am to 6pm | Sun 11am to 5pm
Where: 15b Lower Main Road, Observatory, Cape Town
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Obz Books
This independent bookshop stocks both secondhand and new books across an eclectic range of genres, but it’s more than just a place for bibliophiles. The contemporary literature section features substantial holdings, alongside well-stocked biography and art shelves, with South African literature and poetry occupying dedicated sections.
Beyond books, the shop is recognised for its vinyl records and vintage comics selection. Two specialist imprints operate under its roof: Bibliophilia focuses on collectable and rare books, while Blank Books offers notebooks and stationery.
A cafe at the rear leads to an outdoor courtyard terrace, providing seating for customers to read their purchases over coffee in a quieter environment away from the bustling Lower Main Road. Free wifi is available throughout the premises, and the venue maintains extended evening hours, staying open until 8pm on weekdays.
When: Mon to Fri 9am to 8pm | Sat and Sun 9am to 5pm
Where: Lower Main Road, Observatory, Cape Town
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Bang Bang Vintage Market
With all the vibes of Camden Market, Bang Bang Vintage Market brings festival fashion, steampunk aesthetics, and alternative style to Observatory. This vibrant thrift store, which originated from an online trading group holding pop-up events, has been a permanent fixture on Lower Main since December 2017.
The market houses 12 different traders, each with their own specific taste, creating a zany assortment of retro corduroys, steampunk leather goods, and totally kitsch vintage pieces. Shoppers can find everything from headpieces and wigs to jaw-dropping high-heeled boots, faux fur coats, and quirky accessories. The store features sections dedicated to steampunk fashion, alongside delicate girly pieces and true vintage finds, with prices ranging from R20 for certain clothing items to R1,500 for special fur pieces.
When: Mon to Fri 10am to 5pm | Sat 10am to 2pm
Where: 65 Lower Main Road, Observatory, Cape Town
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Munro’s
An Observatory institution for over 40 years, Munro’s is one of the best junk shops in Cape Town. The store is crammed with an incredible variety of secondhand furniture, bric-a-brac from every decade imaginable, and cool African art pieces.
Run by the legendary Mrs Munro, who has become a landmark to Observatory herself, this shop requires some dedicated digging to discover its treasures. From vintage homeware to quirky collectables, Munro’s is the perfect stop if you need to spruce up your living space without breaking the bank.
The store’s charm lies in its old-school approach and the wealth of knowledge Mrs Munro brings to every interaction, making it a pleasure to explore this Aladdin’s cave of vintage finds.
When: Mon to Fri 7am to 4:30pm | Sat 7am to 1pm | Sun Closed
Where: 131 Lower Main Road, Observatory, Cape Town
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Voom Voom Records & Vintage
Established in 2013 by the passionate Fred “Spider” Jacquier, Voom Voom has grown from a single 60-square-metre space into three locations on Lower Main Road, earning recognition as one of the best record shops in South Africa multiple times.
The main record shop at number 17 offers a curated selection of vinyl LPs, 12-inch maxis, 7-inch singles and EPs, CDs, cassettes, and even classic shellac records. The collection specialises in South African music including bubble-gum, South African jazz, funk, kwaito, zulu disco and shangaan, alongside strong holdings in jazz, soul, blues, funk, reggae, punk, house, hip-hop, disco, new-wave, surf, psychedelic and rarities from the 1960s through the 1980s.
Numbers 15 and 61 Lower Main Road house Voom Voom Vintage and Voom Voom Too, where shoppers can find unique vintage clothing finds amongst the impressive music collection. The stores offer everything from 1970s and 1980s clothing to early 1990s fashion, creating the perfect dress-up destination with higher quality items than many contemporary mall stores.
When: Mon to Sat 10am to 7pm | Sun 11am to 5pm
Where: 15, 17 & 61 Lower Main Road, Observatory, Cape Town
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Never on a Sunday
This beautifully curated vintage store on Lower Main Road offers a more refined approach to vintage shopping. The carefully selected collection features quality pieces displayed with attention to aesthetic detail, creating an elevated thrifting experience.
When: Mon to Sat 10am to 6pm | Sun 11am to 5pm
Where: 186 Lower Main Road, Observatory, Cape Town
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Grand Funk Retro Vintage
Keeping it groovy since day one, Grand Funk Retro Vintage celebrates hippie-esque fashions with a combination of boho floral dresses, Indian block-printed cotton sets, and caftans galore. The two-storey space is colourfully organised with quirky vintage blouses, unique denim pieces, sweet floral jerseys, and assorted sunglasses.
The store also features a line of locally made upcycled one-of-a-kind fashions, alongside artwork and stacks of pillows that create a flower child’s utopia.
When: Mon to Sat 10am to 6pm | Sun 10am to 4pm
Where: 26 Lower Main Road, Observatory, Cape Town
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Maids of Honour
Always offering something unique, Maids of Honour changes its storefront display daily, ensuring that each visit reveals something new. The store has been an Observatory fixture for approximately two and a half years, housing an in-store tailor who has created his own line of jackets.
From vintage fashion to custom tailoring, this shop combines the best of secondhand finds with bespoke alterations and original creations.
When: Mon to Fr 10am to 6pm | Sat 10am to 5pm
Where: 62 Lower Main Road, Observatory, Cape Town
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Gracious Daisy
Behind shop windows adorned with playful flowers, Gracious Daisy offers a delightful mix of vintage treasures for men, women, and accessories enthusiasts. The offerings span decades, from 1950’s floral dresses, to 2010s chambray shirting.
When the hangers are mismatched and goods aren’t sorted by colour, you know there’s a proper vintage treasure waiting to be found. The shop’s eclectic energy and varied collection make it a must-visit for those seeking authentic vintage pieces with character.
When: Mon to Sat 10am to 6pm | Sun 11am to 4pm
Where: 77 Lower Main Road, Observatory, Cape Town
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More Thrift Destinations in Observatory
These are some ‘honorable mentions’ to add to your list, and perhaps there are more! Feel free to drop us a line at [email protected] if we’ve missed somewhere you think we should add.
Sielo Society – 50 Lower Main Road
Just Your Luck – 69 Lower Main Rd
Thrift Up Lift Up – 86 Lower Main Rd
Barley’s Bloset – 114 Lower Main Rd
YBMV Collective – 285b Lower Main Road
The Spaza Thrift Shop – 42 Trill Rd
Euro Clothing – 87 Station Rd
Explore more thrifting options in Cape Town
