Most music is sold on CD, and the ubiquitous chains such as CNA and Musica tend to stock pretty unadventurous selections of mainly British and American sounds. For South African bands and music from the rest of the continent, the outlets listed below are by far the best.

African Music Store 90a Long St, City Centre tel 021 426 0867. A small very central shop specializing in African music. Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-2pm.

Look & Listen Shop F14, Upper level, Cavendish Square, Claremont tel 021 683 1810. Africa's first music megastore, with late-night opening seven days a week and a vast selection of all kinds of music, including good local jazz and a respectable selection from all over the African continent. Daily 9am-10.30pm.

Sessions Music Lower level, Victoria Wharf, V&A Waterfront tel 021 419 7892. One of the best places in Cape Town to buy music, with an extensive selection of South African and African sounds and helpful staff. Mon-Thurs & Sun 9am-9pm, Fri & Sat 9am-10pm.