Your Guide to the Best Vinyl & Record Stores in Cape Town

We all know that there is something extra special about listening to an original vinyl record. Whether it be the superior quality of the sound, the cultural significance of a specific vinyl or even the longevity of a classic LP – nothing beats owning and listening to your own vinyl. 

Luckily, for all the local audiophiles, Cape Town is home to a plethora of unique record stores. Let’s Get Local has done the legwork and compiled a comprehensive guide to all of Cape Town’s finest and beloved record stores. 

MABU VINYL

First up on our list, we have Mabu Vinyl. Self-described as “a little vintage vinyl shop with a big reputation,” we thought it only fitting to start off with this quaint vinyl store. 

In the heart of Cape Town, Mabu Vinyl finds itself located on 285 Long Street – a location that generates tons of foot traffic from both locals and tourists. Mabu Vinyl, however, has a reputation that precedes itself. 

Known for its expertly curated collection of vintage and pre-owned vinyl, this store focuses on the classic and authentic. “The only new records we tend to sell are select re-issues of rare, and beloved old local music,” Mabu Vinyl discloses on their website. 

“[A] wonderful selection of records. The store is one storey above street level, mixing in the wooden floors, the smell of vinyl, the music playing and the vast veranda. Definitely worth a visit,” reads a review by Reghard Pretorius. 

ROASTIN’ RECORDS

At 28 Wandel Street, Gardens, Roastin’ Records is perfectly situated to cater to Cape Town’s swanky adolescents and, dare we say, musical purists. This leaves this record store with the daunting task of providing a little something for everybody — which Roastin’ Records does effortlessly. 

Across all genres, across all decades. Roastin’ Records boasts a collection of vinyl that leaves many in awe at the sheer variety. At this record store, you can find anything from 1930s jazz and blues to modern-contemporary classics. 

Not only does Roastin’ Records stock a vast expanse of vinyl to work your way through, they also offer a variety of CDs, DVDs and other collectable items. In addition, Roastin’ Records stocks exclusive independent releases by local and international artists. 

“Great coffee, super knowledgeable staff, very good vibes,” says Jenah Mckenzie, a Roastin’ Records frequenter. 

THE OTHER RECORDS

Keeping it in Gardens, on 1 Park Road inside One Park, you can find this hidden gem — The Other Records. 

The Other Records is a community record shop that has been carefully designed as a hub for vibrant musical expression and the go-to destination for obscure albums. 

At The Other Records, the bulk of the stock includes new and imported records, a variety of hardware and accessories, incredible used vinyl selections, and an endless supply of great and rare vinyl.

When in Cape Town, The Other Records is a must-visit destination. This store is open from Wednesdays to Sundays and hosts in-store DJ sessions with top local talent — most recently Cape Town-based singer-songwriter, Luh’ra.

M-PIRE MUSIC

Located in one of the oldest (and edgiest) suburbs in Cape Town, M-PIRE Music can be found at 299 Albert Road, Woodstock. 

At M-PIRE, you can find every type of vinyl imaginable. This, however, is just the tip of the iceberg at M-PIRE Music. Besides stocking every genre from reggae to heavy metal, this record store also provides you with local bands’ merchandise and CDs. 

If you’re ever in the mood to catch a live performance, M-PIRE has been known to host intimate shows for local bands, such as We Kill Cowboys and Sonofold, to show off their talents — which is open to the public. 

“We have a small stage, where musicians are able to host performances in line with new material, be that singles, EP’s or full albums and even new merch lines,” says Kevin Ramage of M-PIRE Music. 

Hopefully, your attention has already been grabbed by this unique record store, but if you’d like to whet your appetite even more, M-PIRE also boasts a state-of-the-art in-house recording studio. 

“I think what makes M-PIRE very special, is that, not only do we stock some of the finest vinyl catalogue and local band merch, but we’re also part of a genuine creative hub, sharing floor space with an incredible recording studio, as well as some of the top indie record labels in SA,” he adds.

“We also have the Pins & Knuckles crew who are launching their Pins tattoo club soon, a pop-up tattoo shop for international and local tattoo artists,” Kevin concludes. 

VOOM VOOM RECORDS & VINTAGE

Moving away from Cape Town’s CBD and towards a culturally rich suburb, Voom Voom is located at 15 Lower Main Road, Observatory. 

Voom Voom is more than just a record store. Despite its immensely diverse range of vinyl and CDs, Voom Voom is also known for its ever-growing stockpile of vintage clothing. 

This is not the type of store you can simply spend ten minutes browsing. You need to take an entire day off to appreciate the time and effort taken to source every item in this store — from hidden-gem LPs to platform Dr Martens. 

REVOLUTION RECORDS

Outside of its hardcore logo, Revolution Records also boasts an extensive range of new and old vinyl records. Situated on 73 Lower Main Rd, Observatory, Revolution Records is one of Cape Town’s oldest record stores.

On top of second-hand and new LPs, they also sell pre-owned hi-fi equipment, CDs, tapes, accessories, magazines and artists’ merch — both local and international.

Revolution Records is guaranteed to fill your every music need with a wide range from reggae, rock, alternative, ska, punk, metal, jazz, indie, instrumental, and blues.

They stand by their motto: “Old school is cool” and invite music lovers to come and “savagely consume” their selection while sharing the company of the shop’s owner & music guru, Laurent Lemoine.