Cape Town City Centre

The city centre of Cape Town is the place where history, nightlife, fun activities and nature meet.

Also known as “city bowl”, the centre of Cape Town is framed by four mountains and the sea, making it the ideal place to be for anyone who wants to be right in the middle of everything – because that is what Cape Town has to offer.

Activities in the Cape Town city centre

Cape Town is the oldest city in South Africa and steeped in history. Interesting museums such as the Slave Lodge, the Castle of Good Hope, the District Six museum or the Bo-Kaap museum will give you a deep insight into South Africa’s past. Once the highest building in Cape Town, the castle offers free tours and you might even get to fire a canon. The Bo-Kaap, nestled on the slopes of Signal Hill, is a predominantly Muslim coloured community and known for its colourful houses. It boasts not only with countless photo opportunities but also with great food. Why not learn how to cook a traditional Cape Malay curry?

The core of the city centre is formed by a small grid of streets between Adderley and Buitengracht Street, where everything is within walking distance. You can partake in a tip-based walking tour or explore the many little shops, cafés, restaurants and historic places by yourself.

Company’s Garden

Make sure to take a stroll through the Company’s Garden. This once massive garden – used to grow food for passing ships – is now the green lung of Cape Town. Enjoy a picnic on the lawn (bring a few extra nuts for the squirrels) or simply enjoy the vast variety of greenery. Don’t forget to stop at the gothic St. George’s Cathedral nearby known for its stained windows. The crypt is home to a jazz restaurant.

V&A Waterfront

One of South Africa’s top attractions is, of course, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront offering a great shopping experience from high-end brands to locally produced crafts, a wide selection of cafés and restaurants and fun activities for the entire family. Get close and personal with seals on a harbour cruise, play some putt-putt in a cave or enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Cape Town from the Cape Town wheel.

A visit to the Two Oceans Aquarium is a must if you want to find out who lives along the shores of South Africa. At the end of the V&A Waterfront are the helipads, where you can get into a helicopter for a panoramic flight along the coast. And if you want to learn more about the Apartheid and Nelson Mandela hop on a ferry to Robben Island.

Table Mountain

After a few days in the city, you might feel the urge to be out in nature. In Cape Town, you don’t even need to leave the city for that. Its landmark, Table Mountain, is only a few minutes’ drive from the city centre. You can either take the cable car for a short ride up to the plateau or hike up to enjoy a fantastic view of Cape Town and the sea.

Its neighbouring mountains, Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head, are also covered in hiking trails and only five minutes into the hike you will have forgotten that you are in the middle of a city. Make sure to take all precautions necessary for a hike – Table Mountain is not to be underestimated!

Signal Hill, the only one you can get to by car, is particularly popular with paragliders and a famous hotspot to watch the sun sink into the ocean. The view of the lit-up city bowl at night is mesmerising from there as well.

Restaurants and nightlife in Cape Town

Cape Town is a foodie’s paradise and you will find a great variety of African, European, Asian and fusion cuisine everywhere. Especially at the V&A Waterfront and along Long and Kloof Street are numerous restaurants.

Long Street and Kloof Street are also the party mile of Cape Town. Start your evening with a yummy dinner, followed by a few cocktails at one of the bars. There is always a happy hour somewhere. And then dance the night away at the clubs and live music venues.

The city centre of Cape Town truly offers everything from culture to history to nature and a great nightlife – and all of it within only a few square kilometres.