Five Cape Town neighbourhoods not to be missed

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Only a few of the cities I’ve visited have left me almost speechless with their beauty. Cape Town is one of them. No matter where I was in the city, I was completely in awe of how stunning it is. It is unquestionably one of the most breath taking places on the planet.

It’s also home to lots of cool neighbourhoods. If you’re lucky enough to be going there, here are some of those neighbourhoods to check out.

1. Camps Bay

file Photo courtesy of chamerastry.

Most cities on the coast have seaside suburbs that draw sun worshippers, beach lovers and, of course, the ‘beautiful people’. Cape Town's version of this is Camps Bay. The main strip here is Victoria Road, which is lined with restaurants, cafés and bars. Of all of these, I recommend three – Col’Cacchio Pizzeria is great for a relaxed bite, La Med that overlooks Camps Bay is the perfect spot for a ‘sundowner’ (beer or wine at dusk), particularly on Sunday evenings, while Café Caprice is the place to go after dark and. A word of warning though if you're thinking of taking a dip in the sea… the water is absolutely freezing!

2. Bo Kaap

file Photo courtesy of Brian Snelson.

I don’t think I’ve ever been to a neighbourhood as colourful as Bo Kaap in Cape Town. Along streets like Rose Street, Dorp Street and Church Street is house after house painted with the brightest colours, ranging from pastel blues and yellows to bold pinks and greens. Home to a large Muslim community, it’s also a good place to try ‘Cape Malay’ food. I can personally recommend Biesmiellah at the corner of Wale and Pentz Streets where you should try a ‘gatsby’ – a roll with chips, spicy sauce and a meat of your choice. They’re messy, but equally tasty.

3. City Bowl / Waterfront / Downtown Cape Town

file Photo courtesy of Brian Snelson.

These three areas of the city collectively make up Cape Town’s city centre. Along Kloof Street and Kloof Nek Road in the City Bowl you’ll find a plethora of bars and restaurants, my favourite being Arnold’s on Kloof St which is great for either breakfast or dinner. The Waterfront is where you’ll find the V&A Waterfront Shopping Mall, while downtown Cape Town comprises bustling squares, busy markets, and the famous Long Street – the best known street for nightlife in the city.

4. Green Point

file Photo courtesy of mallix.

Located along the waterfront, there is one primary reason to visit Green Point – the promenade. At all parts of the day Capetonians cycle, rollerblade, walk or jog along this stretch of concrete, but the best time of the day to visit is at dusk. If you’re looking for a place to catch a sunset in this city on the Western Cape, this is it.

  • Another place to catch a sunset in Cape Town is Signal Hill – try and visit it too if you have the time.

5. Hout Bay

file Photo courtesy of Ian Wilson.

Further south along the coast from Camps Bay is Hout Bay, a sleepier suburb but one that should be visited for nothing else if only to leave it to begin the world-famous Chapman’s Peak Drive. The view of this small town from the start of drive will take your breath away. Famous for its fishing, if you do stop there for a while, don’t leave without some fish and chips from ‘Fish on the Rocks’ on Hout Bay Harbour Road.

Main image photo courtesy of zoutedrop.


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