Cape Town’s Top 5 Coolest Neighbourhoods

Ahhh, the Mother City in all its glory. Jaw-dropping beaches, excellent hiking trails and sweeping vistas. Spend a couple of days in Cape Town and you’ll quickly discover why it’s consistently rated as one of the world’s most beautiful cities.

But Cape Town is more than just a pretty face. Spend a little time here, scratch below the surface and you’ll uncover a different side to this region. We’re talking epic vibes, edgy spaces, and creativity that will knock your socks off.  So strap right in and join us on a ride through Cape Town’s Coolest Neighbourhoods. 

Cape Town’s Coolest Neighbourhoods #1: Observatory – The Hipster

Straddling that fine line between edgy and trendy, Observatory is undoubtedly one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Cape Town. Often referred to as “Obs,” Observatory is a bohemian neighbourhood that attracts artists, students, and alternative-minded individuals. It has a laid-back and eclectic vibe that provides the area with a unique feel. 

While walking through the streets of Obs, visitors will witness a mix of hipsters frequenting cool cafes and vintage shops to tuck shops filled with locals dressed in skull cups and shalwar kameez jetting off to Friday Mosque. Throw in the occasional junky and weed shop and you’ve got yourself a beautiful bohemian melting pot. 

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Most of Observetory’s hangouts are scattered around Lower Main Road. Here you’ll find the best selection of cafes, restaurants and boutique clothing stores. 

One of our favourite cafes is Ground Culture. This friendly neighbourhood-run cafe serves up tasty food and delicious coffee in a large, open and airy space with lots of natural light. If you’re looking to get some work done, they also offer plenty of power points and free reliable wifi.  

As for bars, Trenchtown is a great choice. This laid-back bar has a chill, inclusive vibe with a large funky outdoor beer garden. They also serve up pretty decent nachos and woodfire pizza. 

Cape Town’s Coolest Neighbourhoods #2: Gardens – The Sophisticat

Situated along the foothills of Table Mountain, Gardens is a popular area for young professionals and creatives alike. This trendy and centrally located neighbourhood offers beautiful parks, hip cafes, independent shops, and a vibrant nightlife scene.

The action here is undoubtedly centred around Kloof Street, but don’t let that keep you solely on the main drag as there are plenty of great spots hidden on smaller streets. 

For a quick bit to eat, be sure to stop by NY Slice Pizza. As an avid lover of New York Pizza, I’ve got to say, this place is legit!

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If you’re after a more formal sit-down experience, then Maria’s Greek Cafe is an excellent option. This rustic spot is tucked away on a little side street where they offer delicious authentic Greek food at a reasonable price. A world of warning, the portions here are HUGE! We’re big eaters and we walked away embarrassed by how much we had to take away. Bookings are essential.

As for nightlife, be sure to catch a movie at the arthouse Labia Theatre. With a name like that, how could you not? 

There’s also no shortage of good bars. The Wolf Upstairs has a large rooftop that offers sweeping views of Table Mountian. Alternatively, Shaggy Stone provides an inclusive space where the music is always pumping. They also have a good selection of tasty craft beers and the occasional pop-up event. 

If you’re looking for a laugh, be sure to check out Comedy on Kloof which happens every Tuesday at Vortex (66 Kloof St). Tickets cost 40 ZAR and it gets pretty full so we recommend buying in advance. It’s not the funniest comedy we’ve been to, but it’s a good-value night out. 

It’s easy to see why Gardens is one of the best neighbourhoods in Cape Town.

Want an adventure near Cape Town? Check out the Wolfberg Arch and Wolfberg Cracks in the Cederberg Mountains

Cape Town’s Coolest Neighbourhoods #3 Muizenberg and Kalk Bay – The Chill Surfer Dude  

Muizenburg and Kalk Bay are two relaxed seaside villages located approximately 25 km from Cape Town’s CBD, with upscale St James sandwiched between them. The towns offer a laid-back, quirky atmosphere and feature plenty of excellent cafes, restaurants and bars.

Both offer good surfing options, however, Muizenburg caters more to beginners as it features a steady stream of gentle off-beach waves. Kalk Bay is better suited for more experienced surfers due to its excellent reef break.

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For a quick bite be sure to visit Yoffi Falafel where you’ll find plenty of delicious Middle-Eastern options or head to the ever-popular Kalky’s for your fish and chips fix. 

Jazz fans should most definitely head to Urban Soul Cafe & Jazz Bar, a wonderful hidden gem that offers regular live music (usually twice a week). Cape to Cuba is also an excellent option to catch high-quality live musical acts. 

The Striped Horse Bar is a favourite among locals. This iconic beachfront bar and restaurant is located on York Road in Muizenberg where they serve up pub meals and craft beer and often have live musical acts. 

Muizenberg is also home to the iconic Muizenberg Mountain, which offers hiking trails and panoramic views of the surrounding area, while the nearby Zandvlei Estuary Nature Reserve provides opportunities for leisurely walks. Visitors can walk also between Muizenberg and Kalk Bay via an ocean-side walkway, or just stop at St James for a shorter option. Please bear in mind that though they are rare, muggings can happen along this stretch so it’s best not to walk here by yourself or at night. 

Check out Jonkershoek Nature Reserve for more great hiking near Cape Town

Cape Town’s Coolest Neighbourhoods #4: Woodstock – The Artsy Bohemian 

Woodstock has undergone an interesting journey in recent years. The neighbourhood had long been a no-go zone due to its low socioeconomic background, with issues stemming from these roots. Then slowly, in the mid-2010’s it started to undergo a transformation where it began evolving into a hip and artistic hub. This transformation and gentrification brought with it a wave of new investments from property developers. Then Covid hit the area hard, forcing many of its restaurants and cafes to close. Now the regrowth has been slow but there are still many interesting places to check out in this gritty and diverse bohemian landscape. 

Woodstock is best known for its street art, quirky cafes, art galleries, and vintage stores, making the area a great place to explore Cape Town’s creative scene. Here, most of the action is located around the Old Biscuit Mill and the Woodstock Exchange on Albert Road. 

It’s important to note that beyond Albert Road, Woodstock can get pretty rough around the edges and occasional muggings can occur. So if you do decide to venture afar, do so with caution and keep your belongings close by. Also, we wouldn’t recommend walking around at night. 

A must-do activity in the area is to visit The Neighbourgoods Market. The market takes place every Saturday and Sunday inside the Old Biscuit Mill and features lots of trendy local boutiques and an amazing selection of delicious food stalls. There is also a large bar in the middle where local DJs spin tunes. The vibe here is high! 

The Woodstock Brewery and Sweet River Brewery are good options for craft beer lovers. Also, Casa Woodstock Bar has arguably the best vibe in the area where they serve up woodfire pizza and regularly have DJs spinning beats. 

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Cape Town’s Coolest Neighbourhoods #5: City Bowl – The Stay Up Late Girl 

In the heart of Cape Town’s CBD lies the City Bowl, an area known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and diverse range of attractions. The area is home to a variety of trendy restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops, offering a vibrant culinary and nightlife scene. Long Street and Loop Street, in particular, are famous for their energetic nightlife boasting numerous clubs and live music venues.

Additionally, the City Bowl is a cultural hub, hosting art galleries, museums, and theatres with the event First Thursday’s particularly noteworthy. This is a monthly event where many of the city’s galleries open their doors for free and feature pop-up bars and special exhibitions. It’s a really fun event with great vibes. 

The Company’s Gardens, a historic park, is also a popular spot for locals, offering a tranquil oasis amidst the bustling city.

Be sure to visit City Bowl Kitchen for delicious Latin American food. If you’re looking for something a bit more classy then check out The Athletic Club. They offer a Mediterranean menu featuring mostly Greek-inspired food. They also feature an excellent cocktail menu and have a cosy basement lounge where Jazz musicians perform regularly. We love this place and highly recommend a visit! 

With its rich diverse landscape, urban attractions, and lively atmosphere, the City Bowl is indeed one of Cape Town’s coolest neighbourhoods.

Think we got our list wrong? Let us know what your favourite Cape Town neighbourhood is. 

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