Making it easy to choose the neighborhood that suits your needs the most.
De Waterkant
Central
Bus
Conveniently located just between Green Point and the CBD, De Waterkant enjoys the best of both of both worlds as a chic enclave right in the heart of the city. This small neighborhood offers sleek eateries and cafes in and around the important Cape Quarter Lifestyle Village which offers all sorts of quality amenities and products. The area feels safe, leafy and colorful, as well are more local and community-oriented than nearby areas. It is important to note that this area can be pricier than the CBD and Green Point, and that it is not as close to the ocean as other neighborhoods.
Woodstock
Close to center
Bus
Metro
Woodstock is an inner-city neighborhood of Cape Town known for being edgy and having evolved into a hip and trendy area. Street art connects its many hipster cafes, alternative fashion boutiques, and startup breweries, constantly setting the local trends. The local Neighborhoods Market is known for featuring some of the city's best food and clothing accessories, as well as vintage furniture and thrift shops. This neighborhood is not known for being particularly safe at night, so caution is advised and taxis recommended. In general, rents here will be cheaper.
Green Point
Close to center
Bus
This popular residential area is close to the city center but provides a quieter and greener alternative to the bustling CBD. Green Point features its namesake park, which is a wonderful place for a stroll among its beautiful flowers, as well as the iconic Cape Town Stadium. The area is relatively close to the Atlantic Seaboard beaches and is also host to a number of espresso bars, seafood restaurant, bistros and quiet breweries. The area has fantastic transportation options, and is more authentic than the CBD, although this area can feel a little secluded at night and some caution is advised when walking alone. Green Point is also closest (just inland) of the famous tourist hotspot at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront - Cape Town's foremost shopping and entertainment district. While there are no non-hotel options for staying at the V&A Waterfront, Green Point is closest and the Waterfront is considered always safe and completely walkable.
CBD in the City Bowl
Central
Bus
Metro
Cape Town's city center is a vibrant business and commercial center but is also considered by many to be the best place to stay and experience what the city has to offer. The area is home to chain stores, boutiques, great restaurants and bars, and the city's nightlife district. Furthermore, here you'll find Cape Town's main museums and historical attractions. The area is indeed more affordable than others in the city, providing great value for money for those looking to adventure in the city. the city center is a hub for the rest of Cape Town, making transport links easily accessible and convenient. The area tends to be less safe than others around it and has less of an authentic vibe than other neighborhoods in the city.
Gardens
Close to center
Bus
Gardens is considered one of Cape Town's trendiest neighborhoods. Kloof Street dominates the area with its numerous fashion boutiques, restaurants, and hip cafés all catering to an alternative, hipster crowd - this street is safe to walk on at night and a favorite among expats and locals alike. The neighborhood itself is a middle-upper class inner-city residential area, providing for a more authentic experience of Cape Town in most areas. The neighborhood enjoys numerous parks and green spaces to relax and escape the bustle of Kloof Street and the City Bowl while remaining close to the city, well connected via public transport. The area has good prices, but consider that the area is touristic and not close to any of the city's beaches.
Bo Kaap
Central
Bus
This historic part of town is an attraction because of its colorful houses and complicated history. The area has traditional housing and is very touristic, with short-term rentals here being the most expensive in the city. The area is home to Malays who have lived in this part of the city for generations, and the area holds strong significance for local identities. Indeed, the area is filled with some of the best food, cafes and street performances in the city. There is a strong sense of community here among locals, and it is likely that foreigners will feel out of place living in this historic area.
Camps Bay
Away from center
Bus
Camps Bay is an upscale and exclusive suburb, removed from central Cape Town. The area features beautiful white-sand beaches and incredible mountain scenery within a short drive of the main city neighborhoods. Camps Bay feels like a getaway spot despite being still within Cape Town, and also hosts a strong tourism infrastructure making amenities easily accessible. Inland from the beach you are likely to find some of the city's best upscale seafood and traditional restaurants, as well as a lively upmarket entertainment scene around the Theatre on the Bay. In addition to this being Cape Town's most expensive neighborhood, its worth noting that it is heavily touristic and that, while the City Center is only about 15 minutes away by taxi, public transportation links are limited.
Sea Point
Away from center
Bus
This affluent suburb of Cape Town faces the ocean entirely, providing for some great accommodation options. The Promenade along the sea is a popular artisan hotspot as well as a point of convergence among fitness lovers in the city. The area still offers fantastic BRT access to the city center as well as the city's best beaches, particularly since Sea Point's beaches are not particularly swimmable. Inland, the area offers a number of great seafood restaurants and cafes. Mojo Market is another big attraction in Sea Point. Certainly, life in this neighborhood is both quieter and more affordable than in the City Bowl, as well as safer and more authentic.
