The Trendiest Neighbourhoods in Cape Town, South Africa

Bo-Kaap in Cape Town, South Africa, is famous for its colourful houses
Bo-Kaap in Cape Town, South Africa, is famous for its colourful houses | © Alan Novelli / Alamy Stock Photo
Lee-Shay Collison

Over the past few decades, Cape Town has evolved into a cultural hub shaped by entrepreneurs, designers, artists and restaurateurs. While Central Cape Town is the pulse of the city, there are also a number of diverse areas to explore a short drive away. We take a tour of the best neighbourhoods in Cape Town.

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Destinations Unlocked:

Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip

Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is one of the most visited attractions in Cape Town – and with good reason. For starters, the Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre is one of the only places in South Africa where the likes of Gucci and H&M can be found alongside African design and souvenir stores, while the neighbouring Watershed and V&A Food Market are bustling hubs of street food, local design, crafts and fashion. And, if that’s not enough, a wide array of exhibitions, live shows and workshops are a regular feature on the events calendar. Make sure you stop at Zeitz MOCAA, which houses the largest collection of contemporary African art on the continent. Moreover, the Waterfront is home to top-class hotels, restaurants, an aquarium, upmarket apartments and other cultural attractions.

Bo-Kaap

Situated on the slopes of Signal Hill, the historical Bo-Kaap, or former Malay Quarter, is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city. Renowned for its rows of flat-roofed houses in bright colours, the area is the birthplace of Cape Town’s Muslim community. There are several attractions in the area, including a museum, centuries-old mosques and restaurants specialising in Cape Malay cuisine. On the bay-facing side of Signal Hill, De Waterkant (the Water Side) was largely renovated over the years but still retains the unique architectural style used during the 18th century. The area now boasts a variety of guest houses, restaurants and a shopping mall.

Sea Point

Located on the other side of Signal Hill, Sea Point overlooks Three Anchor Bay and has a seaside promenade. The 11-kilometre (7mi) stretch attracts families and fitness enthusiasts alike, and there are play parks, public swimming pools and a bicycle-renting facility. Running parallel to the promenade is a slew of high-rise apartment blocks and trendy restaurants, where languid lunches are the order of the day.

Camps Bay

Camps Bay is the most famous suburb of Cape Town, renowned for its palm-tree-lined beach and million-dollar mansions overlooking the Atlantic. The popular Beach Road boasts an eclectic mix of restaurants, shops, hotels and beach-side bars that turn into clubs at night. Nestled between Glen Beach and Clifton, Maiden’s Cove affords magnificent vistas of the ocean and the Twelve Apostles Mountain Range. Here, you can indulge in a braai and, on a hot summer’s day, take a dip in the tidal pool.

Gardens

The inner-city suburb of Gardens is always buzzing with activity, no matter the time of day. Its key attraction is undoubtedly Kloof Street, with a plethora of restaurants, pubs, shops and art galleries, such as Salon 91. On Orange Street, you will find the Labia Theatre, the oldest repertory movie cinema in South Africa, as well as the luxury Mount Nelson Hotel, which serves a delectable afternoon high-tea.

Hout Bay

Hout Bay’s unique location, heritage and natural beauty all add to its endearing charm as a popular seaside town. The working harbour is the central component of the area. Here, you will find the Mariner’s Wharf – a seaside emporium with seafood restaurants and maritime curio shops. On weekends, the Bay Harbour Market is a vibrant meeting place for family and friends, where delicious street food, local goods and live music can be found under one roof. Besides visiting all the cultural attractions in the area, be sure to take a drive (or cycle) along Chapman’s Peak for the most spectacular views of the bay.

Woodstock

One of the hippest neighbourhoods in Cape Town, Woodstock has become a creative hub of workshops, art galleries, co-working spaces, restaurants and breweries. Most of the activity in the area is centred around Albert Road, where places like the Woodstock Exchange and Old Biscuit Mill mall are located. On Saturdays, it plays host to the ever-popular Neighbourhoods Market, where you can find artisanal foods, craft beer and local design. Woodstock also has some of the best displays of street art in the country.

Observatory

Named after an observatory in the area, Obs is renowned for its distinctly bohemian vibe and fervent art community. The key attraction is Lower Main Road, which is a prime nightlife spot lined with laid-back restaurants, thrift shops and quirky bars. The local South African Astronomical Observatory hosts bi-monthly open nights, where you can attend intriguing talks on astronomy and tour the premises. The Observatory is also home to the Heart of Cape Town Museum at Groote Schuur Hospital, where Christiaan Barnard performed the world’s first heart transplant.

Muizenberg

Muizenberg is a relaxed seaside suburb located along the False Bay coast. It boasts one of the most famous beaches in Cape Town, known as Surfers Corner. The long, sandy beach is a popular spot for swimmers and surfers because of the gentle tides and warmer waters. Surfers Corner is instantly recognisable by its brightly coloured change rooms lined up on the beach, and there are a few cafes and surf shops adjacent to the beachfront. Aside from surfing lessons, other water sports – such as paddleboarding, scuba diving, kite-surfing and sailing – are also offered at the beach or the Greater Zandvlei Estuary Reserve close by.

Kalk Bay

The little village of Kalk Bay is situated just 7 kilometres (4mi) from Muizenberg on the False Bay coastline. The town’s main road runs parallel to the ocean and contains numerous restaurants and cafes, including Olympia Bakery, thrift shops, art stores and retailers selling quirky bohemian clothing. The working harbour is a bustling spot, characterised by colourful fishing trawlers bobbing on the water, fishmongers selling their latest catch, and the popular seafood eatery, Kalky’s. You’ll most likely see a couple of seals playing in the harbour water or relaxing on the pier, much to the delight of passersby. Kalk Bay can get very busy on weekends, especially during the summer, so it’s best to go early or make a reservation if you’re planning on dining at one of the establishments.

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Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

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HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

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Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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