Nestled comfortably within the protective embrace of Table Mountain, Cape Town’s city bowl is aptly named. This heart of Cape Town lies neatly enclosed between the harbor and the mountain, resembling the shape of a bowl. Bound by its natural boundaries, the city bowl stands as a self-contained entity, akin to a martini before being poured—a vibrant hub pulsating with flavor.
The city bowl encompasses some of the most captivating and historically rich neighborhoods, including Bo Kaap, Oranjezicht, Tamboerskloof, and Gardens, offering endless opportunities for leisurely strolls, dining at charming restaurants, and exploring historical landmarks.
As one moves closer to the mountain, the suburbs become steeper, with Higgovale and Oranjezicht perched on the slopes of Table Mountain. Beyond absorbing the unique Cape Town ambiance, the city bowl offers numerous activities. A ride on the cable car to the summit of Table Mountain is a must, though it’s wise to choose a clear day to ensure unobstructed views, without the famous “tablecloth” cloud cover. Lion’s Head, the conical mountain neighboring Table Mountain, is another rewarding ascent, particularly during full moon nights when the hike to the top coincides with the moon’s ascent.
Traveling through the gap between Table Mountain and Lion’s Head, known as Kloof Nek, leads to Camps Bay, one of the picturesque Atlantic Seaboard beaches that stretch to Llandudno and Hout Bay. Alternatively, exploring the western side of the bowl reveals the vibrant neighborhoods of De Waterkant, Green Point, and Sea Point. The city bowl encapsulates the essence of Cape Town—a blend of natural beauty, history, and diverse neighborhoods waiting to be discovered.
Destinations In The City Bowl
Bo Kaap
The Bo-Kaap, situated on the outskirts of Cape Town’s city center, is a character-rich neighborhood known for its colorful houses, many of which are historical landmarks dating back to the 1750s. Cobbled streets wind their way up the lower slopes of Signal Hill, creating a lively atmosphere.
The Bo-Kaap is a melting pot of cultures, with roots tracing back to slaves from various regions, including Africa, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and the Indonesian Archipelago. Despite being inaccurately referred to as ‘Cape Malays,’ the neighborhood is famously known as the Malay Quarter.
This vibrant community boasts a strong Muslim influence, with over 90% of its residents practicing Islam. The area’s rich history includes Muslim scholars, religious leaders, and artisans. During apartheid, the Bo-Kaap was exclusively designated as a Cape-Muslim residential area.
Centre of Cape Town
Cape Town, nestled beneath the iconic Table Mountain, boasts a city center that defies urban decay and stands as a unique blend of European and African cultures. This vibrant hub, the ‘mother city,’ teems with culture, history, and nature. Notable landmarks include the South African Museum, the Castle of Good Hope, and Company Gardens, all set amid a backdrop of European and African influences.
Long Street adds an eclectic charm with its assortment of shops, coffee houses, and restaurants. The CBD is compact and perfect for exploration, with guided historical walks shedding light on its rich history. At night, it transforms with theaters, diverse dining options, and a lively music scene. Cape Town’s city center is a captivating blend of heritage, culture, and urban vibrancy.
De Waterkant
Cape Town’s De Waterkant district offers a vibrant fusion of historic charm and modern sophistication. This trendy area, adjacent to the Bo-Kaap, showcases brightly colored, 18th-century cottages, meticulously restored into stylish abodes. With cobbled streets, tree-lined avenues, and captivating views, De Waterkant exudes the allure of international neighborhoods like New York’s Greenwich Village and London’s Soho.
De Waterkant Village, housing approximately 80 properties, provides an authentic local experience within walking distance of restaurants, the Cape Quarter shopping center, and entertainment options. By day, it functions as a bustling business district, and by night, it transforms into a hub of energy with top-notch restaurants, wine bars, and delis.
This neighborhood is a living testament to South Africa’s architectural history, boasting a high concentration of pre-1840s buildings that survived apartheid and urban redevelopment. From De Waterkant, one can conveniently explore the city center, V&A Waterfront, Table Mountain, Atlantic beaches, and trendy Atlantic Seaboard enclaves.
Devil’s Peak
Devil’s Peak estate, situated on the slopes above Cape Town’s city center between Vredehoek and Table Mountain National Park, offers unparalleled views of Table Bay. The area predominantly consists of smaller homes, as it is not zoned for flats or multi-dwelling units. Residents are fiercely protective of Devil’s Peak, opposing further development in this sensitive zone.
Devil’s Peak is a prominent Cape Town landmark, flanking Table Mountain on the left, with Lion’s Head and Signal Hill on the right. It’s a 1000-meter peak, once known as Windberg, offering summit hikes and lower slope walks. The safest ascent is from the Saddle, adjacent to Table Mountain. While cell reception might be patchy, the convenience of city access, breathtaking views, and peaceful nights make living in this part of Cape Town a worthwhile choice.
District Six
District Six, located near Cape Town’s city center with stunning views of Table Bay, holds a painful history of forced removal and segregation during apartheid. Over 60,000 people were forcibly evicted and their homes demolished between 1966 and 1982, leaving District Six as an empty, haunting scar on the landscape.
Once a vibrant, mixed community of freed slaves, merchants, artisans, laborers, and immigrants, District Six was declared a ‘white’ area by the National Party. Despite renaming it Zonnebloem in an attempt to erase its history, international and local pressure prevented further development.
In 2004, symbolic keys were finally handed over for new homes in District Six, marking a slow process of restitution. Plans included thousands of homes and commercial development, aiming to revive the area’s character. The District Six Museum, at the heart of the district, preserves these memories, serving as a poignant reminder of South Africa’s past.
Accommodation In The City Bowl
Here are some of the best hotels you can stay at in City Bowl, Cape Town:
Dorp Hotel
Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel
Gorgeous George by Design Hotels
NOAH House
Cape Heritage Hotel
Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel,
iGadi House Boutique Hotel
Taj Cape Town – Taj Residence suite
Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel