City centre

Cape Town’s city centre. Photo courtesy Derek Keats

When it comes to fun and entertainment, Cape Town is the mother of all cities, and there's no such thing as a dull moment if you’re in the heart of it: the Cape Town city centre. Here, you'll find loads of attractions and entertainment options.

Meet the flower sellers of Adderley Street, something of a Cape Town institution, and make sure you browse in Greenmarket Square, the city’s best-loved flea market. The Pan African Market in Long Street (which is vibrant, particularly at night) is a must for curios and wares from all over Africa.

There are two museums that are an absolute must – the District Six Museum (+27 21 466 7200) on Buitenkant Street and the Iziko South African Museum, which is part of the collection of eight Iziko Museums of Cape Town.

There are loads of fantastic restaurants in the city centre. Try out Jardine’s (+27 21 424 5640) in Bree Street or the award-winning Aubergine (+27 21 465 4909) in Gardens. The Five Flies (+27 (0)21 424 4442) in Keerom Street is another notable spot and has a great cigar bar to brag about. For something a bit different try the Mesopotamia Kurdish Kitchen (+27 21 464 4664) on the corner of Long and Church Street or Masala Dosa (+27 21 424 6772) in Long Street for authentic South Indian cooking.

Long Street is where it’s all happening, all of the time. Enjoy dinner at Mama Africa’s (+27 21 424 8634) or one of the many other restaurants in the street, and then head out and enjoy a big night on the town. The Dubliner (+27 (0)21 424 1212) is a popular bar, open every night of the week, and Zula Bar (+27 (0)21 424 2442) offers good live music and comedy.

The Cape Town city centre is great for walkers and cyclists, with dedicated paths to ensure that you can travel everywhere by foot or by bicycle.

Read more about tours available in the city centre.