Green Point

Photo courtesy Shine 2010

Green Point has been called the Soho of Cape Town – with its funky restaurants and busy nightclubs, the place has an energy all of its own. Wedged between Table Bay, Signal Hill, Sea Point, the V&A Waterfront and the city centre, it sits in the middle of all the local action.

The area is home to Cape Town Stadium, which hosted a number of 2010 FIFA World Cup™ matches, as well as Green Point Urban Park, Metropolitan Golf Club and a number of other sports fields.

Green Point Urban Park is multipurpose green space that’s free to the public and open seven days a week from 07h00 to 19h00. It includes wide open areas, outdoor gym facilities and a biodiversity garden where you can learn more about local plant species and how they were used by indigenous Khoisan groups.

Green Point Lighthouse, South Africa’s oldest dating back to 1824, is a short walk away, and there’s much more to do besides: Take a long walk or jog along the promenade right next to the Atlantic Ocean; rest on one of the benches and take in the stunning views of the sea; head to one of the children’s play areas which include jungle gyms, swings, slides, a mini train and mini golf course; or pop into the flea market next to Cape Town Stadium (every Sunday) to pick up curios from around the African continent.

Take a walk to the top of Lion’s Head and enjoy the panoramic views of the city. Alternatively, drive to the top of Signal Hill to see some spectacular sunsets.

There are plenty of restaurants in Green Point. Make sure you try Beluga (+27 (0)21 418 2948), a favourite among the models and celebrity crowd, and Wang Thai (+27 (0)21 421 8702), renowned for its authentic Thai menu.

Coffee spots like vida e caffè (+27 (0)21 434 7266), a top coffee franchise started in Cape Town, and Giovanni’s (+27 (0)21 434 6893) are great places to hang out and people watch.

For sun, sand and sea, the beautiful beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton are a stone’s throw away.