Search

De Waterkant

A sub-district of Green Point, De Waterkant is one of the trendiest areas in Cape Town, with its stylish little pocket of historic buildings, fashionable shops, and vibey restaurants.

Built in the 19th century, the architectural style is a mixture of Cape Dutch and Georgian, a result of the area’s diverse cultural heritage. This area is a street shopper’s delight, filled with coffee shops and interior design firms. Affectionately known as the “pink district” with its abundance of gay- and straight-friendly bars and restaurants, De Waterkant is internationally renowned for its open-minded attitude.

Before stepping out into one of the nightspots, Urban Men which specialises in men’s grooming will ensure you look and feel your best. There is no place for scruffiness at HotHouse, the upmarket steam bath and adult store in the heart of the gay village. It offers steam rooms, video lounges, private cabins, a bar and a sun deck with fabulous views.

For the ladies, there is Beulah Bar, however everyone is welcome at this vibey place. Relax in the comfy lounge area where you can play a board game of backgammon or Scrabble in the afternoon. Later, head to the bar and dance floor with its irresistible stripper pole to party into the wee hours.

Café Manhattan is an institution in the area. It serves up man-sized burgers in a Wild West-themed environment; sling your leg over a saddle at the bar and hold on for the ride of your life.

From boutique hotels to townhouses and apartments, De Waterkant offers visitors both safe and central accommodation in the heart of Green Point. Its convenient location a stone’s throw from the famous 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Fan Walk makes it a popular choice for the many lifestyle stores, coffee shops and creative agencies located here.

Java junkies head to Origin Coffee Roasting for a regular fix in the laid-back café located in a historic brick warehouse and courtyard, before popping to Loading Bay next door to browse through gorgeous clothing. And if you need some zen, you can stretch it out at Yoga Zone which teaches invigorating Bikram and Vinyasa classes.

De Waterkant is a foodie’s heaven. From Greek and Turkish to French and Italian cuisine, the area offers flavours from all over the world and locals enjoy dining out in the area’s popular piazzas, all within walking distance of each other. Popular spots with locals and visitors include Anatoli’s, Beluga and Il Leone.

A legacy of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, the fan walk crosses into De Waterkant Village via the pedestrian bridge at Prestwich Memorial and Visitor Centre (capetown.gov.za/environment) which serves as a place of memory and hosts an ossuary – a room in which the bones of the dead are placed – for the human remains uncovered during the course of developments in the Green Point area. It is the starting point for walking through the historic District One, the old burial grounds to the batteries of Table Bay and the Slave Route to Table Mountain.

The fan walk continues along Somerset Road with shops and restaurants adjoining the hip Cape Quarter shopping village which is filled with local arts and crafts as well as designer boutiques and delightful coffee shops, sports bars and fancy restaurants. Every year in March, the Cape Town Carnival sees this stretch of road filled with dancers, performers, music and colourful floats. At the end there is the biggest open air street party in Cape Town which is free to all.

The buzzing nightlife scene in De Waterkant and surrounding areas offers an abundance of bars, clubs and great dance spots. As with most Cape Town suburbs, each has its own identity, drawing in a certain crowd. If delicious cocktails, outgoing people and dancing late into the night are what you are after, this is the place for you.

About Us

Cape Town Tourism is the city of Cape Town's official Regional Tourism Organisation, responsible for tourism marketing, visitor and industry services.

Related Posts

Top Categories

Share with your friends!

Sign in

Send Message

My favorites

Discover the Magic of Cape Town!

Subscribe to our emailer and unlock the hidden gems of this breathtaking holiday destination. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, pristine beaches, and iconic landmarks that Cape Town has to offer. 

Don’t miss out on the adventure of a lifetime – join our mailing list now and let the journey begin!

Popup newsletter form

"*" indicates required fields

 

 / 

Sign in

Send Message

My favorites