Last updated June 2023
Cape Town is a haven for those who love the great outdoors, but you don’t even need to venture out of the city to get fresh air. The city has a number of gorgeous parks and public spaces where locals and visitors can go to kick back. The city is proud of its parks and does a great deal to keep them clean and safe.
Here are our favourite green spots in the Mother City.
The Company’s Garden
Just down the road (quite literally) from De Waal Park is the historic Company’s Gardens. They are home to an incredibly diverse array of plant and bird life, and famous for the cheeky little squirrels who will eat nuts right from your hands. The park’s sun-soaked lawns are a favourite lunch time sanctuary for those working in the city.
Website: www.thecompanysgarden.com
De Waal Park
Located in Oranjezicht in the City Bowl, De Waal Park is a favourite among parents and dog owners who enjoy this relaxed, safe space to retreat from the bustle of the city. Numerous concerts—mostly free—are held in the park during the summer months.
Website: www.dewaalpark.co.za
Green Point Urban Park
A favourite among Capetonians is the Green Point Urban Park. The park spreads out from Cape Town Stadium towards Sea Point and includes gardens, cycle paths, a biodiversity nursery, a playground, and beautiful lawns where you will see many a Capetonian relaxing after work.
Website: www.gprra.co.za
Maynardville Park
The Maynardville Park is famous for its open-air theatre, a favourite outing for locals during the summer months. The park’s picnic-perfect shady lawns, water feature, and children’s playground make it a great place to spend an afternoon with the family.
Website: www.capetown.gov.za
Rondebosch Park
Down the road from the Rondebosch Common, the tiny Rondebosch Park is a shady space with plenty of large trees, beautiful flowers, and lawns where you can enjoy a picnic or a leisurely stroll. It’s also a popular venue for craft markets and community events.
Website: www.capetown.gov.za
Arderne Gardens
This park in the heart of Claremont was established in 1845 by British timber merchant, Ralph Henry Arderne. Inside you’ll find more than 300 tree species, including one of the largest trees in South Africa, the Moreton Bay Fig. These tranquil gardens, with their Japanese-style ponds and green lawns, are a favourite spot for picnics, and on weekends you’ll often spot couples taking beautiful wedding photos.
Website: www.ardernegardens.org.za
Westridge Gardens
This garden is an oasis in the otherwise dusty flats of Mitchells Plain. There is a huge diversity of indigenous fynbos, and no matter the time of year, there’s always something in flower. There are sprawling lawns, walkways, and even a skateboard ramp, as well as playground equipment for kids. It’s also a popular location for a variety of community events.
Website: www.capetown.gov.za
Khayelitsha Wetlands Park
This urban park in the heart of Khayelitsha features the beautiful, biodiverse wetlands which are home to all kinds of local fauna and flora. People can take walks, have picnics on the lawns, play a game of football or explore the beautiful nature. It’s also the proud home of the Khayelitsha Rowing Club.
Website: www.capetown.gov.za
Zandvlei Recreational Park
Famous for its wind-bent trees and annual kite festival, the Zandvlei Recreational Park near Muizenberg is a popular space for a picnic, a braai, or simply kicking back and relaxing while enjoying the view of the wetland and estuary.
Website: www.capetown.gov.za
