Long Street plays a significant role in Cape Town’s culture and history. Stretching all the way from the Cape Town Convention Centre, cutting through the heart of the CBD, and ending at Kloof Street, it is a magnet for visitors, both local and international.
The street boasts an eclectic mix of restaurants, bars, vintage shops, and art galleries, creating an ideal setting for a day or night of exploration, but is more popular for nighttime bar and club hopping
If you’re looking to get a head start on exploring Long Street, here’s what you need to know:
Getting there
Due to its popularity, finding parking on Long Street can be challenging, so opt for e-hailing services or public transport, such as Uber or the MyCiti bus. If you choose to park your car, there are parking meters available.
Where to Eat
Long Street features some of the best restaurants in the city, ranging from local favourites to fine dining. These include:
Mama Africa
Mama Africa offers a raucous African experience right in the heart of Long Street. With an African band playing every night, a menu that incorporates some wild taste experiences (fancy a bit of crocodile steak, anyone?), and a busy bar where locals and tourists mingle, it’s the perfect spot every night of the week.
Location: 178 Long Street
Contact: Visit www.mamaafricacpt.com/
InFusion on Long
Prepare for a sensory journey at Infusion on Long, where the restaurant serves a delightful blend of CBD-infused dishes and Mediterranean cuisine. The eatery is family- and dog-friendly.
Location: 57 Long Street
Contact: infusiononlong.co.za/
South China Dim Sum Bar
This local hotspot boasts some of the city’s finest dim sum. Their method of preparing meals is simple yet packs a punch of flavour. Sink your teeth into anything from prawn dumplings to crispy pork wontons and Malaysian Laksha soup with Tiger prawns to braised beef noodle soup.
Location: 289 Long Street
Contact: Visit www.facebook.com/SouthChinaDimSumBar/
Souk
Souk is dubbed as a ‘quintessentially South African experience for lovers of good food, impeccable vibes and atmospheric elegance.’ It serves South African-inspired tapas, platters, and an expansive cocktail menu.
Location: 163 Long Street
Contact: Visit www.soukcpt.com/
The Village Buffet
For those who like more than one option for a meal or buffet, The Village Buffet is an affordable eatery that serves everything from Indian cuisine to sushi, ribs, prawns and mouthwatering desserts. This local favourite gets packed, so booking is essential.
Location: 102 Long Street
Contact: Visit www.facebook.com/p/The-Village-Buffet-100064724766875/
Where to Grab a few Drinks
Beerhouse on Long
The Beerhouse boasts 99 different types of local and international beer, making it one of the best places to visit in Cape Town if you’re a beer connoisseur. They offer tasting trays, allowing you to sample a bit of everything, along with a fantastic menu designed to complement the brews.
Location: 223 Long Street
Contact: Visit www.beerhouse.co.za/
The Dubliner
The Dubliner is a comfortable, old-school Irish bar at the top of Long Street. The bar features live bands every night and has become a late-night destination for locals and tourists to converge and drink and dance the night away.
Location: 251 Long Street
Contact: Visit www.instagram.com/thedubliner_capetown/
Cafe Mojito Long Street, Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
This authentic Afro-Latino bar and restaurant serves up some of the best drinks, ranging from non-alcoholic options to signature cocktails, whisky, and sparkling wine.
Location: 265 Long Street
Contact: Visit https://bit.ly/3RD4QTH
Where to Shop
Merchants on Long
Merchants on Long is a concept store that showcases innovative African fashion and accessories. It’s a unique space that stocks designers from across the continent. If you’re looking for bold patterns, interesting fabrics, and statement accessories, then Merchants on Long is the place to shop.
Location: 34 Long Street
Contact: Visit merchantsonlong.com
Second Time Around
Second Time Around is a respected vintage fashion shop on Long Street. The store sources vintage fashion items, from retro jewellery to fur coats. While it may be a little more expensive than your average secondhand shop, if you’re seeking something unique and don’t mind paying a bit more, this little store is a goldmine.
Contact: Visit secondtimearound.co/
The Long Street Antique Arcade
The Long Street Antique Arcade is a small labyrinth of antique shops catering to both serious collectors and the casually curious. Here, you can discover African and Asian art, maps, historical military gear, coins and vintage clothing.
Location: 27 Long Street
Contact: Visit www.theantiquearcade.co.za/
Must Try
Long Street Indoor Swimming Pool
Visit the original 1908 bathhouse, where you can swim a few laps in the 25m heated pool or relax in the soothing sauna and steam rooms. For kids, there’s a 12m long splash pool, offering hours of fun.
Location: Long Street, Cape Town
Contact: Visit https://bit.ly/4art63I
Safety
Visitors need to be mindful of their surroundings and take standard safety precautions when out and about in Long Street. These include:
- Be aware of your environment and always stay vigilant.
- Keep a close eye on your personal belongings, including wallets, phones and cameras.
- Use anti-theft bags or money belts to deter pickpockets. Steer clear of poorly lit or isolated locations, especially if visiting at night. Whenever possible, explore with a group. Opt for reputable and well-established transportation options, such as official taxis or rideshare services.
- Street children and beggars may approach you for a handout. If you wish to help, consider giving food, donating to a registered charity.
