Cape Town Neighborhoods

Cape Town is a fascinating mosaic of Asian, European and African traditions. These streams of history flow together in the city but, particularly because of the legacy of the apartheid system, visitors to Cape Town are often amazed by the dramatic contrasts that remain between different areas. Nature, too, creates very different sub-climates around the mountain so the vegetation varies a great deal, as of course do the vistas. The city, however, is connected by fast freeways. Thus, twenty minutes from the wine farms of the leafy Constantia valley you could be on a beach, in the bustling city center or in a shanty township. It is truly fascinating to discover the different areas and experience the diversity of culture in the city.

The Atlantic Seaboard

Camps Bay, Bantry Bay, Llandudno and Clifton are the suburbs of foreign house prices. The impressive apartment blocks built into the mountain sides and the old cottages above the fabulous Clifton Beaches have been snapped up by overseas buyers. Expect to see jet skis on the roof garages. Clifton is very sheltered and the perfect place for a picnic at sunset. Camps Bay is picturesque and there are some excellent restaurants and cafés. This is the place to hang out and be cool, but you will be very cool indeed if you try to swim in the sea; the arctic currents don't know they've reached Africa.

Sea Point/Greenpoint are a little crazy. The Sea Point Promenade is the best microcosm of humanity you could hope to find. Roller bladers, women in saris, guys rugby training, older women with small dogs—it's all here. The mountain backdrop, tall apartments and the open lawns along the crashing sea—it's a perfect place for a sunset walk. The main road has every kind of shop and plenty of restaurants. There is also a small "red light" aspect too. A lively, slightly seedy area, perhaps best compared with Bayswater/Paddington in London. It's worth a visit and many hotels, B&Bs and hostels of all standards are easily found off Main road.