City Bowl Destinations & Attractions
The City Bowl of Cape Town is, not surprisingly, the amphitheatre-esque area in which much of the commercial and entertainment-related activities occur. It is surrounded by the mountains of the Mother City; namely Table Mountain, Signal Hill, Lion’s Head and Devil’s Peak. On the third side of the bowl lies the pristine blue of the Atlantic Ocean, interrupted only by Robben Island, perched peacefully in its midst.
The City Bowl is a tourist hub, inviting visitors to explore its many shops, restaurants, sidewalk cafés and street markets. However, even more than this, it is home to some of the most historically and culturally significant areas of the Western Cape. These include the Bo-Kaap, Tamboerskloof and Oranjezicht, which are all characterised by beautiful old buildings and charming streets.
The Bo-Kaap is easily identified in photographs by its rows of colourful houses that flank narrow streets, some of which are still cobbled. Situated on the slopes of Signal Hill, this is an integral part of the Cape Malay heritage, dating back to the mid-18th century. Today, property in the Bo-Kaap is a sought-after commodity, not only for its central location, but also for its romantic setting and unique architecture. The Bo-Kaap Museum is situated within the area’s oldest home, and is a must for those that love history. These ones will also enjoy District Six and the District Six Museum, which is steeped in history, albeit rather sad. The Group Areas Act of the Apartheid government meant that all non-white families living in this area were forcibly removed and sent out of the city’s borders to townships and informal settlements. Life was made very difficult here, and seeing these historical neighbourhoods provides insight into the trials that have shaped modern-day South Africa.
The vibe of the City Bowl is unmistakable and quite addictive. Walking up and down Long Street may take the better part of a day, as there are hundreds of little places to explore. With a distinctly Bohemian look and feel to it, Long Street never fails to impress.
The market at Greenmarket Square is a long-standing attraction in the heart of the City Bowl. What was once a slave market has evolved into a vibrant hub of souvenirs, African arts and crafts, music, clothing and more.
The Cape Town Castle and Houses of Parliament are also situated within Cape Town’s City Bowl, and are popular attractions for visitors and tourists alike. The South African Museum is the oldest museum south of the Sahara, established in 1825.
Other popular areas and attractions within the City Bowl are Granger Bay, Higgovale, Woodstock, the V&A Waterfront, Company Gardens and South African National Gallery.
