Northern Suburbs Destinations & Attractions
The Northern Suburbs are made up of a number of suburbs that have such character that they are considered entirely separate entities, rather than mere residential areas. The border between the Northern and Southern suburbs is formed by the N1 highway. To Capetonians, this is an important distinction, as there continues to be a kind of friendly rivalry between the two areas. In very general terms, the Northern Suburbs are more inclined to be Afrikaans, while the Southern Suburbs tend to be more English.
The municipalities of Goodwood, Parow, Bellville, and Durbanville combined to form the City of Tygerberg.
The Northern Suburbs are only a few minutes’ drive from the city centre of the Mother City. The views of Table Mountain, Lion’s Head and Devil’s Peak are incredible. From this area, some of the mountains of Stellenbosch can also be seen, making these vistas truly spectacular.
Major tourist attractions within the Northern Suburbs include Ratanga Junction and Canal Walk Shopping Centre (both part of the enormous Century City). These promise hours (if not days) of retail adventures and fun for the entire family. Ratanga Junction has 23 rides, which range from small kiddies’ fun rides to adrenalin-inducing tests of your resilience. Canal Walk boasts more than 400 shops, as well as a seemingly endless variety of restaurants and coffee shops.
GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World is the largest of its kind in the country and includes restaurants, bars, a club, cinema and theatre. This is all set within a place of fun for the entire family. The casino itself comprises over 2 500 slot machines and 78 gaming tables. All of these casino facilities are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The Durbanville Wine Valley has been producing excellent wines, nestled within the heart of the Tygerberg Hills. It comprises twelve wine farms that boast spectacular settings and delicious wines. Popular labels from this area include Durbanville Hills, Diemersdal, Meerendal and Bloemendal. The local soils and weather conditions yield fruity wines that have intense, earthy flavours.
Bellville is a residential suburb that continues to grow and grow, and is now the address of thousands of businesses too. It is home to the popular Tyger Valley Shopping Centre, a shopaholic’s perfect fix.
This area is expansive, and includes too many beautiful attractions, fun activities and must-see natural wonders to mention. These include Kuils River, Plattekloof, Durbanville and Welgemoed.
