- Cape Town City Bowl
Nestled just above the Cape Town city centre on the slopes of Table Mountain and overlooking Cape Town and the harbour, these residential suburbs are fairly laid-back, quiet and surrounded by plenty of greenery, lush gardens and parks.
- Green Point
Neighbouring the busy suburb of Sea Point, Green Point has much the same setting and vibe as Sea Point, overlooking the icy Atlantic seaboard and backing up against the mountain. Many backpackers make Green Point their home whilst visiting the Mother City.
- Sea Point
Situated on the icy Atlantic seaboard close to the Cape Town beaches Sea Point stretches along the beachfront and up against the mountain. It is densely populated with apartments, peppered with restaurants and bars and has a thriving nightlife.
- Observatory
The heartbeat of student life in Cape Town, spunky Observatory has an excellent local atmosphere and a lively vibe. It's jam-packed with snappy music and pool venues and has a gob-smacking choice of restaurants.
- Claremont
This is one of Cape Town's older suburbs which has a well developed entertainment and shopping infrastructure. There are no backpackers here.
- Northern Beaches
Along the Atlantic coastline, heading northwards towards the West Coast and Namibia you'll find miles of beach…There's Google map here.
- Muizenberg and Kalk Bay
Muizenberg beach is a surfer's paradise, with the best learner surf waves in the Cape. You'll find the Google map to the Southern Peninsula on this page.
- Simon's Town
This is where we've chosen to live, so it's gotta be groovy. It's the last village before Cape Point on the eastern side of the peninsula and very quaint. Not to mention romantic with its panoramic views over the Simon's Town navy and picturesque yacht basin.
- Scarborough and Kommetjie
Scarborough is one of the last suburbs you’ll find before Cape Point. It's a very quiet with wonderful stretches of wild beaches, incredible mountain walks and an oddly shaped landmark known as Camel Rock. It takes about 45 minutes to drive into Cape Town from here.
- Camps Bay
This is the perfect place from which to watch the sun go down - whether it's from the white sandy beach or one of the many bars or restuarants that line the beach front. There are no backpackers here.
- Hout Bay
It's about 15km from town and the entry point to the famous Chapman's Peak Drive. It's a little self-contained village with everything you need - restaurants, shops, auto banks and is close to plenty of good hikes and sunset drink slurping spots. There are no backpackers here.
Cape Town City Centre
The centre isn’t huge, so most places are a quick stagger up or down the road. If you want to be near pubs, clubs and happenings, this is your spot. There's a Google Map to Cape Town here.
The Heart Beat Of the Mother City
Cape Town’s city centre is small compared to any other city centre – especially considering it’s one of the main cities in South Africa and the country’s parliament capital. But small often equals charming, and the city centre certainly has enough charm to have you visiting her on a regular basis. Cape Town is fast becoming dominated by a crowd of innovative and imaginative young adults and funky bars, night clubs and spectacular restuarants spring up constantly – so if you’re into the social scene there’s more than enough to keep you occupied. There’s also plenty of culture, interesting museums and a happening art scene for the more civilised. And shop-till-you-droppers will have no problem running their credit cards into the ground what with all the yummy (often distinctly African) wares on offer.
Cape Town’s city centre is small compared to any other city centre – especially considering it’s one of the main cities in South Africa and the country’s parliament capital. But small often equals charming, and the city centre certainly has enough charm to have you visiting her on a regular basis. Cape Town is fast becoming dominated by a crowd of innovative and imaginative young adults and funky bars, night clubs and spectacular restuarants spring up constantly – so if you’re into the social scene there’s more than enough to keep you occupied. There’s also plenty of culture, interesting museums and a happening art scene for the more civilised. And shop-till-you-droppers will have no problem running their credit cards into the ground what with all the yummy (often distinctly African) wares on offer.
Jungle bunnies.
The backpackers in the city centre are cool places to hang out if you enjoy city life. If you're after quieter, greener areas with less hecticness, however, we suggest you stay elsewhere.
The backpackers in the city centre are cool places to hang out if you enjoy city life. If you're after quieter, greener areas with less hecticness, however, we suggest you stay elsewhere.
This area covers the central business district of Cape Town, so all the following hostels are in town and close to shops, pubs, clubs and restaurants. They're hip, they're happening and they offer everything city slickers need.
I couldn`t care less about apathy.
Map of Hostels in Cape Town
View Larger Map
View Larger Map
Places to Stay
- Abantu Lodge and Backpackers
Come here and find out why Long Street is such a happening spot.
- Backpackers on Castle
They are close to Tourist Information and in the centre of town.
- Blue Mountain Backpackers
Hit the city centre and expereince life on Long.
- Carnival Court
A grand old Victorian building in the thick of the action, within waltzing distance of almost everything a city slicker could need.
- Cat and Moose Backpackers
Located at the top end of Long Street, next to the Long Street Baths and all the action.
- Inn Long Street
A nifty little spot with wraparound views of buzzing Long Street and an eyeful of the mother of all mountains.
- Long Street Backpackers
The street's classic (and longest lived) backpackers is made up of a labyrinth of rooms.
- Penthouse on Long
A backpackers in the (very large) penthouse - why not?
What to do
- Eurocentres Language Centre
Classes tailored to suit your ability, and geared to get you talking.
