Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs
I grew up in the Southern Suburbs, which are green and leafy, tucked in under the back of Table Mountain. I’ll guide you through the suburbs that have the most interesting attractions and the most charm. The suburbs themselves are really only a 10 minute drive from the city centre (as long as it isn’t rush hour), so don’t get the idea that they are in the back of beyond.
They have some superb accommodation options for visitors who want a calmer, more tranquil base.
Bishopscourt, Newlands & Claremont
These three suburbs are adjacent two one another and aren’t more than a 5 to 10 minute drive, traffic dependent, to get from one end to the other end.
Bishopscourt is home to the world famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Ok, I’m not entirely sure if the Gardens are officially in Newlands or Bishopscourt, but either way, they’re right on the border of the two suburbs.
Here’s my Bishopscourt Quick Guide.
And here’s the Newland & Claremont Quick Guide, to let you find your feet in this neck of the woods.
If you’re interested in this area here are some local Bishopscourt & Newlands Tourist Attractions to investigate. And here’s another guide to Claremont & Newlands Tourist Attractions.
Something definitely not to be missed in summer on Sundays, are the Kirstenbosch Open Air Concerts. They are an institution amongst Capetonians and regularly feature well known, interntationally renowned musicians and bands.
Just to give you a bit of background, a lot of really solid, highly respected schools in Cape Town all seem to be based in Claremont and environs. Here’s an article I wrote about these top Claremont schools.
Tokai & Constantia
Tokai and Constantia are a little further south of Newlands. I lived in Constantia most of my high school and university years, and maybe that explains my fondness for wine. Constantia is home to some of the best vineyards in the Western Cape. It isn’t part of the traditional wine routes, as it is only a little wine growing area, but it produces some fabulous wine!
Have a scout around Constantia with my Constantia Quick Guide, and my suggestions for accommodation.
Here’s a pretty basic guide to Tokai. I haven’t had a chance to fatten the Tokai guide up yet.
St James, Muizenberg, Fish Hoek, Kalk Bay
These suburbs aren’t strictly speaking the “Southern Suburbs”. We are definitely treading close to the border of what is commonly known as the “Southern Peninsula”. But none of these terms are official, and different people all have different ideas of what lies within what area.
These suburbs (or little villages in their own right) are on False Bay which has much warmer water than the Atlantic Seaboard. This is great for families with kids.
Here are some more quick guides:
Kalk Bay, St James & Muizenberg
