A Local’s Guide to Cape Town City Centre: Where to Go, What to See, and Where to Eat

If you’re staying with us at Nox Cape Town or just exploring the Mother City on your own, Cape Town's City Centre should be high on your list. It’s walkable, energetic, and rich in culture, with a mix of colonial architecture, edgy new spots, and a whole lot of local soul.

This guide is for when your friend visits from overseas and asks: “What should we actually do in town?” Whether you're here for history, good food, culture, or just a really good drink, this is your cheat sheet to the best of Cape Town’s CBD.

Things to Do in Cape Town City Centre

The Company’s Garden

Originally laid out in the 1650s to grow vegetables for passing ships, this is the oldest garden in South Africa — and one of the most peaceful spots in the city. You’ll find locals lazing under ancient trees, kids chasing squirrels, and plenty of shady benches for a midday breather. The small café in the middle makes for a great tea stop, and the garden connects you to major landmarks like the National Gallery, the Museum, and Parliament.

Iziko Slave Lodge

This is one of the most thought-provoking museums in Cape Town. Once a building that housed enslaved people during the colonial period, it now serves as a cultural history museum focusing on the legacy of slavery in South Africa. It’s not always easy to take in, but it’s deeply important — and very well curated.

Iziko Planetarium & Digital Dome

Tucked just behind the Company’s Garden, this is Africa’s most advanced digital planetarium. Even if you’re not particularly into space, the immersive 360° shows are a must-see;  they cover everything from astronomy to the human body. It’s ideal for a family outing, but we won’t lie: the grown-ups love it just as much.

Artscape Theatre

For a dose of performance culture, head to the Foreshore and catch a show at Artscape. From opera and ballet to jazz, spoken word, and contemporary dance, this venue is home to some of South Africa’s best performers. Check their calendar, there’s always something worth seeing, and it’s just a short walk from the CTICC.

Greenmarket Square

If you’re up for a bit of shopping (and haggling), this historic cobbled square is packed with vendors selling African crafts, batiks, jewellery, and curios. It’s lively, full of colour, and ideal for picking up souvenirs or just people-watching with a coffee in hand. The surrounding streets are also worth exploring,  with lots of cafés and heritage buildings to wander through.

Museum of Dogs

Yes, you read that right. Tucked away downtown is this beautifully curated space exploring our relationship with man’s best friend,  from popular culture to working dogs to literary classics. It’s surprisingly moving, cleverly interactive, and refreshingly different from your typical museum visit.

Castle of Good Hope

South Africa’s oldest colonial building, the Castle, is a sprawling fort with guided tours that delve into the country’s layered past. From a former military stronghold to a museum complex, it’s both a fascinating historical stop and a good place to get your bearings. The views from the ramparts are well worth the climb.

Where to Eat & Drink in the City Centre

Burger & Lobster

Simple, but seriously good. The name says it all: you’re here for gourmet burgers, lobster rolls, and the occasional whole lobster. They’ve perfected these three items and paired them with a solid cocktail list. Bonus: They run a two-for-one happy hour from 4–7 pm daily. Go for the maple-and-bacon Old Fashioned.

YU

Tucked into the Foreshore business district, YU offers upmarket Asian tapas in a sleek, moody setting. Perfect for after-work sushi and sake or a dinner with friends that turns into drinks. Think dim sum, bao, prawn & butternut dumplings, and artfully plated poke bowls, all ideal for sharing.

Hacienda

A breezy, coastal Mexican restaurant with a menu that balances fresh flavours with theatrical flair. Think tableside guacamole, Baja-inspired seafood, and candyfloss served with the bill. Whether you’re there for tequila tastings or just a long lunch, Hacienda delivers on both atmosphere and food.

Hank's Olde Irish

Cosy and full of character, Hank’s on Bree Street is one of the best pubs in town. It’s got everything you’d want in a proper Irish bar — excellent whiskey, a perfectly poured Guinness, and a great soundtrack. It’s especially good on colder evenings when the dark wood and lively crowd create a warm, familiar buzz.

The Athletic Club & Social

Set over three floors in a heritage building, this eclectic bar-restaurant hybrid has something for everyone: candlelit dinners, live music, secret basement dance floors, and a rooftop terrace with dreamy Signal Hill views. The Mediterranean-inspired menu is excellent, and the drinks are even better.

Honest Chocolate Café & The Secret Gin Bar

By day, the Honest Chocolate Café is all about rich truffles, vegan tarts, and hot drinks in a quaint courtyard. But come evening, slip through the café and you’ll find The Gin Bar — one of Cape Town’s original speakeasies. Their gin collection is huge (over 100 labels, most of them local), and the atmosphere is pure tucked-away magic.

Final Thoughts

Cape Town’s city centre is compact, diverse, and endlessly explorable. Whether you’re in town for business, culture, food or a little of everything, it offers a glimpse into the layers that make this city so magnetic.

At Nox, we’re big fans of getting under the skin of a place,  not just ticking off tourist stops. That’s why we love pointing guests toward local haunts, hidden corners, and experiences that feel authentic, not manufactured.

So if you’re planning a day in the city, now you know where to start. Need a place to stay in Cape Town? Check out Nox Cape Town for all your villa and apartment needs. 

Cover Image by martinaH79