Southern SuburbsThe Southern Suburbs stretch south-east from the lower slopes of Table Mountain through Newlands, Rondebosch and Claremont. The neighbourhood is dominated by mature trees, Victorian and Cape Dutch houses, school and university campuses, and pockets of conservation forest.
Days are for walking the trails of Newlands Forest and visiting green spaces, coffee shops and small independent galleries; evenings are low-key with wine bars and family restaurants clustered around Cavendish Square and local village centres. The area is more residential than touristy, so expect suburban rhythms, school runs, local markets and quieter streets after dark. For sightseeing, it’s a handy launchpad for Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and for reaching the city centre or the Cape Peninsula by car.
Southern Suburbs at a Glance
A calm, green residential area close to Newlands Forest and Cavendish Square, good for families and walkers.
- Best for: Families, walkers and a quiet base
- Vibe: Leafy, residential, relaxed
- Nearest station: Rondebosch / Claremont (Metrorail Southern Line)
- Price level: $ - $$ (budget to mid-range)
- To the main sights: About 20-30 minutes to Cape Town centre by car
- Safety: Generally safe by day; use usual precautions at night
Who's Southern Suburbs For?
Great for:
- Families wanting quiet streets and parks
- Walkers and trail lovers (Newlands Forest, Kirstenbosch)
- Travellers wanting a suburban, local feel
Maybe skip it if:
- You want loud nightlife and late-night clubs
- You need immediate access to many tourist attractions on foot
Getting Your Bearings in Southern Suburbs
Roughly the corridor south-east from Table Mountain’s eastern slopes through Newlands, Rondebosch and Claremont toward Wynberg.
Plan Your Visit to Southern Suburbs
- Getting around: Use Metrorail for quick trips to the city; check schedules, especially evenings.
- Safety: Stick to well-lit streets after dark and avoid displaying valuables.
- Walking: Bring layers for forest walks, mornings can be cool and shaded.
- Shopping hours: Cavendish Square is the most reliable place open on Sundays.
Things to Do in Southern Suburbs
- Newlands Cricket Ground: Historic cricket ground set beside Newlands Forest; check the fixtures for a chance to see a match in a beautiful green setting.
- Cavendish Square: Large suburban mall with shops, restaurants and a cinema, the area’s shopping and café hub.
- Newlands Forest and lower Table Mountain trails: A network of shaded walking and mountain-bike trails ideal for morning walks and picnics; bring sturdy shoes and water.
- Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens: World-class gardens on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, a short drive away and great for long, scenic strolls.
How to Get to Southern Suburbs
- Cape Town International Airport: Public transport: take the MyCiTi airport bus into the city centre (around 25-35 minutes), then change to a local bus or Metrorail Southern Line to Rondebosch/Claremont (10-20 minutes); total door-to-door with changes 45-70 minutes and modest fares. Taxi/ride-hail: direct cars take about 20-35 minutes depending on traffic; a metered fare or fixed ride-hail fare is typically the simplest option.
- From the main sights: From Cape Town city centre or the V&A Waterfront you can take Metrorail from Cape Town Station to Rondebosch or Claremont (10-20 minutes) or drive 15-30 minutes depending on traffic; taxis and ride-hails are frequent and convenient for door-to-door trips.
Getting Around Southern Suburbs
- Train: Metrorail Southern Line connects Cape Town station with Rondebosch, Newlands and Claremont; useful for quick trips to the city centre.
- Bus and MyCiTi: Local Golden Arrow buses and selected MyCiTi routes serve parts of the suburbs, but coverage is patchy, check routes ahead of time.
- Taxi and ride-hail: Uber and metered taxis are widely used and often the easiest way to move between suburbs and to reach trailheads.
- On foot and by bike: Many streets are pleasant for walking; trails in Newlands Forest and around Kirstenbosch are best on foot or mountain bike.
Where to Stay in Southern Suburbs
Accommodation in the Southern Suburbs ranges from leafy boutique hotels and guesthouses to budget hostels. Most options cluster around Newlands and Claremont near Cavendish Square and the railway stations. Properties here suit travellers who want quieter streets, gardens and easy access to walking trails. Price levels are predominantly $-$$.
Luxury
- The Vineyard Hotel: Elegant, gardened hotel near Newlands and Kirstenbosch; a top pick for a comfortable, upscale suburban stay. $$$
Mid-range
- Park Inn by Radisson: Mid-range hotel close to the neighbourhood centre and transport links; practical for business or family stays. $$
- Southern Sun Newlands: Established hotel near sports grounds and parks, offering standard hotel facilities in a quiet setting. $$
- Villa Puccini: Guesthouse with a homely feel located within easy reach of local cafés and shops. $$
- Reading House: Charming guesthouse offering a quieter option near Newlands and nearby amenities. $$
Budget
- Fountain Rez: Hostel-style accommodation for budget travellers who want basic rooms near the suburban centre. $
- Off The Backpackers Hotel: Backpackers’ hostel offering dorms and simple private rooms close to transport links. $
- Little Scotia: Budget guesthouse suitable for travellers seeking compact, affordable rooms in the suburb. $
- Valley Heights Guest House: Simple guesthouse offering budget-friendly rooms within the residential area. $
Where to Eat in Southern Suburbs
Dining in the Southern Suburbs centres on cafés, family restaurants and a handful of wine bars. Head for the areas around Cavendish Square, Main Road in Claremont and the village feel of Newlands for the best selection. Most places are casual to mid-range with a few pricier options. Expect a morning crowd at coffee shops and quieter evenings.
- Newlands Café: Local café serving breakfasts and light meals in a relaxed setting. $
- John Dorys: Seafood-focused casual restaurant popular with families and shoppers. $$
- Tigers Milk: Casual grill and burger restaurant with a lively, informal atmosphere. $$
- The Poke Bar: Quick-casual spot for poke bowls and fresh salads. $
- O’ways Teacafé: Small café serving tea, coffee and light meals, good for a relaxed morning stop. $
- Bootlegger Coffee Company: Well-known coffee chain with reliable espresso and casual bites. $
- The Creamery Café Newlands: Ice-cream and café spot popular for dessert and light treats. $
- Culture Wine Bar: Wine bar offering a more refined evening option close to the suburban centre. $$
Nightlife in Southern Suburbs
Nightlife here is low-key, think pubs, wine bars and early-closing restaurants rather than clubs. You’ll find cosy spots around the village centres and near Cavendish Square; live music and late-night folding-in are rare. Most places close earlier than city-centre venues, so plan late nights in the city centre. Expect a friendly, local crowd.
- JC Brasserie: Neighbourhood brasserie serving drinks and meals in an informal setting; good for an early evening. $
- Forester’s Arms: Traditional pub a short ride away, popular with locals for sport screenings and pints. $
- Oblivion Wine Bar: Wine-focused venue offering a quieter, more intimate evening option. $$
Shopping in Southern Suburbs
Shopping is mainly suburban malls and high-street chains, with Cavendish Square the dominant centre. You’ll find groceries, national brands, a cinema and several casual eateries there; smaller arcades and Main Road shops cover everyday needs. Most stores are mid-priced and family-oriented.
- Cavendish Square: The main shopping mall with a broad mix of shops, restaurants and a cinema.
- Cavendish Connect: Smaller mall area adjacent to Cavendish Square for quick errands and cafés.
- Stadium on Main: Local shopping centre serving the community with stores and services.
- Dean Street Arcade: Arcade with a selection of smaller shops near the suburban centre.
- Edgars: Department-store anchor for clothing and homewares within a shopping precinct.