Trendy, stylish and unashamedly hip, De Waterkant accommodation lies snuggled between the Bo Kaap and Green Point. This part of the city is also known as the Cape Quarter, and the large shopping centre that shares this name is one of the many highlights to be found here. There are also plenty of sidewalk cafes, luxury apartments, high-end boutiques, interesting galleries and many other things to explore. As an added bonus, the City Centre is just a few minutes away, while the Waterfront and Green Point are also in easy reach.
While a fair percentage of De Waterkant area is newish and developed, the original area plays an important role within the greater City Centre. Before its renewal, this area was part of the Bo Kaap, originating as far back as the 1700s. The lower part of the broader area lies a bit further below the Bo Kaap under Signal Hill, and both have buildings that were erected by Cape Malay and Muslim slaves. Sadly, the Forced Removals Act during the Apartheid Era lead to families from De Waterkant being relocated to the Cape Flats and other areas – Bo Kaap residents however managed to avoid these removals.
Today, the area has much of its old charm. Cobbled streets, quaint houses in varied architectural styles and many interesting restaurants, shops, yoga studios, galleries and cafes have made it a popular area for accommodation as well as rented and purchased properties. The nearby media houses and creative agencies have made the area sought-after by young professionals, while the proximity to Green Point has also made De Waterkant a treasured pink neighbourhood for the city’s gay communities.
Why Book De Waterkant Accommodation?
Hire a trendy De Waterkant apartment or other type of accommodation, and you will soon discover why this neighbourhood has become a favourite for visitors from all over the world.
Some of the top reasons to book your De Waterkant accommodation include the following:
- Diverse accommodation. What makes accommodation in De Waterkant so sought-after is that it offers the best of both worlds. You will be able to enjoy the convenience of a central location just minutes from the City Centre, while also enjoying the quiet, laid-back atmosphere of the village. Green Point is minutes away, the CBD is equally close, the Waterfront is under 10 minutes away, Camps Bay and its beaches are less than 15 minutes away and Gardens is also minutes away. With its cobble streets and gloriously revived cottages, modern apartments and contemporary villas, this area is scenic, central and inviting. You will be close to everything without feeling like you are in the middle of the city. Whether travelling for business or leisure, this means a location that is peaceful yet accessible. Here at ComeToCapeTown.com, we have a small but excellent selection of De Waterkant apartments and other accommodation choices.
- Wining and dining. An integral part of the village is its laid-back café culture. Here you will find a host of charming sidewalk cafes in beautifully restored buildings, in the shopping centre and up quaint cobbled streets. Sit back and enjoy a good cup of coffee or a bite to eat, enjoy the vibe and let your worries fade away in no time at all. Alexander Bar on Strand Street is a great place to enjoy a heavenly cocktail or a bite to eat. Other highlights include Chenin at Cape Quarter, and the Lindt Chocolate Studio, which is also found at Cape Quarter. Honest Chocolate Café is not too far away either, on Wale Street. At both of these places, you can enjoy chocolate tasting and find plenty of sweet treats. La Petit Tarte is another gem, also found at Cape Quarter. On Waterkant Street, spots such as Café Manhatten are also popular.
- Shopping. Cape Quarter is a stylish shopping centre in the heart of De Waterkant that offers a range of retail outlets, luxury boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops, facilities and art galleries. Try a Rooibos espresso at one of the chic cafes on the garden terrace a few levels up to do some people watching after you have shopping until you are ready to drop. Stores here range from exclusive designer outlets to quirky décor shops. There are also many facilities that will come in handy, from foreign exchange to couriers. A few minutes away lies the V&A Waterfront – a large, world-renowned shopping centre. Gardens Shopping Centre is also not too far away, while there is a small mall on Kloof Street in nearby Gardens called Lifestyles on Kloof. This means that you will have plenty of places to shop in the area and its surrounds.
- Entertainment. There are a number of clubs and entertainment venues found throughout the area and its surrounds. Piano Bar on Napier Street is a great place to enjoy a cocktail and live music. In Green Point, there are a number of gay clubs and regular clubs and bars. In the CBD you will find vibrant Long Street and its many clubs and bars. A short drive will take you to the Theatre on the Bay in Camps Bay. Other hotspots in the general area include Beefcakes (hilarious cabaret), Rockwell Dinner Theatre (supper entertainment at its best), and many others besides.
- Romance ready. Due to its cosy village atmosphere, beautiful mountain views and easily accessible location, De Waterkant accommodation easily caters to the needs of honeymooners and other romance travellers. This area is surprisingly peaceful, given its location in the heart of the city’s urban centre. It’s also full of wellness outlets, ranging from yoga studios to luxurious spas. With many restaurants, shops and local attractions at your fingertips, you will be able to enjoy a world-class stay here. Many apartments and holiday cottages in De Waterkant are fully private and secure, offering the ideal place to escape the crowds.
- Family-friendly. The area caters equally well to families. While many accommodation options here include apartments, there are also cosy cottages and holiday homes on offer. A number have swimming pools and small gardens. Major attractions in the general area include Two Oceans Aquarium, which lies a few minutes away at the Waterfront, Green Point Urban Park, which is just next door, Springbok Rugby Experience Museum, also at the Waterfront, the South African National Museum, Planetarium and Company Gardens in the City Centre (also minutes away) and many, many other things to see, do and experience.
Browse Our Featured De Waterkant Accommodation
Now that you know a little more about what to expect when visiting this area, we’re here to help you find the perfect place to stay. ComeToCapeTown.com offers an excellent selection of villas, apartments and holiday houses in Cape Town. Whatever your needs may be, you are sure to find what you are looking for. Our Curated Collection showcases the very best of the best, featuring some of our most sought-after accommodation.
To get started, view our featured accommodation in De Waterkant below. From there, you can make an enquiry to check availability, and secure your booking. Got any questions about finding De Waterkant accommodation? Contact the ComeToCapeTown.com team right now for assistance!
