Southern Suburbs

If you want to get a good sense of where the southern suburbs are, just picture Table Mountain in front of you. The southern suburbs are located just behind that iconic mountain. There are almost twenty suburbs on both sides of the M3 highway, all set against the beautiful eastern slopes of the Table Mountain range.

Checking out the Southern Suburbs

Newlands, a leafy suburb sitting on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, is definitely one of the greenest neighborhoods in the city. It’s famous for being the home of two of South Africa’s favorite sports, cricket and rugby, where you can catch plenty of nail-biting matches at the two stadiums.

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is definitely the standout spot in the Southern Suburbs. It’s been a key conservation area for over a century, showcasing some of South Africa’s most unique biomes. With its expansive lawns, diverse indigenous gardens, hiking trails, restaurants, open-air concert stage, and a 130m (427ft) long treetop canopy walkway, it’s no wonder this place is a favorite spot to visit all year round.

The “Boomslang” is this cool aerial walkway that winds through the tree canopies in Kirstenbosch, giving visitors a fresh perspective on the stunning gardens below.

You know what’s cool about the Southern Suburbs? They’ve got some amazing wine farms that are just a quick 20-minute drive from the city center of Cape Town. Pretty surprising, right? In the suburb of Constantia, you’ll find a bunch of small wine estates, with some dating back over 300 years. Besides the award-winning wines, you can also enjoy some great fine dining, charming coffee shops, and unique boutiques.

Where to Stay

There are plenty of holiday accommodation options in the southern suburbs, whether you’re looking for budget-friendly backpacker spots or something a bit more upscale like guest houses, private home rentals, luxury 5-star hotels, and even wine estates. This area is perfect for solo travelers, families, and couples to enjoy their stay. The southern suburbs have a chill vibe compared to Cape Town’s CBD, but they’re still super close to the city center and the nearby beaches, so you can really enjoy the best of both worlds.

Key Points

The Summer Sunset Concerts at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens are definitely a must-see on Cape Town’s social scene. You can catch South Africa’s best musical acts and some well-known international artists at the venue from November to March.
If you’re looking for a lovely day out, the Constantia Wine Route is just a short trip from the city center. It features eight fantastic wine estates, including Groot Constantia, which is actually the oldest wine producer in the country!

The Baxter Theatre Centre in Rondebosch is a vibrant performing arts hub that showcases a variety of multicultural performances all year round. You really should check it out; it’s a key part of South Africa’s performing arts scene and definitely worth a visit!
In January, you can catch South Africa’s oldest horse racing event, the Sun Met (which used to be called the J&B Met), happening at the Kenilworth Racecourse. This fancy event isn’t just about horses; it’s also a key gathering for the country’s top celebrities and fashion lovers.

Here are some handy tips for you!

The southern suburbs are roughly a 30-minute drive from Cape Town International Airport and just 10 minutes away from the city center. You can easily catch a regular taxi or shuttle between the airport and the southern suburbs, and you’ll find all the big car rental companies have offices at both spots.
If you’re mostly hanging out in the southern suburbs, you might find it easier to use taxi services instead of renting a car. Cape Town is a pretty small city, but it can get really crowded, so dealing with traffic and finding parking can be a bit of a hassle.