Century City north of Cape Town was constructed in 1997,and was a new beginning for young families looking for an improved lifestyle, and for corporates and businesses wanting to avoid the Cape Town city traffic. The 480ha – and growing – Century City caters for today’s social living arrangements, whereby apartments, businesses, shopping centres, entertainment and nature are all closely associated.
The northern suburbs links Cape Town to the winelands area. This fast-growing region is a blend of cluster homes and sprawling suburbs overlooking Cape Town, high up on the Tyberberg Hills and farmland.
The national N1 highway between Cape Town and Johannesburg passes through the northern suburbs.
The climate is comfortable year round. However, the cool south-easterly winds that blow in summer suit the Sauvignon Blanc vines along Durbanville’s wine route.
Things to do
The northern suburbs cover a vast region with much to keep you entertained.
It’s a 20-minute drive from Cape Town to experience wine tasting on the Durbanville Wine Route. There are only 12 wineries on the route, however, they are all unique and the countryside is superbly scenic. The De Grendel Wine Farm vineyards are at an elevated 350m above sea level.
Willowbridge Shopping Centre is a melting pot of exclusive strip mall and piazza where good coffee can be sipped while people watching.
Durbanville Race Course is the venue for horse race meetings, big name concerts and the town’s botanical gardens.
Visit Bellville’s Arts Association Art.B showcasing an impressive line-up of community art.
For shopping , Century Citys Canal Walk Mall consists of acres of floor space with elite retail outlets, restaurants and popular chain stores.
Hike the network of trails at Tygerberg Nature Reserve to view the delicate fynbos, the Bontebok buck species and if fortunate, a glimpse of one of many nocturnal creatures in the reserve.
The equestrian centre in Durbanville is home to the Cape Hunt and Polo club. Visit on Sundays to watch drag hunting, a simulated form of fox hunting.
Watch a local production and enjoy a meal at the intimate Barnyard Theatre.
There are numerous golf courses in the northern suburbs; we recommend the 18-hole Parow Golf Club built around a huge dam teeming with birdlife.
The Grand West Casino and Entertainment Centre in Goodwood occasionally hosts ice hockey tournaments at their Olympic sized ice rink. The centre has a bounty of entertainment options for the family.
Tableview beach has the best views of Table Mountain. Try your hand at boardsailing while here.
Century City is built plum in the centre of a carefully conserved green lung, surrounded by a canal. Boat rides are offered along the canal to view the masses of birdlife.
Where to Eat
Expect only the freshest ingredients at De Grendel Restaurant. The butter used in the preparation of certain meals and accompanying your breadbasket is hand-churned! Wide selection of dishes on their discerning 2- and 3-course menus.
Green’s in the Plattekloof suburb offers simple, yet tasty light meals and wood-fired pizzas. A children’s menu is available and the restaurant is open until late Tuesday to Sunday.
Overlooking the lake at the Tyger Waterfront, meals at The Cattle Baron Grill House rarely disappoint. Their prime cuts are always perfectly cooked, however, the fish and vegetarian offerings shouldn’t be overlooked…
Moksh Restaurant in Durbanville serves up top quality spicy North Indian dishes. Order your meals mild or medium, spicy hot is only for the brave! Open Tuesday to Sunday, please note that this restaurant does not have a liquor licence.
Diners travel from all over Cape Town for authentic Italian dishes on offer at Harlequin Restaurant in Parow. Bookings are essential and the set menus are good value.
The Hillcrest Restaurant on the wine estate has sweeping views of the valley down to the sea. An idyllic breakfast or lunch venue under umbrellas on the lawn, all aspects of your meal are prepared onsite by kitchen staff. The delightful olive oil supplied as a condiment is produced on the farm.
Glass windows reaching 2 stories high for a view of Table Mountain and clear skies is what awaits you at CinCin Restaurant at the Colosseum Hotel in Century City. A fun selection of menus, all with beautifully prepared dishes. Certain menus have delectable finger food to compliment the cocktails.
Diemersdal Farm Eatery offers several international dishes with a distinct South African twist on their menus. Children’s meals on request.
Pestiscos in Tableview is a traditional Portuguese restaurant offering authentic dishes. Sample the Portuguese sardines grilled with roasted green peppers and onions for a taste of the Mediterranean!
Night Life
The Tyger Valley branch of Cantina Tequila has an inviting bar overlooking the dance floor. DJs perform every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evening until late.
A well-known pool hall & bar chain, Stones develops a party atmosphere over the weekend. Visit either the Durbanville or Parow venue.
Enjoy live jazz music at Jackson Hall located at the Grand West Casino. This cocktail bar has a New Orleans theme and Karaoke nights are popular with the weekend crowds.
Take up an offer of a private lounge in the Ruby Bar at the Crystal Towers in Century City for an alcoholic shake or to savour a single malt whisky while enjoying the view. Dress appropriately.
Where to Stay
The northern suburbs are loaded with accommodation treasures. Options range from spacious & luxurious guest houses to well-appointed apartments, all within easy walking distance of required amenities.
Transport
Air : The nearest airport is Cape Town International.
Car Rental : There are several car rental agencies spread throughout the northern suburbs, however, you could rent a vehicle online.
Taxis : Rikki's Taxi's or Uber are your best options for a fast and reliable taxi service to or from the northern suburbs.
Did you know?
The recently formed exclusive suburb of Baronetcy Estates is one of the most sought-after residential areas in Cape Town. The name honours Sir David de Villiers Graaff who was granted the baronetcy title in 1911 and once owned this land.
Potential home owners looking for space are attracted to the northern suburbs where the average plot size is far larger than most other Cape Town suburbs.
Historically, the area was the gateway to the north and travellers had to be wary of rhinoceros, hippos, lions and other wild animals frequently encountered along the route.
