Question 1

Is the Cape Town CBD safe?

Accepted Answer

The Cape Town CBD has improved significantly in safety in recent years thanks to the Central City Improvement District (CCID). During business hours, the main streets are busy and well-patrolled. Long Street, St Georges Mall, and the area around Parliament are generally safe during the day. After dark, it is advisable to use Uber for transport and stay in well-lit, busy areas.

Question 2

Is the Cape Town CBD good for remote workers?

Accepted Answer

The CBD is one of Cape Town's best areas for remote work. It has the highest concentration of coworking spaces in the city, including Workshop17, Spaces, and numerous smaller options. Fibre internet is widely available, and the area is well-connected by public transport. Many cafes on Bree Street and Shortmarket Street welcome laptop workers.

Question 3

What is there to do in the Cape Town CBD?

Accepted Answer

The CBD offers a mix of culture, dining, and history. Key attractions include the Company's Garden, Greenmarket Square flea market, the Iziko South African Museum, and St George's Cathedral. Bree Street and Long Street are lined with restaurants, bars, and boutiques. The V&A Waterfront and Bo-Kaap are both within walking distance.

Question 4

What are the best restaurants in the Cape Town CBD?

Accepted Answer

The CBD has a thriving food scene, particularly along Bree Street and surrounds. Popular spots include Hemelhuijs for contemporary South African cuisine, Culture Club Cheese for cheese and charcuterie, ASH Restaurant for flame-grilled dishes, and La Tête for nose-to-tail dining. The area also has excellent coffee roasteries including Truth Coffee and Rosetta Roastery.

Question 5

How far is the CBD from the V&A Waterfront?

Accepted Answer

The V&A Waterfront is approximately 2 kilometres from the central CBD, a 5 to 10 minute drive or 20 to 25 minute walk along the foreshore. The MyCiTi bus connects the two areas, and the free MyCiTi shuttle operates between the Civic Centre and the Waterfront. Uber rides are quick and affordable.

Question 6

What is the cost of living in the Cape Town CBD?

Accepted Answer

The CBD offers competitive rental rates compared to the Atlantic Seaboard and is one of the more affordable central options in Cape Town. The area has excellent value for its central location, walkability, and access to amenities. Groceries are available at several supermarkets, and dining ranges from affordable street food to high-end restaurants. Browse current CBD listings on roam&root for up-to-date pricing.

Question 7

Is the Cape Town CBD walkable?

Accepted Answer

The CBD is very walkable during the day. The grid layout makes navigation easy, and most key attractions, restaurants, and offices are within walking distance of each other. St Georges Mall is a pedestrianised area. The Fan Walk connects the CBD to the V&A Waterfront. After dark, walking is less advisable in quieter areas.

Question 8

What is Long Street like?

Accepted Answer

Long Street is one of Cape Town's most famous streets, running from the foreshore up toward Table Mountain. It is known for its Victorian buildings, backpacker hostels, vintage shops, and nightlife. The upper section has a vibrant bar and club scene. During the day, it offers bookshops, cafes, and cultural landmarks. It is busy and colourful but requires standard urban awareness.

Question 9

Is there public transport in the CBD?

Accepted Answer

The CBD is Cape Town's main public transport hub. The MyCiTi bus network connects the city centre to the Atlantic Seaboard, Waterfront, and airport. Minibus taxis operate throughout the area. The train station connects to the southern suburbs and beyond. Uber and Bolt are widely available. The CBD is one of the few areas in Cape Town where you can comfortably live without a car.

Question 10

How does the Cape Town CBD compare to other city centres in South Africa?

Accepted Answer

Cape Town's CBD is considered the most vibrant and well-maintained city centre in South Africa. Unlike Johannesburg and Durban, whose CBDs have experienced significant decline, Cape Town's inner city has undergone a renaissance driven by the CCID, with increasing residential development, restaurant growth, and improved safety. It is a genuine mixed-use urban centre rather than purely a business district.

CBD Neighbourhood Guide