Cape Town’s CBD (Central Business District) is the vibrant centre of the city, and Long Street is like its bustling main avenue, where you’ll find plenty of activity and excitement, attracting international visitors and locals. Historically, the longest street in the area, it’s famously known for its street culture, where music, food and fun are incorporated.
Long Street is one of Cape Town’s oldest streets with its distinctive Victorian Style, furnished with wrought-iron balconies. The street is hustling during the day with African craft markets, secondhand bookstores, antique shops, and unique independent boutiques. After hours… this lively energy takes a different form, with various clubs, ethnic restaurants and bars to entertain you.
When your morning in Long Street, don’t forget to visit the following places.
Kamili Coffee, means perfect in Swahili. This cafe strives for perfection in everything they do. You can sit down and relax with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or get yourself a bag of beans to take home. They have various different beans to choose from.
Google 4.4 /5 ★| Tripadvisor 4.5 /5 ★
Ginger Cape Town, is a hip newly renovated place with a cosy atmosphere. They have a few options for light breakfasts and lunches to enjoy. Don’t forget to order some of their premium coffee.
Google 4.5 /5 ★
Djembe 4 All, they have traditional and top-quality hand-crafted djembes (goblet drums played with bare hands) sourced directly from the skilled craftsmen of Ghana in West Africa. They offer authentic individual or group lessons and an Open Drum Circle every Saturday, from 15:00 pm to 17:00 pm, this is an incredible way to immerse yourself in the beats of African culture fully.
Accommodation
Grand Daddy Hotel is conveniently located in the city centre of The Mother City. This hotel is a luxurious heritage building offering rooms and suites that are vibrant and stylish. They also have retro Rooftop Trailers as accommodation. On the ground level of the hotel, you will find the trailer cafe and restaurant that will satisfy your taste buds from breakfast to dinner.
Google 4.4 /5 ★ | Tripadvisor 4 /5 ★
Longstreet also has a number of youth hostels for the more budget-conscious guests.
Long Street Backpackers is a laid-back communal hostel, welcoming travellers from all around the world, in the heart of Cape Town. Within walking distance from all the major attractions. They offer dormitory, single, double and twin-room accommodations with a shared kitchen, a cosy lounge and an on-site bar.
Google 4.2 /5 ★ | Tripadvisor 4 /5 ★
Urban Hive Backpackers is located in one of Cape Town’s most iconic heritage buildings and boasts a blend of historic and modern elements of architecture. You will be able to enjoy a 180-degree view of Long Street.
Google 4.2 / 5 ★ | Tripadvisor 4.5 / 5 ★
Restaurants, bars and clubs
Mama Africa CPT offers diverse African cuisine, aiming to share beauty and richness through food, music, entertainment and decor. Their Shisa Nyama Platter includes four different wild game portions of meat; Goat, Eland, Kudu, and Ostrich. You can add any side to this platter like the Pap Chips, Plantain or Garlic Mash. To finish off your dining experience, you can order the Mpokoqo, which is a crumbly maize meal porridge with Amasi (sour milk) and Amarula Liqueur. Be sure to check their Live Traditional Entertainment in the week that you are visiting to experience a taste of culture.
Google 4.2 /5 ★ | Tripadvisor 4 /5 ★
Beerhouse is a modern beer hall, serving 25 on-tap and bottled beers. Ranging from small local breweries to international selections. The food is crafted to complement the diverse beers on offer.
Google 4.2 /5 ★ | Tripadvisor 4 /5 ★
Tigers Milk Long Street is a franchise restaurant that started out in Muizenberg and has restaurants all over South Africa. You can expect a casual vibe with great food options. They also have a wide variety of cocktails to try. Be sure to keep an eye on their social media, they have specials and events that take place weekly.
Google 4.4 /5 ★ | Tripadvisor 4 /5 ★
Safety Tips
When you explore Long Street, remember to stay safe and vigilant, avoiding quiet alleys and preferably travelling in groups. Do not put yourself in a vulnerable position for an opportunistic crime.
If you are travelling with your own vehicle or a rented vehicle, ensure that the car is locked and avoid leaving any valuables inside, as they may get stolen. You will always find Ubers or taxis available during the day and night, ensuring a safe journey back to your accommodation.
Long Street can be enjoyed throughout the year and surely has something for you, no matter the time of day. We would strongly encourage you to take a stroll, to discover the experiences it has to offer and embrace the lively spirit of this incredible place in the Mother City of South Africa.
