Century City is an extensive landscaped development with waterways, wetlands and canals, a short distance north of Cape Town city.
It’s not all that long ago that this area was marshland. Today, Century City is an ever-expanding borough consisting of an upmarket residential area, a business district, hotels and one of the largest shopping malls in the country. From the beginning, conservation was uppermost in the developer’s minds and a natural wetland passageway was cleaned of its invasive plants to allow regrowth of indigenous flora and the return of native fauna. The buildings were erected around the pristine wetland which has enhanced the area considerably. A bird sanctuary was later established along these waterways.
Century City has attracted young executives and families looking for stylish and functional apartments conveniently located close to shopping facilities. The area has also become a business hotspot where companies are moving to the perimeter of Cape Town to avoid inner city traffic congestion.
A stay here in Century City is a true lifestyle experience.
Things to do
The Canal Walk shopping mall in Century City has acres of fashionable boutiques, branded stores, restaurants and supermarkets for an enjoyable shopping/entertainment experience.
Take a boat ride from Intaka Island, Century City’s environment centre, along the river course surrounding Century City. Bring along binoculars to view the bird nesting sites.
Head over to Ratanga Junction, a theme park for the entire family. Ride the Cobra or soar through the air on the Slingshot if you dare! The complex has 23 exhilarating rides and various other fun activities.
Drive into Cape Town then purchase a ticket for either of the Blue or Red hop-on, hop-off buses to enjoy a tour of the city, the V & A Waterfront, Table Mountain, the Constantia wine region, Cape Point and other attractions along the routes.
Journey north to Paarl winelands for wine tastings and unique pairings at one of the many wine estates surrounding the town. Travel Paarl’s main road to view the historic Cape Dutch-style buildings along this route. The KWV Emporium and Cellar tour is recommended.
Where to Eat
Century City has a number of restaurants in the hotel precinct and Canal Walk shopping mall, from fast food joints to fine dining restaurants producing meals of exceptional quality. Here are a few:
Towers Restaurant in the Crystal Towers Hotel offers extraordinarily fresh and innovative cuisine. Private dining rooms are available for those special and intimate occasions.
Akiya Sushi at Canal Walk has a large selection of standard and unusual sushi dishes. Look out for their regular specials which are excellent value.
Joe’s Easy Diner in the Canal Walk food court is a 50s style diner serving up typical American burgers, hot dogs and buffalo wings. Interesting toppings and generous portions.
Hidden away in the Quays development, Bricklane Eatery is worth seeking out for the beautiful setting over the water and dazzling bistro menu. Good breakfast options and heavenly baguettes. Try one of their coolers on a hot day.
Night Life
Ruby Bar’s plush interior and two private lounges is a popular venue for almost any occasion; from late night business get-togethers to romantic after-dinner drinks.
Start the evening with a few shooters at Slug & Lettuce in the Colosseum building. The proprietors pride themselves in their vast selection of premium whiskies available to appreciative whisky connoisseurs.
Cape Town has an amazing number of nightclubs, dance venues, wine (and gin) bars and pubs spread throughout the city. Ask your taxi driver or host to recommend a good party scene.
Where to Stay
The luxurious top-quality hotels at Century City strive to provide service excellence to their guests while the modern, chic and furnished apartments available for a stay here caters for every need.
Transport
Air Century City is 20km away from Cape Town International Airport.
Car There is one car rental agency in Century City, several agencies in Cape Town city and at the airport to hire a vehicle or you could order a rental online.
Taxi Several metered taxis operate in Cape Town. If you have the Uber app, request a ride via your mobile.
Did you know?
The wetlands at Century City includes a 4km stretch of canal, naturally purified as it flows through reeds and marshland. A sign of clean river water is the presence of breeding coots and there are plenty in this area.
Century City has unobstructed views of Table Mountain.