De Waterkant Village forms part of the suburb of Greenpoint. It is an upmarket and trendy area with a bustling cafe culture. The village is largely made up of characterful semi detached cottages positioned along cobbled streets which have been preserved since the 1760’s. Homes in this area have been tastefully renovated while retaining the original facades of the buildings. De Waterkant is also a cultural hub, with a variety of vibrant restaurants, art galleries, gay clubs and bars.
Things To Do
The Cape Quarter is the ideal spot for a bit of al fresco shopping and dining. This open air shopping centre retains the charming ambience of the area and is filled with delightful interiors and fashion boutiques, as well as health and beauty stores and fine restaurants.
Such a young and vibrant area would naturally have a great focus on health and fitness. Yoga Life offers fun and supportive yoga classes for everyone, from beginner through to advanced. Classes include Power, Vinyasa, Bikram, Forrest and YogaSculpt.
De Waterkant also has a buzzing nightlife and is home to a number of stylish clubs and bars. One of the most well known spots is Manhattan bar situated on De Waterkant Street. Manhattan offers a quirky and creative dining experience and is popular with locals and tourists alike. Alternatively the Piano Bar offers a quiet and relaxed environment where one can listen to the latest local talent on the piano or decks.
Just a short drive away from De Waterkant you will find the V&A Waterfront. The V&A Waterfront is a true example of vibrant Cape Town culture and history. South Africa’s oldest working harbour offers a variety of world-class shopping, dining and entertainment experiences. One can also find other fun activities such as the boat trips to Robben Island and the Two Oceans Aquarium.
Where To Eat
Housed in a Victorian Warehouse, Anatoli offers an unrivalled array of truly authentic Turkish cuisine. Anatoli has been serving up their delicious freshly baked flat breads and mezes since 1984. Voted one of the most romantic restaurants in Cape Town.
Situated in the Cape Quarter, Andiamo is a great spot for a casual Italian inspired lunch or dinner. Food ranges from salads to pizza, pasta, meets and seafoods. There is also a deli with many local and imported items to choose from.
For one of the most glamorous dining experiences in Cape Town, Pigalle is an extraordinary restaurant. With live entertainment and a cigar lounge, as well as private dining room Pigalle is the perfect venue for an extraordinary evening out. The menu is classic with subtle Portuguese flair.
Il Leone is sophistication at its best, with a walk in wine cellar, private dining room and bar. Il Leone has a friendly ambiance and serves a superb Italian menu making it the ideal spot for an intimate family dinner.
If you are simply looking for an excellent coffee Origin Coffee, has a wide variety of beans, both from the African continent and abroad, which are all roasted on site. Origin Coffee is situated in an old heritage building on Hudson Street and the interiors exude trendy New York style.
Where To Stay
De Waterkant is filled with both charming and modern self catering apartments and cottages. Accommodations situated in the heart of the area are perfect for taking in the vibrant atmosphere of the village and most amenities will be within walking distance.
Transport
Air: De Waterkant is situated approximately 20km away from Cape Town International Airport.
Car Rental: The easiest way to travel around De Waterkant is by car. Car rentals can be booked online or organised at Cape Town International Airport.
Taxis/Cabs: Taxi services are ideal for short trips around the area.
Bus: The MyCiti Bus is available from De Waterkant, and is an easy and affordable way to get around the CBD and to and from the airport.
Did You Know?
De Waterkant is often misspelt as Die Waterkant, D'Watercant, or Dewaterkant.
The Bo-Kaap forms part of the De Waterkant, and is situated on the foot of Signal Hill. It is well known for its brightly coloured houses.
Most of the buildings in the area were built by slaves from the East. The architecture of these buildings is a mixture between Cape Dutch and Georgian. The open verandahs along the fronts of the houses also show an element of Eastern design.