The beautiful suburb of Newlands in the southern suburbs of Cape Town is bordered by the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, and the University of Cape Town, which stretches up to the slopes of Table Mountain.
Newlands is often frequented by sports fans attending international sporting events at the rugby and cricket stadiums in the suburb. It is also home to big business; the SABMiller Newlands Brewery and the internationally famous Sports Science Institute are located here.
Prime office space in Newlands is highly sought after due to the magnificent Table Mountain views and easy access along the M3 highway into Cape Town city. The residential properties have some of the highest values in Cape Town.
Newlands’ green tracts of land, tree-lined avenues, upmarket residences, active business district, shopping facilities and major highway is an attractive destination for any visitor to use as a base.
Things to do
The Newlands Forest offers exhilarating walks and hiking trails. Visit the old Paradijs ruins or hike up to the historic King’s Blockhouse for brilliant views of the suburbs and coastline.
Josephine Mill with its huge iron waterwheel is a restored water mill originally built in 1818. It has a small museum to visit and a popular restaurant is on the premises.
The Montebello Design Centre showcases work produced by local designers. Watch the resident craftsmen create unique African beadwork, wood carvings, paintings, etc. Enjoy coffee and cake under the trees at the centre’s restaurant.
Hop on the M3 highway and you are only 10km away from Cape Town city’s attractions, 9km to the start of the Constantia wine route and 18km to False Bay for surfing, swimming, encounters with penguins and a visit to Cape Point.
A visit to one of the world’s leading botanical gardens, Kirstenbosch, is a must. The 560ha area has over 9000 trees and plants – mostly endemic, landscaped lawns, streams, a nursery and 2 restaurants. In summer, Kirstenbosch hosts popular concerts that draw in the crowds.
Where to Eat
Barristers Grill and Café is where the locals gather and nearby businesses hold informal meetings. A 12-page menu caters for every conceivable taste. The pub lunch specials are extremely popular on the busy deck area.
Forester’s Arms Pub & Restaurant (Forries) is one of the oldest pubs in South Africa and a popular hangout most lunchtimes, on weekends and during major sporting events. Outstanding pub grub and wide selection of wines and malts.
Experience some of the Cape’s finest cuisine at Myoga and the other restaurants at the Vineyard Hotel. The 7 course dinner tasting menu is an absolute treat. Classic décor with outdoor area overlooking the gardens.
Wijnhuis is a stylish, modern venue where wines and beers can be sampled accompanied by a wide range of stupendous dishes, all expertly prepared and presented. For something unusual, try the mixed game platter of ostrich, springbok and gemsbok loin.
The very experienced restaurateurs at Mama Roma have been satisfying diners with their traditional, quality Italian dishes for many years.
Night Life
The Springbok Pub is a fan zone, a pub with daily 3-hour Happy Hour, sports bar and student hangout, tucked away behind the Newlands Rugby stadium and will guarantee a festive night out.
Indulge in one of the Cellars- Hohenhort Hotel's signature cocktails at the plush Martini Bar in Constantia. The bar promotes local wines from the Constantia Valley vineyards.
Where to Stay
Accommodation is available at elegant historic lodges and guesthouses in Newlands, and all have beautifully established gardens. Other accommodation includes modern townhouses with all amenities and also hotels. Expect magnificent views of Table Mountain.
Transport
Air The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport, 17km from Newlands.
Car There many rental agencies in Cape Town city centre and at Cape Town International airport to hire a vehicle, or you could order a rental online.
Taxi Rikki's Taxi's or Uber are your best options for a fast and reliable taxi service to or from Newlands.
Did you know?
Newlands stands on the original farm called Nieuweland which was once a logging area.
The DHL Newlands stadium is the 2nd oldest rugby stadium in the world, built in 1890. The Newlands cricket ground alongside was erected 2 years earlier. Down the road, the Newlands Brewery opened its doors in 1820 and is the oldest operating brewery in Africa. Proof that drinking is a far older pastime than watching sport!
