Seen from afar, the three large circular buildings at the foot of Table Mountain – and what locals refer to as the salt and pepper pots – are your beacon to guide you directly into the Cape Town suburb of Vredehoek.
Vredehoek is an established suburb, popular with young families and singles and is currently undergoing somewhat of a revival as older buildings are renovated, streets are rerouted and popup suburban cafés surface.
The name in Dutch means Peaceful Corner, appropriate for this suburb that lies to the south of the city. Vredehoek has a bird’s eye view of Table Bay with Table Mountain as a backdrop and is within easy walking distance of the city and hiking trails around the mountain.
Top 6 reasons to visit Vredehoek
1. Attempt a hike up Table Mountain via the various routes beginning in Vredehoek. Ask your host for a route map. Once you’ve reached the summit, take the cableway down. Note: Never hike alone, rather procure the services of a nature guide.
2. Go club-hopping along Long and Bree streets in the city to experience Cape Town’s energetic social scene.
3. Take a fascinating underground tour of the old tunnels under the city. The tour commences in Vredehoek and ends at the Castle of Good Hope.
4. Drive to Green Point’s Beach Road to travel the coastal road that extends via Chapman’s Peak drive to Cape Point, passing lighthouses, white beaches and spectacular scenery on this route.
5. Vredehoek is a short (and picturesque) drive away from the Constantia Wine Route. Spend the day wine tasting at the country’s oldest and finest wine estates, scarcely out of the city.
6. Access to the V & A Waterfront is an easy commute via bus or taxi to enjoy the more than 450 stores, the many waterside restaurants, boat charters and museums, all located at this working harbour.
Transport
The nearest airport is Cape Town international, 21km from Vredehoek. There are several car rental agencies in the city and at the Cape Town airport but it’s best to book a rental online. Uber operates in Cape Town, if you have the app, contact them for a ride. Other options are traditional metered taxis such as Rikkis Taxis. The city has an efficient bus service operating on a card system only, no cash. Enquire with your host.
Did you know?
Remnants of an old tin mining operation are still visible above Vredehoek. Mining took place here between 1911 and 1914 and the 180m horizontal shaft has all but closed through erosion.
Also nearby is the Vredehoek stone quarry with its unusual tunnel entrance. The quarry is popular with rock climbers and those seeking solitude around the small dam. Note that the tunnel entrance is dangerous to enter, rather walk over the top.
