Learn about what attracts people to the neighbourhood of Vredehoek in Cape Town City Bowl.
About the area
Vredehoek has gained a new fun and funky vibe, as young professionals and young families have moved in attracted to the peaceful, light and airy lifestyle on the slopes below Devil’s Peak, with bird’s-eye views over the city and harbour. It might once have been the least fashionable of the City Bowl suburbs, but with its convenient location and the shortest of commutes into the CBD, it’s popular with those who prefer quieter residential streets away from the city bustle but like to be close enough to dive into the action. And now that a MyCiTi bus route goes all the way up the hill, it’s even easier to pop into town for drinks at the weekend without having to drive.
While still more affordable than the rest of the City Bowl, with apartments making up a large part of the available property, the last few years have seen a number of luxury developments and renovations, making Vredehoek even more desirable. Nevertheless, it remains unpretentious and friendly in character.
A morning run on the mountain is part of the daily routine for many residents, and mountain bikers and weekend hikers make the most of easily accessible trails leading up onto Devil’s Peak to the block house, or from Deer Park along the slopes. Families with young kids enjoy the safe green spaces of a number of small parks with well-kept jungle gyms, and top schools such as Herzlia and St Cyprians are nearby.
Derry Street has a laid-back café culture, with several hip eateries where freelancers might spend the morning working on laptops or meeting over coffee. There are neighbourhood shops and services here too, and it’s only a stroll downhill to Gardens Shopping Centre for more serious shopping, with everything from Woolworths and Pick n Pay to boutiques and specialist food stores.
I love being so close to town but also right at the foot of the mountain. It’s the best of both worlds for me – a short commute to work and just a walk up the hill to be on the mountain, where you feel a million miles from the city.
Estelle Visagie, resident
Best in food:
- The Sidewalk Cafe: for brunch and laid-back dinner
- Red Sofa Café: for coffee and breakfasts
- Carlyles on Derry: for pizzas and drinks
- Lazari: for brunch, lunch, cakes and coffee
- Woodlands Eatery: for gourmet pizzas
Things to do:
- Run or hike the mountain trails.
- Shop boutiques and specialist food stores at Gardens Shopping Centre
- Picnic and walk dogs in shady Deer Park.
- Go mountain biking around Devil’s Peak.
- Stroll down Derry Street and soak up the hip, young neighbourhood vibe.
Accessibility:
- The MyCiTi bus route 101 from Vredehoek, via Gardens, to the Civic Centre saves parking hassle on trips into town.
- The Jammie shuttle connects with MyCiTi bus route in Gardens.
- Easy access to De Waal Drive to connect with N2 and M5
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
Take a spectacular journey through the Cape Town City Bowl in this video:
