Trendy young professionals are attracted to the De Waterkant’s European feel, brilliant location and enviable lifestyle.
It’s chic, urban, contemporary and cool, but the true charm of De Waterkant, tucked next to Bo-Kaap on the flank of Signal Hill, is in its sense of history, its European-village feel, narrow cobbled streets and terraced Georgian-style houses.
Within easy walking distance of the CBD and the V&A Waterfront, De Waterkant is a popular base for overseas visitors. Its residents tend to be young professionals, attracted by the cafe culture, vibrant night life and laid-back cosmopolitan atmosphere that goes hand in hand with its reputation as a relaxed, gay-friendly neighbourhood.
“I love the community vibe, which I haven't found in other areas I've lived in SA,” says resident, Belinda Bowling. “People really look out for each other. In a world where communication is increasingly online and detached, having daily interactions with people in my home environment is important to me.”
Home to some of best names in coffee, from Truth Coffee at the Prestwich Memorial, to Origin Coffee Roasting’s barista school in Hudson Street, De Waterkant overflows with trendy eateries, trattorias and restaurants on almost every street corner.
The recently restructured Cape Quarter Lifestyle Village has become a useful hub. It has a collection of chic design and décor stores, open-air courtyards with restaurant tables spilling out under shady trees, plus everyday essentials such as a Spar, a pharmacy, a hardware store and parking – something that's in short supply on the streets. There are gym facilities, free yoga sessions, a rooftop swimming pool and many more hidden gems, and it links onto the surrounding streets, so it feels like an integral part of the area.
With parking at a premium, residents tend to walk everywhere and use the MyCiTi bus for longer trips. Fitness addicts can run to Green Point Urban Park for green open spaces and a plethora of sports clubs, or head up the steep trails among the fynbos on Signal Hill.
Those lucky enough to have balconies and roof terraces enjoy views over the harbour, Signal Hill and Table Mountain. “Gazing from my roof terrace at Table Mountain in all her glory at dusk or dawn is definitely the best part of living in De Waterkant,” says Belinda.
De Waterkant is neither suburbia nor apartment living, but somewhere in between, with the best of both worlds. It's central, without the noise of the CBD. And it's aesthetically pleasing on the eye!
-Belinda Bowling, resident.
Best in food:
- Shio: for contemporary Asian tapas
- Pigalle: for elegant steaks and Portuguese cuisine
- Il Leone Mastrantonio: for upmarket classic Italian
- Charles Café: for breakfast
- Osteria Tarantino: for family Italian
- Ground Art Caffe: for fab coffee and light meals
- The Mess: for sharing plates
Things to do:
- Browse beautiful design shops at Cape Quarter
- The Prestwich Memorial Gardens: for a glimpse into slave history
- Wander the picturesque narrow streets and walk to the CBD
- Enjoy the night life of vibey bars and cafes
- Soak up the views and swim at the Batstone Pool on top of the Cape Quarter
On foot:
- Hike up Signal Hill for views and nature
- Walk into CBD for work and play in ten minutes
- Stroll to the V&A Waterfront for shopping and entertainment
- Run to Green Point Urban Park for fitness training
- Walk to Cape Town Stadium for big matches and concerts
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
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