City | Hello from the Five Star Vagabond

Cape Town City South Africa

April 2, 2014 by David Herd

Long St Cape town City

Cape Town City South Africa

Cape Town City is an interesting mix of new & old, Long Street is one of the main streets located in the City Bowl section of Cape Town. It’s famous as a bohemian hang out, the street is lined with many book stores, pubs, & many ethnic restaurants and bars.

Many interesting buildings

Unlike my other posts on Cape Town city which are all very positive, I was disappointed in Long Street. I chose a hotel in the city just to be near this Street because of the information I had received when researching my trip. As it turned out I found the restaurants rather ordinary, plus walking down the street alone at night was rather intimidating. I have been alone at night in some of the most dangerous cities in the world so I do know what I’m talking about, Cape Town city at night was certainly a bit edgy.

These guys are here for a reason

Many of these public safety guys are all over the Cape Town city, there is obviously a very good reason for their presence.

Here is what how the websites describe Long Street, It’s probably fine if you are a backpacker or with a group of friends, however for anyone else my advice is go to the V & A Waterfront which is totally the opposite to Long Street;

MOTHER CITY PARTY CAPITAL

If you’re looking for fun vibes and an excuse to stay out all night, visit Long Street, party capital of the Mother City.

One of the many great old buildings

The old buildings in Cape Town city certainly have character, plus if you are drinking on the first floor verandas you won’t be bothered by the many beggars. The locals call Cape Town city the Mother city.

Grand Daddy Hotel

Contrary to what I said before I did have an enjoyable meal at Grand Daddy Hotel.

Cape Town city Grand Daddy Hotel

This was a nice meal at a very reasonable price.

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Time to leave Long Street

I have no idea what this building is, if I ever go back to Cape Town I’ll find out and let you know. 😳

Metlife Centre

The Metlife Centre, is a 28 floor, 120 meter tall modernist skyscraper situated close to the Cape Town International Convention Center in the City Bowl area of Cape Town city, South Africa. The spired antenna on the building’s roof is 22 m/72 feet tall and was lifted into place by helicopter just prior to its completion in 1993.

A 30 minute walk

From V & A Waterfront to the city is about 30 minutes walking.

Castle of Good Hope

The Castle of Good Hope is a star fort built in the 17th century in Cape Town city, South Africa. Originally located on the coastline of Table Bay, following land reclamation the fort is now located inland.

Hotel on St Georges

A very good value hotel in the city center with very helpful staff. Ask for a double bed, NOT two singles jammed together. Book here for a good price. The real shining lights for me in Cape Town city were V & A Waterfront, the wonderful Table Mountain & the impressive coastline.

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