- Western Cape
- Cape Town
- Gardens
Gardens, Cape Town, Western Cape
Sandwiched between Oranjezicht and Tamboerskloof is the inner city suburb, Gardens. Gardens is one of the oldest and most established areas of Cape Town and only a stone’s throw from the city centre. Located at the foot of Table Mountain, this quaint suburb is popular with students and professionals needing to be close to the city, but wanting to live outside of its hustle and bustle.
The vibrant and trendy Long Street is only a short distance away and visitors can spend at least two days being entertained by the many sights, galleries, museums, restaurants and unconventional avenues. Kloof Street has similar entertainment on offer and is also close enough to visit on foot.
Gardens is perfectly situated for quick access to the popular beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton as well as attractions like the V&A Waterfront and the Castle of Good Hope . Famous wine routes are only a short drive outside the suburb which also offers plenty of markets and shops to keep any shopaholic busy.
This historic suburb is home to some authentic mansions with high ceilings and large rooms and it is no surprise that some have been converted into Guest Houses or Hotels. The area offers plenty of comfortable and luxury accommodation, including the world famous five-star Mount Nelson Hotel.
Places to Visit
Things to do and see
- The Company's Gardens
- City Bowl Market on Hope
- Gardens Shopping Centre
- Wembly Square
- Lifestyle & Eco Fair
- Long Street
- Table Mountain
- Devil’s Peak Hike
- Lions Head Walk
- Deerpark Mountain Bike Trail, Vredehoek
- Labia Theatre on Orange
- Rust en Vreugd House
- Bertram House Museum
- Iziko South African Museum
- South African National Gallery
- Grand Parade
Climate
The area receives most of its rainfall during June and July, the Cape’s winter months.
Summer months, November to March will have average temperatures of between 15˚C and 28˚C.
Winter months, May to August will have average temperatures of between 6˚C and 16˚C.
Transport
There are daily domestic and international flights into Cape Town International Airport. Car rental companies are located at the Airport.
Festivals
January / February – Shakespear in Maynardville: An annual essential experience where every year sees a different Bard Production brought to life on the tree-shrouded stage. Bring your blanket as the it can get chilly at this open-air theatre.
March – Cape Town Carnival: A free street party and parade with feathers floats celebrating diversity, culture and creativity.
September – Cape Town Marathon: A marathon known for its flat terrain, unique city route and scenic views.
November – FNB Whiskey Live Festival: With over 180 top brands from stalwart master blenders from Scotland and Ireland to lesser-known spirit makers from Japan, this festival will be worth its while for both collectors and just the curious.
History
In the early years the Cape was used as an anchorage for passing Portuguese, Dutch and British Ships. It was the Dutch East Indian Company that began the first permanent settlement when they requested that Jan van Riebeek establish a settlement which could provide the passing ships with fresh fruit, vegetables and meat. In 1652, Hendrik Boom the Company’s Master Gardener, laid out the first garden on a site which was near to the Grand Parade of today and within a few years it was 18 hectares in size and included medicinal herbs.
As more produce became available from other Company’s gardens like Newlands, the town garden was slowly converted into a botanical garden, but with some vegetables still being produced for a few years.