Cape Town is nestled between mountains and the sea. Over the years, it has gained a reputation as one of the world’s best cities to visit for fantastic cultural, food, nature, and historical experiences, all at equally amazing prices.
In its urban heart, the vibrant Kloof Street area stands out as a haven for food enthusiasts and wine connoisseurs and the ideal place to base yourself for a stay in South Africa’s Mother City.
Kloof Street, Exploring the Hippest Neighborhood in Cape Town
With views of Table Mountain, Cape Town’s Kloof Street is where you’ll find tourists, business travelers, and locals unwinding after a long day. It sits at the Table Mountain side of the city center, where the bustling commercial districts give way to quieter residential streets.
The street is lined with quirky eateries that spill out onto the street, offering everything from fine-dining dinners to farm-fresh delis, family-friendly pizza, and pasta places in garden settings, as well as vibey wine bars where live music streams through open windows.
Many of these establishments are set within the walls of charming Victorian houses, offering intimacy and authenticity that isn’t easily replicated elsewhere in the city. And when it comes to the food itself, everything is on the menu. Quirky restaurants serve spicy curries, Asian fusion establishments, acclaimed sushi restaurants, wagyu burger bars, health kitchens, decadent chocolates, and Italian-run pizzerias. The choice is yours.
Top Cape Town Attractions Close to Kloof Street
Kloof Street in Cape Town is also surrounded by some of South Africa’s most enticing attractions. The top end of the road continues up and on to Table Mountain, where every visitor to Cape Town has to go at least once for breathtaking city views, while the bottom end spills out onto Long Street with its array of clubs and bars.
A short walk away is the Company’s Garden, a peaceful oasis in the city center perfect for a relaxing stroll. This historical park is also home to cultural landmarks like the Iziko South African Museum and Planetarium, the South African Jewish Museum, and the South African National Art Gallery.
Parts of the Iziko South African Museum are closed for upgrades, but your ticket also covers entry to another Iziko museum nearby, including the National Gallery.
Read More: Cape Town’s Unique Experiences for the Curious Traveller
Hippo Boutique Hotel, Your Base for Visiting Kloof Street
Just off the lower section of Kloof Street, I highly recommend Hippo Boutique Hotel as a base for exploring the heart of this culinary paradise. Owner-run and a member of the Cape Country Routes, it provides a friendly, no-frills but everything-you-need option within walking distance of everything Kloof Street offers.
Set just above a lively strip of eateries and cocktail bars, it’s an oasis that pairs comfort with easy access to some of the city’s finest dining spots, yet it remains relatively quiet. There’s even a pool around the side of the property if you need a quick dip. And when you’re all foodied out and want to relax back in your room with some takeout and a good movie, a clever little kitchenette is tucked away into the cupboards to complete your home away from home. Perfect for business or leisure, couples, solo travelers, or families.
However, one of Hippo Boutique Hotel’s standout offerings is its unique breakfast experience, designed to get you out exploring. Instead of a traditional in-house breakfast, you are treated to a curated breakfast voucher system. Pick up your vouchers in the morning, and you’ll be free to choose a breakfast off the menu at one of four different eateries along Kloof Street, each offering a distinct culinary perspective.
Whether you start your morning at the charming Egghead Diner, renowned for its loaded egg buns, while sipping on a velvety cappuccino, or choose a hearty breakfast or fresh pastry at local favorite Molten Toffee, you’re guaranteed a wholesome start to your day and the kick start you’ll need for a busy day in one of the world’s favorite cities.
Start Planning Your Trip To Cape Town, South Africa
Getting There
Cape Town International Airport is about a 20‑minute drive from Kloof Street, with connections from major hubs around the world.
Where to Stay
Hippo Boutique Hotel sits on Park Road, a minute’s walk from Kloof Street. It has an outdoor pool and a kitchenette in every room, and its breakfast vouchers send you out to eat at nearby cafes. Book your stay at Hippo Boutique Hotel on Expedia.
Things to Do
- Kloof Street climbs toward Table Mountain, and the cableway sometimes closes when the wind picks up. This flexible return ticket lets you choose a clear day for the ride to the top.
- To taste more of the city, this four‑hour food tour winds through the Bo‑Kaap and De Waterkant, two neighborhoods just down the hill from Kloof Street, with tastings along the way.
Getting Around
Kloof Street is easy to explore on foot, but a rental car opens up day trips to the Cape Peninsula and the Winelands. Compare rental cars on Discover Cars.
Staying Connected
An Airalo eSIM gets you online as soon as you land, with South Africa plans on local networks including Vodacom. Get your South Africa eSIM from Airalo.
Planning Resources
Start with the official Cape Town Tourism website for accommodations, attractions and travel tips.
Need a hand planning your trip? Here are the sites and services we rely on most, from booking tools to travel products we love.
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Author Bio: Janine is a lover of travel, adventure, wine, and good food. She is passionate about wildlife and conservation and was raised by a bundle of scientists, botanists, researchers, biologists, and creatives. Based in Cape Town, South Africa, she loves traveling with her husband and toddler, taking her audiences on adventures both locally and throughout the globe. She is also the first to confess that she’s been badly bitten by the travel bug.
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