The vibrant heart of Cape Town with historic Long Street, Greenmarket Square, and access to the Company's Garden.

About Cape Town City Centre (Long Street)

Long Street is Cape Town\'s most iconic urban thoroughfare, stretching from the harbor to the slopes of Signal Hill. Its ornate Victorian and Edwardian buildings with wrought-iron balconies house a mix of bookshops, vintage clothing stores, African craft shops, and some of the city\'s liveliest bars and live music venues. The street has been the center of Cape Town\'s nightlife for decades and maintains a cosmopolitan, bohemian energy.

The surrounding city center includes the Company\'s Garden—a green oasis dating to the 1650s Dutch settlement—flanked by the South African Museum, National Gallery, and Parliament. Greenmarket Square hosts a daily craft market under the Art Deco Old Town House. The Bo-Kaap neighborhood, immediately uphill from Long Street, is famous for its candy-colored houses on cobblestone streets, the oldest mosque in South Africa, and Cape Malay cooking classes. The V&A Waterfront and Table Mountain are both a short drive away.

Nearby Landmarks

Company's Garden Bo-Kaap Greenmarket Square St. George's Cathedral Castle of Good Hope

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost R250-350 (~$14-19)
Time 20-30 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost R200-300 (~$11-17)
Time 20-30 minutes

International Terminal arrivals, designated pickup

Step-by-Step Directions

Take MyCiTi bus route A01 from airport station to Civic Centre in city center. Buy a myconnect card at the airport station.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi R250-350 (~$14-19) 20-30 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare R200-300 (~$11-17) 20-30 minutes Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

MyCiti airport buses run until about 9:00 PM. After that, metered taxis and Uber are available 24/7 at the airport. Uber from the airport to Long Street costs approximately ZAR 180–280 at night. Walking alone on Long Street after midnight requires caution—take an Uber for even short distances late at night.

Luggage Tips

MyCiti buses have limited luggage space—fine for 1 bag but difficult with multiple large cases. Uber and metered taxis handle luggage better. Long Street accommodations range from hostels (carry bags upstairs) to boutique hotels (with bell service). Store valuables in hotel safes—petty theft can occur on busy streets.

Accessibility

Cape Town's city center has mixed accessibility. Main roads have curb cuts but older sidewalks can be uneven. Long Street itself has a gentle slope. The MyCiti bus system is wheelchair accessible. Major attractions like the Company's Garden have paved paths. The Table Mountain aerial cableway is wheelchair accessible.