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Bo-Kaap, Cape Town, South Africa by Nahid Sultan from

Top 10 Interesting Facts about Long Street, Cape Town

Cape Town is South Africa鈥檚 mother city and it鈥檚 full of surprises. So much so that the New York Times in 2014 named it the best place in the world to visit. The city is never short of options, it bursts with attractions such as Table Mountain.  With activities like Tobogganing and streets like Long Street prepare for an adventure.

Long Street is the little heart of Cape Town. It鈥檚 in the City Bowl section and stretches over 20 blocks from the Cape Town Convention Centre. Then cuts through the core of the CBD (Central Business District), and ends at Kloof Street.

The street is famous as a bohemian hang-out, trendy and vibrant day and night. It鈥檚 packed with bookstores, restaurants and bars, theatres, and hostels for guest accommodation. There are also vintage fashion shops, antique shops, and thrift stores.

It is one of Cape Town鈥檚 oldest streets and integral to the street culture of the city. It鈥檚 SoHo if you鈥檙e thinking London and the French Quarter when talking New Orleans.

Here are the top 10 fascinating truths about Long Street, Cape Town.

1. Long Street鈥檚 vibe is a party you鈥檒l never forget

Long Street, Cape Town, during the 2010 World Cup by Flowcomm from

The atmosphere of this street sets it apart. During the day you will meet a diverse community of people. Market traders from all over Africa display their merchandise throughout the street whether in the shops or on street stands.

Tourists from across the globe can be spotted exploring the street. While trendy locals can also be seen making their way around the street. People of all races and walks of life share the Long street space.

In the evening, revelers make their way into the different entertainment facilities and bring life to the street night. Sundowner time until the early AM late-night clubs, bars, and restaurants never kill the party.

2. Long Street is a shopper鈥檚 paradise

This street has every preference taken care of. Thus shoppers are welcome to stop by even if on window shopping. There are high-end boutiques if that is your interest, as well as thrifting stores such as Second Time Around. It鈥檚 a gem when it comes to unique secondhand items.

For those that are into trends, there are trendy urban shops like MeMeMe. Antique lovers have the Long Street Antique Arcade, which is a small labyrinth of antique shops with a wide range of collections.

Vintage enthusiasts have goldmines like Afraid of Mice and their tagline says it all 鈥淭he clothes you wish your mother had kept for you鈥�. For cutting-edge African fashion and accessories, the concept store Merchants on Long is a perfect example.

3. The street has countless restaurants

A Long street restaurant by Matti Blume from

Long Street has diverse dining options. Though new places pop up and others quit businesses now and then. Several sites have stood strong over the years such as Mama Africa which treats you to African delicacies. They have an African band playing every night and a bar that鈥檚 busy with tourists mingling.

Other eateries that have stood the test of time are Long Street Cafe, Cape to Cuba, Mojito, and Royale Eatery. Royale is a legend in burgers, they have the best gourmet burgers and milkshakes in the city. Their veggie burger options cater to vegetarians and vegans. Many food stalls line up the street and are a good chance to satisfy your cravings when they hit.

4. Many Long Street buildings are Victorian-styled

Carnival Court on Long street by Janek Szymanowski from

Fans of old architecture have a busy day at Long Street. It鈥檚 a thoroughfare of Victorian designs. The Carnival Court Backpackers building for instance is a great display of Victorian architecture evident on the entire structure.

The buildings are well-kept thanks to preservation societies, heritage groups, and architects who have strived to keep these constructions from wrecking.

5. Long Street Baths are a prominent landmark

You can dip in the baths on the corner of Long and Orange Streets. The building is a Victorian style hence attractive. To the right side of the entrance, the building faces Table Mountain giving visitors a good scenery of the iconic mountain.

The building houses a heated indoor pool, a kiddies pool, hot baths, a club room, and a sun deck to name a few facilities available. Inside are also Turkish bath facilities like sauna, steam rooms, hot rooms, showers, plunge pool, and a massage area. It鈥檚 a relaxing place to spend time.

6. You can discover the street on a bike

Cycle on Long Street if you want to uncover the street and city in a short time and in a fun way. Enjoy riding on the city鈥檚 cycle routes as you take in the spectacular views in and around it.

A ride on the Long street is best in the early morning hours since there鈥檚 less traffic at the time. You can go on the activity before breakfast and end off in the nearby coffee shops on Long for a cup of a good brew.

Visitors can rent a bicycle in the bike rental shops on Long street. Pick your choice of bike and see the street and city in a new dimension.

7. Long Street鈥檚 daytime has its fun activities

There are fun day pastimes to look out for. You can join in a drum circle, especially Saturday afternoons. Djembe 4 All is popular with this more rhythmical musical affairs. They are a fully-fledged djembe and music store at 134 Long Street.

Saturday afternoons they entertain with music on the street. Tourists can also learn to play the 鈥渄jembe鈥�- a unique African drum at a small fee. It鈥檚 an amazing venture for the musically inclined.

8. Nightlife keeps going on Long Street

Long Street at night by Jorge L谩scar from

Night breathes life into this street. The shops and markets after dark, give way to a bustling nightlife. The many bars and clubs keep things going until late and early morning hours.

Hotspots for party animals are the Dubliner which is an old-school Irish bar. They have live music for most of the week and on weekends they turn into a late-night destination for tourists and locals.

Fiction is another revelers highlight. They host local and international DJs and have regular nights dedicated to select genres. So you鈥檒l never lack a preference to keep you moving.  

Beerhouse is for the beer connoisseurs. They have a vast list of local and international beers. With their tasting trays, you can try a bit of everything and pair your drink with their fantastic menu.

The Waiting Room has morphed into one of Cape Town鈥檚 longest-standing and most popular nightclubs. It was a waiting room for the famed Royale Eatery burger joint, which is downstairs. Their music is great and the rooftop deck is a perfect chill-out zone to immerse in the city鈥檚 splendid views.

9. Greenmarket Square is nearby

This market lies a few meters from Long Street in a large town square. In between Burg Street and Longmarket Street. It鈥檚 a good starting point when exploring Long street. It鈥檚 a popular tourist shopping destination in the city. You can find knick-knacks and curios to serve as mementos for your trip.

10. Long Street has several ancillary markets

An observation from Long will reveal other hidden markets throughout the area. The Pan African Market on Long Street showcases the best in African art. The displays nod to African culture, craftsmanship, and artistic talent.

Church Street Vintage Antiques Market on the corner of Long and Church Street, is held daily except Sundays. It attracts many vendors with an array of antiques, collectibles, glassware, costume jewelry, kitchen items, and more. Be on the lookout to spot the many markets noticeable along and around Long Street.

Long street is a buzz of undertakings. Should you opt to dance the night away or take in a stand-up comedy show, catch theatre action, or enjoy a rooftop movie, anyone? Take your pick you鈥檙e spoilt for choice.