Cape Town’s East City is a lively urban center filled with enthusiasm and innovation. Its streets showcase enormous murals and various architectural designs, encapsulating the spirit of a community experiencing a rebirth. The convergence of East City’s history, current state, and future is apparent in its architecture, art, and culinary scene, culminating in a unique atmosphere.
Wandering through Harrington and Buitenkant streets provides a peek into this flourishing neighborhood. The streets teem with exciting new projects, fashionable meeting places, and retro storefronts reminiscent of film sets. The area’s rejuvenation has been a gradual process spanning over ten years, but recent advancements signal a resurgence.
The East City delivers an array of cultural and artistic encounters, such as the recently enlarged Homecoming Centre and the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation. The neighborhood’s architectural landscape is also garnering attention as the world’s first hemp skyscraper nears completion. The eco-friendly Hemp Hotel will include apartments, a flagship Hemporium store, and a dining establishment.
A journey through East City’s notable spots highlights its exceptional character and offerings. For caffeine aficionados, Truth Coffee presents a captivating steampunk experience centered around a vintage roasting machine. Swan Café‘s sophisticated crêperie exudes Parisian allure while serving up classic dishes like raclette and ratatouille.
East City Cycles meets the needs of Cape Town’s biking community by offering a wide range of high-quality bicycles and equipment. Just Like Papa emphasizes exceptional craftsmanship, supplying outdoor enthusiasts with long-lasting, durable items.
For a fashion infusion, Afraid of Mice features a carefully selected array of vintage designer apparel, while Vintage with Love promotes literacy for disadvantaged children through the sale of gently worn clothing.
Traditional markets such as Woodheads and Nude Foods provide an abundance of experiences and products, ranging from leather goods to eco-friendly, plastic-free grocery shopping.
Gourmands can delight in the divine treats at Charly’s Bakery or savor plant-based dishes and fresh beverages at Wild Eatery. Simple bru Coffee Co. offers coffee devotees the opportunity to learn about the origins of their beans, while La Menara presents a Moroccan experience with dishes like shakshuka and kofta tagine.
Middle Eastern tastes are plentiful at the Lebanese Bakery and Kitchen, and Downtown Ramen delivers bowls of Japanese comfort food. Belly of the Beast‘s cozy and inventive tasting menu focuses on sustainable meats, incorporating an element of surprise in each plate.
For those who enjoy an evening out, East City presents an assortment of bars and nightlife venues. Dust and Dynamite’s Wild West saloon and Escobar’s Colombian-inspired tavern offer distinctive settings for socializing. Zero21 Social caters to the LGBTQI+ community with drag extravaganzas and dance parties, while Harrington Street features an array of chic cocktail bars and edgy dive bars.
The elusive speakeasy Art of Duplicity requires a password for entry, transporting guests to a vintage apothecary environment complete with imaginative culinary concoctions and an immersive experience.
Cape Town’s East City is a lively, ever-evolving community that honors its history while embracing the future. Its rich fusion of art, culture, and cuisine, combined with a diverse mix of venues and adventures, guarantees that no two visits will be the same.
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