{"id":3193,"date":"2023-03-19T13:04:41","date_gmt":"2023-03-19T13:04:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wandercapetown.com\/?p=3193"},"modified":"2023-11-23T15:11:24","modified_gmt":"2023-11-23T15:11:24","slug":"newlands-cape-town","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wandercapetown.com\/neighbourhood-guide\/newlands-cape-town\/","title":{"rendered":"Neighbourhood Guide to Newlands, Cape Town"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Newlands is such a beautiful Cape Town neighbourhood! It\u2019s a special favourite among nature lovers for the perfection that is Newlands Forest as well as its proximity to Kirstenbosch Gardens. But it\u2019s got a lot more to offer besides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explore what to do in Newlands, where to eat, and where to stay. I\u2019ve also included some information for readers considering moving to this suburb! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to do in Newlands<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So if you\u2019re going to visit Newlands, what can you do here? Plenty! Let\u2019s get into it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Go for a walk in Newlands Forest<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Our favourite thing about Newlands is that the neighbourhood sits directly on Table Mountain, with its whole flank a large mountainside forest. It\u2019s stunning, with so many paths and trails crisscrossing into the forest. You\u2019ll find both native and alien trees here, both old growth that stretches far above you. Birds flit about and call to one another, and streams gurgle down the mountain. It feels so idyllic! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Newlands Forest is dog-friendly<\/a> and free access. It also forms a start-point for a number of hikes up Table Mountain \u2014 the most famous of which are Skeleton Gorge and Nursery Ravine!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keen to find out more? Read our Newlands Forest guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visit Montebello Design Centre<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Montebello is a stunning little centre in the heart of Newlands, right on its main road. The favourite attraction is the little cafe under the trees, The Gardeners Cottage. They do a mean brunch<\/a>, and have created such an enjoyable space that you\u2019ll be hard-pressed to find an open table on sunny-skied weekends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the Design Centre has a lot more going on. Stroll further and you\u2019ll find a nursery with so many different types of ferns and exotics. They\u2019ve also got a local artisans\u2019 co-op, an organic food market with the best blueberries and tomatoes I\u2019ve had in my life, a carpenter and wood sculptor, and a ceramicist. All create amazing work, and all are worth seeing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take your kids to the park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Newlands also has a lovely little playpark sitting along the canal. Take your kids to scramble along the trees and into the treehouse, or play on the more traditional contraptions (sorry, not a mum here!). It\u2019s well-maintained and safely situated \u2013 although you do play at your own risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join a tour of Newlands Brewery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I LOVED this tour of Newlands Brewery<\/a>! You\u2019re taken through the microbrewery and the very-not-micro brewery and told all about the production process. You get to see and smell so many interesting processes. The bottling room was my favourite \u2014 watching hundreds of thousands of beer on the move every moment, and seeing how many bottles they recycle! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick side note: <\/em><\/strong>Cape Town breweries do reuse their bottles where possible. If you can, always put the lid back on before throwing it into recycling, as this apparently helps the bottles avoid breakage so that they can be reused!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Go to Kirstenbosch<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Locals and tourists alike \u2014 if you\u2019re reading this post, you probably already know about Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. It\u2019s one of Cape Town\u2019s great attractions, and one of the best botanical gardens in the world. And it\u2019s right next to Newlands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kirstenbosch is the perfect place to spend a weekend afternoon picnicking, strolling among the native plantlife, and birdwatching<\/a>. It\u2019s also another starting point for those Table Mountain hikes!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keen to find out more? Read our guide to Kirstenbosch Gardens<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Watch a game at the Newlands Cricket Stadium<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of South Africa\u2019s best cricket stadiums, this is an absolutely beautiful place to watch a game. It’s got a stunning mountain backdrop, and a rich, long history. You can watch a game, go on a stadium tour, or attend an event here \u2014 find out more on their website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Newlands used to be home to a rugby stadium too, and it still technically is. But this is unfortunately under sale for redevelopment at the time of writing (March 2023).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to eat and be merry<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Forresters Arms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The iconic Cape Town pub, Foresters Arms. Always busy \u2014 if you want to be here during a game (any game) be sure to book, as they get packed to the gills! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The food is great, classic pub food, and there are many local and international beers to choose from. If you\u2019re looking for cocktails, I\u2019d recommend going elsewhere as it\u2019s not what they do best. But Forresters is a perfect pub!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kristens Icecream<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Does a well-balanced diet have to include ice cream? Sources differ. Subjective experience says yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kristens is my absolute favourite ice cream place in Cape Town. It\u2019s a little local brand \u2014 they make their own ice cream from scratch, and they\u2019re always experimenting with new, exciting and totally unique flavours! The kitchen sink brownies, dark chocolate and cherry, and buttered maple are some of the best, but you\u2019ll be spoilt for choice. They also make fantastic waffles and haffles (half-sized waffles).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mamma Roma<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Mama Roma is a beautiful little  Italian restaurant that does Italian food exactly as you\u2019d want it done. The seafood pasta is a huge fan favourite, as is the risotto porcini. And the atmosphere is really charming and cheerful!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

La Cuccina <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This restaurant is just so darn cute. A hidden gem, it\u2019s located at Josephine Mill and feels as if you\u2019re entirely out of the city. The food is incredible, and the ambience is impeccable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hans and Lloyd Coffee Co<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Last on the list is my favourite Newlands coffee shop. This is a perfect place to sit on your laptop and get some work done while you sip at a coffee. Their breakfasts are the best, and I would highly recommend getting something that includes mushrooms \u2014 there\u2019s just something about the way they do their mushrooms! Also really good smoothies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Free and cheap places in Newlands<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Third place refers to a place where you can hang out and recharge that isn\u2019t home or work. In Newlands, there are a few options that are available that won\u2019t break the bank and you can enjoy your time there with friends or family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n