The city bowl basks in the dramatic shadow of the 1000m mountain, with its characteristic ‘tablecloth’ of mist rolling over the edge.
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The Cape Town City Bowl is the collective name for the prosperous and leafy suburbs of Gardens, Tamboerskloof and Oranjezicht close to the city centre. Steep streets of pretty 19th century villas wind up the lower slopes of Table Mountain towards the cable car. There's plenty of shopping streets on offer with fashionable bars and restaurants.
The city bowl – lying between the city centre and Table Mountain - is ideal for people who enjoy city life. It’s home to many of Cape Town’s luxurious boutique hotels and guest lodges. With plenty of cafés, delis and interesting boutique shops within walking distance of your hotel.
By and large, the area’s historic character means it’s not the place you’ll find massive swimming pools, palatial gardens or large car parks. Luxury boutique hotels in the Cape Town city bowl include Four Rosmead, Kensington Place, Welgelegen. The Three. But the exception to this rule is the Grande Dame of Cape Town, the Belmond Mount Nelson.
The City Bowl is well situated to get to everywhere quickly. It’s only a 10 minutes drive to the V&A Waterfront And yet it's also a quick 10-15 minutes over Kloof nek to the beaches of Camps Bay.
Bo-kaap, the original Cape Malay quarter, is also in the Cape Town City Bowl. This picturesque area of brightly coloured houses nestles just below Signal Hill. Close-by is De Waterkant, with its steep narrow cobbled streets and the thriving Cape Quarter.
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