One of the oldest areas in Cape Town, Green Point has a unique character and charm that relates directly to being a part of the city since its very beginning in the 17th century.
Its name refers to a green area where cattle used to be grazed when Dutch settlers set up a halfway station at the Cape for ships travelling to India from Europe. Green Point played a big part in the life of the early settlers and there have been some significant archaeological finds in the area.
Old and new mix comfortably in this vibrant part of the city and Green Point accommodation consists of lovingly restored Victorian terrace houses, luxury villas and beautiful cottages, some of which can be found in narrow streets or close to the ocean with views of the sea.
Ask the experts: If you are thinking of finding holiday accommodation in Green Point, why not check out our luxury properties listed below? You will find various self-catering rental options ideal for visitors. Or contact us for friendly and free advice on travelling to Cape Town.
Always on point
Green Point in Cape Town is situated at the northern tip of the city, flanking Table Bay and then extending along the west towards Sea Point. It is close to the V&A Waterfront and surrounds the Green Point Stadium, extending all the way up against the slope of Signal Hill.
Here you will find many restaurants and pubs with a lively atmosphere - especially at night. It is next to the popular and trendy De Waterkant neighbourhood with its pulsating nightlife.
Green Point has many luxury self-catering apartments with awesome views of the city, Table Mountain and the sea; beautifully designed and furnished. Many of these rental properties have been renovated and elegantly fitted with modern appliances and opulent design features like chandeliers, floating staircases and rooftop pools and entertainment areas, just perfect for hot summer afternoons.
Why Green Point?
Considering all the areas in Cape Town, why would anyone choose Green Point? It is a good question and the answer is simple – location – and atmosphere. It is so close to the city centre yet it does not feel that busy while being close to the sea – and some hip shops, cafés and bistros.
Its specific location at the edge of the city adds a certain dramatic flavour to especially walks and outings on the promenade and the coast. It is a wonderful destination for active couples, families and friends as there are many places to go jogging, cycling or strolling with little ones.
Top activities in Green Point
Green Point Urban Park
One of the big advantages of staying in Green Point is the proximity to this inner city gem. The vast landscaped park contains a lake and several flower beds, trees and gardens with various play areas for children of all ages – from a baby and toddler-sized area fenced off from the rest – to larger, inventive swings and rides for bigger children.
It is recommended for picnics too and the coffee shop has a good selection of cakes and yummy treats. The park features indigenous plants and there is also an exercise area while the paths are great for jogging. Security guards patrol the area to ensure visitors need not worry about their safety.
Green Point Lighthouse
The Green Point Lighthouse is an attractive red-and-white structure on the coast. Few people know, however, that it was the first lighthouse in the country and the oldest lighthouse that is still operational.
Designed by a German architect, Herman Shutte, the lighthouse performs the important function of informing ships about the proximity of land and imminent danger – a factor that becomes apparent on misty mornings and cloudy winter days.
The lighthouse is a national heritage site and is open to the public for a small fee.
The Promenade
Cape Town has a beautiful and scenic promenade, which is a broad, paved coastal way hugging the coastline and close enough to feel the spray of the ocean. The views along the 7km stretch are amazing and along the way, there are several benches and parks for children to play in.
The promenade begins at the edge of Green Point and goes all the way to Sea Point. It is a popular place for locals as well as tourists with excellent views of the city, the mountains and the sea.
Close to Green Point
When staying in Green Point, outings to Cape Town city are a must. You are within five minutes of the CBD with many historic buildings, cool markets, fun shops, restaurants and bars. An easy way to get a good grip of the city's attractions is to hop on the sightseeing bus, the open-top red bus that goes to all the city's top spots and allows passengers to get off and on as they please on one ticket.
Going up Table Mountain is also easy as Green Point is near all the access roads and you could simply dial for an Uber if you don't feel like driving.
The V&A Waterfront is situated at the edge of Green Point and one of the country's top tourist attractions. This beautiful development is constructed around a working harbour, where fishing boats and yachts are moored. The shopping and entertainment hob has something for everyone.
Visitors with a love of art should take note of the newly-opened Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, which is situated in the Waterfront. This spectacular museum hosts a range of contemporary and traditional African art and has quickly become a must-see activity for tourists.
Another big advantage to staying in Green Point is how close it is to favourite city beaches like Camps Bay and Clifton, which are only 10 minutes away by car. There are many stylish villas in Cape Town that are available for rental.
So much to choose from
Perhaps you have started looking around for accommodation and find yourself overwhelmed by the large variety of holiday rentals in Green Point and luxury villas to rent in Cape Town in general. Why not drop us a line?
Our passion is holiday accommodation in Cape Town and making dream holidays come true for visitors to our magnificent city. We would love to share all of our tips with you – and to help you plan the holiday of a lifetime.