Century City and Canal Walk are two of the most popular attractions in the Mother City. Canal Walk Shopping Centre – famously known as the biggest shopping centre in Cape Town and loved for its Cape Venetian architecture style – offers a wealth of shopping and indoor activities to enjoy. While Century City – a modern, urban smart city – offers residential gems, events and plenty of outdoor- and indoor-attractions alike. In this post, I share my best things to do near Canal Walk and around Century City.
1) Explore Canal Walk Shopping Centre
Growing up, I used to frequently visit Canal Walk. Even as a child, I loved the look and feel of the mall. I could lose myself in the safety of its vast Exclusive Books branch or a quality NuMetro experience.
While the Food Court meant trying a new takeaway meal each time we visited. Often, it was the perfect place to catch up on some football (after a good day’s retail therapy or window shopping).
With more than 400 stores, a multitude of eateries and coffee shops, the Wonderland Arcade and much more, there is no shortage of variety for shoppers and visitors, young and old.
The mall also often runs fun events, especially during school holidays, to keep you entertained.
While I love browsing the boutique stores and clothing shops or grabbing a bite to eat at the Food Court (I recommend trying Steelies or Trecastelli) – there are some shops or offerings that catch my particular interest.
These include The Lego Store, Booba Beautea (a recent offering), Cosmic Comics and of course, Exclusive Books and NuMetro.
2) Treat Yourself at The Coffee Lounge
Another wonderful attraction in century City is The Coffee Lounge at Manhattan Suite Hotel.
We stumbled upon this elegant coffee lounge and patisserie in December 2022 and enjoyed some wonderful sweet treats and coffee.
The space itself is elegant and well-situated within Century City. What’s more, it offers guests friendly service with some delectable treats and good coffee.
In addition to the menu offerings, The Coffee Lounge has dessert tastings and afternoon tea. They also cater to your special events, including baby showers and birthdays.
The Coffee Lounge makes for a lovely experience, no matter the occasion!
For more information on The Coffee Lounge, please check their social feeds or contact them directly: +27 (021) 110 5771, thecoffeeloungect@gmail.com.
3) Catch the Century City Tram
In July of 2023, an exciting new attraction launched at Century City: an operational, 1920s-style tram. The tram runs on the old Ratanga Junction Railway line, taking you on a delightful, scenic ride around Century City.
Currently, for R70 per person, guests can enjoy a scenic, 20-minute tram ride around Century City.
You’ll ride on the railway line alongside the canals, pass through a ‘subway tunnel’, before curling around Central Park.
For normal rides, advance bookings are not required. You can simply show up during their operational hours and buy a ticket at the boarding platform.
Their trips usually depart on the hour or every half an hour.
Catch a Fun, 1920s Tram Around Century City
We loved our tram experience! It was fun and refreshing and allowed us to see Century City from a great new perspective.
The Century City Tramway is an excellent experience for couples, solo travellers and families to enjoy.
Additionally, it also welcomes well-trained, friendly dogs, making them a great, pet-friendly experience. (Please note: Dogs are only allowed if there’s sufficient space on the tram. Priority is given to paying human visitors.)
The tram operates on weekends and public holidays, at the sole discretion of management, from 11:00 am – 17:00 pm, with the last trip leaving at 16:30 pm.
Note: They are closed on rainy, wet days.
Also, please be advised that this is a strictly cashless facility, with card-only facilities available.
The tram usually departs from Century City Parkrun. However, their location may vary according to weekend markets and other local activities. (If you’re unsure of their whereabouts, rather call ahead.)
The tram can also be booked or hired for photoshoots; booked for school outings (minimum 25 visitors); or enjoyed as a sundowner cruise for fun events, like corporate team buildings or bachelorettes.
For more information on the Century City tramway, please visit their website or contact them directly: +27 (062) 206 1906, info@centurycitytramway.co.za
4) Explore the Outdoor Parks and Canal-side Spaces
Century City offers some wonderful outdoor spaces that run alongside the pretty canals and gardens.
The whole of the precinct – which is dotted with business parks, residential flats, restaurants and more – feels well-maintained, neat and safe.
In addition to the popular, educational Intaka Island, Century City offers some delightful park spaces, outdoor art and more to admire or savour.
We haven’t uncovered all the parks and outdoor spaces yet, but those that we have, we love!
Century City really feels like a mini city within a city – yet, somehow, at the same time, it has a decidedly trendy, upmarket and separate feel from Cape Town itself.
So, find sometime during the day to don your walking shoes and stroll around Century City!
5) Enjoy a Family Picnic at Ratanga Park
Another wonderful outdoor attraction at Century City, close to Canal Walk, is the beautiful, panoramic and freeing Ratanga Park.
Risen from the ashes of the former Ratanga Junction theme park, Ratanga Park is one of the newest additions to Century City’s ever-growing offerings.
Personally, it’s one I cannot get enough of too!
Not only does the park offer a stunning, free public space for young and old to enjoy. But it’s well-positioned (there are some 10 restaurants and coffee shops within close proximity) and makes for the perfect outdoor space.
Here, you can enjoy a family picnic; encourage active play for the little ones (the swings and playgrounds are excellent); walk on-leash, well-socialised pooches; and of course, get your daily exercise and Vitamin D.
There are several water features, including a fascinating waterfall (or two) and some lovely bridges crossing over the scenic canals and water bodies.
The pathways are well-paved and tidy, edged by the most beautiful, carefully manicured gardens and grassy areas.
There’s also a fun photo frame (with some stunning views of Table Mountain on a clear day), water fountains, birding and more to discover here.
We loved strolling around the park, admiring the birds and gardens and discovering hidden, scenic corners.
Especially as the park provides some of the best views of Table Mountain you’ll find anywhere in the Mother City!
This green open space, found at 4 Conference Lane, is perfect for exploring with your colleagues, friends or loved ones.
When visiting the park, please just keep in mind the dos and don’ts (see here)!
The park is open from sunrise to sunset every day and is free to visit.
For more information on Ratanga Park, contact Century City directly on: +27 (021) 552 6889, info@centurycity.co.za or see here.
6) Grab a Bite to Eat at Gusto
While we haven’t formerly dined at this modern, tasteful urban Italian eatery yet – we did stop by for some takeaway drinks. And I was so impressed by the service and staff!
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Gusto Restaurant, which overlooks the Ratanga Park and the canal, has a stylish, trendy feel to it.
It seamlessly combines calming indoor interiors with a true, alfresco-style outside area.
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They offer a classically Italian sit-down menu, creatively thought out by a South African sommelier and an Italian chef, as well as to-go and deli offerings.
Gusto is perfect for catch-ups with friends, classy date nights and relaxed family meals.
We can’t wait to return and properly try this lovely Italian eatery!
They can get busy, so advance booking is advised.
For more information on Gusto, please see their website.
7) Visit the Century City Markets
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Century City Markets offer a range of different seasonal markets. Each equipped with a selection of live music performances, tasty food- and drink-stalls and some other crafts and jewellery stalls too.
We haven’t visited the Summer Night or Sunday Natural Goods Market yet – but we have visited the Winter Night Market and honestly, we loved it!
Century City Summer Night Market
During summertime, the Friday night summer markets take place at Century City Urban Square, Energy Lane, from 16:00 – 21:00 pm.
Offering a balmy mix of live music performances, summer produce, clothes and food and drink, this fun market is the perfect excuse to get outdoors into the summer air!
The summer markets usually take place on the second Friday of the month – but always check their social pages for updates.
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Century City Winter Night Market
During wintertime, the market has a winter edition that also runs between 16:00 – 21:00 pm.
Although, this time, it is spread in and around the Intaka Island Eco Centre and nearby stretch tents.
There’s a great vibe and plenty of gluhwein, hot chocolate and smoothies to go around. Not to mention the delicious array of cuisine (everything from baked goods to Taiwanese eats and more) and other lovely goods you can find here.
The setting is also peaceful and relatively sheltered.
Sometimes, due to severe weather, the winter market gets cancelled. So always check their socials ahead of the time.
Century City Natural Goods Market
Held on the last Sunday of ever month during summertime, the Century City Natural Goods Market takes place at beautiful Central Park.
Here, from 09:00 am – 14:00 pm, you can find fresh, local produce, tasty food, fashionable clothing and a wide array of health- and beauty-products too.
8) Walk Your Four-legged Friend at Central Park
Central Park, otherwise fondly known as ‘The Oval’ is another of Century City’s stunning parks.
Here, on this grassy sports field, you can enjoy dog walking (dogs must be on leads and can only visit during certain times/days), picnics, ball-based sports (booking is required), events and more.
What’s more, the nearby, glass-fronted clubhouse can also be booked out for functions and events.
Central Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. It is free to visit (for day-to-day use by residents).
You can find Central Park at 1 Park Lance, Grand Central.
For more information, please see the Century City website or contact them directly.
9) Enjoy an Instagram-worthy Moment at Booba Beautea
Booba Beautea is a new offering at Canal Walk and since it’s opening, this bubble tea cafe has taken the mall by storm.
With its striking, Barbie-like pink decor, flower walls and cutesy furnishings, Booba Beautea pops with colour and offers visitors a warm, enchanting tea- and dessert-experience.
They serve hand-brewed bubble tea (made using fresh, natural ingredients), poke bowls and delicious daily mochi and other desserts.
When visiting Canal Walk, Booba Beautea is now an unmissable attraction. (From what I understand, there is also a Stellenbosch branch.)
Step into a world of pink and sip on delectable bubble tea(s) with a side of dessert.
Bubble Teas and Beauty
They have their signature specials (like the Signature Brown Sugar Bubble Milk Tea), as well as some fruity- and bubble-milk-teas and other delicious flavour series.
They have an extensive, affordable menu, with a wide selection of bubble teas, desserts and poke bowls to sample.
On our first visit, we tried the Biscoff Bubble Milk Tea and Signature Brown Sugar Bubble Milk Tea.
We loved both our bubble milk teas, the friendly service and the pretty setting.
Note: Booba Beautea has limited seating. So, if you wish to sit inside, there can sometimes be a wait. Otherwise, you can just get your order to go.
10) Dine at Brick Lane Eatery
If you are looking for a delicious, reasonably priced meal in the heart of Century City, you can’t go wrong with the excellent Brick Lane Eatery.
This cheery, canal-side cafe offers a wonderful array of food and drinks. Everything from breakfast to tapas and combos, to cocktails and kiddies’ meals.
A Dog-friendly, Canal-side Gem
Best of all, Brick Lane Eatery is dog-friendly to well-behaved dogs. It even has a cute doggie menu, with some bites and biltong ice-cream for the pups to enjoy!
They have both outdoor- and indoor-seating (both upstairs and downstairs).
We loved our visit to Brick Lane Eatery. I found it to be a friendly, tranquil cafe with excellent food and drinks and prompt service.
Brick Lane Eatery is closed on Mondays but you can visit them every other day at 142 The Quays, Park Lane.
For more information on Brick Lane Eatery, please visit their website.
In Closing
There are still many other attractions and experiences (like Intaka Island and the Natural Goods Market) that we still want to try .
But this is my (current) round up of the best things to do near Canal Walk and Century City.
Which would you add to this list? 🙂
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