Cape Town, South Africa
The 15 best spots in Cape Town’s District Six neighbourhood
Where to stay, eat, shop and play in Cape Town’s District Six neighbourhood
District Six is a neighbourhood in Cape Town defined by resilience, history and a fresh creative energy that’s shaping its future. Positioned between the city centre and the lower slopes of Table Mountain, it remains a place of deep historical importance, home to the District Six Museum and a growing network of creative restaurants, boutiques and gathering spaces that honour its past while embracing its future. From locally owned cafés to contemporary art hubs, the neighbourhood reflects the energy of a city constantly reinventing itself. Here’s where to stay, eat, shop and play in one of Cape Town’s most soulful and storied neighbourhoods.
Table of Contents
Stay
Neighbourgood 84 Harrington
Neighbourgood 84 Harrington stands out as a pioneering co-living and co-working space at 84 Harrington Street, known as the tallest hemp building in the world. The design uses sustainable building materials – including hemp – to create an environment that merges eco-friendly construction with modern urban living. This innovative development offers 50 fully equipped, self-contained apartments, each featuring en-suite bathrooms, dedicated work areas and kitchens – some even have amazing views of Table Mountain and the Cape Town skyline. One of the cool amenities here is the rooftop pool area, where you will find the Somewhere Nowhere rooftop bar – grab a cocktail, get in the pool and enjoy the views!
Neighbourgood 84 Harrington
84 Harrington Rd
Cape Town
South Africa
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Photography courtesy of Neighbourgood
The Harri
The Harri is a striking Modernist Art Deco building offering a refreshing take on urban accommodation. Home to 46 studio and select two‐storey penthouse apartments, the development artfully combines reclaimed heritage elements with contemporary design. The two-storey lofts also offer private terraces with views of Table Bay and Table Mountain. Inside, the palette of earthy natural timber, worn leather and bold accents lends the space a warm, authentic feel. Staying at The Harri also gives you access to co-working spaces, communal areas and amenities such as a rooftop braai area, enhancing the live-work-play lifestyle. The Harri’s location places it within Cape Town’s design district, surrounded by artisanal studios, galleries, bespoke retail shops, bakeries, eateries and a buzzing nightlife, making it an ideal spot if you are seeking a dynamic urban living experience.
The Harri
75 Harrington St
Cape Town
South Africa
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Photography courtesy of The Harri
Eat & drink
Belly of the Beast
Belly of the Beast, located on Harrington Street, is a small, intimate restaurant that’s big on flavour and creativity. This reservation-only spot offers a unique dining experience where you trust the chefs completely – there’s no set menu, only a multi-course tasting experience. Co-founded by chefs Anouchka Horn and Neil Swart, it follows a nose-to-tail philosophy, ensuring that every part of the animal is used in their dishes. As the menu changes frequently, diners surrender to the creativity of the chefs. One of the unique dishes we enjoyed on our last visit was a braaied (grilled) chicken skewer that consists of different cuts of chicken, including chicken hearts.
Read the full article on Belly of the Beast.
Belly of the Beast
110 Harrington St
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Belly of the Beast
Charly’s Bakery
Charly’s Bakery is an iconic bakery in District Six, known for their unique “mucking afazing” cakes. Charly’s Bakery has been creating delectable treats since its establishment in 1989 by Charly and Jacqui Biess. The bakery’s playful exterior, with its bright pink facade and whimsical graffiti, perfectly captures the fun and creativity found inside. Their famous Charly’s cupcake is a must-try – these generously sized cupcakes come in a variety of fun flavours and are decorated with playful designs that are almost too pretty to eat. Also grab a few pigs ears for the road – these puff pastry treats are delicious!
Charly’s Bakery
36-38 Canterbury St
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Charly’s Bakery
Galjoen
Galjoen is a bold and innovative seafood-centric restaurant committed to sustainability. The name Galjoen pays homage to South Africa’s national fish, which is currently red-listed and thus not served, reflecting the restaurant’s dedication to responsible sourcing. The masterminds behind Galjoen are restaurateurs Neil Swart and Anouchka Horn, known for their acclaimed establishment, Belly of the Beast. Head Chef Isca Stoltz leads the kitchen, creating a set menu that evolves based on the day’s catch and seasonal availability. You can expect dishes featuring local octopus and foraged ingredients like nori. The interior design is minimalist, with clean lines and high ceilings, complemented by ceramics from local artisan Amelia Jacobs.
Galjoen
99 Harrington St
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Galjoen
New York Bagels
A beloved institution since 1940, New York Bagels is Cape Town’s oldest deli, well known for their traditional hand-rolled bagels. After relocating from Sea Point to the District Six precinct, this family-run establishment continues to draw crowds on the hunt for an authentic bagel. Every bagel is made in-house using traditional techniques that yield a chewy, flavourful product, served with a variety of toppings and spreads that allow you to customise your bagel to your taste. Beyond their signature bagels, you can indulge in an array of pastries and cakes, all crafted in-house. We highly recommend the chocolate croissants and traditional baked cheesecake. The shop’s design is both modern and nostalgic, reminiscent of classic bagel counters while maintaining a distinctly local edge.
New York Bagels
44 Harrington St
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of New York Bagels
Rapt
Rapt is the go-to spot for some sweet indulgence. This establishment reimagines the chocolate experience, focusing on conscious consumption without compromising on flavour. The interior of Rapt is designed to be a wonderland for chocolate lovers, featuring colourful pop culture elements and playful aesthetics, immediately capturing attention with its pink-hued walls. The must-have treat here is the Bon Bons – each hand-painted bon bon is a work of art, with flavours like pomegranate molasses and salted caramel shaped as robots. We love that you can also craft your own chocolates and even take part in workshops led by chefs, such as Chef Serena Obadia, who guide you on techniques and insights while you craft your own chocolate creations.
Rapt
39 Buitenkant St
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Rapt
Seebamboes
Seebamboes is the 2025 addition to chef-restaurateurs Anouchka Horn and Neil Swart’s collection. Seebamboes, located above Galjoen, is an intimate 16-seater restaurant redefining the classic surf and turf concept. This time the chef-restaurateurs duo have collaborated with Chef Adél Hughes and artist Liebet Jooste to design a dining experience that blends land and sea flavours. Head Chef Adél Hughes brings a wealth of experience from her time in South Africa’s coastal towns, particularly Paternoster. Her menus often feature ingredients she foraged herself from nearby beaches. Dishes feature innovative combinations such as seaweed with meat or a mix of seaweeds with land vegetables, showcasing the versatility of local ingredients. We love the interior design, especially the wall of curiosities, adorned with treasures collected from beaches and the veld, adding a personal touch to the space. Reclaimed glass embedded with sea sand and a color palette inspired by sea bamboo evoke the shoreline, blending the themes of land and sea.
Seebamboes
99 Harrington St
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Seebamboes
Truth Café
Truth Café, named the best coffee shop in the world by The Telegraph in 2016, is a destination no coffee lover should miss. The café’s interior is steampunk-inspired, and the industrial-chic interior, complete with vintage machinery, gives the café a dark, moody atmosphere. Truth coffee beans are sourced globally, with an emphasis on fair trade and sustainable practices. The coffee is roasted on-site, ensuring the freshest cup possible, whether you’re enjoying an espresso, a pour-over or one of their signature blends. There is no better way to start your day in Cape Town, than with an espresso made with the resurrection blend coffee beans! This blend has a robust, full-bodied flavour that will brighten your day.
Truth Café
36 Buitenkant St
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Truth Café
The Art of Duplicity
There are only a few speakeasy bars that can keep a secret as well as The Art of Duplicity. This hidden speakeasy bar in District Six is inspired by the Prohibition era of the 1920s. Located within a Victorian warehouse, of which the location is unknown, this bar offers a truly intimate atmosphere and transports you to a bygone time. Entry to The Art of Duplicity is exclusive and requires prior booking through their website, where you will receive a password and clues to locate the unmarked entrance. Upon arrival, you are greeted by a doorman who verifies the password before granting access. The interior features vintage decor, including velvet settees, beaded lampshades and antique furnishings, complemented by live jazz performances. The Art of Duplicity has garnered international recognition, ranking 86th on The World’s 50 Best Bars list, with award-winning mixologists crafting signature cocktails like the Niwatori Tea and the Hillbilly Breakfast Flip.
The Art of Duplicity
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of The Art of Duplicity
Shop
Afraid of Mice
Afraid of Mice is an offbeat boutique that has quickly become a favourite in District Six for its eclectic mix of second-hand vintage fashion, accessories and lifestyle goods. The store’s name, inspired by the owners’ cat, Rocky, reflects its playful and quirky spirit, while the curated collection showcases a commitment to individuality and originality. Inside, you’ll find a minimalist layout accented with playful decor and locally sourced design elements. The owner’s idea behind Afraid of Mice is for this tiny shop to be full of items you wish your mother had kept for you. Here you will find a selection of vintage finds that include brands like Salvatore Ferragamo, Diane von Fürstenberg, Oscar de la Renta, Mulberry, Nina Ricci and Prada.
Afraid of Mice
99 Harrington St
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Afraid of Mice
Inova Concept Store
Inova Concept Store is your go-to spot for luxury furniture, lighting and accessories. Housed in a restored 19th-century corner building, this store offers you a shopping experience that is as intellectually stimulating as it is visually appealing. Designed by Studio Same Same, the interior combines elegance with industrial elements, creating a dynamic space that adapts to various functions and showcases Inova’s diverse identity. The store’s curated selection features renowned international brands such as HAY, Moooi, Arflex, Audo Copenhagen, Arper, Magis, Pedrali, Miniforms and the Memphis Group. Local designers are also showcased, with products like planters from Vorster & Braye and bespoke mirrors by +27.
Inova Concept Store
76 Harrington St
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Inova Concept Store
Just Like Papa
Just Like Papa is one of Cape Town’s most unique speciality stores offering high-quality, handmade, made-to-last outdoor and lifestyle gear. Established by Thomas Ferreira and Davide Locatelli-Rossi, the store emerged from their shared passion for adventure and self-reliance. The inspiration struck after a trip to Patagonia, where they found existing gear lacking, leading them to curate high-quality, durable outdoor products. Stepping inside Just Like Papa, which is nicknamed the belly of the beast, is like walking into the chest cavity of a whale – this unique design was designed by some of the country’s leading designers. Here you’ll find a variety of outdoor essentials like camping gear, survival tools, home and lifestyle items, plus some very cool gifting options.
Just Like Papa
73 Harrington St
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Just Like Papa
See & do
District Six Museum
The District Six Museum is a poignant reminder of Cape Town’s turbulent past. Located in a former Methodist church, the museum preserves the memories of the vibrant District Six, a neighbourhood that was home to a mixed-race community before it was bulldozed in the 1970s. Here you can explore a collection of photographs, artefacts and personal testimonies that bring the history of District Six to life. One of the most moving exhibits is the floor map, where former residents have marked their old homes. The museum also offers guided tours led by ex-residents, providing a deeply personal perspective on the area’s history. One of the must-see exhibits at this museum is the Memory Cloth, where ex-residents have written their memories of District Six, creating a powerful, communal tapestry of voices.
District Six Museum
25A Buitenkant St
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of District Six Museum
State of the Art Gallery
State of the Art Gallery is a prominent contemporary art space dedicated to showcasing and supporting emerging and mid-career South African artists. The gallery hosts a dynamic program of exhibitions throughout the year, featuring solo and group shows that highlight present-day themes and diverse artistic practices. Artists represented by State of the Art are selected for their unique perspectives and contributions to the South African art landscape. The curatorial team is committed to presenting art that sparks conversation and invites you to engage deeply with the work. In a neighbourhood steeped in history yet buzzing with ultra-modern energy, State of the art Gallery captures the spirit of District Six by balancing innovative, cutting-edge art with a profound respect for the local narrative.
State of the Art Gallery
The Square
50 Buitenkant St
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of State of the Art gallery
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