Southern Suburbs Guide
East of Table Mountain, the Southern Suburbs trade coastal glamour for leafy streets, historic estates, and some of the city's best value accommodation.
What's here
The Southern Suburbs — including Newlands, Claremont, Rondebosch and Constantia — sit on the eastern side of Table Mountain, sheltered from the worst of the coastal wind and noticeably greener than the city centre. This is where you'll find Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, widely considered one of the world's great botanical gardens, set directly against the mountain's slopes.
Constantia's wine estates
Constantia is South Africa's oldest wine-producing area, with historic estates offering tastings and restaurant lunches without needing to drive all the way to Stellenbosch. It's a good option if you want a wine afternoon without dedicating a full day trip — see our Winelands guide for how it compares to Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
Who it suits
Families and longer-stay visitors often do well here — it's quieter, generally better value than the coast, and close to good schools-adjacent infrastructure (parks, cafes, everyday amenities) that make it feel more residential than touristy. The trade-off is distance from the beaches and City Bowl nightlife, so factor in transport time.