How to Spend an Evening in Green Point Without a Car

A car-free evening in Green Point is easy: walk the promenade, pick a restaurant on Main Road, and catch a ride-share home from the stadium.

Start on the Sea Point Promenade

Begin at the Sea Point Promenade, a paved walkway that curves from the Sea Point Pavilion to the Green Point Lighthouse. The lighthouse, painted red and white, marks the Green Point end and is a useful landmark. From most Green Point hotels, it is a 10- to 20-minute walk to the promenade. The walk is flat and well lit, with Atlantic views and passing joggers and dog walkers. Sunset in summer (November to February) falls between 7:30pm and 8pm, so an early evening stroll is perfectly timed.

The promenade has public exercise equipment, benches and grassy areas. You will see locals playing pickup soccer and families picnicking. There are no vendors hassling you, and the area is patrolled. If you want a coffee or ice cream, there are kiosks near the Sea Point Pavilion and at the Green Point end, but they close around sunset. Bring a light layer: the wind can pick up, and even summer evenings cool down after dark.

Dinner on Main Road or in De Waterkant

Green Point's Main Road is a strip of restaurants, cafes and bars. For a casual meal, try the pizza at a place like Hudson's, or the burgers at a spot like Jerry's. For something more substantial, there are Italian, Indian and seafood options. Prices are moderate: a main course typically ranges from R120 to R250. If you want a nicer setting, head to De Waterkant, a small neighbourhood between Green Point and the city centre. It has cobbled streets and a few upscale restaurants, but it is a 15-minute walk from most Green Point hotels.

I would book a table at a restaurant on Main Road if I wanted convenience, or in De Waterkant if I wanted a quieter atmosphere. Avoid the touristy places right on the waterfront; they are overpriced and often crowded. Instead, look for spots filled with locals. Note that many restaurants are closed on Mondays, so check ahead. Also, South African restaurants often add a 10% tip for tables of six or more, but otherwise tipping is at your discretion.

Drinks with a View

For a drink after dinner, consider the bars along Main Road. The cocktail scene is small but growing; places like The Drinkery and The Duchess offer decent options. For a view, head to the Skybar at the Cape Royale hotel, which is open to the public and has a rooftop terrace looking towards the stadium and harbour. It is a 10-minute walk from most Green Point accommodations. Alternatively, the bar at the Green Point Lighthouse is a casual spot for a beer.

If you prefer something low-key, buy a bottle of wine from a local liquor store (like Norman Goodfellows on Main Road) and enjoy it at your hotel. Many hotels have communal areas or balconies. Do not drink in public spaces; it is not permitted. Also, be mindful that South Africa has strict drunk-driving laws, but since you are without a car, you can relax. Just keep an eye on your belongings and avoid walking alone late at night.

Getting Around and Getting Home

Green Point is compact and walkable, but if you need to cover distance, use a ride-share app like Uber or Bolt. A trip within Green Point costs around R30 to R60, and to the city centre it is R50 to R80. There are also metered taxis, but they are less common. The MyCiTi bus is an option for the wider city, but for an evening out, ride-share is more convenient. The Cape Town Stadium is a landmark for pick-up and drop-off points.

When returning to your hotel, pre-book your ride-share to avoid waiting on the street. Most hotels have secure parking and a waiting area. If you are staying in a guesthouse, the owner may offer to call a taxi for you. Avoid walking through poorly lit areas like the underpass near the stadium after dark. Stick to main roads and busy streets. The area is generally safe, but use common sense as you would in any city.

Before you book

The questions people ask about Cape Town, answered with this month’s numbers.