Cape Town’s vibrant East City has just been named one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world.
According to Time Out magazine’s 2024 rankings, which highlight 38 unique neighbourhoods globally, East City stands out for its culture, food, and creative energy, securing a spot in the top 20.
What Makes a Neighbourhood “Cool”?
Time Out didn’t just pick names out of a hat.
They carefully evaluated each neighbourhood against a set of criteria, including the local food scene, nightlife, arts, culture, and community spirit.
The goal was to spotlight areas with undeniable local flavour and a distinct sense of character.
Cape Town’s East City not only met these standards but exceeded them, earning the 19th spot on the list.
Over the past decade, this district has transformed from a neglected area into a buzzing hub of culture and design.
East City: A Blend of History and Modernity
East City’s history is deeply intertwined with the story of District Six, a former multi-racial suburb that was tragically destroyed during apartheid.
That historical significance can still be felt throughout the area, especially when visiting landmarks like the District Six Museum.
But alongside that rich history, the neighbourhood has evolved into a creative playground filled with local artists, digital nomads, and trendy co-working spaces.
Picture the energy of London’s Shoreditch or Brooklyn in its early days, but with a distinctly Cape Town vibe.
How to Spend a Day in East City
Time Out didn’t just give the neighbourhood a ranking; they painted a picture of the perfect day in East City.
Start your morning with a strong cup of coffee at Truth.Coffee, known for its single-origin beans and dedication to flavour.
For breakfast, head to New York Bagels on Harrington Street, before diving into the area’s cultural offerings.
A must-see is the District Six Museum, followed by a visit to StateoftheART for a dose of contemporary local art.
Need a sweet break? Stop by Charly’s Bakery for a quirky cupcake before exploring the literary treasures at The Book Lounge.
By evening, wind down with cocktails at Tommy’s Chop Shop, and cap the night with a seafood feast at Galjoen or some ramen at Downtown Ramen.
To truly experience the neighbourhood, consider staying at Neighbourhood’s chic apart-hotel.
The Global Cool List: Who Made the Top 10?
While Cape Town’s East City made an impression, it wasn’t the only neighbourhood to capture attention.
Topping the list was Notre-Dame-du-Mont in Marseille, France, followed by Mers Sultan in Casablanca, Morocco, and Pererenan in Bali, Indonesia.
Other neighbourhoods that cracked the top 10 include:
- Notre-Dame-du-Mont, Marseille
- Mers Sultan, Casablanca
- Pererenan, Bali
- Seongsu-dong, Seoul
- Kerns, Portland
- Stokes Croft and St Paul’s, Bristol
- Chippendale, Sydney
- Principe Real, Lisbon
- Glória, Rio de Janeiro
- Windsor, Melbourne
Looking Ahead
With East City continuing to evolve, it’s clear that Cape Town remains a key player in the global cultural landscape.
As neighbourhoods like this keep growing, who knows which spot in the city might make next year’s list?
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