Towns and suburbs

Gardens

Gardens is a central Cape Town suburb on the lower slopes of Table Mountain, close to the city centre, museums, and historic Company’s Garden.

Gardens is a central suburb of Cape Town, located on the lower slopes of Table Mountain and just south of the city centre. It borders suburbs including Oranjezicht, Vredehoek, and Tamboerskloof. The area is close to major cultural and civic sites such as the Company’s Garden and the South African National Gallery.

History of Gardens

Gardens is one of the oldest parts of Cape Town, probably named after the original gardens planted by Jan Van Riebeek to supply passing ships with fresh produce. The garden was established in 1652, shortly after the Dutch arrived here. It was laid out along the bank of the Fresh River by Hendrik Boom, who was the company’s master gardener. The garden was planted mainly with vegetables, but there was also a medicine garden. Within a few years, the garden grew to 18 hectares in size. When more produce became available from farms established along the banks of the Liesbeek River, the garden was slowly converted to an ornamental and botanical garden.
Today Gardens is a vibrant, trendy suburb with many restaurants, sidewalk coffee shops and art galleries along interesting streets.

The postcode for Gardens is 8001

Transport

Gardens is served by  MyCiTi Bus,  Golden Arrow Bus Services, and minibus taxis. See linked pages for details. Other options for getting around the Western Cape.

Things to see and do in Gardens

  • .Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel,
  • Company’s Garden,
  • Labia Theatre,
  • Take a guided walk through the neighbourhood with Voice Map
  • Michaelis School of Fine Art,
  • De Waal Park
  • Rugley  Road Park is a fenced playground. You can relax under the trees while the children play
  • The Ubuntu Tree at 99 Kloof Street, planted over 400 years ago, is believed to have magical and spiritual healing properties. The tree, also called“Nokuphila” ( Xhosa),’ place of the healing mother, where people gather for health and wellness.”This tree and other trees marked the border of a dam that held water that ran from the mountain, and people would gather to collect the fresh water. There is now a courtyard of a health and wellness centre built around the tree, where it still provides a place to receive, refresh, and inspire people.

Transport

Gardens is served by MyCiTi Bus, Services, and minibus taxis. See linked pages for details. Other options for getting around the Western Cape.

Resources

Practical information for the Western Cape, Regulations, permits and helpful tips. See the Colourdots coastal and nature use guide

WEATHER IN GARDENS

all listings in gardens

 

Useful Numbers

Residents and visitors can find important local contact numbers below, including police, medical services, utilities, and community facilities

  • Emergency Services

  • Police: Cape Town Central‎- 021-4678078
  • Fire: Cape Town Central- 021 444 8963
  • Ambulance: 10177

  • Medical

  • Closest hospital: Mediclinic- 021 464 5500
  • Pharmacy; Zetler Pharmacy-021 465 4217

  • Municipal & Utilities

  • Water: 0860 103 089
  • Electricity: 0860 103 089

  • Transport & Roads

  • Traffic department: Gallows Hill – 0860 103 089

  • Community & Safety

  • NSRI 087 094 9774
  • 24-hour Poisons Information Helpline of the Western Cape:  0861 555 777.
  • Childline South Africa: 116
  • SPCA: Cape Of Good Hope Grassy Park-021 700 4140

  • Local Contacts and Community Resources 

  • Iziko South African Museum 021 481 3800. The South African Museum, which is the oldest in the country, was established in 1825.
  • The small Jewish museum is at the local shul-021 465 1546
  • -South African National Gallery-021 481 3970
  • Post office; 021 465 1013
  • Library: Cape Town (National Library)- 021 424 6320

  • Schools in Gardens

  • Gardens Commercial High School-021 465 1236
  • Summit House-021 422 2299
  • Cape Town High School-021 424 2168
  • Cape Town French School, -021 461 2508
  • St Mary’s Primary School-021 465 1115
  • Hoërskool Jan van Riebeeck[3]-021 423 6347
  • Good Hope Seminary High School-021 465 2330
  • Tamboerskloof Primary School-021 423 6338
  • CTTH – Cape Town Torah High School-021 461 2524
  • Maara House-083 260 6489
  • Laerskool Jan Van Riebeeck-021 423 4209

 

Adjacent suburbs are: Bo Kaap, Devil’s Peak estate, Higgovale, Oranjezicht, Tamboerskloof and Vredehoek

FAQs about Gardens, Cape Town

1. What is Gardens known for?
Gardens is famous for its historic architecture, museums, art galleries, boutique shops, and cafés, as well as its proximity to Table Mountain and the Company’s Garden.

2. Are there restaurants and cafés?
Yes. There is a variety of restaurants, cafés, and bars, offering international cuisine, local dishes, and coffee spots for visitors and locals alike.

3. Is Gardens family-friendly?
Yes. The suburb offers parks, museums, and easy walking access to attractions, making it suitable for families and children.

4. Can I walk or cycle in Gardens?
Yes. the suburb is very walkable, with safe pedestrian paths. Cycling is allowed on most streets, but be mindful of traffic.

5. Are there shopping options?
Yes. Boutique shops, art galleries, and souvenir stores are scattered throughout the suburb, especially along Kloof Street and Loop Street.

6. Is Gardens safe?
Yes it is generally safe during the day. Standard urban safety precautions apply, especially at night or in quieter streets.

Updated October 2025

  • Colourdots is an independent regional information resource for the Western Cape.
    Learn more about the project HERE

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