TOWN: Claremont
Where leafy streets meet city energy — and history walks right alongside you.
Something Unique about the Town:
Claremont isn’t quite suburb, not quite city — it’s both. Tucked beneath the shadow of Table Mountain, it blends old-world charm with modern pulse. One moment you’re under ancient oaks lining historic roads, the next you’re sipping a flat white at a buzzing café or shopping at one of Cape Town’s biggest malls. It’s also home to some of the city’s best schools, green spaces, and quietly iconic architecture — from Victorian manors to art deco gems. In Claremont, everything is close, yet nothing feels rushed.
A Small History:
Claremont began as farmland and vineyards in the 18th century, slowly evolving into a well-to-do residential hub by the 1800s. The train line brought in bustle, and grand homes rose to house Cape Town’s elite. Even today, bits of that layered past remain — from cobblestone lanes and garden estates to old churches that still ring their bells. It’s a neighbourhood that grew with purpose, but never outgrew its soul.
Why Visit This Town:
You don’t come to Claremont for drama — you come for depth. Walk the pathways of Arderne Gardens where trees from five continents grow. Catch a rugby game at Newlands, browse indie bookstores, or explore vintage shops tucked between boutiques. It’s a place for morning jogs, sunset strolls, and quiet discoveries in unexpected corners.
Whether you’re looking for comfort, culture, or a perfect cappuccino with a view of the mountain — Claremont offers the best of Cape Town, wrapped in calm.
Claremont Attractions & Experiences
Where tree-lined avenues meet modern rhythm, and every corner holds a piece of Cape Town’s layered story.
Green Spaces & Gentle Wanders
Arderne Gardens: Tree Giants & Tranquillity
Step into a living fairytale — Arderne Gardens is home to some of the oldest and rarest trees in South Africa, with winding paths, koi ponds, and shady benches for catching your breath or your thoughts.
🌿 Local Tip: Visit in the late afternoon when the sunlight filters through the leaves like stained glass. Perfect for quiet dates, photo walks, or solo peace.
Claremont Greenbelt Walks
Escape the hum of traffic and wander through a surprisingly wild stretch along the Liesbeek River. Birdsong, trickling streams, and pockets of stillness make it a favourite with dog walkers and daydreamers alike.
Tip: Start early on weekends — it’s a hidden gem for morning jogs and mental resets.
Table Mountain Views from the Back Streets
You don’t have to hike the whole mountain — Claremont’s gentle uphill roads offer framed glimpses of Table Mountain, especially near Palmyra or Herschel.
Local Tip: The best shots happen just after a rain, when the mountain shows off her cleanest silhouette.
Culture, Stories & Suburban Soul
Newlands Rugby & Cricket Grounds
Just next door to Claremont, these iconic stadiums hold decades of sports history. Even on non-game days, the legacy lingers — take a walk past and feel the echoes.
Tip: Local pubs often screen matches with the kind of spirit that beats sitting in the stands.
Historic Homes & Old Avenues
Claremont’s older streets — like Belvedere, Church, and Oak Avenue — are lined with Victorian cottages, Edwardian facades, and leafy calm.
Tip: Look out for small plaques on heritage homes, or talk to longtime locals — many know the stories behind the walls.
St Saviour’s Church & Spiritual History
Built in the 1800s, this Gothic-style church still anchors part of the community. Whether you visit for a service, a walk, or just the architecture, it’s a beautiful pause in time.
Tip: Step inside when the bells ring — the acoustics are magical.
☕ Eat, Sip, Sit
Cafés with Character
From tiny espresso bars to sun-drenched patios, Claremont’s café scene is strong. Expect moer koffie, almond croissants, oat milk lattes — and enough regulars to make a stranger feel welcome.
Tip: Try a quiet corner at Starlings or Molten Toffee. Bring a book or a notebook. Time stretches out here.
Bakeries & Small-Batch Bites
Hidden down alleys or next to hardware stores, you’ll find small bakeries doing the real work — think sourdoughs, koeksisters, and the occasional surprise tart made from seasonal fruit.
Tip: Arrive early for the fresh batch. Some sell out by 10 a.m.
Diverse Eats: From Curry to Korean
Thanks to its student life and multicultural history, Claremont serves everything from Cape Malay classics to ramen bowls, wood-fired pizza, and vegan roti.
Tip: Skip the chains — explore the little places with handwritten menus. That’s where the flavour lives.
Markets, Makers & Little Treasures
Neighbourhood Bookstores & Antique Finds
Browse secondhand shelves, vintage crockery, or hand-knitted scarves. Claremont has a few tucked-away shops where time seems to move slower — and prices stay friendly.
📖 Tip: Ask shopkeepers what’s just come in. The best finds often aren’t on display yet.
Weekend Markets & Church Fundraisers
Pop-ups, food stalls, and fundraiser fêtes are common — often hosted in school grounds, church gardens, or parking lots. Expect local bakes, thrifted clothes, and the kind of community you can’t fake.
Tip: Check local Facebook groups or community pages for weekend schedules.
Claremont Weather Snapshot
Summer (Dec–Feb):
Warm with a mix of city heat and mountain breezes. Expect highs around 26–32°C. Bring sunscreen and an appetite for iced coffee.
Autumn (Mar–May):
Golden leaves, softer skies. Highs of 20–27°C with crisp mornings and perfect walking weather. Arderne Gardens is a dream this time of year.
Winter (Jun–Aug):
Cool, rainy, and perfect for soup, scarves, and vintage bookstores. Expect 10–18°C with bursts of sunshine between Cape Town’s famous drizzle.
Spring (Sep–Nov):
Blooming gardens, brighter days, and a lift in the air. Around 18–25°C, with jacarandas bursting into purple near October.
