South Africa
beauty, you'll never forget

Fun vibes and an excuse to stay out all night!

Long Street spans the city of Cape Town from Table Bay Boulevard in the north-west of the city, crossing 19 streets to Buitensingel in the south-west. 

It is known for its unconventional diverse multi-cultural inhabitants who have turned it into a popular meeting place for people who enjoy the diversity of life and especially to come together to celebrate a special occasion. It has a vivacious and bustling energy by day as well as by night. The more attractive part of the street runs from Buitensingel Street up to Strand Street.

The fashion world is also well represented in this street and the young and the trendy people look for all the new fashions from the many boutiques lining this famous street.

Attractions

The many varied establishments in this street include:

  • Antique shops
  • Book Stores
  • Boutiques
  • Clubs
  • Coffee shops
  • Designer Fashion houses
  • Ethnic Restaurants and bars
  • Pavement cafes in summer attract that attract many visitors
  • Private decks and roof top lounges
  • SA Mission Museum which is the oldest mission church in South Africa 1799
  • Second-hand shops
  • Street ware boutiques
  • Theatres
  • Youth hostels that accommodate many international visitors

Activities

  • Long Street Baths
  • South African Slave Church Museum

Architecture

The street consists mainly of Victorian buildings with wrought iron balconies and several old mosques such as the Palm Tree Mosque dating from 1780. A Victorian styled carnival court where the aristocracy kept apartments is still standing tall.

History

In the 1960’s the street became dilapidated and buildings were being demolished but by 1990 developers had renovated the street to its former glory with the help of heritage groups and preservation societies. These societies fought the municipal by-laws to stop the destruction of the buildings that had been abandoned.

In 1980 the Blue Lodge, that is now a backpacker lodge and internet café, was almost totally in ruins and was reconstructed by interested parties. Today it stands as the best kept and restored building of the street.

The Dubliner at Kennedy’s was very run down at one stage but is now a popular Irish-themed bar and restaurant. The original YMCA is now the Pan African market building

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