Long Street

Overview

Long Street is Cape Town's most vibrant and eclectic urban thoroughfare, running through the heart of the city centre. Lined with Victorian-era buildings featuring ornate wrought-iron balconies, it buzzes with bookshops, vintage stores, backpacker lodges, and nightlife.

Highlights

• Victorian Architecture: Beautifully preserved balconied facades give the street its distinctive character.
• Bookshops: Several excellent secondhand and antiquarian bookshops.
• Nightlife: The epicentre of Cape Town's bar and club scene after dark.

History

One of the oldest streets in Cape Town, Long Street has been a commercial artery since the 18th century. It evolved through many identities — from a residential street to a red-light district to today's bohemian strip. Many buildings were saved from demolition by heritage preservation orders.

Visitor Tips

• Day vs Night: A completely different experience by day (shopping, cafés) and by night (bars, music).
• Safety: Be aware of your surroundings after dark; stick to well-lit, busy areas.
• Duration: 1–2 hours.