De Waterkant is the most stylish neighbourhood in Cape Town — a historic district at the foot of Signal Hill, famous for its brightly painted Georgian houses, its cobbled streets, and its position as the epicentre of Cape Town’s gay and creative communities. It is a neighbourhood of boutique hotels, art galleries, and some of the best restaurants in the city. De Waterkant is also within walking distance of the V&A Waterfront, the Cape Town Stadium, and the Bo-Kaap. Hiring a car here lets you explore Table Mountain, the Cape Winelands, the Cape Peninsula, and the beaches of the Atlantic Seaboard.
We compare Avis, Hertz, Europcar and local operators in De Waterkant. Compact cars start around €20/day. The neighbourhood is 1 kilometre from the V&A Waterfront.
Why Hire a Car in De Waterkant
- The V&A Waterfront: Cape Town’s most popular tourist destination, with shops, restaurants, the Two Oceans Aquarium, and boat trips to Robben Island.
- Table Mountain: The flat-topped mountain that dominates Cape Town. The cable car takes you to the summit, where the views of the city, the ocean, and the mountains are spectacular.
- The Bo-Kaap: Just above De Waterkant, a neighbourhood of brightly coloured houses, cobbled streets, and a Cape Malay culture that is unique to Cape Town.
- The Cape Winelands: 1 hour east. Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl produce some of the best wine in the world, with beautiful vineyards and historic estates.
- The Cape Peninsula: A scenic drive that takes you to Hout Bay, Chapman’s Peak (one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the world), the Cape of Good Hope, and Boulders Beach (home to a colony of African penguins).
- The Beaches: Clifton, Camps Bay, and Llandudno are the most famous beaches on the Atlantic Seaboard, with white sand and cold water.
- Robben Island: The prison island where Nelson Mandela was held for 18 years. Ferries depart from the V&A Waterfront.
- The Food: Cape Town is one of the best food cities in the world, with restaurants like The Test Kitchen, La Colombe, and the local favourites in Bree Street.
Driving in De Waterkant and Cape Town
South Africa drives on the left. The roads in Cape Town are good, but traffic is heavy during rush hours. The N1 and N2 connect to the rest of the country. Speed limits are 120 km/h on highways, 100 km/h on main roads and 60 km/h in towns.
Parking in De Waterkant is in designated areas — expect R 20–40 per hour. At the V&A Waterfront, parking is in multi-storey car parks.
Booking Tips for De Waterkant
- Book 3–4 weeks ahead for summer (December–February).
- Book Table Mountain cable car tickets online.
- Book Robben Island ferries in advance — they sell out.
- GPS is useful — Cape Town’s road network is complex.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Hire in De Waterkant
Is De Waterkant safe? Yes — it is one of the safest and most vibrant neighbourhoods in Cape Town.
Do I need an SUV? For the city and main roads, a compact car is fine. For gravel roads and safaris, an SUV is recommended.
Can I use my driving licence? Yes — most national licences are valid. An International Driving Permit is recommended.