Long Street in Cape Town is known for its restaurants, bars and clothing stores. Tourists flock to the shops on the street hoping to stumble on some hidden gems and most of the time they get more than they bargained for. From tea shops to vintage clothing stores, Long Street has it all. Here are our three favourite things to do while here:
Eat:
No one leaves Long Street without having a bite to eat. There are a number of different cuisines to try, from Indian to Middle Eastern. I love Eastern Food Bazaar (96 Long Street) that offers a mix of meals to whet the appetite of any foodie. Then there is Mama Africa(178 Long Street) that celebrates the African culture through its music and food. Indian restaurants are also quite popular, including Masala Dosa (167 Long Street).
Drink:
Long Street at night turns into a social hot spot for friends and college students who want to unwind after a long day. The vast number of drinking spots also offers a number of options for travellers. Beerhouse(223 on Long Street) is a contemporary beer hall with 25 taps and legendary ’99 Bottles’ of the best local and international beer. You can also give Tiger’s Milk (44 Long Street) a try. For tea fans, try Lady Bonin Tea Bar (213 Long Street) They serve the best teas and tea cocktails.
Shop:
If shopping is your passion, the street has many cool shops for you to peek into. Merchants on Long (34 Long Street) showcases stylish clothing, accessories and other goods designed and made in Africa while Vintage and The City(287 Long Street) offers the best in vintage clothing. One can spend hours wandering through the street looking for something great to buy yourself or loved ones back home.