I Love Obz
The most bohemian part of Cape Town is beautiful with a rough edge and certainly oozes character. A walk down lower main road in Observatory presents a wild mix of quaint little cafés and book stores, stone churches, art galleries, trendy restaurants, shady bars and colourful shops.
Observatory’s close proximity to the University of Cape Town with its hand still on the pulse of the city centre attracts local and foreign students, intellectuals, night owls and free spirits from every walk of life. Obz is truly a colourful neighbourhood, even withstanding segregation during the apartheid era. Here everyone joins together for heated discussion in balmy summer nights, a glass of wine by the fire, live music, readings or just a plate of delicious food.
Where to Stay
If you are visiting Cape Town, Obz is a backpacker’s Mecca as well. The boutique backpackers on Trill Road, 33 South, is among the best budget accommodations in Cape Town and right in the heart of Observatory. 33 South has artistically themed rooms celebrating the different suburbs of Cape Town and incredibly friendly and helpful staff.
Where to Go
If you are looking for a laid back venue for some grub and a beer Trenchtown is the place to go. The burgers and Caribbean cuisine are tasty and affordable and the reggae tunes create a mellow buzz in the summer night. For a glass of wine with friends head to A Touch of Madness (it’s actually a really nice restaurant, too). The Victorian style house has a cosy atmosphere and as the wine continues to flow, discussions carry on throughout the night.
