Century City is a self-contained, master-planned urban precinct in Cape Town, roughly 10 km from the city centre. It combines premium hotels, a world-class conference centre, waterway-lined canals, acclaimed restaurants, and secure residential living — making it one of the Western Cape’s most versatile destinations for business travellers, conference delegates, and leisure tourists alike.
What Is Century City?
Century City is a privately developed, mixed-use precinct located in the northern suburbs of Cape Town, situated between the N1 highway and Ratanga Road. Developed by the Rabie Property Group, it spans roughly 250 hectares and integrates commercial offices, retail, hospitality, residential, and leisure facilities into a single, walkable environment.
The precinct is anchored by Canal Walk Shopping Centre, one of the largest malls in Africa, and the Century City Conference Centre, which draws thousands of delegates annually. Canals, wetlands, and tree-lined promenades weave through the development, giving it a distinctly European feel that surprises many first-time visitors.
Getting to Century City
Century City sits approximately 10 km north of the Cape Town CBD, making it easily accessible by road and public transport.
- By car: Take the N1 highway and exit at Century City / Ratanga Road. Ample secure parking is available throughout the precinct.
- By MyCiTi Bus: The MyCiTi BRT system connects Century City directly to the Cape Town CBD, the Waterfront, and Cape Town International Airport. Services run frequently during peak hours.
- By Uber / taxi: Ride-hailing services are widely available and typically cost R80–R150 from the CBD (fares vary by time of day).
- By train: The nearest Metrorail station is Century City station on the Cape Winelands line, though the MyCiTi bus is generally the more convenient public option.
For a full breakdown of transport options, visit our Century City getting around guide.
Where to Stay in Century City
Century City Hotels, part of African Rain Collection, operates four distinct accommodation options within the precinct — each suited to a different travel style.
| Property | Type | Best For |
| Bridgewater Hotel | 4-star hotel and apartments | Leisure & bleisure travellers |
| Urban Square Hotel | 4-star hotel | Business travellers & short stays |
| Axis Apartments | Modern self-catering apartments | Extended stays, families and Long-stay professionals |
All three properties sit within walking distance of Canal Walk, the conference centre, and the precinct’s restaurant strip — a genuine advantage over hotels located in the Cape Town CBD, where traffic and parking add friction to every outing.
Dining and Nightlife in Century City
Century City’s restaurant and bar scene has matured significantly over the past five years. The precinct now supports a diverse mix of casual eateries, upscale restaurants, and rooftop bars, concentrated along the canal-facing boardwalk.
Highlights include:
- Craft beer and cocktail bars ideal for post-conference unwinding
- International cuisine ranging from sushi and pan-Asian to wood-fired Italian and contemporary South African
- Canal Walk food court and restaurant level, catering to every budget and dietary requirement
- Hotel dining at the Bridgewater and Urban Square properties, with menus that reflect Western Cape seasonal produce
Explore the full Century City restaurants and bars directory before you arrive so you can book ahead — popular spots fill quickly during conference season.
Attractions and Things to Do
Century City is not purely a business precinct. Its mix of outdoor spaces, retail, and cultural venues gives leisure visitors — and bleisure travellers extending a work trip — plenty to explore.
Canal Walk Shopping Centre
With over 400 stores, Canal Walk is one of South Africa’s premier retail destinations. It houses flagship international brands, a cinema complex, a food market, and regular weekend events. The mall is a five-minute walk from the Century City Hotels properties.
Intaka Island Eco-Reserve
One of Cape Town’s hidden gems, Intaka Island is a 16-hectare urban wetland reserve sitting inside the Century City precinct. It is home to over 200 bird species and offers guided canoe tours and walking trails. Entry is free for most visitors, with guided tours available for a nominal fee. It is a rare opportunity to experience indigenous fynbos and wetland birding without leaving the city.
The Paddlers Club
The Century City canals support kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, with equipment hire available through the Paddlers Club. Sessions are popular with hotel guests looking for an active morning before conference sessions begin.
Ratanga Junction Site
The former Ratanga Junction theme park site is currently being redeveloped as part of a broader Rabie Property Group expansion. While the rides are no longer operational, the surrounding area is evolving into additional mixed-use development that will further enhance the precinct’s offering by 2026–2027.
Proximity to Greater Cape Town Attractions
Century City’s location on the N1 corridor places it within easy reach of the broader Western Cape:
- Cape Town CBD & V&A Waterfront: 20–25 minutes by car or MyCiTi bus
- Table Mountain National Park: 30–35 minutes by car
- Cape Winelands (Stellenbosch, Franschhoek): 45–60 minutes by car
- Boulders Beach Penguin Colony: approximately 60 minutes by car
- West Coast National Park: approximately 75 minutes by car
Conferences and Business Events in Century City
The Century City Conference Centre is one of the most technically advanced venues in Africa, capable of hosting events from intimate boardroom meetings to large-scale exhibitions. It is connected to the Century City Hotels properties, eliminating the logistical headaches that plague event organisers at off-site accommodation.
Safety and Security in Century City
Security is a genuine consideration for visitors to any city. Century City operates as a privately managed precinct with 24-hour security, CCTV coverage, and controlled access points at key entry locations. This infrastructure makes it one of the most secure urban environments in the Western Cape.
Visitors should still exercise standard urban awareness — particularly when using public transport at night — but the precinct itself has a strong safety record that gives both business travellers and families added peace of mind.
How to Plan Your Stay: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Define your travel purpose. Business only, leisure only, or a bleisure blend? This determines which Century City Hotels property suits you best.
- Check the conference calendar. If your dates overlap with a major event at the Century City Conference Centre, book accommodation early — rooms across the precinct sell out quickly.
- Book transport in advance. If you are flying into Cape Town International Airport, arrange an airport transfer with the hotel. Plan your dining. Reserve at popular restaurants before you arrive, especially Thursday to Saturday evenings.
- Schedule at least one leisure activity. Even a 90-minute guided walk through Intaka Island or a morning paddle on the canals transforms a purely transactional trip into a memorable Cape Town experience.
- Extend into the Winelands. If your schedule allows, a day trip to Stellenbosch or Franschhoek is easily arranged from Century City and adds genuine Western Cape flavour to any visit.
Why Century City Stands Out in Cape Town
Century City occupies a unique position in Cape Town’s hospitality landscape. It offers the security, walkability, and amenity density of a European business district, combined with the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Western Cape.
For conference delegates, the proximity of world-class accommodation to the conference centre is unmatched. For leisure tourists, the precinct’s canals, eco-reserve, and retail make it a credible base from which to explore the broader city. For bleisure travellers — the fastest-growing segment in South African business tourism — it delivers both without compromise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Century City safe for tourists?
Century City is one of the most secure precincts in Cape Town, with 24-hour private security, CCTV, and controlled access. Visitors should still apply standard urban awareness, particularly outside the precinct boundaries.
How far is Century City from Cape Town International Airport?
Century City is approximately 15–20 minutes by car from Cape Town International Airport, depending on traffic.
What is the best hotel in Century City for business travellers?
The Urban Square Hotel is purpose-designed for business travellers, offering streamlined check-in, business amenities, and direct walkway access to the Century City Conference Centre.
Can I visit Intaka Island without a guide?
Yes. Intaka Island Eco-Reserve offers self-guided walking trails free of charge during operating hours. Guided canoe tours and birding walks are available at additional cost and should be booked in advance.
Are Century City Hotels suitable for extended stays?
Yes. The Bridgewater Apartments and Axis Apartments offer fully serviced and self-catering options designed for stays of one week or longer, with kitchenettes, laundry facilities, and flexible lease terms.