Why Kloof Street is the new heartbeat of Cape Town

Cape Town has a unique way of making you feel welcomed, almost as if it’s smiling back at you. Especially when the sunlight hits Table Mountain just right or when the ocean breeze encourages you to take a deep breath.

This year, "Time Out" has recognised the city's charm by including Kloof Street in its list of cool destinations. The list crowned Rio de Janeiro's Rua do Senado as the coolest street on Earth, with Osaka's Orange Street and Porto's Rua do Bonjardim taking the second and third spots, respectively.

Heavy hitters like Montreal, Thessaloniki, and New York City dominated the top 10, making Kloof Street's inclusion even more impressive.

Ranked 22nd globally, Kloof Street sits comfortably between Madrid’s Calle del Barquillo and London’s Blackstock Road, rubbing shoulders with destinations that travellers plan entire holidays around.

For many Capetonians, it’s simply the street you choose for special occasions: date night, lazy brunches, last-minute shopping, nostalgic memories, or a spontaneous evening stroll.

For those of us who have loved this city through multiple versions of ourselves, that recognition feels personal.

When I was a student, Cape Town was my playground. As a young adult, it guided me. Now, as a mom, I see the city differently; life is slower and gentler, but still full of discovery. Watching Kloof Street get global recognition feels like seeing an old friend succeed.

There was a time when Long Street was the heart of nightlife, culture and youthful chaos. It was where we went to dance, to discover ourselves, and sometimes to forget ourselves.

But like many iconic streets around the world, time shifted, energy moved, and Long Street lost some of its spark.

Kloof Street, on the other hand, grew up right in front of our eyes. What started as the quieter, somewhat “older cousin” to Long Street slowly transformed into Cape Town’s new heartbeat, a street buzzing with restaurants, concept stores, hidden gems, rooftop views, family-friendly stops, and late-night charm.

As "Time Out Cape Town" city editor Selene Brophy beautifully explains, “Kloof Street feels like Long Street’s more refined sibling … a street forever reinventing itself, yet never losing its Cape Town soul.”

And she’s right Kloof Street is effortlessly stylish, not in a forced, try-hard way but in that relaxed Cape Town manner that balances heritage with modern flavour. Victorian façades meet craft cocktails; broekie-lace balconies frame global cuisine; and concept stores sit next to cosy, decades-old favourites.

But this win is just one piece of a much bigger picture.

Cape Town has been quietly and sometimes loudly racking up accolades this year:

• World’s Best City for 2025.
• 4th Best Food City in the World.
• Cape Town Pizza (Fennel sausage, caramelised red onion and fior di latte ranked Top 20 globally).
• Top 3 global hiking destinations.
• The Labia is named one of the world’s most beautiful cinemas.
• Top 10 destinations for finding love.

For locals, Kloof Street’s charm isn’t about global recognition. It’s about the everyday magic it holds.

The world is finally seeing what we’ve known all along.

Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.

Cape Argus