Cape Town has plenty of iconic attractions, but the places you remember most are usually the ones that feel alive. The streets where you can start your morning with a proper coffee, wander into a boutique you didn’t plan to visit, and end the day with a great meal, all without needing to drive across the city.
That’s exactly why Kloof Street is such a favourite.
And now it’s official: Kloof Street has been named one of Time Out’s “31 Coolest Streets in the World for 2025.” Framed by Table Mountain, it’s known for its vibrant mix of cafés, restaurants, boutiques and creative city energy.
If you’re staying at Cloud 9 Boutique Hotel & Spa, you’re perfectly placed, Kloof Street is just steps away, which means you can experience it properly: casually, walkably, and without the admin of constant Ubers. If you want to get a feel for Cape Town beyond a checklist, this is one of the best areas to base yourself.
Why Kloof Street made the list (and why it’s worth building your trip around)
Time Out’s “coolest streets” list isn’t about the most famous streets; it’s about the streets with real atmosphere. Places where locals actually go, where the food scene stays interesting, and where you can do a lot in a small area.
Kloof Street stands out because it’s:
- Walkable: you can do coffee, shopping, lunch, and dinner without travelling far
- Varied: casual cafés, date-night restaurants, creative shops, and city nightlife all in one stretch
- Scenic: Table Mountain frames the area and gives it that classic Cape Town feel
- Well-positioned: close to the City Bowl, Gardens, and easy routes to other highlights
If you’re choosing where to stay in Cape Town, this kind of neighbourhood matters. It means you can spend more time enjoying the city and less time planning logistics.
If you’re curious what a stay here looks like, browse the hotel’s curated Cape Town experiences to get a feel for the vibe and location.
Stay near the action: why Cloud 9 Boutique Hotel is a smart base
Where you stay in Cape Town changes the whole rhythm of your trip. If you’re too far out, you lose time in traffic. If you’re central but not in a walkable area, you end up planning every move.
Staying near Kloof Street gives you a “neighbourhood trip” — the kind where you can step out of your hotel and immediately be in the middle of good coffee, good food, and good energy.
That’s what makes Cloud 9 Boutique Hotel such a strong choice. You’re close enough to walk to Kloof Street whenever you feel like it, morning, midday, or evening, and close enough to pop back and reset between plans.
To choose the right room, start with the stay overview and then explore the room types that match your trip style, from Classic Rooms to Heritage Classic Rooms, Heritage Deluxe Rooms, and Heritage Deluxe Family Rooms.
When you’re ready, you can book your stay at Cloud 9 directly online.
What to do on Kloof Street (a simple guide that actually works)
Kloof Street is best enjoyed with a loose plan. Here’s a practical way to do it, whether you’re in Cape Town for a weekend or a longer stay.
1) Start with coffee and a slow morning
Kloof Street mornings are made for taking your time. Pick a café, grab a coffee, and sit for a bit. It’s one of the easiest ways to get into the Cape Town rhythm, relaxed, social, and a little bit stylish without trying too hard.
Tip: Weekends get busy. If you want a calmer vibe, go earlier.
2) Browse boutiques and local finds
This is where Kloof Street’s creative energy really shows up. You’ll find independent boutiques, design-forward gifts, and small local brands that feel curated (not generic).
Even if you’re not a “shopping person”, it’s worth doing a slow wander — it’s part of the experience.
3) Make lunch a highlight (or keep it light)
Kloof Street has options for every kind of appetite:
- quick and casual if you’re heading out afterwards
- long and relaxed if you want a proper midday break
- healthy and fresh, or full-on indulgent holiday mode
If you’ve got a big dinner planned, keep lunch lighter. If your evening is relaxed, make lunch the main event.
4) Reset at the hotel (this is the secret move)
If you’re staying close by, use that advantage. Pop back to Cloud 9 for a breather, a freshening up, or a bit of downtime. That one reset break can make your whole day feel more relaxed, and it stops your trip from turning into a marathon.
If you want to build a proper “treat yourself” moment into your trip, check out the Cloud 9 spa or browse current hotel offers and packages.
5) Come back for golden hour, dinner, and drinks
Kloof Street evenings are where the “cool street” title makes sense. The energy shifts; it’s lively, social, and still very Cape Town. If food is part of your Cape Town plan (and it should be), explore dining at Cloud 9 for an easy option close to home base. Not to mention the array of cocktails on the rooftop for you to enjoy.
Tip: In peak season, book dinner ahead (especially Thursday to Saturday).
A ready-to-use Kloof Street itinerary (perfect for a Cape Town weekend)
If you want a simple structure you can follow without overthinking it, here’s a weekend plan that keeps things easy.
Friday: arrive and settle in
- Check in at Cloud 9 Boutique Hotel
- Quick Kloof Street walk to get your bearings
- Dinner nearby, early night (or a relaxed drink)
If you need directions or want to ask a quick question before you arrive, you can reach the team via the Cloud 9 contact page.
Saturday: the full Kloof Street day
- Coffee + brunch
- Boutique browsing
- Lunch
- Hotel reset (spa or downtime)
- Dinner and drinks at rooftop bar
- Sunday: slow finish
- One last coffee – breakfast at Mountain Club Bistro – views of Table Mountain
- A final wander for anything you missed
- Check out and head to your next stop
To round out your weekend with a few nearby ideas, use the hotel’s guide to Cape Town attractions near Cloud 9.
Stay steps from one of the coolest streets in the world
Kloof Street’s Time Out recognition is a great headline, but the real reason it matters is simple: it’s one of the best places in Cape Town to spend time. The food, the shopping, the creative energy, and the mountain backdrop all come together in one walkable strip.
If you want to experience it properly, base yourself close by. Start with where to stay at Cloud 9, then book direct to lock in your dates. For more inspiration while you plan, browse the latest updates on the Cloud 9 blog.
FAQs about Kloof Street
Is Kloof Street safe for tourists?
Kloof Street is a popular, busy area in Cape Town’s City Bowl with lots of foot traffic, especially around cafés and restaurants. Like any city, it’s best to stay aware of your surroundings, keep valuables out of sight, and stick to well-lit areas at night. If you want local guidance, the team at Cloud 9 Boutique Hotel can point you to the best routes and spots.
Where should I stay near Kloof Street in Cape Town?
If you want to be able to walk to Kloof Street’s cafés, restaurants, and boutiques, staying nearby in the City Bowl / Gardens area is ideal. A convenient option is Cloud 9 Boutique Hotel, with room choices you can explore via the stay page.
What is Kloof Street known for?
Kloof Street is known for its mix of cafés, restaurants, bars, boutiques, and creative city energy- plus the fact that it sits right under Table Mountain. It’s a great “base neighbourhood” because you can do a lot in one area without needing to drive.
Ready to Pick Your Cape Town Base?
If you want a central neighbourhood with a boutique feel, easy access to Table Mountain, and a place you’ll actually enjoy coming back to, Gardens is a great choice.
Next step: Explore Cloud 9 Boutique Hotel & Spa and check availability for your dates.
Why was Kloof Street named one of the coolest streets in the world?
Kloof Street was included in Time Out’s list of the 31 coolest streets in the world for 2025, which highlights streets with strong local culture, great food and drink, and an overall standout atmosphere.
What are the best things to do on Kloof Street?
A simple Kloof Street day usually looks like: coffee, boutique browsing, a long lunch, a reset break, then dinner and drinks. If you want more nearby ideas to round out your trip, check the hotel’s guide to Cape Town attractions.
Is Kloof Street good for nightlife?
Yes — Kloof Street is a popular area for evening plans, with plenty of dinner and drinks options. If you want an easy option close to your base, explore dining at Cloud 9.
How do I book a stay at Cloud 9 Boutique Hotel?
You can book your stay online here. If you have questions before booking, use the contact page.