Ditch the Uber, grab your sneakers, and explore the city’s best open-air sanctuaries

Cape Town is a show-off. We know it, you know it. Between the mountain looming over your left shoulder and the ocean glittering on your right, it’s a city begging to be explored.

But let’s be honest - sometimes you don’t want to tackle the vertical incline of Lion’s Head. Sometimes, you just want to "touch grass," listen to a podcast, or clear your head between Zoom calls without driving halfway across the peninsula.

At Neighbourgood, we are huge advocates of the 15-minute city. We believe your best life - your coffee, your workspace, your gym, and your nature fix - should be within a short walk or ride from your front door.

But we also know that safety is the number one question on everyone’s mind when navigating the CBD.

So, we’ve curated the Neighbourgood Green Guide. These are the safest, most scenic, and most accessible outdoor spaces where you can stroll, cycle, or picnic with peace of mind.

1. The Company’s Garden (The CBD Oasis)

📍 Location: Queen Victoria Street, CBD 🚶 Distance from Neighbourgood 129, 93 Bree and East City Workspace and Living : ~ 5 min walk

If you are working from our Bree Street or East City locations, this is your backyard. The Company’s Garden is the oldest garden in South Africa, but it’s far from a dusty museum piece. It is a thriving green lung right in the center of the concrete jungle.

Why we love it: It’s bustling. Because it connects the High Court to the museums, there is always foot traffic, which adds a layer of safety. Security patrols are visible, and the vibe is a mix of office workers eating lunch, tourists looking for squirrels, and locals reading on the grass.

Neighbourgood Tip: Grab a takeaway flat white from our Nice Cafe at Church House and walk the oak-lined avenue all the way up to the Iziko Museum. It’s the perfect 20-minute mental reset.

2. Green Point Urban Park (The Modern Sanctuary)

📍 Location: Green Point (Next to the Stadium)
🚲 Transport: A quick MyCiTi bus ride or a cycle along the Fan Walk, or an easy stroll along the promenade to the park.

This is one of the city’s most loved and beautifully maintained parks. It’s secure, well cared for, and easy to enjoy, with winding garden paths, calming water features, and flat routes that are perfect for walking or running.

Why we love it: It feels like a different world. The "Biodiversity Garden" is educational (and beautiful), and there are designated picnic spots, outdoor gyms, and plenty of space to stretch out. Because it’s right next to the stadium, the energy is active and upbeat.

Neighbourgood Tip: Bring a book and take your time. The lawns are perfect for sun-soaked reading, and the park café is simple, affordable, and comforting - like a homemade lunch away from home.

3. The Sea Point Promenade (The Social Strip)

📍 Location: Mouille Point to Sea Point 🚲 Transport: Rent an UpCycle bike at the Pavilion or jog from Green Point.

Okay, it’s not a "park" in the traditional sense, but the Prom is the city’s collective living room. Stretching from the lighthouse in Mouille Point all the way to Sea Point, this paved strip is the ultimate place to see and be seen.

Why we love it: Safety in numbers. The Promenade is packed with runners, dog walkers, skaters, and families from sunrise to sunset. There is also a strong law enforcement presence on bikes and segways. It’s flat, it smells like the ocean, and the sunsets are undefeated.

Neighbourgood Tip: Walk all the way to Saunders Rocks tidal pool. On the way, you’ll pass outdoor gyms and quirky art installations - and if you’re feeling brave, take a refreshing cold-plunge dip at the pool (it’s great for the immune system!).

4. Battery Park (The Urban Canal)

📍 Location: V&A Waterfront Canal District 🚶 Distance from Neighbourgood Cape Quarter Workspace & Living Space: ~10 min walk

Tucked behind the V&A Waterfront, Battery Park is a newer addition to the city’s outdoor scene, and it is stunning. Connected to the city by the canal, it offers a blend of concrete urban design and green lawns.

Why we love it: As part of the V&A precinct, the security here is top-tier (CCTV and patrols), making it a worry-free zone. It’s a hub of activity with a skate park and basketball court, giving it a cool, youthful energy.

Neighbourgood Tip: Rent a Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) and paddle the canals, or just sit on the steps and watch the sun go down over the harbour.

5. De Waal Park (The Dog Lover’s Dream)

📍 Location: Oranjezicht 🚲 Transport: A steep walk or a quick MyCiTi bus up Kloof Street.

Nestled right under the mountain, De Waal Park is a community favourite. It’s fully fenced and famous for being the most dog-friendly park in town. The Victorian fountain and massive trees provide plenty of shade.

Why we love it: It feels like a neighbourhood hangout. It’s less "touristy" than the Company’s Garden and more about locals catching up while their dogs play. On summer Sunday afternoons, you can often catch free concerts at the bandstand.

🧠 Street Smarts: The Neighbourgood Checklist

We want you to explore, but we also want you to be "city savvy." Here is how to walk smart in Cape Town:

Ditch the Noise Cancellation: We love a good playlist, but keep one earbud out or the volume low so you are aware of your surroundings.
Stash the Tech: If you aren’t taking a photo, keep your phone in a zipped pocket or bag. Walking while scrolling makes you a target (and you might walk into a pole).
Buddy Up: Everything is better with friends. Grab a fellow Neighbourgood member for a walk that you met at one of our community events - there is safety in numbers, and it’s a great way to network.
Trust Your Gut: If a path feels too quiet or isolated, stick to the main routes where the people are.

Ready to explore? The city is waiting. Whether you’re on a bike, a bus, or your own two feet, getting outside is the best way to reset.

See you on the streets!

Stepping Out: The Ultimate Guide to Cape Town’s Safest Green Spaces & City Walks