Parow, Cape Town North

Lying in the northern suburbs of Cape Town, Parow is just east of Goodwood and southwest of Bellville, with easy access to some of the mother city’s major tributaries - the N7 and N1 - placing the suburb in an effortlessly reachable position for those needing to get to the city centre fast, or the outer reaches of the city via Paarl. Those living in Parow barely regard themselves as residents of the northern suburbs, because of the suburb’s proximity to the city bowl.

What is most attractive about Parow to visitors who stay here is its access to the modern shopping scene in Cape Town. The gigantean Canal Walk, Tygervalley shopping centre, and the Willowbridge lifestyle centre introduce hours of shopping mania for those so inclined. Add GrandWest Casino, which lies close to Parow, to the mix, and it becomes the recipe for a memorable spending spree.

Those less inclined to shop during their leisure time, and here for the Western Cape’s other major attraction - the wine - are perfectly placed in Parow. The Durbanville Wine Route, through the rolling Tygerberg hills, gives one access to over nine estates virtually around the corner from the suburb. Together with the Constantia wine route, it is one of few wine routes placed as close to a major city, and a complete pleasure to explore.

The Tygerberg Nature Reserve, a 278 hectare reserve placed close to Parow, provides not only a variety of hiking trails but superlative views over the Cape Peninsula. And the Durbanville Golf Club, aside from providing a good round of golf, has one of the prettiest settings of courses in the city.