Observatory Area Profile

Observatory at a glance

Observatory Property

Observatory Location

Observatory is one of Cape Town's trendiest suburbs and is a hub of creativity, innovation, and inspiration. Heavily influenced by the student culture of the area, Obs (as it's referred to by locals) is youthful and bohemian to the core. Young professionals also flock to the area because it offers a unique lifestyle matched only by neighbouring Woodstock. The area received major gentrification since 2004 when the Minister of Finance signed the UDZ Tax Incentive scheme into effect. While the area's property value only continues to grow as a result of the improvements, it has never lost its soul.

Observatory Property For Sale & Observatory Rental Property
Observatory Best Blocks

• Obs Court

Obs Court, built by FWJK Developers, is a large, secure apartment complex at 3A Howe Street. It's conveniently located near a Jammie Shuttle route giving easy access to the University of Cape Town (UCT). The block also features secure underground parking and a full list of amenities: rooftop swimming pool, gymnasium, braai area and coffee shop. Apartments range from single bed studios (35 sqm) up to generously proportioned 2 bedroom flats (77 sqm). Obs Court is perfect for students and young professionals looking for a taste of bohemian, off-campus life. Professionals working at the Woolworths Financial Services won't find a more convenient place to live than Obs Court - their 21 Howe Street offices are just a block away!

• The Factory

The Factory - designed by Darryl Croome Architects and built by Aquacor property developers - was built to bridge the divide between property designed for students and young professionals. The Factory is the best of both worlds. The convenient location near a Jammie Shuttle stop, and just 4 minutes from the Neighbourgoods Market. The block features 24 hour manned security, rooftop pool, entertainment and braai area plus a laundry and gym. The Factory ticks all of the boxes.

• Devon Place

Devon Place is highly sought after by students studying at the UCT Faculty of Health Sciences and young professionals working at nearby Groote Schuur Hospital. The secure complex with 24-hour manned security features 76 units with a leafy central courtyard and swimming pool with ample secure parking. Convenience is one of Devon Place's biggest strengths with the St Peter's Square shopping centre next door.

• Obz Junction

Obz Junction is a stylish, secure complex built by Cape Living Developers. The developers bought 3 residential erfs and constructed a block with the med student in mind. The project was completed in 2009 and comprises 52 units between 40 sqm and 70 sqm. With a central courtyard populated by flourishing trees, the block has a quiet tranquillity making it ideal to rest, recuperate and escape the daily bustle.

Observatory Lifestyle

• Kind Regards is a trendy and extremely popular bar and restaurant on Lower Main Road. The venue is vibey, young and tons of fun. The outside patio is especially nice in the sunny summer months for sundowners and supper.
• If urban jungle is more your thing, then Cocoa Cha Chi can't be missed! Their Obs venue is beautifully decorated with more plants than you can shake a stick at. Plus the menu is uncomplicated with plenty of healthy options while keeping a space open for those more indulgent moments. Fancy an avo on toast for breakfast? Done. Feel like indulging in a thick, juicy burger draped in cheese and bacon? You won't be disappointed.
• Ferdinando's Pizza is authentically Obs to the core. From the street, it's unmissable with a bright orange facade and once you enter the doors you'll be warmly welcomed by the friendly staff. As the name would suggest, the restaurant specialises in pizza and you won't be disappointed. Their wood-fired pizzas are some of the best in Cape Town with vegan, vegetarian, and meaty options galore.
• 1890 House of Sushi is an authentic taste of the Far East prepared in the traditional way. Their sushi is artfully made and they pride themselves on an uncompromising approach to ingredients and technique - only the finest will do!
• The Wild Fig offers a touch class with a family-oriented energy at an unforgettable location. On the banks of the Liesbeek river, the outdoor seating is absolutely beautiful with plenty of trees and natural greenery in the summer months. As for winter, the venue is no less welcoming featuring a fully-functional fireplace to set the homey mood.

Observatory Shopping

Observatory offers a full-spectrum of shopping experiences. From your everyday convenience at St Peter's Square with Pick n' Pay and bank branches to eclectic thrifting at BangBang Vintage Market. The Neighbourgoods Market in neighbouring Woodstock gives local, small businesses a chance to shine as well.

Observatory Weather

Due to Observatory's positioning in relation to Table Mountain it is unsheltered from either north westerly winds or south easterly winds coming in from False Bay. That said, the suburb still enjoys Cape Town's world-famous climate with beautiful, sunny, and dry summers plus cosy, wet winters. Her winter's are very mild by international standards with the coldest month (August) seeing average lows of just 10.2°C.

Observatory Healthcare

Observatory healthcare access is as good as it gets in Cape Town! The suburb is sandwiched between Groote-Schuur Hospital in the west and the Life Vincent Pallotti Hospital at the edge of Pinelands to the east.

Observatory Schools & Education

Observatory is home to the University of Cape Town's Medical School making it a Mecca for high achieving tertiary students. Down the road in Rondebosch, moms and dads will find some of the best primary schools and high schools in the country.