Towns and suburbs

Observatory

Observatory is a suburb of Cape Town located along the Liesbeek River. Known for its historic astronomy heritage and creative community, it is a popular area for students, academics, and artists.

observatory

Observatory is an inner suburb of Cape Town located about five kilometres northeast of the city centre in the Western Cape. The suburb lies along the banks of the Liesbeek River and forms part of the Cape Flats fringe where the slopes of Devil’s Peak descend toward the low-lying plains. Observatory is bordered by neighbouring suburbs, including Mowbray, Salt River, and Woodstock. Its central location places it close to major transport routes such as the N2 highway and the rail corridor that links the southern suburbs with central Cape Town. The area’s geography includes riverbanks, historic residential streets, and proximity to educational and research institutions such as the University of Cape Town, which lies on the nearby slopes above the suburb.

History of Observatory

Observatory is known for its bohemian vibe and cultural diversity, quirky shops and vintage stores. It also has many lively restaurants offering everything from traditional South African dishes to international cuisine.

The Royal Observatory

This suburb is the seat of the South African Astronomical Society. The name is derived from the fact that the Royal Observatory, Cape of Good Hope, designed by Herbert Baker, was completed here in 1897.
The building is still used today as the headquarters of the South African Astronomical Observatory. The original McClean Telescope can still be seen here.
The suburb today is notable for its trendy alternative lifestyle. There are interesting shops and restaurants. The suburb is where many students stay while studying at the University of Cape Town.

Europeans were here in 1510

The earliest European history in this area involves a raid on a Goringhaiqua  Khoi Khoi village by Francisco de Almeida and company in 1510. Almeida was killed along with about 60 members of his company.
In 1657, the Koornhoop colony was granted land from the Dutch East India Company in the area of Observatory. Fourteen free burghers settled along the Liesbeek River.  Jan Van Riebeek Who was the governor of the Cape, instructed that a fort, “Fort Coornhoop”, should be constructed to protect the settlers against the Khoikhoi.

The postal codes for Observatory are 7925 (streets) and 7935 (boxes) 

Transport

Observatory is served by Metrorail, Golden Arrow Bus Services, and minibus taxis. See linked pages for details. Other options for getting around the Western Cape.

Things to see and do in Observatory

  • At the observatory, there is a museum exhibiting various historic instruments and telescopes.
  • There are great dog walking facilities along the river, and there is also a well-maintained dog park. Poop bag dispensers maintained by the OBSID are to be found here.
  • Granite skull sacred site
  • The Heart of Cape Town museum at Groot Schuur Hospital honours the world’s first heart transplant carried out here in 1967.
  • The Cape Town Science Centre
  • The OBZ festival is held in November. Arts and music  info@obsarts.org.za

Resources

Practical information for the Western Cape, Regulations, permits and helpful tips. See the Colourdots coastal and nature use guide

Useful Numbers

Residents and visitors can find important local contact numbers below, including police, medical services, utilities, and community facilities

  • Emergency Services

  • Police; Mowbray Police Station-021 680 9580
  • Fire: City of Cape Town – Fire Station-021 444 0830
  • Ambulance: 10177

  • Medical

  • Closest hospital; Groote Schuur Hospital-021 404 9111
  • Pharmacy; Lifestyle pharmacy-021 448 1037

  • Municipal & Utilities

  • Water: 0860 103 089
  • Electricity: 0860 103 089

  • Transport & Roads

  • Traffic Department: Gallows Hill Traffic Department-0860 103 089
  • Road Emergencies / SANRAL: 0800 204 204

  • Community & Safety

  • 24-hour Poisons Information Helpline of the Western Cape:  0861 555 777.
  • NSRI 087 094 9774
  • Childline-116

  • Local Contacts and Community Resources 

  • Post office; Mowbray Post Office-021 447 1205
  • Library:021 447 9017
  • Hartleyvale stadium:021 448 8652 Willow Road
  • Sports Centre: 021 447 3690
  • Recreation Centre:021 447 3690

  • Museums;

  • Cape Town Science Centre-021 300 320
  • Heart of Cape Town Museum-021 404 1967
  • South African Astronomical Observatory – 021 447-0025
  • Ratepayers association: chair@obs.org.za   

  • Schools in Observatory

  • School of Hope-021 447 0334  
  • Mary Kihn School for Partially Hearing Children-021 447 0310
  • Observatory Junior School-021 447 1495
  • Mary Kihn School for Partially Hearing Children-021 447 0310
  • Find a comprehensive list of Cape Town Emergency numbers HERE
  • The City of Cape Town Public Emergency Communication Centre is available 24/7 for all life or property-threatening emergencies. Call 021 480 7700 from any phone or 107 from a landline or report online at https://bit.ly/3o4Ji3K          
  • Colourdots is an independent regional information resource for the Western Cape.
    Learn more about the project HERE

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