Towns and suburbs

Parow

Parow is a Tygerberg suburb of Cape Town near Bellville and Goodwood, known for its railway origins, access to the N1 and proximity to Tygerberg Hospital and major shopping areas.

Parow

Parow is a northern suburb of Cape Town in the Tygerberg area, about 20 km from the city centre. It lies between Goodwood, Bellville and Plattekloof, close to the N1 highway and Voortrekker Road. The suburb developed around the railway line and Parow Station and today forms part of the larger Bellville commercial and residential region, with easy access to the Cape Town International Airport and Tygerberg Hospital.

History of Parow

In 1865, a huge storm off Table Bay caused 19 ships to be stranded. One of these ships, the Kehrweider, was captained by Johann Heinrich Ferdinand Parow.
He decided to remain in the Cape and later married Johanna Wilhelmina Timmerman, whose family had helped him when he was stranded. He saw an opportunity in the Tyger Valley region, and he began selling and promoting the area for cattle trade. Here, he acquired great wealth.
While the village had a management board from 1902, it only became a municipality in 1939. The town was included in the Cape Town municipal land area in 1944 and incorporated into the more recently formed City of Tygerberg in 1996.

The postal codes  are Street Code 7500 and Box Code 7499

Things to see and do in Parow

Resources

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

local WEATHER  TODAY

Browse businesses and places to visit in Parow

 

Useful Numbers in Parow

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

  • Emergency Services

  • Police: 021 929 7037
  • Fire: Goodwood;021 590 1900
  • Ambulance: 10177

  • Medical

  • Closest hospital: Day Hospital 078 671 1226
  • Community health care centre; 021 444 0924
  • Pharmacy; Faulls 021 939 2120

  • Municipal & Utilities

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

  • Transport & Roads

  • Traffic department: Goodwood 021 444 7151

  • Community & Safety

  • SPCA: 021 700 4140

  • Local Contacts and Community Resources in Parow

    • Post office; 021 939 8080
    • MC Fick Hall:021 444 0916
    • Community Centre: 021 444 0265
    • Library: 021 444 0940
    • Museum: 021 911 5907

    • Schools in Parow

Florida High School 021 931 8922
P North primary:021 930 2663
Parow Primary; 021 911 3357
P East primary; 021 930 8655
P West primary; 073 548 965
Hoerskool Parow 021 939 4145
P prep;021 939 4582
P vallei prep 021 931 6251

 

 

FAQs about Parow

1. Where is it located?
Parow is in Cape Town’s northern suburbs, about 15 km from the city centre, between Goodwood and Bellville, along Voortrekker Road.

2. What is it known for?
The suburb is known for Parow Centre, Tygerberg Rugby Stadium, and is one of Cape Town’s oldest established suburbs, with easy access to major roads.

3. What type of area is it?
It’s a mixed residential and commercial suburb, offering affordable housing, shopping areas, and light industry zones.

4. How do you get there?
It is easily reached via the N1, Voortrekker Road, or De La Rey Road, with train and bus services linking it to the city.

5. What shopping centres are nearby?
The main retail hub is Parow Centre, with additional options like China Town and nearby N1 City Mall.

6. Is it a safe area?
It’s a busy urban area with active community policing and neighbourhood watch groups in residential zones.

7. What attractions or facilities are there?
Notable sites include Tygerberg Rugby Stadium, Parow Golf Course, and Jack Muller Park, popular for jogging and outdoor events.

8. Is there public transport?
Yes Metrorail trains, Golden Arrow buses, and taxis operate through Parow daily, making it well-connected.

9. Is it family-friendly?
Yes, it offers schools, parks, and sports clubs, making it suitable for families seeking affordable, central living.

  • Colourdots is an independent regional information resource for the Western Cape.
    Learn more about the project HERE

Updated October 2025

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors