Offices to Rent in Cape Town CBD: A Guide to the Most Popular Buildings

Cape Town’s City Centre has established itself as one of South Africa’s most active office markets. It combines strong transport links, a wide range of building options, and access to retail, hospitality, and cultural attractions. For businesses, the CBD offers flexibility and visibility in a location that is central to both staff and clients.

We connect businesses with the best office space in Cape Town’s CBD. We understand the strengths of each building and what type of tenants they suit. This guide explores some of the most popular buildings, the benefits they offer, and why the CBD remains a leading choice for office users.

Why Choose Cape Town CBD for Your Office?

The CBD offers access to a strong network of transport routes including MyCiTi buses, taxis, and Cape Town station. Businesses benefit from proximity to financial institutions, government offices, and major corporates. The area is also supported by hotels, restaurants, and retail, which makes it attractive for both staff and visiting clients.

Office space in the CBD ranges from small suites suited to start-ups and professional practices to large floor plates for corporates. Rental rates vary by building grade, location, and amenities, giving tenants the ability to match their budget with their business needs. From a lifestyle perspective, working in the CBD offers convenience. Staff can access gyms, fitness studios, and recreational spaces within the city. The V&A Waterfront is a short distance away, offering additional retail, dining, and leisure options. The CBD’s walkable environment supports a balanced workday, allowing people to move easily between meetings, meals, and errands.

The Portside Building

Portside is the tallest building in Cape Town and one of the most recognizable office towers in the city. It offers premium-grade office space with large floor plates, modern finishes, and energy-efficient systems. Many banks, insurers, and professional firms occupy space in Portside due to its central position and infrastructure. Tenants benefit from secure parking, 24-hour security, and access to retail and dining options within walking distance. The building’s design allows businesses to create flexible layouts that support collaboration. For businesses seeking a high-profile presence, Portside remains a leading option.

The Box

Located on Riebeek Street, The Box has become a landmark in the Cape Town CBD. The building has undergone major upgrades to improve sustainability and tenant experience. Its central location places tenants close to public transport, retail outlets, and food services. The Box suits businesses looking for a modern office with flexible space. Smaller companies can take advantage of smaller suites, while larger tenants can secure full floors. The building also appeals to tenants focused on reducing operating costs through improved energy efficiency.

The Towers

The Towers are located in the Foreshore precinct, offering easy access to both the N1 and N2 highways. The buildings provide large office floors with views over Table Mountain and Cape Town Harbour. The location makes them attractive for businesses whose staff commute from different parts of the city. The Towers have attracted both international and local corporates. The space is suited to businesses requiring scale and visibility in a secure and accessible environment.

The Felix

The Felix is a popular choice for small to medium-sized businesses. It offers affordable office space in a central location. Tenants benefit from flexible floor plans, natural light, and on-site retail amenities. Located near public transport hubs, The Felix is particularly attractive to creative industries, IT companies, and professional firms. It balances affordability with convenience, making it one of the more competitive buildings in the CBD for growing businesses.

33 Waterkant Street

33 Waterkant Street offers well-located office space with strong visibility. It is close to transport routes and surrounded by retail, dining, and hospitality options. The building attracts businesses looking for mid-sized office space in the heart of the city. Tenants value its accessibility and the balance between cost and location. For companies looking to establish a city presence without committing to premium rentals, 33 Waterkant Street is a solid choice.

1 Thibault Square

1 Thibault Square is one of the tallest office towers in the city and a landmark in the CBD. It provides large floor plates and extensive parking. Its central location offers direct access to MyCiTi routes and Cape Town station. The building suits businesses requiring scale and visibility. Tenants benefit from efficient layouts, security, and proximity to both corporate and government institutions.

Other Notable Buildings

In addition to the flagship properties above, several other buildings in the Cape Town CBD remain in strong demand:

• The Halyard – a modern building in the Foreshore with excellent views and infrastructure.

• Media24 Centre – home to media and creative industries.

• The Exchange – smaller office suites suited to professional practices.

These buildings add to the variety available, allowing tenants to find a space that matches both budget and operational needs.

Rental Trends in the Cape Town CBD

Office rentals in the CBD vary widely depending on building grade and size. Premium-grade buildings such as Portside and The Box command higher rentals, while B-grade buildings such as The Felix or 33 Waterkant Street provide more affordable options. Rental levels are influenced by demand from professional services, financial firms, and government tenants. Businesses relocating to Cape Town from other provinces also contribute to demand in the CBD. Landlords in the area often provide flexible lease terms or tenant installation allowances to attract new occupiers. This creates opportunities for businesses to secure space that aligns with both budget and growth strategy.

Benefits of Locating in the Cape Town CBD

• Central Location – easy access for staff, clients, and partners.

• Transport Links – connectivity via MyCiTi, trains, and major highways.

• Business Ecosystem – proximity to corporates, government, and financial institutions.

• Amenities – hotels, retail, and hospitality within walking distance.

• Flexible Options – availability of small suites, medium offices, and large floor plates.

The Cape Town CBD offers flexibility for a wide range of tenants, from small consultancies to large corporates.

How we Support Your Search

We understand the detail of the Cape Town CBD office market. We have direct access to current vacancies in all the leading buildings and maintain relationships with landlords across the city. Our leasing team works with you to define your space requirements, budget, and location preferences. We then identify options, arrange viewings, and negotiate lease terms on your behalf. Our goal is to ensure that you secure space that supports your business strategy and operational needs.

Office Interior Design Services

If you are considering office space in the Cape Town CBD, now is the time to explore your options. Contact Us today to view available offices in Portside, The Box, The Towers, The Felix, 33 Waterkant Street, 1 Thibault Square, and other landmark buildings.