Ob's
Observatory is a community on the outskirts of Cape Town that is defined by its strong student presence and interesting history. And, in terms of food, some of the best deals in Cape Town can be found in and around Observatory which is commonly referred to as Ob’s. The community is named after the major astronomical observatory found within it. Origianlly, Observatory was a complex estuary interlocking the Black and the Leesbiek Rivers. Geographically, it is now situated between the neighbourhoods of Salt River and Mowbray.
Observatory has a very rich history, and was one of the only racially integrated communities in apartheid South Africa. Today, its proximity to the University of Cape Town and its low rates make it a prime residential spot for students. One of the best words to describe Ob’z is zany- its strong cultural presence includes a diverse and vibrant atmosphere, mostly because of the strong student presence. Groote Schuur Hospital, where the first Heart Transplant was performed in 1967, as well as Valkenberg psychiatric hospital are situated in Ob’z. From cheap, good food, to creative exploration, Ob’z is a primier neighborhood in Cape Town.