Newlands is the green heart of the Southern suburbs, with green belts, forests surrounding Rhodes Memorial and of course Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Or one can take a stroll through the less known, but beautiful Maynardville Park for a picnic, or to enjoy the annual much-loved Shakespeare Open Air production at the Open Air Theatre (December to February).

Newlands boasts two of the world's most famous stadiums, the Newlands Cricket Ground and Newlands Rugby Stadium, where matches are held regularly.
Apart from sports, the suburb is known for the art of brewing beer, which is demonstrated at SAB Breweries where tours are offered on a regular basis.

Last but not least, Newlands harbours the only remaining watermill in Cape Town, the Josephine Mill.