Century City

Where waterways, canals and protected wetlands meet a buzzing urban hub.

	1 Park Lane Grand Central Precinct
	https://centurycity.co.za/
	centurycity_za

Century City deserves a full day out, here's why

There’s a bird sanctuary, tram rides, boat trips, a free art trail & more

Last updated: Tuesday, 05 May 2026

While Canal Walk may be Century City's most well-known attraction, there’s an entire city a few steps from the shopping mall that many families are missing. It’s entirely walkable, with landscaped paths taking you to expansive parks, restaurants along canals that feel like Amsterdam, a protected bird sanctuary with boat rides, seasonal markets, a cherry red tram that kids love, and more.

You can easily spend the full day exploring Century City. Image: Art Hub Visual Marketing

SMART CITY BUILT TO EXPLORE ON FOOT

Century City is designed to be seen on foot. Beautifully landscaped paths, canopies, and 8 kilometres of canals connect destinations like Intaka Island (a 16-hectare bird sanctuary), padel and tennis courts, and lush parks.

Walking anywhere here is scenic. It’s not only verdant and green, bursting with indigenous flora; there are also canals along the way, and 32 artworks are placed along the paths that crisscross the city.

Smart information boxes are dotted around, connecting you directly to security or the information desk if you need help or directions. The MyCiti stops mean you can also zip from one side to the other.

There’s beautiful landscaped paths, canopies, and 8 kilometres of canals. Image: Art Hub Visual Marketing

UNDER R40: WETLAND & BIRD SANCTUARY

If you only make one stop, it must be Intaka Island. Entry is just R37 for adults and R23 for kids, and it unlocks a wetland and bird sanctuary with over 120 bird species and 170 indigenous fynbos plants.

The sanctuary holds peregrine falcons (the fastest bird in the world), blue malachite kingfishers, purple swamphens stomping around in the reeds, and yellow-billed ducks drifting slowly in the water.

The 2km self-guided walkway moves through reed beds and waterways, with nine stops that give closer insight into the birdlife, plant species and water systems that shape the island.

There’s more than 120 bird species and over 170 indigenous fynbos plants at Intaka Island. Image: Art Hub Visual Marketing

OR TRY A BOAT RIDE, GUIDED TOUR

There are also one-hour guided tours with a ranger and 35-minute boat rides. You book it at the on-site office, hop on, and spot the island’s seven habitats from the water. Nearby is the educational lapa where kids can learn about medicinal plants and bird behaviour.

The Kids Club is another favourite, where kids get access to year-round activities like seasonal nature walks, craft sessions, birdwatching mornings, and eco-workshops. See more information on guided walks, boat rides, and more at Intaka Island.

There’s more than 120 bird species and over 170 indigenous fynbos plants in Intaka Island. Image: Century City Property Owners’ Association

3 URBAN PARKS (FREE ENTRY)

Next to Intaka, the heart – or rather, lungs – of this green city are its three parks. Once the old Ratanga Junction, Ratanga Park has a waterfall, bridges, jungle gyms, swings, and hopscotch.

The body of water that runs through the park is often full of speedy kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders, while women run on the pathways at sunset. It's especially popular on Saturdays when it comes alive for free 5km parkruns.

The second, Central Park (also known as “The Oval”), is a grass sports field in the middle of the precinct. This is the city’s sports hub – it has a clubhouse with ablution facilities, and you’ll often see Century City residents practising rugby, soccer or yoga.

Manhattan Park, the third and smallest park, is next to the popular Manhattan Bootleggers coffee shop. Parents grab coffee after school while the kids play in its playpark.

Families gather in the park for picnics and games. Image: Century City Property Owners’ Association

EVERYBODY LOVES THE 1920s RED TRAM

It’s difficult to find an activity here over R80. The Century City Tramway, which runs every weekend from Ratanga Park to Central Park along the historic Rantanga Junction railway line, is just R80.

Everyone from 15-month-old babies to grannies and grandpas loves the slow and scenic ride, and the cherry red vintage design is so charming (the tram has a nearly 5-star rating on Google Reviews).

See where to board the Century City Tramway.

The vintage red tram is inspired by 1920s design. Image: Century City Property Owners’ Association

FREE MARKETS AROUND CENTURY CITY

People often pair a tram ride with a visit to Intaka Island or one of the markets. In winter, Intaka Island transforms into a cosy night market, with heaters, food stalls, and live music drifting along the canals. The Winter Night Market runs from 4pm to 9pm.

On Sundays, Central Park has a family-friendly market with kids’ activities like reptile shows, tram rides and pot plant painting. Slow Sunday Markets happen on the last Sunday of the month in September, October, November, January, March and April. You can see more unexpected events happening in Century City.

Markets pop up in different corners of the precinct. Image: Century City Property Owners’ Association

32 ARTWORKS ALONG THE ART TRAIL

While you’re on your adventures, look out for the Century City Art Trail. Thirty two artworks are dotted across the precinct, spanning mosaic, painted, architectural and sculptural installations. You can follow the entire route on foot, or just look out for the installations.

Landscape of the Soul, close to Hillsong church, is a 33-metre installation made up of a wave of faces, while Sanctified, outside Intaka Island, is a bronze horse head sculpture by the globally-renowned Janko de Beer.

There isn't a starting point or specific order to follow. The closest installation to the mall, Aonyx, which are two handmade metal otters, is by the McDonald’s exit. See the full digital map on Century City’s website.

There’s also a huge “I love Century City” mural, a bright map of the smart city. Image: Century City Property Owners’ Association

SO MANY EATERIES ALONG THE CANALS

There’s an entire food scene outside of the mall, and so many miss the eateries spread along the canals. With tables right by the water and dappled sunlight across the walkways, it feels like a scene from Amsterdam.

One of the best-known spots is Slate, where runners often stop for coffee after looping through the green routes. Brick Lane Eatery is another favourite. The outdoor seating is often filled with families (they also have a dog menu with biscuits and boerewors). In the evenings, the courtyard glows with fairy lights, with heaters and blankets coming out as the sun sets.

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The eateries along the canal feels like dining in Amsterdam. Image: Brick Lane Eatery

PADEL, DRAGON BOATING & MORE

On any trip to Century City, you’re guaranteed to see runners (at night too – it's that safe), and there are plenty of sports clubs in the precinct. On Thursday evenings, Central Park fills with friendly In-2-Touch Rugby competitions, and along the canals, the Century City Canoe Club hosts weekly trials that cut through Intaka Island.

Dragon boating might be the most unique offering: a water sport originating in China, where crews paddle in sync in long, dragon-decorated boats. There are also indoor padel courts at Padel 365, a new addition to the precinct’s sporting mix. See more sporting clubs you can join at Century City.

There’s rugby, dragon boating, padel and more in the precinct. Image: Century City Property Owners’ Association

VISIT CENTURY CITY

Century City isn’t just the place for a quick shopping stop; it can be a full day out with parks, tram rides, boat trips, a wildlife sanctuary, markets and more.

Find it: Century City, 1 Park Lane Grand Central Precinct
More information: Century City’s website, @centurycity_za

By Saarah Gierdien

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