Your Guide to Harare City Centre

Life in Harare City Centre

Living in Harare City Centre means embracing a fast-paced urban lifestyle with unparalleled convenience. As Zimbabwe’s commercial nucleus, the area buzzes with energy during business hours, transforming into a quieter atmosphere in the evenings. Residents enjoy walkable access to everything from banking services to cultural venues, though the predominantly commercial nature of the district means residential options are limited. The area particularly appeals to young professionals and those seeking to minimize commute times.

Family Living

The CBD presents a unique urban living experience, though it may not be the typical choice for families. While the area offers excellent accessibility to services and amenities, the commercial focus means residential options are more limited compared to suburban areas.

• Residential Options: Limited selection of apartments, primarily 1-bedroom units priced around $500 per square meter according to PropertyBook data, making them relatively affordable compared to commercial spaces.
• Healthcare Access: The Avenues Clinic (3.7/5 stars) sits just 450m from the CBD center, providing 24/7 emergency care. Baines Avenue Clinic (4.5/5 stars) offers additional medical support within a 10-minute walk.
• Green Spaces: Harare Gardens, just 500m from the CBD core, provides a peaceful retreat with well-maintained walking paths and regular community events.
• Security: Business district location ensures constant security presence and well-lit streets, though activity levels decrease significantly after business hours.

Education

While the CBD itself houses limited educational institutions, its central location provides easy access to several respected schools in neighboring areas.

• Private Schools: Dominican Convent High School, located on the CBD periphery, maintains a strong academic reputation and offers girls’ education from primary through secondary levels.
• Public Options: Queen Elizabeth School provides public education within walking distance of the city center, serving the local community with primary education programs.
• Higher Education: The University of Zimbabwe’s downtown campus facilities are accessible within a 15-minute drive, offering various professional development courses.
• Language Schools: Several language institutes operate within the CBD, catering to international students and professionals seeking English language training.

Things To Do

The CBD offers a diverse range of activities, from cultural experiences to modern entertainment options, all within walking distance.

• Cultural Venues: The National Gallery of Zimbabwe (4/5 stars) showcases local and international art just 300m from the city center, offering regular exhibitions and cultural events.
• Shopping: Joina City Mall (4/5 stars) serves as the area’s premier shopping destination, featuring international brands and local retailers across multiple floors.
• Dining: Afrotopia Café (4.3/5 stars) on Julius Nyerere Avenue offers African fusion cuisine, while Palm Dining Room provides upscale dining options for business meetings.
• Entertainment: Ster Kinekor at Joina City (4.1/5 stars) screens the latest international releases, while Africa Unity Square hosts regular outdoor events and markets.