In low-key Sunnyside, suburban houses and redbrick apartment buildings edge tree-lined streets amid local shops, churches, casual restaurants, and fast-food outlets. Both the University of South Africa and Tshwane University of Technology have faculty buildings here, while nearby Loftus Versfeld Stadium hosts major rugby and soccer matches. Several hotels and guesthouses are scattered through the area.
The suburb now consists mostly of high density residential developments, which in the 21st century ranges from reasonably upmarket to dilapidated. Esselen street is flanked by a strip of retail businesses, restaurants and clubs. The day time street scene is very busy, with heavy pedestrian traffic and hawkers peddling food or wares on street corners. Student residences or communes and residential houses are situated in the quieter eastern part.
