Guidebook for Cape Town
Arts & Culture
The Cape Gallery
60 Church StA great gallery showing loads & loads of good South African Art.
Great South African art gallery - showing work from both established artists & some of South Africa's young guns. Paintings, Photography & Sculpture.
35 locals recommend
Jan Royce Gallery
64 Church StreetGreat South African art gallery - showing work from both established artists & some of South Africa's young guns. Paintings, Photography & Sculpture.
The AVA is an institution – showing only young up and coming South African artists.
40 locals recommend
Area Code
The AVA is an institution – showing only young up and coming South African artists.
A new gallery showing some exciting contemporary work by new and established artists.
47 locals recommend
99 Loop Gallery
99 Loop StA new gallery showing some exciting contemporary work by new and established artists.
Young South African Artists’ work at affordable prices, also with an online store.
45 locals recommend
StateoftheART Gallery
50 Buitenkant StYoung South African Artists’ work at affordable prices, also with an online store.
Built inside an old transformed home, this exceptional gallery shows International & South African paintings and sculpture.
36 locals recommend
Christopher Moller Gallery
7 Kloof Nek RdBuilt inside an old transformed home, this exceptional gallery shows International & South African paintings and sculpture.
EBONY/CURATED
67 Loop StInteriors and Art - a unique selection of top South African Art.
A distinguished gallery showing established South African Artists.
53 locals recommend
Everard Read CIRCA Gallery, Cape Town
A distinguished gallery showing established South African Artists.
Stevenson Gallery
Contemporary South African Art.
The Drinkery
Tiny Gallery in a great location.
opened in 1994, the year of South Africa’s democratic birth, the District Six Museum is dedicated to the people who were forcibly removed from what was a vibrant suburb on the city’s edge.
445 locals recommend
District Six Museum
25A Buitenkant Stopened in 1994, the year of South Africa’s democratic birth, the District Six Museum is dedicated to the people who were forcibly removed from what was a vibrant suburb on the city’s edge.
Great fun on a good night. Most plays have something to do with South Africa, and with food and drinks between acts, it's well worth an evening out.
156 locals recommend
Theatre on The Bay
Link StreetGreat fun on a good night. Most plays have something to do with South Africa, and with food and drinks between acts, it's well worth an evening out.
Beautifully converted from an old church into a theatre, there's always something fun or poignant on.
274 locals recommend
The Fugard Theatre
Beautifully converted from an old church into a theatre, there's always something fun or poignant on.
Shopping
A visual / aesthetic / sensory delight! Do yourself a favour and visit this unique emporium set in an old church & school, showing both antique and new interior and garden goods.
35 locals recommend
Delos
181 Albert RdA visual / aesthetic / sensory delight! Do yourself a favour and visit this unique emporium set in an old church & school, showing both antique and new interior and garden goods.
Entertainment & Shopping Complex, I used to believe that the Waterfront was just for tourists. It is touristy but great care has been taken to attract locals. I highly recommend a day here.
1951 locals recommend
V&A Waterfront
19 Dock RdEntertainment & Shopping Complex, I used to believe that the Waterfront was just for tourists. It is touristy but great care has been taken to attract locals. I highly recommend a day here.
browse and buy records at a store at the forefront of record collecting in Cape Town (yes, it’s the one from the movie).
39 locals recommend
Mabu Vinyl
285 Long Stbrowse and buy records at a store at the forefront of record collecting in Cape Town (yes, it’s the one from the movie).
One of my favourite book shops in the world - I've spent so many long and blissful hours in those leather couches downstairs, drinking coffee, eating muffins... These guys 'n gals know their game.
123 locals recommend
the book lounge
71 Roeland StreetOne of my favourite book shops in the world - I've spent so many long and blissful hours in those leather couches downstairs, drinking coffee, eating muffins... These guys 'n gals know their game.
Hip new building - full of bicycles, leather, coffee, art, clothing, design, sandwiches, skateboards, cold beer...good times.
107 locals recommend
Woodstock Exchange
Albert RoadHip new building - full of bicycles, leather, coffee, art, clothing, design, sandwiches, skateboards, cold beer...good times.
Interesting little new and 2nd-hand book store - amazing selection of coffee table books, off-beat novels, magazines...
34 locals recommend
Bibliophilia Book Shop
76 Lower Main RoadInteresting little new and 2nd-hand book store - amazing selection of coffee table books, off-beat novels, magazines...
If markets are what you’re looking for, Cape Town makes it easy for you. It’s almost impossible to spend any time here and not end up at one. The Bay Harbour Market in Hout Bay is one of the better ones, a little more eclectic, a little less full of trendsters, lots of tasty food and interesting goodies, and it’s indoors, so it’s good for rainy days.
379 locals recommend
Bay Harbour Market
31 Harbour RdIf markets are what you’re looking for, Cape Town makes it easy for you. It’s almost impossible to spend any time here and not end up at one. The Bay Harbour Market in Hout Bay is one of the better ones, a little more eclectic, a little less full of trendsters, lots of tasty food and interesting goodies, and it’s indoors, so it’s good for rainy days.
Food Scene
Hands down, best bagel in town! Charismatic staff, absolutely delicious street food and some damn fine coffee too.
45 locals recommend
Max Bagels
120 Bree StHands down, best bagel in town! Charismatic staff, absolutely delicious street food and some damn fine coffee too.
Upmarket, old school Italian, it's a Cape Town classic. Treat yourself to sundowners and a great meal overlooking the Promenade.
240 locals recommend
La Perla
281 Beach RdUpmarket, old school Italian, it's a Cape Town classic. Treat yourself to sundowners and a great meal overlooking the Promenade.
Jason Bakery
185 Bree StGreat breakfast and lunch spot - exceptional food. Seriously.
Located on top of a grungy bar and chicken wings spot (worth check out in its own right), Downtown Ramen makes properly delicious Bao and Ramen and portions are big, so come hungry.
80 locals recommend
Downtown Ramen Asian Restaurant
103 Harrington StreetLocated on top of a grungy bar and chicken wings spot (worth check out in its own right), Downtown Ramen makes properly delicious Bao and Ramen and portions are big, so come hungry.
An absolute gem - superb antipasti and Italian wines, a menu that is regularly changed according to what is fresh and in season. Setting is an antique warehouse. It's a very special evening out.
62 locals recommend
True Italic
15 Bree StAn absolute gem - superb antipasti and Italian wines, a menu that is regularly changed according to what is fresh and in season. Setting is an antique warehouse. It's a very special evening out.
A Cape Town classic in the beautiful little Kalk Bay village. Best little breakfasts / omelettes / breads in the city. Pull in for brunch before meandering out to Cape Point.
261 locals recommend
Olympia Cafe
134 Main RdA Cape Town classic in the beautiful little Kalk Bay village. Best little breakfasts / omelettes / breads in the city. Pull in for brunch before meandering out to Cape Point.
If you're in the Waterfront, go here - has some of the finest fish and sushi. Being indoors won't matter...
289 locals recommend
Willoughby & Co
19 Dock RdIf you're in the Waterfront, go here - has some of the finest fish and sushi. Being indoors won't matter...
The Hussar Grill Mouille Point
163 Beach RoadExcellent steak. Booking essential. Say no more.
Authentic upstairs Mexican restaurant overlooking (the road and) Green Point Park. Great service, great food, great prices...and Cabrito Bar downstairs is great too. Try the smoked chilli poppers, the deliciously refreshing horchata, and the chocolate fondant for which there are no words to describe the decadence.
229 locals recommend
El Burro Greenpoint
79 Main RdAuthentic upstairs Mexican restaurant overlooking (the road and) Green Point Park. Great service, great food, great prices...and Cabrito Bar downstairs is great too. Try the smoked chilli poppers, the deliciously refreshing horchata, and the chocolate fondant for which there are no words to describe the decadence.
This deli has all premium foods, mostly Italian. Superb café vibe, a local favourite for coffee, newspaper, banter and a sidewalk. They also have the best fresh flowers.
363 locals recommend
Giovanni's Deliworld
103 Main RdThis deli has all premium foods, mostly Italian. Superb café vibe, a local favourite for coffee, newspaper, banter and a sidewalk. They also have the best fresh flowers.
Possibly the best flatbread club sandwich I've ever eaten - perfect crispy streaky bacon, tender chicken soaked in their homemade peri-peri sauce. Honestly, do yourself a favour...
55 locals recommend
Café Frank
160 Bree StPossibly the best flatbread club sandwich I've ever eaten - perfect crispy streaky bacon, tender chicken soaked in their homemade peri-peri sauce. Honestly, do yourself a favour...
Fantastic chicken pie in the heart of the De Waterkant Village - quaint, delightful, your Mum would like it.
51 locals recommend
LA PETITE TARTE
17 Dixon StFantastic chicken pie in the heart of the De Waterkant Village - quaint, delightful, your Mum would like it.
Lamb and roast potato specialists! Greek, relaxed, authentic - good food, clinking glasses, hearty hums of conversation. Warm service, juicy meats, crispy roast potatoes. Say no more.
49 locals recommend
Sloppy Sam
Lamb and roast potato specialists! Greek, relaxed, authentic - good food, clinking glasses, hearty hums of conversation. Warm service, juicy meats, crispy roast potatoes. Say no more.
The food here is so good. I mean, seriously, it’s unbelievably good. Leaves me slack-jawed every single time. Curries, meats, salads, cookies, cheesecake on chocolate brownie. On the pricier side of lunchtime but you won’t regret it. Not a single bite.
49 locals recommend
General Store
22 Bree StThe food here is so good. I mean, seriously, it’s unbelievably good. Leaves me slack-jawed every single time. Curries, meats, salads, cookies, cheesecake on chocolate brownie. On the pricier side of lunchtime but you won’t regret it. Not a single bite.
Don't think, just come spend an evening of simple delights in this little Argentinian gem. Breathtaking steak, radiant atmosphere & you’ll walk out heavier, happier and beaming from ear to ear!
73 locals recommend
Don Armando
20 Cobern StDon't think, just come spend an evening of simple delights in this little Argentinian gem. Breathtaking steak, radiant atmosphere & you’ll walk out heavier, happier and beaming from ear to ear!
Honest Chocolate Cafe
64A Wale StArtisanal chocolate goodness. Need I say more?
Excellent selection of Thai, Chinese and other Asian food and reasonable prices. Wonderful atmosphere and lovely decor.Make sure you book if you’re heading there over the weekend. Excellent service. Think about sharing plates to taste most of what the menu offers.
130 locals recommend
Kitima at the Kronendal
140 Main RoadExcellent selection of Thai, Chinese and other Asian food and reasonable prices. Wonderful atmosphere and lovely decor.Make sure you book if you’re heading there over the weekend. Excellent service. Think about sharing plates to taste most of what the menu offers.
This is a vibrant and contemporary dining experience for breakfast, lunch and dinner in the city centre.
121 locals recommend
The Shortmarket Club
199 Oxford RoadThis is a vibrant and contemporary dining experience for breakfast, lunch and dinner in the city centre.
Fine dining at the Cellars-Hohenort hotel, with an emphasis on interesting local ingredients. Dishes are exquisitely presented while the exceptional wine list focuses on the Constantia Valley.
72 locals recommend
Greenhouse, Constantia
93 Brommersvlei RdFine dining at the Cellars-Hohenort hotel, with an emphasis on interesting local ingredients. Dishes are exquisitely presented while the exceptional wine list focuses on the Constantia Valley.
Fun, eclectic and quirky restaurant and bar with a lovely courtyard. Contemporary comfort food with a South African twist. Sunday jazz is a winner.
408 locals recommend
Kloof Street House
30 Kloof StFun, eclectic and quirky restaurant and bar with a lovely courtyard. Contemporary comfort food with a South African twist. Sunday jazz is a winner.
Delicious, beautifully presented contemporary cuisine in a stylish, modern environment. Look out for the cheese room.
109 locals recommend
Foxcroft
Delicious, beautifully presented contemporary cuisine in a stylish, modern environment. Look out for the cheese room.
The Stack is where you’ll find the city’s cool creatives enjoying brasserie style food and trendy cocktails in a super-stylish, double-decker venue, housed in the historic Leinster Hall.
76 locals recommend
The Stack
7 Weltevreden StThe Stack is where you’ll find the city’s cool creatives enjoying brasserie style food and trendy cocktails in a super-stylish, double-decker venue, housed in the historic Leinster Hall.
Celebrating Mediterranean & Asian cuisine across three vibrant and trendy floors.
145 locals recommend
Villa 47
47 Bree StCelebrating Mediterranean & Asian cuisine across three vibrant and trendy floors.
Exceptional modern tapas style dishes in a relaxed canteen on Heritage Square. You can’t book and the kitchen closes at 8pm so get there early
235 locals recommend
Chefs Warehouse & Canteen
92 Bree StExceptional modern tapas style dishes in a relaxed canteen on Heritage Square. You can’t book and the kitchen closes at 8pm so get there early
A busy Peruvian bar and grill on the eternally trendy Bree Street. The menu is short and sweet and there’s a great wine list. Try a Pisco Sours and the Seared Tuna Tiradito.
80 locals recommend
Charango Barbacoa
114 Bree StA busy Peruvian bar and grill on the eternally trendy Bree Street. The menu is short and sweet and there’s a great wine list. Try a Pisco Sours and the Seared Tuna Tiradito.
A great option for seafood lovers in the bustling V&A Waterfront.
90 locals recommend
Harbour House - V&A Waterfront
Dock RoadA great option for seafood lovers in the bustling V&A Waterfront.
Voted as one of the Top 50 restaurants in the world, Luke Dale-Robert’s signature restaurant offers an unrivalled gastronomic experience for passionate food lovers. Splash out on the iconic wine pairing.
259 locals recommend
The Test Kitchen
375 Albert RdVoted as one of the Top 50 restaurants in the world, Luke Dale-Robert’s signature restaurant offers an unrivalled gastronomic experience for passionate food lovers. Splash out on the iconic wine pairing.
exquisitely plated contemporary cuisine at this stalwart of the Cape Town restaurant scene.
247 locals recommend
La Colombe Restaurant
Main Roadexquisitely plated contemporary cuisine at this stalwart of the Cape Town restaurant scene.
this contemporary top floor restaurant serves exquisite tapas style food with wonderful views. Be sure to try out the Sunday Brunch.
312 locals recommend
The Pot Luck Club
373-375 Albert Rdthis contemporary top floor restaurant serves exquisite tapas style food with wonderful views. Be sure to try out the Sunday Brunch.
Great steaks and an excellent wine list. Try the lamb ravioli to start and the T-Bone for two.
103 locals recommend
Carne SA
70 Keerom StGreat steaks and an excellent wine list. Try the lamb ravioli to start and the T-Bone for two.
Push the boat out with signature dishes such as the Black Cod at this internationally acclaimed Peruvian/Japanese restaurant in the One&Only Cape Town.
62 locals recommend
Nobu
Dock RoadPush the boat out with signature dishes such as the Black Cod at this internationally acclaimed Peruvian/Japanese restaurant in the One&Only Cape Town.
Relaxed tapas restaurant on Kloof Street with a great wine list. They also have a pizza oven and serve cauliflower base pizzas for the carb conscious.
66 locals recommend
Chalk & Cork
51 Kloof StreetRelaxed tapas restaurant on Kloof Street with a great wine list. They also have a pizza oven and serve cauliflower base pizzas for the carb conscious.
Relaxed Italian restaurant that’s a favourite among locals. Try the Linguine Portofino.
173 locals recommend
Il Leone Mastrantonio
22 Cobern StRelaxed Italian restaurant that’s a favourite among locals. Try the Linguine Portofino.
Contemporary bistro on Steenberg wine estate. Ideal for lunch and a wine tasting on a sunny day.
111 locals recommend
Bistro Sixteen82
Steenberg RoadContemporary bistro on Steenberg wine estate. Ideal for lunch and a wine tasting on a sunny day.
is a casual Italian/French bistro that serves a wonderful mushroom risotto – it has a great al fresco space for long summer lunches and is cosy inside by the fireplaces in winter.
115 locals recommend
Societi Bistro
50 Orange Stis a casual Italian/French bistro that serves a wonderful mushroom risotto – it has a great al fresco space for long summer lunches and is cosy inside by the fireplaces in winter.
is a stalwart of the Cape Town fine dining scene and has a seriously impressive wine list while
90 locals recommend
Aubergine Restaurant
39 Barnet Stis a stalwart of the Cape Town fine dining scene and has a seriously impressive wine list while
A fun evening out - guests love to have a bit of a party, so make it a long evening. Food is decent too.
143 locals recommend
The Duchess of Wisbeach
321 Wisbeach RdA fun evening out - guests love to have a bit of a party, so make it a long evening. Food is decent too.
I don't think I've ever driven out of Noordhoek without stopping in here. As a matter of principle I buy their beef and red wine pie. It's the real deal. Great atmosphere all weekend.
132 locals recommend
The Foodbarn Restaurant
Village LaneI don't think I've ever driven out of Noordhoek without stopping in here. As a matter of principle I buy their beef and red wine pie. It's the real deal. Great atmosphere all weekend.
Great culinary experience below street level in the CBD, more of a carnivores spot.
27 locals recommend
Riverine Rabbit
81 Church StreetGreat culinary experience below street level in the CBD, more of a carnivores spot.
Drinks & Nightlife
With Dj's in Summer, it's a fantastic spot for Friday afternoon drinks. It'll set the mood for a fun weekend!
45 locals recommend
Mondiall Kitchen & Bar
With Dj's in Summer, it's a fantastic spot for Friday afternoon drinks. It'll set the mood for a fun weekend!
One of, if not THE best whisky bar in Cape Town. Nestled in the Cape Grace Hotel amongst the yachts, it's upmarket but well worth the experience.
77 locals recommend
Bascule Bar
West Quay RoadOne of, if not THE best whisky bar in Cape Town. Nestled in the Cape Grace Hotel amongst the yachts, it's upmarket but well worth the experience.
Great stop for street-side coffee and muffins in the morning, even better for cold street-side beers in the evenings! Give it go if you're strolling up the top-side of down town.
317 locals recommend
The Power & The Glory
13d Kloof Nek RdGreat stop for street-side coffee and muffins in the morning, even better for cold street-side beers in the evenings! Give it go if you're strolling up the top-side of down town.
Such a rad bar and nightclub - most nights have DJ's playing funk, breaks, hip-hop and electro. The rooftop on warm evenings is a delight. It's been around for years, which is a rarity in the city...
92 locals recommend
The Waiting Room
273 Long StSuch a rad bar and nightclub - most nights have DJ's playing funk, breaks, hip-hop and electro. The rooftop on warm evenings is a delight. It's been around for years, which is a rarity in the city...
Best gin bar in Cape Town - don't waste your time going to the 'other' one. This has class and quality bubbling right over!
255 locals recommend
The Gin Bar
64A Wale StreetBest gin bar in Cape Town - don't waste your time going to the 'other' one. This has class and quality bubbling right over!
Can be a bar or a restaurant, whatever your flavour on the night - excellent food, cool decor and they have weekly live music nights. From the same family of the famous Blues restaurant in Camps Bay.
44 locals recommend
The Odyssey Gastropub
199 Bree StreetCan be a bar or a restaurant, whatever your flavour on the night - excellent food, cool decor and they have weekly live music nights. From the same family of the famous Blues restaurant in Camps Bay.
A rooftop bar. Need I say more? Pull in for a night out, or part of your night out.
226 locals recommend
Tjing Tjing
165 Longmarket StA rooftop bar. Need I say more? Pull in for a night out, or part of your night out.
Legendary old pub, so much history, so many good memories, a much-loved watering hole for generations.
153 locals recommend
Foresters Arms
52 Newlands AveLegendary old pub, so much history, so many good memories, a much-loved watering hole for generations.
Phenomenal Pepper Steak Pie. Breathtaking pie...with cold beers and big sports games.
115 locals recommend
The Fireman's Arms
Mechau Street Phenomenal Pepper Steak Pie. Breathtaking pie...with cold beers and big sports games.
Featured as one of Mixmag’s best clubs in the world, and has been described as ‘the best club in Africa’, pull into Era for some the finest underground electronic music around, on one of the finest sound systems around.
113 locals recommend
Era Night Club
71 Loop StreetFeatured as one of Mixmag’s best clubs in the world, and has been described as ‘the best club in Africa’, pull into Era for some the finest underground electronic music around, on one of the finest sound systems around.
A little quirky, a little weird (the mascot is a big ol’ ostrich standing behind the bar) and lots of colourful atmosphere, The Village Idiot is one of the great new neighbourhood pubs of the CBD. Excellent selection of drinks and a beautifully twisted South African menu.
222 locals recommend
The Village Idiot
32 Loop StA little quirky, a little weird (the mascot is a big ol’ ostrich standing behind the bar) and lots of colourful atmosphere, The Village Idiot is one of the great new neighbourhood pubs of the CBD. Excellent selection of drinks and a beautifully twisted South African menu.
This spot reminds me of Amsterdam for some reason – dark, eccentric, cozy and simple but top-drawer burgers and pizza.
102 locals recommend
Tiger's Milk - Long Street
44 Long StThis spot reminds me of Amsterdam for some reason – dark, eccentric, cozy and simple but top-drawer burgers and pizza.
If the Hanging Gardens of Babylon was a bar, this would be that bar – the sheer volume of plant life alone is reason to spend many long hours in this place. Pair that with simple hearty food, great beer, (vinyl) DJ’s and live tunes Wednesday through Sunday, it’s a recreational highlight!
295 locals recommend
Yours Truly
73 Kloof StIf the Hanging Gardens of Babylon was a bar, this would be that bar – the sheer volume of plant life alone is reason to spend many long hours in this place. Pair that with simple hearty food, great beer, (vinyl) DJ’s and live tunes Wednesday through Sunday, it’s a recreational highlight!
a properly quirky bar and club great cocktails, sometimes live music, and DJs and lots of dancing. They are also supporters of the St Francis Children’s Home from whom the bar gets its name, a place for tom-foolery with a social conscience
210 locals recommend
Orphanage Cocktail Emporium
227 Bree Sta properly quirky bar and club great cocktails, sometimes live music, and DJs and lots of dancing. They are also supporters of the St Francis Children’s Home from whom the bar gets its name, a place for tom-foolery with a social conscience
Described by some very well-heeled and well-travelled guests of mine as "far and away the highlight of our 6-week wine-enjoyment holiday" - on every measure, the Waterkloof restaurant is truly exquisite. Treat yourself.
99 locals recommend
Waterkloof Wine Estate
Old Sir Lowry's Pass RoadDescribed by some very well-heeled and well-travelled guests of mine as "far and away the highlight of our 6-week wine-enjoyment holiday" - on every measure, the Waterkloof restaurant is truly exquisite. Treat yourself.
It seems a foolish exercise to try pick the exceptional wine farms from an extraordinary bunch...but Delaire deserves its place in the sun and clouds. A true 5-star experience.
122 locals recommend
Delaire Graff Estate
Helshoogte RoadIt seems a foolish exercise to try pick the exceptional wine farms from an extraordinary bunch...but Delaire deserves its place in the sun and clouds. A true 5-star experience.
The Babel restaurant here is consistently described as one of the best in the entire Cape wine region - so while most stops in the region are a treat, this one shares that special uncrowded space at the top of it all.
191 locals recommend
Babylonstoren Wine Estate
Klapmuts - Simondium RoadThe Babel restaurant here is consistently described as one of the best in the entire Cape wine region - so while most stops in the region are a treat, this one shares that special uncrowded space at the top of it all.
Owned by Anglo American, you could understand why it's described as "the absolute epitome of the grand South African wine farm..."
22 locals recommend
Vergenoegd Löw The Wine Estate
1 Faure Village RdOwned by Anglo American, you could understand why it's described as "the absolute epitome of the grand South African wine farm..."
a bar, and website, that’s dedicated to sourcing honest, natural and sustainably-produced wines. The space is lovely, and their website offers a weekly curated case of mixed wines, making finding new, great wine easy.
91 locals recommend
Publik Wine Bar
11d Kloof Nek Rda bar, and website, that’s dedicated to sourcing honest, natural and sustainably-produced wines. The space is lovely, and their website offers a weekly curated case of mixed wines, making finding new, great wine easy.
It’s hard to miss – the bright yellow building on Long Street. If you’re looking to start a night out, and like beer it’s a good starting point. There is a wide selection of local, international and micro-brewed beer, as well as yummy flammkuchen.
198 locals recommend
BEERHOUSE on Long
223 Long StIt’s hard to miss – the bright yellow building on Long Street. If you’re looking to start a night out, and like beer it’s a good starting point. There is a wide selection of local, international and micro-brewed beer, as well as yummy flammkuchen.
a craft beer house, with American-style food close to the CBD, in Salt River.
97 locals recommend
Devils Peak Salt River Taproom
150 Cecil Rda craft beer house, with American-style food close to the CBD, in Salt River.
Tokyo Cocktail Bar, some of the best cocktails I've had the pleasure of tasting. Booking is essential.
46 locals recommend
The Commissary
86 Shortmarket StTokyo Cocktail Bar, some of the best cocktails I've had the pleasure of tasting. Booking is essential.
Fun Bar with great windows and view especially for sunset, cocktails are delicious.
67 locals recommend
The Silo Hotel
Fun Bar with great windows and view especially for sunset, cocktails are delicious.
Everything Else
Mavericks Gentlemen's Club
68 Barrack StFor the naughtier side of life...
Parks & Nature
It may be the easiest route to hike up Table Mountain - but don't be deceived, you'll need to be relatively fit.It may be the easiest route to hike up Table Mountain - but don't be deceived, you'll need to be relatively fit.
79 locals recommend
Platteklip Gorge
Platteklip GorgeIt may be the easiest route to hike up Table Mountain - but don't be deceived, you'll need to be relatively fit.It may be the easiest route to hike up Table Mountain - but don't be deceived, you'll need to be relatively fit.
This semi-secret little beach has a beautiful little rock pool to cool yourself down in...and cool yourself you will, the water in Cape Town ain't warm...
44 locals recommend
Saunders' Rocks Beach
This semi-secret little beach has a beautiful little rock pool to cool yourself down in...and cool yourself you will, the water in Cape Town ain't warm...
On an early sunny morning - the earlier the better - walking up here is one of the great joys of living in Cape Town. Truly spectacular and relatively easy to get up here from Constantia Nek.
37 locals recommend
Constantia Nek Jeep Track
Constantia Nek Jeep TrackOn an early sunny morning - the earlier the better - walking up here is one of the great joys of living in Cape Town. Truly spectacular and relatively easy to get up here from Constantia Nek.
Unless you're a surfer, come here when the wind isn't blowing...and let this beach blow your mind! Vast, breathtaking and waves aplenty. One of my Top 3 Beaches of The World. Big call.
186 locals recommend
Noordhoek Beach
Unless you're a surfer, come here when the wind isn't blowing...and let this beach blow your mind! Vast, breathtaking and waves aplenty. One of my Top 3 Beaches of The World. Big call.
Long, gentle drive out of town and a beautiful place to go for a walk on the beach. This name is quite literal, come at sunrise and a quiet mist hugs the hills. Coffee in Simonstown...sorted.
51 locals recommend
Misty Cliffs
Long, gentle drive out of town and a beautiful place to go for a walk on the beach. This name is quite literal, come at sunrise and a quiet mist hugs the hills. Coffee in Simonstown...sorted.
Wonderful little beach for sunrise - loads of surfers, little kids to 'ou toppies', dogs everywhere, family vibes. If storms have washed up the kelp, can get a little messy...
76 locals recommend
Long Beach
Wonderful little beach for sunrise - loads of surfers, little kids to 'ou toppies', dogs everywhere, family vibes. If storms have washed up the kelp, can get a little messy...
You have to! You've come all this way down, might as well look over the edge. You'll be so glad you did.
160 locals recommend
Cape Point
You have to! You've come all this way down, might as well look over the edge. You'll be so glad you did.
4th beach is the popular one, by a long shot. Younger crowd, lots of action.
387 locals recommend
Clifton 4th Beach hotel
Fourth Beach Promenade4th beach is the popular one, by a long shot. Younger crowd, lots of action.
Tucked away, less crowded, least wind, latest sunset, lots of dogs... by far the best
149 locals recommend
Clifton 1st
Tucked away, less crowded, least wind, latest sunset, lots of dogs... by far the best
Morning runs or walks through the Park and along the Promenade are an absolute joy.
417 locals recommend
Green Point Park
1 Fritz Sonnenberg RdMorning runs or walks through the Park and along the Promenade are an absolute joy.
On its day a sublime wave for surfing - and you can walk for miles and hardly see anyone, just long flat stretches of beach and a pounding sea.
34 locals recommend
Derdesteen
DerdesteenOn its day a sublime wave for surfing - and you can walk for miles and hardly see anyone, just long flat stretches of beach and a pounding sea.
For the price of a bottle of water and packet of snacks (and maybe stiff calves) you can enjoy the incredible 360 degree views that the city’s second most iconic mountain offers. This is the most popular hike in the city, and busy so in my opinion, best experienced at odd, off-peak times. Full moon is not one of those, so if you want to walk up with the rest of the city, that’s a safe bet.
725 locals recommend
Lion's Head Hike
Signal Hill RoadFor the price of a bottle of water and packet of snacks (and maybe stiff calves) you can enjoy the incredible 360 degree views that the city’s second most iconic mountain offers. This is the most popular hike in the city, and busy so in my opinion, best experienced at odd, off-peak times. Full moon is not one of those, so if you want to walk up with the rest of the city, that’s a safe bet.
a must-see. It’s a gorgeous as well as informative outing spent admiring the local flora at the foot of Devil’s Peak. There’s an aerial walkway that offers a fresh perspective on the gardens, a restaurant, and, in summer, weekly live music that’s a real sunchine-y, picinic-y, lazy-hazy-day treat.
1765 locals recommend
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Rhodes Drive a must-see. It’s a gorgeous as well as informative outing spent admiring the local flora at the foot of Devil’s Peak. There’s an aerial walkway that offers a fresh perspective on the gardens, a restaurant, and, in summer, weekly live music that’s a real sunchine-y, picinic-y, lazy-hazy-day treat.
Entertainment & Activities
I've not done it but I've seen many people do it. Looks like loads of fun and offers a great view.
106 locals recommend
Parapax Tandem Paragliding - Cape Town
Signal Hill RoadI've not done it but I've seen many people do it. Looks like loads of fun and offers a great view.
Very popular with tourists and for good reason - it's too easy to get up and down the mountain. Breathtaking views, restaurant on top. Better is to hike up and take a one-way ticket down.
473 locals recommend
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway station
Pipe TrackVery popular with tourists and for good reason - it's too easy to get up and down the mountain. Breathtaking views, restaurant on top. Better is to hike up and take a one-way ticket down.
strawberry picking - a lovely way to spend a few hours in the summer months (from October to December). There’s a restaurant and a bunch of wine farms nearby as well, so you can really pack in a day’s worth of ensuring you’re well fed and watered with tasty local victuals.
60 locals recommend
Polkadraai Strawberry Farm
7603 Stellenbosch Arterial Roadstrawberry picking - a lovely way to spend a few hours in the summer months (from October to December). There’s a restaurant and a bunch of wine farms nearby as well, so you can really pack in a day’s worth of ensuring you’re well fed and watered with tasty local victuals.
an old-school night at the bioscope, this is one of the few independent cinema houses in the country. It was opened by Princess Labia in May 1949 and shows artsy films at a fraction of the price of commercial mall-based cinemas. Plus you can bring the wine you bought at the bar into the movie house…
352 locals recommend
The Labia
68 Orange Stan old-school night at the bioscope, this is one of the few independent cinema houses in the country. It was opened by Princess Labia in May 1949 and shows artsy films at a fraction of the price of commercial mall-based cinemas. Plus you can bring the wine you bought at the bar into the movie house…