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Surfing (the water is really cold, bring or rent a wetsuit)Kite surfingKayakingMountain climbing and boulderingParagliding
Theatre on the Bay (Camps Bay)Baxter Theatre (Observatory) - part of the University of Cape Town and probably the most esteemed theatre in Cape TownWave Theatre (CBD, tiny!) - tends to have more experimental theatreThe Outlore Base (CBD) - tends to have edgier, younger, LGBTQ+, and 420-friendly contentKalk Bay TheatreArtscape Theatre (CBD)
The Power and the Glory: A hipster café during the day (try the quiche and salad!) and neighborhood bar at night with good craft beers, café lunch, and cozy ambiance.Blondie: No-frills Middle Eastern/Mediterranean joint that is as excellent as it is affordable. (Order the Four Seasons!) During the day, it has patrons from all ages and all walks of life, but in the evenings, it can get a bit louder with a predominantly under-25 crowd. Café Sofi: We go there for the fish bap. Our Local: Parking garage turned quirky greenhouse café serving international fare. Due to its Instagrammable charm, it can get crowded in high season. Mains are so-so (though ample), so instead come for the breakfast, the desserts (the brownies and cakes are to die for), and the ambiance.Black Sheep: Innovative and rotating menu featuring a fusion of flavors and locally sourced ingredients. One of the best date-night spots (and a personal all-time favourite).Dark Horse: Trendy bar also by the Black Sheep owners.Liquorice & Lime: Good breakfasts, local feel. The eggs benny and vegetarian breakfast here is a go-to.
For brunch: Clarke’s - American(ish) diner vibes and a Cape Town classic— with hash eggs, huevo rancheros, etc for brekkieKleinskys - “New York deli” vibes - We love the latke benedictMax Bagels - Best bagels in Cape Town (and possibly the only place that does everything bagels correctly, with garlic and onion!) + some of the best coffee too (from the Cedar coffee brewing company)Jason Bakery - Great baked treats! Curry Club: Quirky interior and some seriously good curry. Note that they don’t serve the curries very spicy, so be sure to ask if you want something hotter.Timbuktu: Confusingly named (we swear: it’s Ethiopian food, not Malian), it sort of matches the eccletic, cozy home vibe. Has a fireplace and the freshest injera. Maria’s - Delicious Greek Mediterranean tapas and mains - a sizeable menu, and we’ve never ordered anything we didn’t like. The mucver pita, roasted eggplant salad, and calamari are old favorites.Cafe Frank - Great, easy lunch spot with a changing, seasonal menu. Vegetarian-friendly.Wild Eatery - Vegan food truck permanently housed in an alley outside the zero waste grocery store. Kind of a low-key local secret. Kloof Street House - Delicious upmarket restaurant in a converted old Victorian houseCousins - Our favorite Italian restaurant, with family-run charm. Reservations essential. For your Asian food fix (from a picky Asian-American!): Cape Town doesn’t have the best Asian food (other than sushi), but if you’ve got a hankering, here’s where we go:Korean: Gogi Korean BBQ - suitably inside a Korean supermarket in a random shopping complex in ObservatoryChinese: Hesheng in Sea Point (probably the best Chinese food in the country)Japanese: Izakaya Matsuri (though sushi at the nearby Sushi Box is also excellent, albeit lacking any sort of ambiance)Thai: Khao Hom (two branches in the southern suburbs, but you might be able to order delivery?)Vietnamese: Saigon (nearby) or Yen’s in de Waterkant.
The Old Biscuit Mill: Diverse range of food stalls, artisanal products, and live music. In our humble opinion, has the best food of all the markets. Saturday and Sunday mornings. Mostly outdoor with a really lively vibe. Oranjezicht City Market at the V&A: Wide variety of fresh produce (from local farms), artisanal products, and prepared food stalls. Mostly outdoor. Also very popular with visitors. Candor Market: Newer to the scene, Candor Market tends to lean a bit younger, with an emphasis on locally made goods & thrift shopping. Usually occurs once per month, with the location changing (so look for them on Instagram).Hout Bay Harbour Market: Weekend covered market with food, handmade clothes, decor, local delicacies, and live music. Probably the fewest food options of all the markets listed here, but a great vibe. 100% indoor. Mojo Market: Like a shopping mall food center, but with small vendors — we’ve added it to the list because it’s 100% indoor, so is a good option in rainy weather. Tokai Vegan Goods Market: For those wanting veggie/vegan fare, this is market heaven!
Rosetta (CBD): Our go-to and what we normally stock (by the kilo!) at home. We’re partial to their washed Ethiopian progressive coffees. Their Bree St branch is nice, but if you want something walking distance, Pauline’s (on Park Road, 5 min walk away) also serves Rosetta beans.Origin (Greenpoint)Espresso Lab (Woodstock)Truth Coffee (CBD): Great coffee — plus, their flagship branch on Buitenkant St is an award-winning, steampunk-themed café with a great vibe.Cedar (CBD): To our knowledge, there sadly isn’t a Cedar coffee shop, but Max Bagels on Bree St serves their beans.
The Test Kitchen: Innovative and artistic dishes by award-winning chef Luke Dale-Roberts.La Colombe: In the picturesque Constantia Valley.The Pot Luck Club: On the top floor of the Silo Hotel, panoramic views of the city, tapas-style menu.
Camps Bay's Sunset: Stunning sunset views of Camps Bay while sipping on your favorite drink. There is quite a party on Sunday evenings where people like to show off their fancy clothes and fancy cars and wannabe personalities (perhaps not everyone’s style).Bree Street: There is a bustling food and drink scene along Bree Street, where you'll find a wide array of restaurants, cafes, and bars. There’s a sense that people in their 20’s go to the (seedier) Long street, and as they get older, and more picky due to some financial stability, they go to Kloof or Bree street. Anywhere and everywhere! Seriously, the food in Cape Town offers incredible value for money, so explore different neighborhoods, consult Google Maps or TripAdvisor for recommendations, and discover hidden gems serving up meals that suit your taste and budget.
Activities & food
Places change and preferences differ; so please don’t hold us accountable (but let us know what you thoughts so we can update this document). Below are some of our personal Cape Town highlights.
Events
If you’d like to find out what events are happening while you’re here, the best places to check are:
Classic Faves
The outdoors
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of outdoor trails and activities in the area.
Get (free on iOS or Android) and download the local Western Cape map. It has most of the footpaths and hiking trails that you won’t find on Google Maps (and it works even if you are offline without WiFi or a cell phone connection). Pair it with Wikiloc or Alltrails to see what hikes get the best reviews.
South Africans are an active bunch. Tens of thousands of us run the 89km Comrades ultramarathon, or cycle the 109km Cape Town Cycle Tour each year. Don’t expect the same amount of warning signs or guard rails you might find in your home country on popular hikes, such as India Venster or Lion’s Head (both highly recommended hikes). What might be considered “extreme” in your country, might be locally described just as “moderate”.
It is always best to hike in a group. If you’re not comfortable with navigating by yourself, consider hiring a certified guide (through Airbnb Experiences, Tripadvisor, Couchsurfing, or similar sites).
Other popular activities:
If you are ever in trouble on Table Mountain, immediately contact Wilderness Search and Rescue (+27 21 937 0300 — save the number). Even (or especially) if you need helicopter evacuation, they will get you back to civilisation, free of charge. Don’t put your life at risk. Call them when in need. For other general emergencies call 112 from your phone or 10111 from a landline telephone.
Table Mountain National Park
Table Mountain is one of the oldest mountains in the world (older than the Himalayas). It is not just a pretty background to our city, but filled with lots of activities, fauna, and flora. In fact, there are over 1500 plant species in the 57km² area —that's more plants than the entire United Kingdom (over 240 000km²).
There are many hikes leading to the top, which you can do if you are in a reasonably fit condition. It takes between one and four hours (depending on the starting point, route, and your level of fitness).
Always carry enough water, food, and something warm (even on hot days). The weather can change quickly and many people have been stranded due to fog or high wind, so please check the forecast. If you’re new to this sort of hiking, please consider going with someone who has done it before, or hire a guide.
You can also take the panoramic cable car (buy your to skip the queue). If you plan on going up more than three times during your visit, it is cheaper to buy a yearly pass (only available at the bottom station).
Once at the top, there are various walks and hikes that can keep you busy for hours (or days!), a restaurant, and a bar.
Lion's Head & Signal Hill
Lion's Head and Signal Hill are two other iconic landmarks, located next to Table Mountain. They offer spectacular panoramic views of the city, the Atlantic Ocean, and Table Mountain. The hike up Lion's Head is easier than Table Mountain, but it still requires a reasonable level of fitness. The trail is well-maintained and takes around 1 to 2 hours to reach the summit.
The best time to hike is when there is more foot traffic and less heat —in the cooler morning or afternoon when most people have ended work. Take water and don't forget to bring a flashlight if you plan to hike during sunrise or sunset. Check the wind forecast before you go.
Note that it’s not advisable to hike down from tarred road connecting Lion’s Head parking to Signal hill (on the city side) towards the neighbourhood of Bo-Kaap, as the trails aren’t well maintained or used much and there have been reports of crime.
Unfortunately there were a spate of muggings on Lion’s Head (and less so, but also on Table Mountain) in summer 2023. The culprits have mostly been arrested (and a private security company now patrols Lion’s Head and Signal Hill during daylight hours.
People are advised to hike in groups of four or more, not to carry any valuables, and to avoid hiking in the dark before sunrise and after sunset.
Atlantic Seaboard
This is one of our favourite full-day outings.
Take a scenic drive along the Atlantic Seaboard in a rental car (or Uber or with a private tour or a sightseeing bus). This stretch of coastline offers stunning views of the ocean, beautiful beaches, and a variety of neighborhoods. Stop by popular spots like Camps Bay and Clifton beaches for sunbathing, cold water tidal pool dipping, and people-watching. Stop by the “Republic” of Hout Bay and continue along Chapman’s Drive (with lots of places to stop and take photos).
Venture further south to Cape Point, a beautiful natural reserve that forms part of the Table Mountain National Park. Cape Point is known for its rugged cliffs, stunning coastal scenery, and diverse wildlife. Drive (or hike) through the reserve, keeping an eye out for baboons, ostriches, buck, and various bird species. Make your way to the end where you’ll find the Cape Point Lighthouse, perched on top of the dramatic cliffs. You can also take a funicular ride up to the lighthouse if you prefer not to hike. There are walking trails that lead to beautiful secluded beaches, such as Diaz Beach and Buffels Bay.
Return via the charming coastal villages of Kalk Bay and St James, located on the eastern side of the Cape Peninsula. Known for its bohemian chic atmosphere, Kalk Bay offers a mix of art galleries, antique shops, quirky boutiques, and excellent seafood restaurants. Don't miss the chance to sample fresh and local fish and chips (at Kalkies) or a delicious meal at one of the local eateries; Olympia Café is one of our favourites (try the mussels). Kalk Bay is also home to a picturesque harbor where you can watch the fishing boats come and go, and even spot some playful seals.
Free Walking Tour
Join a free walking tour in Cape Town to discover the city's history, culture, and hidden gems. These tours are usually led by knowledgeable local guides who provide insights into the city's past and present. The tours are tip-based, so it's a great way to get acquainted with the city while also supporting local guides. These are really good value considering you pay $10-20 for a two hour in-person history lesson. Search for “free walking tour Cape Town” on Google or Tripadvisor or use the GuruWalk website.
Kirstenbosch
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is a must-visit attraction for nature lovers. It is acclaimed as one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world. Kirstenbosch also hosts excellent concerts and outdoor movies during the summer months; you really can’t ask for a more magical backdrop. Search for “Kirstenbosch summer concerts” online to see the latest schedule (tickets for sale on Webtickets).
Wine tasting
Explore the Cape Winelands, located just a short drive from Cape Town, and treat yourself to world-class wine tasting experiences. The region is renowned for its picturesque vineyards, historic wine estates, and award-winning wines. Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl are popular wine-producing towns.
You can take an Uber/Bolt there and back; please don’t drink and drive. Many wine tasting tours will pick you up and drop you off at your Airbnb, and includes visits to muliple wine estates; others allow you to visit estates by bicycle or train.
Paragliding
Signal Hill and Lion's Head are popular launch sites that offer incredible views of the city and the coastline. No experience is required, as you'll be accompanied by an experienced tandem pilot who will guide you throughout the flight.
(If you want a recommendation for a tandem flight or you’re a certified solo paragliding pilot, reach out to Werner for more information on where to fly!)
Kayaking
There are various kayaking tours available, allowing you to paddle along the coastline, explore sea caves, and hopefully encounter marine wildlife. You can choose to kayak in the calm waters of False Bay, where you might spot dolphins, seals, and even whales during the migration season. Alternatively, opt for a kayak trip in the Atlantic Ocean starting in Sea Point or Camps Bay.
Penguins
Visit Boulders Beach in Simon's Town to witness a colony of African penguins up close, especially in summer. These charismatic creatures are an iconic symbol of Cape Town and are known for their unique braying calls and adorable waddling.
First Thursdays
First Thursdays is a monthly event that transforms the streets of Cape Town into a bustling art, culture, and party hub. On the first Thursday of each month, art galleries, museums, and cultural institutions open their doors until late and feature exhibitions, live performances, and interactive installations. Pop-up restaurants, food trucks, and parties all follow.
Museums
The Iziko South African Museum provides a comprehensive overview of natural history, anthropology, and archaeology. The District Six Museum tells the story of a vibrant community forcibly removed during the apartheid era. For contemporary art enthusiasts, the Zeitz MOCAA (Museum of Contemporary Art Africa) showcases a vast collection of African contemporary art.
Other notable museums include the Slave Lodge, the South African National Gallery, and the Castle of Good Hope, which is the oldest existing colonial building in South Africa.
Theatre
For its size, Cape Town has a pretty respectable theatre scene. However, you often need to visit each venue’s website to see what they have going on. We’d recommend looking at:
Eating and drinking
Our favourites in the neighborhood
Other gems
Markets
Cape Town loves a market!
Coffee
We don’t tend to work from coffee shops, so can’t attest to internet or working vibe, but we are absolute coffee snobs (single origin, light/medium roast, with bright acidity please!)— and these are our five faves:
A lot of the top cafés will serve one of these, but in general the coffee is pretty good in Cape Town.
Fine dining
We aren’t into fine dining, but our friends have raved about:
Other places
Remember to check opening hours, make reservations when necessary (especially in summer).
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