Curator’s statement
Cape Town is a city that feels alive with dramatic coastlines, incredible food, and mountains that rise straight out of the sea. To me, it feels like the best parts of California in one place with better views, better beaches, and a culture that immediately pulls you in. My family is from there, so every recommendation comes from real memories and time spent exploring, not just research. It is one of those destinations that reveals something new every time you return.
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Things to do in Cape Town
Penguins on Boulders Beach
Table Mountain: Take the cable car up for epic views over the entire city. Go on a clear, low-wind day and buy tickets ahead of time.
Lion’s Head hike: My favorite view in Cape Town. It’s an intermediate hike with some effort towards the top, but the payoff at the top is indescribable.
Chapman’s Peak drive: One of the most beautiful coastal drives in the world. Perfect for golden hour with stops in Hout Bay or Noordhoek.
Camps Bay & Clifton Beaches: Camps Bay for the energy, Clifton 4th for something calmer. All stunning, all easy to walk between.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens: Massive gardens set against Table Mountain with a tree-canopy walk. In summer, they host outdoor concerts and picnics.
Simon’s Town & Boulders Beach: A quick drive for penguins, turquoise water, and a protected sanctuary. It’s touristy but worth it.
Neighbourgoods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill: Saturday food market where you can snack your way through dozens of stalls. Go during the day only.
V&A Waterfront: Shops, restaurants, street performers, and the Oranjezicht Market next door. Great for souvenirs and a feel for the city.
Constantia wine route: Groot Constantia, Beau Constantia, and Steenberg are all easy to reach without leaving Cape Town. Ideal for wine tasting and long lunches.
The Leopard Bar at Twelve Apostles Hotel: Stop here for sunset drinks overlooking the ocean and mountain range. It feels like peak Cape Town living.
Places to eat & drink in Cape Town
A trio of petit fours at La Colombe
La Colombe: One of the best dining experiences in South Africa. Creative, refined, and absolutely worth the reservation. My favorite restaurant in the world.
Beau Constantia/Chef’s Warehouse: Modern small plates with sweeping vineyard views. A must-do pairing of scenery and food.
FYN: High-end Japanese-South African fusion in a stunning, design-forward space. Perfect for a special night.
Belly of the Beast: A tiny chef-driven spot with a set tasting menu. Intimate, creative, and always in demand.
Steenberg: A beautiful wine estate with excellent dining and tasting rooms. Great for long, relaxed lunches surrounded by vineyards.
Codfather: A Cape Town classic where you pick your seafood from the counter and have it grilled to order.
Skotnes at Norval Foundation: Art museum plus a chic restaurant with incredible gardens. A perfect lunch pairing with culture.
The Test Kitchen/Old Biscuit Mill: Legendary tasting menus and one of the most iconic culinary institutions in the city. Book far ahead.
Cause & Effect Cocktail Lounge: Experimental cocktails inspired by the Cape’s botanicals. Fun, lively, and unique.
Chinchilla: A rooftop in Camps Bay with DJs and a beautiful ocean view. Go for drinks before or after dinner.
Need to know
Ubers are safe and easy to use, and most places take card, but it’s still helpful to carry some cash for markets and tipping.
Book restaurants months in advance during peak season (December–March) because Cape Town gets incredibly busy.
Always check Table Mountain’s weather before going, since wind can shut the cable car down with no notice.
Lastly, keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas and avoid walking around at night—it’s a stunning city, but basic street smarts go a long way.
Travel Advisor
Norah Cox-Peled
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Cape Town page.