An Insider’s Guide to Cape Town

Beach days

Spending the day on one of the many white sandy beaches, licking an (iconic) granadilla lolly, getting hot in the sun, and then taking a dip in the icy cold water—pure, simple Cape Town bliss.

Explore the Cape Peninsula

Some or all of it. Laying on a beach with cute African penguins at Boulders Beach or just watching them waddle, heading down to the Cape of Good Hope viewpoint and/or browsing the boutique shops and galleries of Kalk Bay... not to mention driving there along one of the world’s great coastal drives: Chapmans Peak.

A day in the Winelands

Spend the day in Stellenbosch and/or Franschhoek—wine tasting, looking at art, and taking in the breathtaking backdrops that make this one of the most beautiful wine regions on earth.

Cape Town’s spontaneous social scene

Attend something fun and spontaneous—an art gallery opening, First Thursdays on Bree Street, or a live open mic night at House of Machines. The city always has something going on.

World-class dining at local prices

Eat at Michelin-level fine dining restaurants for a fraction of the price you would pay anywhere else in the world. Cape Town’s food scene is unmatched.

Hike Table Mountain

Hike up Table Mountain and stand above the clouds looking out over the city, the ocean, and the Peninsula—one of the truly great walks you will do in your lifetime. Skip hiking back down and catch a ride on the Table Mountain cableway.

Take in a sunset

Whether it be perched on the Insta-famous “The Rock” in Fresnaye, or from the beach in Clifton or from Signal Hill, there is a plethora of drool-worthy sunset spots in Cape Town.

A morning on the water

Jump on a boat trip out into Table Bay. Whether it’s whale watching in season, a sunset cruise, or the ferry to Robben Island, the city looks completely different from the water. You can even take it in from a kayak that leaves from Mouille Point or Granger Bay.

Saturday/Sunday morning or Wednesday nights at the Oranjezicht City Farm Market

Join locals and foreigners for the best Saturday/Sunday morning ritual in the city—fresh produce, incredible food stalls, great coffee, and the kind of relaxed community energy that makes Cape Town people so happy. During summer season, they have a Wednesday night market, too!

Know that this list is endless. Depending on season, month, day, and hour. I love this city, and there is no gatekeeping here.

• BLONDIE: For the atmosphere, the food, the people, and the palomas. This place is simple and eclectic, and I’m drooling just writing this. Have the acid salad, fire potatoes, zaatar stonebread, and chicken prego. Or, there is a menu item called “Everything”.

• Willoughbys & Co: Come here for the best sushi/fresh fish/seafood/Asian food. There is no view as it’s situated in the middle of the V&A Mall, but you don’t even notice when your food arrives.

• Le Bistrot de Jan: Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen’s newest addition to his portfolio. The food here is sublime, the service exceptional, the decor and hardware fancy, and there is a “cheese room”.

• Thali: A feast for your eyes and tastebuds. Indian food done in the most incredible way.

• Constantia Glen: The perfect lunch spot for a casual wine tasting or bottle of wine paired with cheese and charcuterie, or Flammkuchen (German flat bread with creme fraiche).

• Moro Gelato: Artisanal Italian gelato. Pistachio. Hazelnut. Chocolate. “Marchese” which is “vanilla from Tahiti combined with macadamia nuts and caramelized almonds”.

And then you have the best of the best: FYN, La Colombe, La Petite Colombe, Amura at The Mount Nelson Hotel, Table de Meye, Chefs Warehouse at Tintswalo, or Beau Constantia.