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City Bowl
WOODSTOCK :
Check out the Skate Park on Victoria Road
Eat at some of the best food spots in the city— The Potluck Club, Burrata (Italian), Redemption Burgers, The Test Kitchen (Latin South African infusion), Saucisse Boutique Deli (a wide range of locally produced deli delights)
Go wine tasting at Open Wine
The Neighbourgoods Market — an awesome Saturday market (personal favorite- the paella stall and Ceviche Bar)
Woodstock Gin Co. — fynbos-infused gin tasting. Walk-ins always welcome between 11am and 6pm. To book, email the Woodstock Gin team
Devils Peak Taproom — beer tasting (Salt River)
RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS:
BREAKFAST / SNACKS:
Unframed Ice Cream (do ice cream tastings)
DEALS:
GoodFood Hub — Tuesdays 5-9 pm- R60 meals- sushi, curry, pizza, beer, and more
GARDENS + ORANJEZICHT + VREDEHOEK :
Labia Movie Theater — old school theater with cheap gin + tonics or alcoholic slushees (easier with cash)
Check out Mabu Vinyl’s for a rare selection of classic vinyl records
Attend a free Concert in the Park at De Waal Park on Sunday afternoons (summer only)
Join a Farming Workshop at the Oranjezicht City Farm
Olive Branch Deli and The German Grocer - amazing spots for imported goods and speciality treats
RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS:
Royal Eatery — the best hamburgers and milkshakes in the city
Manna Epicure — a mix of French, South African and Argentinian flavours, all-day breakfast spot, offering a delicious assortment of gluten-free options, too – we recommend the scrumptious coconut bread
Kloof Street House — Sunday live Jazz restaurant
Our Local — antique store, nursery and restaurant
Arnold’s on Kloof Street (all-day breakfasts or enjoy a variety of five different types of South African Venison cuts), Hudsons Burgers, Robin Hood Burger & Grill, EatStanbul (Turkish food, drinks and decor), Dogs Bollocks (burgers), Yindees (Thai)
Drinks — Up Yours (rooftop bar — book here), Cloud 9 (rooftop bar), The Power and Glory (great ciders!)
BREAKFAST / SNACKS:
Lazari (Italian coffee), Nourish’d Cafe & Juicery (pet friendly), Unframed Ice Cream (do ice cream tastings), Deer Park Café (overlooking the city)
DEALS:
Arnold’s on Kloof Street — daily, from 4:30-6:30 pm, drinks and snack boards are available at special prices
Rick’s Cafe American — 3-7 pm cocktails are R44 and beers are cheap as well (between R26-R75)
Hudsons Burgers — 4:30-6:30 pm- all appetisers, beers and cocktails are on a buy-one-get-one free deal
Cloud 9 — 2 for 1 on craft beers and ciders-- Wednesday
Wine Concepts on Kloof Street — free wine tasting every day (4-7 pm on weekdays, 12-3 pm on weekends)
CITY CENTRE :
District Six Museum (Apartheid Museum) — celebrates the once lively multiracial area that was destroyed during apartheid in the 1960s and 1970s, its 60,000 inhabitants forcibly removed. Pay R55 to get a tour with an ex-resident
Iziko Slave Lodge — South African social history museum
Iziko Planetarium — aims to encourage a wide range of interests, and the shows screened are not limited to astronomy, catering to adults, families and children.
Additional Iziko Museums — Bertram House, Bo-kaap Museum, Groot Constantia, Koopmans-de Wet House, Maritime Centre, Old Town House, Rust en Vreugd, South African Museum, South African National Gallery, Social History Centre, The Castle of Good Hope
Truth Coffee — voted the best coffee in the world with a steampunk aesthetic- they also have a take away bar to the left. Join in for their Coffee Appreciation Academy.
Book Lounge — if you love bookstores, this was my favorite in Cape Town. Clark’s Books — is also amazing, the best part for mereally cool old maps
Company Gardens — a beautiful walk in the middle of the city surrounded by the museums and parliament buildings
Greenmarket Square — a popular flea market + spot for souvenirs
The Fugard Theatre — they present the biggest plays on the circuit, with ZA flavour
First Thursday Art Walk — free art walk + wine
Go to High Tea: Mount Nelson Hotel (they also have a nice spa) or The 12 Apostles
District Six Free Walking Tours operates three very Capetonian tours – Bo-Kaap, Historic city and Apartheid to Freedom tours – daily at 11am, 2pm and 4:20pm from Motherland Coffee Company on Wale Street
RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS & DRINK SPOTS:
Eastern Food Bazaar (legit and cheap food from Indian, Thai, Chinese, etc. note— sitting upstairs is quieter)
The Cousins Trattoria — amazing Italian food — cheese wheel involved. Yes please
Mama Africa or Marco’s African Palace — both host an African meal and live entertainment— fun for tourists
Addis in Cape Ethiopian Restaurant — experience a traditional Ethiopian Coffee Ceremonies
Clarke’s Bar & Dining Room — breakfast by day, pizza by night- known for their burgers and really good Mac and Cheese
Yours Truly Cafe — cafe plus antique store / nursery
Iron Steak and Bar — a couple of our YWAMers claim “its the best steak in Cape Town”
Downtown Ramen (Japanese), Pitsos Kitchen (township cuisine, strictly African food), Bao Down (Asian American fusion), Tomo Japanese Restaurant (Japanese braai in an authentic tea garden), Burger & Lobster (limited menu with amazing sounding desserts), South China Dim Sum Bar (Asian Fusion)
Drinks — The Hidden Gin Bar on Wale Street (within Honest Chocolate), Beer House (plus a large selection of cider), Gigi’s Rooftop at Gorgeous George (rooftop bar)
BREAKFAST / SNACKS:
Mulberry & Prince, Cafe Frank,, Truth Coffee, Jason Bakery, Hemelhuijs (try their freshly squeezed juice), Charly’s Bakery (cupcakes), New York Bagels, The Electric (nice, nut milk bar, sandwich shop and bakery), Harvest Cafe & Deli, Moro Gelato (authentic Italian gelato, with a chocolate fountain, thick hot chocolate + tiramisu gelato), Honest Chocolate (the best organic hot chocolate around), Kleinsky’s Delicatessen (New York deli with the bagels to match)
DEALS:
The Village Idiot — Rainy Day Special- Boerie or a Veg Burger and a Glass of Wine for only R90
Burger & Lobster — daily two for one deals from 4 – 7pm + Bar Bites just R49 each OR every Friday they focus on a new gin, offering R39 Gin and Tonics, as well has half priced gin cocktails
Clarke’s Bar & Dining Room — (Tuesdays 6-7 pm)- two for one burgers
Harringtons — Thursday-Saturday — 5-7 pm Happy Hour
The Village Idiot — first Thursdays — Boerie or a Veg Burger and a Glass of Wine for only R90
Sgt. Pepper — Thursdays — Two for One Burger or Pizza
DE WATERKANT :
Join the Barista Academy at Origin Cafe for a course on coffee
RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS:
The Light Side Cafe (highly recommended vegan food)
BREAKFAST / SNACKS:
Origin Cafe, The Loading Bay (matcha latte, buckwheat pancakes, sourdough all great)
TABLE MOUNTAIN :
One of the major icons of Cape Town is the magnificent Table Mountain which you can hike or take the Table Car, some suggested hiking options:
Skeleton Gorge — The beautiful forest-like start and the beach-like finish to this hike makes this strenuous trail well worth the climb. It’s only about 3km, which sounds easy enough, but remember this is Table Mountain we’re talking about.
You start your hike in the abundant Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden (you’ll need to pay the regular entry fee) and climb up the back of Table Mountain. The first half is shaded and feels like you’re in a jungle somewhere far-off, but you’ll start seeing some spectacular views closer to the top
Pipeline Track — a flat hike for a sundowner in between Table Mountain + Lions Head with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and Lion’s Head and a chance to appreciate some of the mountain’s fynbos up close
The Table Mountain Cableway — has a Wi-fi Lounge offers all visitors FREE wireless internet connectivity (TABLE_MOUNTAIN), numerous plug and USB points, a wide range of comfy seating options as well as two view decks and an outside balcony area to enjoy. November-February they have a sunset special for half priced return tickets after 6 pm
Lions Head — hike overlooks both side of the mountain- much easier than Table Mountain- can do a Midnight Hike as well!
Kloof Corner Hike — lesser known equivalent to Lions Head hike
Signal Hill — you can drive up for a overview of all sides of Cape Town- people parasail off the overlook down into Camps Bay, a local favorite activity is to bring food or takeaway and drinks (going to Eastern Food Bazaar is ideal for this), and go to Signal Hill for a “Sundowner”
Oranjezicht City Farm- small scale organic agriculture in the heart of the city (Saturdays 9 am-2 pm), even have adoption days for adopting a new pet!
Cape Town Stadium — beyond sporting events, there are regularly concerts that are worth seeing
V&A WATERFRONT :
The Zeitz MOCAA Museum — museum for contemporary art Africa, takes several hours and is a bit pricey, but is known to be a life changing experience- a MUST for locals. There’s also a free audio tour. To ensure access for all, under-18s gain free entry into the museum every day, and Wednesday mornings from 10 am – 1 pm are free for all citizens of the 54 African states
Ride the Cape Wheel
Two Oceans Aquarium — The aquarium displays over 3000 marine species including sharks, fish, turtles and penguins with large viewing windows.
Play Cave Golf
Battery Park — there are so many fun options- from a skate park, movies on the lawn in summer (check out Galileo Open Air Cinema), basketball, soccer, picnic, a jungle gym, swings, rocking horses and a scooter path
Join a Guided Bike Tour
Jump on the Red Open Bus Tour — the ultimate convenient touristy way to see the city
Go to a class at the Lindt Chocolate Studio- classes, tastings, tours, etc.
Go a Whiskey Tasting Session at Bascule Bar
Watershed — my favorite location for getting souvenirs
Go to a show at the Cape Town Comedy Club — from 6-7 pm a bucket of Savanna’s is R80
Boats can be chartered from the Waterfront to see Robben Island
See a movie at Ster-Kinekor Nu Metro
Go paddleboarding — SUP board rental and lesson for R220, email to book
RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS:
V&A Market on the Wharf — booths with various street foods
Willaston Bar at the Silo Hotel — morning High Tea and then crafted cocktails for the afternoon
Life Grand Cafe — excellent cocktails with an outstanding view
BREAKFAST / SNACKS:
Crumbs and Cream (ice cream), Unframed Ice Cream (do ice cream tastings), Krispy Kreme Donuts (an American classic!), Gibson’s (American milkshakes- 1000 options)
DEALS:
Shimmy Beach Club — they have really great deals in the Winter for happy hour
Atlantic Seaboard
CAMPS BAY :
Don’t miss out on the Tidal Pool
RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS:
Mantra Cafe — delicious foods with a view
BREAKFAST / SNACKS:
DEALS:
Mantra Cafe — 4-7 pm, try- Grapefruit Mimosa
SEA POINT :
Mouille Point — bike rentals where you can ride along the promenade or play put put
Don’t miss out on the Tidal Pool
Join for a cooking class at Ginger & Lime Food Studios
RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS:
Mojo Market — so many great food stall options - for some desperate Tex Mex - Tortilla Modern Mexican
Posticino — Italian restaurant with really great pizza
NY Slice Pizza — a classic
BREAKFAST / SNACKS:
Coco Safar (life changing croissants, coffee and sweets with an innovative twist)
Kleinsky’s Delicatessen (New York deli with the bagels to match)
Scheckter’s Raw (organic matcha pancakes, pumpkin pie flapjacks)
The Dairy Den (donuts + soft serve in interesting flavors)
Crumbs and Cream (ice cream), Jarryds (espresso bar + eatery)
GREEN POINT :
Green Point Urban Park — get Paletas (Mexican ice Lollies at the little cafe), walk around the biodiversity showcase gardens and open air museum, have a picnic, experience the fitness park
Giovanni’s Deli — American / Italian imports (eg. double stuffed oreos), amazing deli & cheese options
RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS:
Gold Restaurant — an immersive experience that will take you on a 14-dish taste-safari paired with traditional Mali puppets and entertainment
BREAKFAST / SNACKS:
Jason Bakery, The Stranger’s Club (“best chai lattes in town”)
DEALS:
Hudsons Burgers — 4:306:30 pm- all appetisers, beers and cocktails are on a buy-one-get-one free deal
Cafe ExtraBlatt — 5-8 pm, all cocktails R40, Jumbos R45
Beluga Restaurant — 4-7 pm Whiskey Wednesday BOGO or Sunday Happy Hour
Sotano — Wednesday 5 pm- two for one lamb burger special with chips-- live reggae music performing as well
CLIFTON :
Clifton Fourth — notorious for being the best beach around, also a great spot for a Sundowner
Llandudno — another incredible beach
Sandy Bay Beach — another incredible beach
Oudekraal Braai Spot — one of the best spots for an epic view and a braai (with a swimming area)
12 Apostles Hotel — if you’re looking for a very fancy spa experience
12 Apostles Drive — Camps Bay through Hout Bay — there is often a little trailer coffee stand along the side of the road with really good coffee
HOUT BAY :
Charter a boat to see Seal Island (where the Great Whites are lurking)
Bay Harbor Market — live music and stalls with all kinds of food and local crafts (Friday 5 – 9pm and Saturday/Sunday 9:30am – 4pm)
World of Birds — has loads of fun animals, a walk-in monkey cage, walk-in tortoise area, etc
Clay Cafe — food + choose ceramics to paint- great for a group!
Lichtenstein Castle — an exact replica of the original in Germany.
RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS:
Snoekie’s — fish and chips- packed with locals on the weekends
Fish on the Rocks — another popular fish and chips spot
Chapman’s Peak Hotel — great seafood restaurant
Mexicola — a Mexican restaurant being put up in place of Deez Holiday by restaurateur Cheyne Morrisby
