Discovering Cape Town: The Ultimate Travel Destination
Cape Town is one of my favorite cities in the world - filled with stunning landscapes, diverse cuisines, and a wealth of activities to indulge in. Whether you're a nature lover, a foodie, an adventure enthusiast, or just looking to relax, Cape Town has something to offer for everyone. In this travel guide, we'll discuss the best places to stay, where to indulge in delicious meals, grab a drink, and the must-see attractions.
How to Get There
Before we delve into the details, let's start with the basics. Cape Town is easily accessible through international flights, and once you arrive, you can either rent a car, rideshare (Uber), or use public transportation to explore the city.
When to Go
The best times to visit Cape Town for tourism are during the cusp months of October and November, springtime in South Africa, or from December to February when the days are the longest and warmest. Humidity is low in Cape Town, making summers hot but not overly muggy. Wintertime, from June to August, can be chilly, with rainy and cold days.
Where to Stay
Budget Accommodations
ONCE IN CAPE TOWN: Perfect for budget travelers, ONCE in Cape Town is centrally located with easy access to shops, restaurants, clubs, and cafes. The staff is friendly, and the property boasts three in-house restaurants, making it a great base for your adventures.
Moderate Accommodations
VACATION RENTALS (VRBO): For a more local experience and privacy, consider VRBO rentals. They offer beautiful apartments and villas by the beach at affordable prices, allowing you to explore different neighborhoods in Cape Town.
SOUTH BEACH SUITES: Located in the stunning Camps Bay area, South Beach Suites offer waterfront apartments with modern amenities, flat-screen TVs, and oceanfront views, perfect for a comfortable and stylish stay.
Luxury Accommodations
POD CAMPS BAY: For a 5-star experience, stay at POD Camps Bay, a boutique hotel right on Camps Bay beach. Enjoy breathtaking views, walkable access to restaurants and bars, and a top-notch breakfast.
THE SILO HOTEL: Experience old-world charm at The Silo Hotel, an old grain silo turned luxurious accommodation. With 28 rooms, including a one-bedroom penthouse and royal suites, the views and ambiance are simply dreamy.
ELLERMAN HOUSE: This hidden gem offers only 13 rooms, prioritizing customer service and attention to detail. Breakfast, drinks, wine tasting, minibar, and even a private chef are included, making your stay at Ellerman House unforgettable.
BELMOND MOUNT NELSON: For a taste of old-Hollywood glamour and colonial grandeur, stay at Belmond Mount Nelson. Nestled at the foot of Table Mountain, this luxury hotel is a true escape in the heart of Cape Town.
Where to Eat
One of the best things about Cape Town is its diverse and vibrant food scene. From local delicacies to international cuisines, the city offers an array of dining options to satisfy any palate. Whether you're a coffee enthusiast, looking for a hearty breakfast or brunch, or interested in exploring local markets, Cape Town has something for everyone.
Coffee Shops
Truth Coffee: Experience a relaxed and trendy steampunk vibe while savoring your daily cup of joe at Truth Coffee.
Tribe Coffee: Situated near the Woodstock train station, Tribe is an exceptional café offering great coffee and a warm ambiance.
Bootlegger Coffee: With multiple locations across Cape Town, Bootlegger is a favorite for its top-notch coffee, food, and welcoming atmosphere.
Breakfast & Brunch
Clarke's: Founded in 2011, Clarke's is one of Cape Town's best spots for breakfast and brunch. Located in the vibrant CBD, the menu features an all-day breakfast, fresh juices, cocktails, and sandwiches. Try their hash eggs, huevos rancheros, or fire eggs for a delightful start to your day.
Jason's Bakery: Renowned for their delicious pastries, Jason's Bakery takes three days to craft their famous croissants. Don't miss out on The Bomb breakfast, featuring bacon, Emmental cheese, and a poached egg on their famous plain croissant. It's served all day and is sure to leave you craving for more.
Bootlegger: Beyond their reputation for brewing some of the best coffee in Cape Town, Bootlegger Coffee Company offers a delectable breakfast and lunch menu. Don't miss their vegetarian burger or mouthwatering eggs benedict.
Markets
Mojo Market: Open every day of the week, Mojo Market is a food and lifestyle market where you can savor an array of treats and also shop for handmade clothes and accessories. Try the poke bowl for something fresh and healthy or indulge in gourmet mac and cheese for a decadent treat.
The Old Biscuit Mill: Every Saturday, the Old Biscuit Mill hosts a foodie heaven with over 100 traders. Treat yourself to a slice of artisanal avocado toast from Oh My Avo! or explore the diverse culinary offerings from various local chefs.
Oranjezicht Market: Operating on Saturdays and Sundays during the summer, Oranjezicht Market is a favorite among locals. Visit this market for breakfast and pick up some fresh produce from local farmers to enjoy later.
Restaurants
Kloof Street House: My absolute favorite restaurant in Cape Town, it’s got perfect indoor and outdoor seating for every occasion whether it be a romantic candlelit dinner or live jazz music during a weekend lunch.
The Potluck Club: Known as one of the coolest places in Cape Town, The Potluck Club offers innovative cuisine inspired by foods from South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Situated on the top floor of the Silo inside The Old Biscuit Mill, it promises an unforgettable culinary experience.
Granary Cafe at the Silo: Located inside one of Cape Town's most beautiful hotels, Granary Cafe offers a range of casual and contemporary menus. Stop by for brunch, afternoon tea, or their legendary Sunday Roast.
Cod Father: Offering the best seafood in Cape Town, Cod Father operates without menus. Instead, their knowledgeable staff will guide you through the catch of the day and explain how each dish is prepared and its taste and texture.
Hesheng: Considered one of the best Chinese restaurants in Cape Town, Hesheng offers excellent food at affordable prices. With a no-frills ambiance, the focus is on the incredible flavors of their dishes.
Kyoto Garden: Specializing in fresh seafood, Kyoto Garden sources top-quality ingredients from around the world, including farmed abalone, sea urchin, eel, and Alaska king crab.
Villa 47: From paninis to salads, pasta, and risotto, Villa 47 serves classic Italian dishes with a twist. The moody lighting and lounge-like atmosphere make it a great spot for any occasion.
Col'chacio: Offering some of the best pizza in Cape Town, Col'chacio is a true love story as the owners met, fell in love, and decided to open an Italian restaurant together.
Three Wise Monkeys: Satisfy your cravings for ramen, sushi, and other Japanese delights at Three Wise Monkeys. Be sure to try their kimchi and indulge in their delicious bao.
Tjing Tjing: This 200-year-old house in Cape Town's CBD offers an authentic Japanese dining experience. Choose from four different dining experiences and enjoy a cocktail at their stunning rooftop bar.
Vegan & Plant-Based Options:
Scheckter's Raw: Located in Sea Point, Scheckter's Raw serves inventive vegan dishes, including organic matcha flapjacks, charcoal-activated burgers, and mouthwatering desserts.
Plant Cafe: Established in 2013, Plant promotes plant-based food choices without compromising on flavor. It is known as one of the top vegan restaurants in Cape Town, offering a delicious menu that will leave you coming back for more.
Fine Dining
Sevruga: Offering incredible views of Cape Town's waterfront, Sevruga is an exceptional fine dining experience. While it might be a bit pricey, the food is worth every penny.
Where to Drink
Village Idiot: If you want to grab a drink with the locals, head to The Village Idiot. It’s a vintage bar and restaurant in the heart of Cape Town’s CBD.
Secret Gin Bar: Tucked away behind Honest Chocolate is the city’s Secret Gin Bar. Decorated with fairy lights and eccentric decor, it's one of my favorite places to grab a drink with friends.
Botanical Bar: Looking for a twist to your usual bar? Visit the Botanical Bar on Longmarket Street. The drinks are inspired by Cape Town’s local fynbos, and the venue itself is worth a visit.
The Stack: Located in the center of Gardens, The Stack is one of Cape Town’s most Instagrammable bars. Get here between 3 pm – 6 pm every day for their buy one get one free happy hour.
The Silo Hotel Bar: The Silo Hotel has one of the best rooftop bars in Cape Town to watch the sunset. Be sure to plan your visit in advance as the venue requires a reservation.
Sky Bar: In De Waterkant, you will find great views of Table Mountain from Sky Bar. They’ve got a pool up at the rooftop bar, so bring your bikini and plan to stick around for sunset.
Sky Bar at the Grand Daddy: In the heart of Cape Town, you’ll find Sky Bar at the Grand Daddy with engaging theme nights that change every evening. Come Monday nights to watch movies on a big screen while you soak in the city lights.
Zenith Sky Bar: On top of the Cape Royal hotel, you’ll find the trendy Zenith Sky Bar with its sparkling pool and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Seaboard.
Up Yours at Yours Truly: Stop by Kloof Street for Up Yours at Yours Truly, a hipster hotspot with an oversized deck. It’s always busy here, and you’ll find an energetic vibe from coffee time to cocktail hour.
The Vue: This aptly named rooftop bar offers 360-degree views over the CBD and the ocean. Come with an appetite because The Vue serves up mouth-watering tapas.
The Waiting Room: Keen to toss back a couple after a long day? Check out The Waiting Room, a swanky spot in the CBD that is a top pick for after-work drinks.
Chinchilla Camps Bay: Chinchilla Camps Bay is the newest member of the Kove Collection's eateries. It is set right above the beach on the Camps Bay strip and is the perfect place to sip a cocktail while watching the sun go down.
What to See
Cape Point Road Trip:
Take a scenic drive along the coastal road to Cape Point, passing through Muizenberg, Simon's Town, and Chapman's Peak Road.
Go on a Hike:
Explore the city's natural wonders with hikes to Lion's Head (go for sunrise for an unforgettable view), Skelton Gorge, Newlands Forest, and Kloof Corner.
Cable Car up to Table Mountain:
Scale Table Mountain via the cable car for panoramic views of the city.
Hit the Beach:
Enjoy the beautiful beaches of Cape Town, including Clifton 2nd, Long Beach, Bakhoven Beach, and Boulders Beach (home to penguins!).
Helicopter Flight:
Experience Cape Town from above with a scenic helicopter flight.
Day Trip to the Cape Winelands:
Visit Stellenbosch or Franschhoek for a wine tasting and delicious lunch at one of the wine estates. There are plenty of tours offered in case you don’t feel like driving!
Kirstenbosch Botanic Garden:
Explore the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanic Garden, home to a large collection of African plants.
Woodstock Street Art:
Discover more than 40 pieces of street art by local and international artists in the vibrant Woodstock neighborhood.
Visit Bo Kaap Neighborhood:
Explore the colorful houses and taste traditional Cape Malay cuisine in Bo Kaap.
With this guide, you're all set to have an unforgettable trip to Cape Town, enjoying the diverse offerings of this magnificent city. Cape Town has everything from budget accommodations to luxury stays, from delectable cuisines to rooftop bars, and from scenic landscapes to cultural delights. So, pack your bags and embark on an adventure of a lifetime in this captivating South African city!