WHAT TO DO WHEN…
YOU HAVE THREE HOURS TO KILL
Best for a bit of culture
Visit Zeitz Mocaa Museum of Contemporary Art which has incredible architecture and some of the best exhibitions. Then we suggest you drive or walk through Bo-Kaap in the Cape Malay area, which is colourful and eclectic. If you are after something different in a beautiful setting then head to the Norval Foundation in Tokai which is an Art Museum and Centre for Cultural expression. And if you’re looking for something outdoorsy than the Kirstenbosch Gardens at the base of Table Mountain are a must – they are one of the greatest botanical gardens of the world.
Top shopping
For all the top recognisable brands, head to the V & A Waterfront in Table Bay Harbour where there is tonnes to see and do. If you’re looking for independent shops, then Bree Street is your place, which is officially one of the hippest streets in Cape Town with a gin bar, stylish boutiques, a barber and a shop entirely dedicated to cheese. If antiques and quirky vintage finds are your thing then head to Kalk Bay.
Must check out
Table Mountain – Take the cable car but the best way is to walk up to earn that view and you can be up and down within 3hrs. Make sure you drive along Chapmans Peak which is between Noordhoek and Hout Bay for stunning views, and spend some time on Camps Bay Beach which is the closest beach to Cape Town with an incredible vibe and views of the Twelve Apostle Mountains.
Jump in a cab to
Woodstock which lies between the docks of Table Bay and the lower slopes and Devil’s Peak. Don’t leave without visiting the Saturday market at The Old Biscuit Mill for fine local designs and incredible fresh food produce.
For wine-lovers, wine-tasting at Eagles Nest, Constantia is an absolute must.
Secret Find
You can’t leave Cape Town without a visit to the Oranjezicht City Market at Granger Bay on Saturday and Sunday mornings for fresh, artisan and hand-made food as well as beautiful fresh flowers.
YOU WANT TASTY, HEALTHY FOOD
Best brunch stop
For great coffee and all-day breakfast head to Clarkes where you can choose from lots of fermented food options, cooked breakfast home-baked bread, fresh juices as well as eggs and avocado on toast.
Best Lunch
Famous for its array of salads, ‘Love sandwiches’ and tasty treats, The Kitchen in Woodstock is a must and has the tastiest Vegan food.
Best Dinner Experience
If you love Indian food then you will love Thali at the Chef’s Warehouse in Beau Constantia, which offers delicious traditional Indian food cooked from scratch.
When you want a healthy takeout
NU Health Food Cafe serves up the freshest healthy food using the finest local produce. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, gluten/ wheat/ dairy/ sugar free then there are delicious salads, juices, smoothies, wraps and snacks to take away or eat in. There are 12 to visit throughout Cape Town.
WHEN YOU NEED TO IMPRESS YOUR BOSS/ CLIENTS
The go-to eatery
Roof top of The Silo Hotel has the best view in town and great light lunches.
Best place for a meeting
The Mount Nelson Hotel, set at the foot of Table Mountain was painted pink for peace in 1918. With old school charm it is perfect for meetings.
Best all-round hotel
A little off the beaten track but still only 30 mins from Cape Town city centre, the Tintswalo Atlantic Hotel is right on the sea and offers an almost wilderness feel whilst being near the city. If you’re looking for something very high end, try Ellerman House which has a boutique feel with an amazing private art collection.
Best for after dinner cocktails
Dinner at Chefs Warehouse at Beau Constantia. Best views and best food in Cape Town hands down. Get their early for sundowners.
YOU’RE TRAVELLING ALONE
Best hotel for solo travellers
The Dorp Hotel which has just opened its doors. Super quirky interior with a homely feel. Think Soho House but African style.
Best restaurant for a solo diners
Between Us on Bree Street which always houses a fun young crowd and its easy to make a few friends.
YOU NEED A STYLE HIT
When you need stylish work clothes
Country Road. at the Woolworths V&A Shopping Centre is always classic and super stylish.
When you’ve got a special occasion
Head to KLuK CGDT which specialises in locally made bespoke options with brave uses of colour, pattern and fabric.
Best for stylish basics
From underwear to swimwear, kidswear and accessories Woolworths has it all covered.
Off the beaten track recommendations…
‘Merchants on Long’ which showcases the best in African style and unique designers.
Best for shoes and accessories
Pichulik at the V&A Waterfront celebrates handcrafted African accessories and jewellery.
TO LOOK AFTER YOUR WELLBEING
Best hotel with wellness facilities
The One & Only which not only has a tip notch wellness facility but it has the most amazing view of Table Mountain to boot.
Best spa
The Lanzerac Wine estate Spa in Stellenbosch not only has fantastic facilities but it’s in the most beautiful setting. Have the TheraVine Face & Body Glow Experience – it’s incredible.
Where to go for a great Yoga class
Yoga Life has a great Power Yoga Class that will leave you buzzing and revived.
Where to go to sweat
Virgin Active at Wembley Square is where all the City folk go. With everything from weights to a pool and bootcamp classes, there’s something here for everyone.
Best health food store
Organic Living Constantia is the best independent health food store we know with well-informed staff always willing to offer good advice.
YOU ARE IN NEED OF BEAUTIFICATION…
Best stop for a fast, immaculate manicure
Sorbet Nails on Kloof Street is convenient, quick and easy to park.
Best place for a blowdry
Hand on Park Road do modern, beautiful hair.
Best facial in town
Skin Renewal Constantia – Not only do they do one of the best facials they also offer advice on nutrition to help the skin.
Best for eyebrows
The Urban Beauty Lounge in Wembley Square specialise in brows, lashes and spray tanning, plus you can escape to your car unseen post treatment.
DON’T LEAVE CAPE TOWN WITHOUT CHECKING OUT
Lunch at Harbour House in Kalk Bay. Ask for a table right on the sea and you will more than likely see a dolphin or a whale.
A day trip to Babylonstoren which are unique Cape Dutch farms with incredible gardens, restaurants and a spa.
A VERY refreshing (borderline freezing) swim at Llanduno beach where you can also watch the surfers.
On the first Thursday of the month, get a cab into town to Loop Street where all the art galleries are open late and the roads are pedestrianised. All the bars are open and people spill onto the streets so the vibe is really fun.
This City Guide has been curated by Kate Kindersley founder of hadeda.co.uk an interiors and style shop that celebrates the craftsmanship of African design.
