Cape Town is a city of juxtapositions. There's the rugged mountains, looming over pristine bays. Cosmopolitan city life jostling with bountiful nature, luxe beachside estates and miles of rickety townships, cocktail bars and shanty towns. A place where abundant poverty stares you in the face the second you leave your hotel, yet you can also find some of the the coolest, hippest, most happening bars and restaurants south of the Equator. It can be a difficult place to visit, but for all it's issues it has a unique charm that makes it hard not to fall in love, if you give it a chance.
I spent a couple of days at the end of my tour with TUI exploring the city I had fallen for on my first visit ten years ago, and it had gotten even better in my absence. There's enough to do to keep you occupied for weeks, whether you're interested in activities, drinking and dining, or simply chilling by the beach. I tried to do a little bit of everything, and of course record it all to provide you with a look inside one of the most diverse and exciting cities around right now. As such, I've put together this Cape Town travel guide featuring all of my favourite things to do, restaurants and experiences from our trip.
Cape Town 101
Money: The currency is South African Rand (R). At time of writing, the exchange rate is roughly R20=£1. Generally, the pound is fairly strong in comparison, which makes South Africa a very affordable place to visit. Expect to pay no more than R200-250 (£10-£13) for a main dish, and usually considerably less.
Safety: pickpocketing and mugging is commonplace, therefore it's best not to walk around at night, and to avoid showcasing valuables.
Dress: You can pretty much wear what you want - temperatures can be hot even in Winter so light, loose clothing is advisable.
Getting around: Uber is extremely cheap in Cape Town - most rides we took were R26-60 (£1.30-£3). We didn't bother to take public transport as it was so affordable, so I can't comment on it's effectiveness.
Things to do in Cape Town
Table Mountain
I'll admit, I sort of assumed Table Mountain would be overrated. Views over a city are usually much of a muchness - big buildings, some clouds, etc. But, boy, was I wrong. We took the cable car, arriving an hour before the 8am opening to ensure we were in the first car up (by 8 a huge queue had formed, although this had largely dissipated by the time we got back down). I'd recommend getting there early to avoid the crowds - or perhaps make it up for sunset, which I imagine is pretty impressive. The journey up only takes about a minute - check the website before visiting as it can close due to high winds. There were plenty of people hiking up too - but in the scorching heat, scrambling up sheer rock faces, I did not envy them in the slightest.
The top is less Table-esque than you might expect looking from down below, with a rugged terrain of plants and rocks making up the peak. It's fairly flat to walk around though, with multiple viewpoints and even several walks to take around the mountain, ranging from 15 minutes to an hour. View-wise, it truly is spectacular, from the misty-hued surrounding mountains down to the gentle blues of the Atlantic ocean.
Explore Bo-Kaap
Nestled on the slopes of Signal Hill, the former township of Bo-Kaap is one of the city's most colourful neighbourhoods. The epicentre of the Cape Malay (Muslim) community, is home to a mosque and museum, but the main draw is the multi-coloured Cape Dutch and Georgian style houses that line the streets. The houses were initially leased to slaves in the 1700s and had to be kept white, hence when the slaves were later able to buy their houses they painted them in bright hues to represent their freedom. Its supposedly also a great place to discover traditional Cape Malay cuisine (I went at 7am, so can't comment!). Head to Wale Street to see the brightest houses, and visit the museum.
Bo Kaap Neighbourhood
Wale Street and Surrounds
Schotsche Kloof
Cape Town 8001 ZA
Hike Lion's Head
First, and most importantly, the internet may try to tell you the hike up to the peak of Lion's Head, one of the many mountains overlooking the city, is easy. This is an outrageous lie (or maybe I am horribly unfit). A gruelling hike in the raging heat (we ascended around 6pm and it was still boiling) involving scrambling over rocks using stepladders and staples is not what I consider easy, however it is rewarding for the exceptional Cape Town views across the city.
It's a popular place to watch the sunrise and sunset over the city, as well as regular full moon hikes. We didn't quite make it all the way to the summit as it was getting dark and we didn't want to be scrambling back down unable to see, however many people equipped with head torches did stay to watch the sunset, so you'll have company if you do decide to. Make sure to take plenty of water (we finished ours on the way up, amateurs), and be prepared to sweat while super fit South Africans run past you (no joke people were actually running it, the weirdos).
The Cape of Good Hope
The Cape of Good Hope is a rocky headland offering dramatic views over the peninsula. It's commonly assumed to be the Southern most tip of Africa (it's not), and has significance from Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias's navigation of the Cape to the Far East. There's a cafe, restaurant, and a cable car to a lighthouse to the top (you can also hike it, it's short but steep!). It was suuper windy when we went and as you're very exposed it wasn't the most pleasant experience - definitely save this one for a calm day!
The Cape of Good Hope
Cape Point Rd
Cape Town 8001 ZA
The Old Biscuit Mill
For street food and independent shopping in Cape Town, you have to check out the Old Biscuit Mill in the creative neighbourhood of Woodstock. The converted mill (funnily enough) now houses several shops, as well as market stalls selling handmade and unique crafts and clothing. The real draw though is the sprawling food market, with international street food vendors plying some of the most delicious treats that'll have you watering at the mouth, as well as fresh produce. Try curries from traditional African stalls, head for brunch for stacked up rosti's with bacon and eggs, or pick up local honey and biltong spread.
The Old Biscuit Mill
375 Albert Rd
Woodstock
Cape Town 7915 ZA
Boulder's Beach
One word: PENGUINS. I mean, do I need to say any more to convince you? Yep, Boulder's Beach in False Bay, a short drive along the Cape from the city, is home to a colony of African penguins. There's a small entrance fee which grants you access to a walkway perched along the beach, allowing close up viewing of the penguins in their natural habitat without disturbing them. It's a pretty amazing sight!
Right next to Boulder's Beach on the way from the car park is another spot with a small family of penguins, which is free to visit and more accessible. If you're lucky you might get a curious penguin or two come and say hi!
Boulder's Beach
Kleintuin Rd
Simons Town
Cape Town 7995 ZA
V&A Waterfront
One of the cities major hubs, you'll probably end up making your way to the V&A Waterfront at some point during your Cape Town stay. A sprawling maze of shopping malls, restaurants and eateries, hotels, and more, there's a little bit of everything in this substantial complex on the edge of the ocean.
You'll find all the usual big name high street retailers in the Victoria Wharf shopping centre, but there's also dedicated areas for independent and local brands, as well as touristy souvenir shops. There's plenty of hip restaurants, plus a street food and produce market, where we picked up locals beers and condiments to take home. For entertainment, there's the amphitheatre, Cape Wheel, and a helipad for short rides over the city.
V&A Waterfront
19 Dock Rd
Cape Town 8001 ZA
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Set against the slopes of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden is an expansive stretch of gardens and wildlife in dramatic surroundings. We only visited briefly and it was quite gloomy so didn't get the full experience, but even on a whistle-stop tour it was a lovely green space to get some fresh air and enjoy nature in the city. Make sure to take a trip along the canopy walkway (pictured) for the best views.
Look out for outdoor concerts held in Kirstenbosch during Summer evenings - we didn't get to do this but we passed by the concert area and it looked like it would be a whole lotta fun.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Rhodes Dr
Newlands
Cape Town 7735 ZA
Restaurants in Cape Town
Gigi Rooftop at Gorgeous George
Gigi's was top of my Cape Town "must visit" list, and turned out to be conveniently placed literally opposite our hotel. Talk about meant to be! So on our first night in the city we made the long shlep all of about 10 yards to Gorgeous George hotel, the rooftop of which hosts restaurant cum bar Gigi's. I wanted to go because it looked cute (my deciding factor for most things...), enticed by an airy outdoor space decked out with hanging plants, colourful furnishings, and a v Instagrammable light up sign.
However Gigi's isn't just cute. There's their signature cocktails, using obscure ingredients and weird and wonderful combinations that might have you going "hmmm" but somehow seem to work. Pineapple pesto, gluhwein, and Moroccan chemoula syrup may not seem like obvious cocktail choices, but they've worked them into drinks at Gigis. 100% order the Rabbit in the Mist (pictured), which comes swirling in a mist of dry ice and is oh so photogenic.
Then there's the food menu, offering international small plates, a range of salads, and a meat-heavy inventory of big plates and indoor braai grilled steaks. I chowed down on the Slow Braised Beef Flatrib, a sizable portion of smokey, tender beef cooked in a flavoursome, rich red wine. My partner went for the grill option of Ostrich, which was equally tender and juicy. For an indulgent carnivorous South African dining experience (and great cocktails!) Gigi's is the one.
Gigi's Rooftop at Gorgeous George Hotel
118 St Georges Mall
Cape Town City Centre
Cape Town 8000 ZA
Bobo's Brasserie
We popped by elegant neighbourhood spot Bobo's Brasserie for a quick lunch one afternoon in Cape Town, lured in by it's prime beach front location. It's a great daytime spot thanks to it's excellent views, made even better by the opportunity to people watch the yummy mummies on their afternoon stroller strolls, and the jacked up rugby lads on their daily runs. It's a light, airy space, decorated with beachy accents (is that a thing? I'm making it a thing).
The menu is extensive, with plenty of seafood, a hefty meat selection (of course, this is South Africa!), plus burgers, salads and pastas. There's cocktails, wine, and all the other usual suspects. I went for the sesame-crusted yellowfin tuna, a juicy hunk of tuna that packed a punch with a spicy citrus sauce. It looked small but was deceptively filling, each bite loaded with flavour and an extra kick from the chilli garnish. Paired with a crisp glass of Prosecco and fresh sea air, it was a lovely brief departure from the frenzy of the city.
Whilst Bobo's isn't necessarily going to change your life, but for those uninterrupted ocean views alone, it's pretty special.
Bobo's Brasserie
1 Two Oceans Beach
Beach Road, Mouille Point
Cape Town 8001 ZA
Kloof Street House
When the Oxford English Dictionary wrote the definitely of “trendy” they probably looked to Kloof Street House for guidance. Housed in a twentieth century Victorian house decorated with chandeliers, mismatched cushions, and old photos, it's impeccably hip. There's an elegant bar made up of stacked suitcases, as well as a fairy-lit garden for balmy Cape Town evenings. The staff are all tall, toned, good looking and dressed in head to toe black. It feels a bit like walking into Abercrombie and Fitch circa 2008’s edgier cousin.
Luckily, it's not quite as intimidating as the 6 ft+ amazons of A&F dancing in pitch black environs with the scent of Fierce permeating every nook. The staff are perfectly friendly, squeezing us in despite being fully booked, and looking after us warmly and efficiently.
The menu is a mix of South African and international dishes. We tucked into a goats cheese salad, arancini balls, and baked camembert from the starters section, which was a perfect light dinner for two. The camembert was a highlight, gooey, molten goodness, served with caramelised onion and bread for dipping. Who doesn't love melted cheese?
I'd recommend booking advance - if the weather is good, ask for a table in the gorgeous outdoor courtyard space.
Kloof Street House
30 Kloof St
Gardens
Cape Town 8005 ZA
Bombay Bicycle Club
Not to be confused with the Crouch End Indie rock band, Cape Town's Bombay Bicycle Club is an eccentric, queer-friendly restaurant perched on a hill at one end of vibrant Kloof Street.
A bizarre mismatched house of sorts, it's inches from descending into tacky but manages to toe the line with wacky kitsch items lining the walls and ceilings, and maximalist design details overflowing from every nook and cranny.
Shark heads hang from the ceiling, a bedazzled tiger stalks the tables, and swings replacing chairs are just some of the elements that make Bombay Bicycle Club such a peculiar (and fun!) space to dine.
We turned up at 10pm on an ordinary weekday to find the place buzzing, and packed out, but luckily were able to grab one of the few available tables. Menu-wise, it's classic comfort food such as wings, calamari, burgers, and plenty of meat (definitely one for the carnivores!).
We went for the wings as a side, a chicken burger, and their signature chocolate chilli steak. The wings could have been spicier but were redeemed by the delicious garlic aioli accompaniment. The chocolate chilli steak however more than justified it's hype, with a generous portion of three juicy medallions liberally covered in the namesake sauce, which added a subtle kick without smothering the meat. Chocolate + steak = a winning combo, who knew? These guys, clearly. It was waaay too much food for lil ol' me (the portions are definitely not London size!), but it was still soooo good. Come hungry!
Bombay Bicycle Club
158 Kloof St
Gardens
Cape Town 8001 ZA
Bars in Cape Town
Athletic Social Club
Dating back to the 1900s, the three-story Athletic Social Club used to be an underground club for athletes. Fast forward to today and it's a happening bar and restaurant, offering up Mediterranean dining on the ground floor, as well as two bar spaces on the basement and first floor levels.
True to it's roots, the decor is reminiscent of yesteryear. We'd already had dinner so headed upstairs for a drink, which was sumptuously done up like an old school men's social club (or at least I would imagine, funnily enough I've never had the opportunity to visit one!). Think plush armchairs, tapestry wallpaper and big Persian rugs evoking a cosy (but still impeccably chic) ambience.
We just had a quick drink, but they have an extensive menu of wines and cocktails, including classics and signatures. I tucked into the Lilac Lady, a simple blend of Brut, thyme cordial and lavender dust, a light, refreshing Summer drink, whilst my partner had his usual Old Fashioned. According to him and Old Fashioned is the ultimate barometer for the skill of a bartender, and this one passed the test.
Athletic Social Club
35 Buitengracht St
CBD
Cape Town 8001 ZA
The Gin Bar
I love me a speakeasy, so the promise of a hidden bar through the back of a chocolate cafe immediately piqued my interest. In reality, it's not particularly hidden, but nonetheless The Gin Bar is worth seeking out. Set in a courtyard with high walls, quirky memorabilia, and colonial style design touches, it's a beautiful space for drinks with friends or date night.
Unsurprisingly, the bar is gin heavy, boasting over 70 varieties. The menu itself is actually fairly simple, offering a selection of signature gin and tonic "cures", each designed as a potion of sorts with themes including, Heart, Ambition, and Soul. However if you're not the gin sort, they do a few other spirits and were happy to whip up an Old Fashioned for my partner. But really, if you're going to go you've got to try a G&T!
The Gin Bar
64A Wale St
Cape Town City Centre
Cape Town 8000 ZA
I hope this Cape Town travel guide is helpful when planning your own South African adventures. If you've visited an have any other suggestions for things to do in Cape Town, please feel free to pop them in the comments!
I am so happy you enjoyed my city. Living in Cape Town I sometimes forget how lucky I am to live here!
Author
I loved it! Anything else you’d recommend for future visits?