Guidebook for Cape Town
Everything Else
Camps Bay
We are close to Camps Bay's beautiful beach and great restaurants
Clifton
We are just a walk away from Clifton's wind free beaches
Cape Town City Centre
Not far from Cape Town's vibrant city centre
Lion's Head Hike
Signal Hill RoadYou can walk to Lion's Head from my house
Mediclinic Cape Town
21 Hof StIn case of emergencies.
Great shopping. Lots of movies, including Cinema Nouveau.
33 locals recommend
V&A Waterfront Head Office
3 Dock RdGreat shopping. Lots of movies, including Cinema Nouveau.
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway station
Pipe TrackA must see
Sea Point Medical Centre (Pty) LTD
11 Kloof RdDoctors, dentists and more
Food Scene
One of my favourite restaurants - good Italian food.
021 421 0071
173 locals recommend
Il Leone Mastrantonio
22 Cobern StOne of my favourite restaurants - good Italian food.
021 421 0071
NV-80
76 Regent RoadA great restaurant, so close you could walk.
021 439 7112
Great restaurant right on the beach. Best pizzas in town!
021 425 0551
275 locals recommend
Grand Africa Café & Beach
Granger Bay BoulevardGreat restaurant right on the beach. Best pizzas in town!
021 425 0551
My favourite wine farm. A great way to spend a Sunday - enjoy a wonderful lunch with outstanding wines.
021 855 3218
50 locals recommend
Cavalli Estate
Strand RoadMy favourite wine farm. A great way to spend a Sunday - enjoy a wonderful lunch with outstanding wines.
021 855 3218
Don Armando
20 Cobern StGreat steaks!
021 4181462
One of Cape Town's most popular restaurants. Book before you get here!
021 447 0804
312 locals recommend
The Pot Luck Club
373-375 Albert RdOne of Cape Town's most popular restaurants. Book before you get here!
021 447 0804
Trendy Cape Town spot - especially on Thursdays and Fridays.
021 434 1525
143 locals recommend
The Duchess of Wisbeach
321 Wisbeach RdTrendy Cape Town spot - especially on Thursdays and Fridays.
021 434 1525
One of Cape Town's oldest and most popular restaurants. Airy, contemporary space with carved wooden chairs and ocean-view terrace, for classic Italian food.
Address: Old Mutual Building, Beach Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town, 8005
Phone: 021 439 9538
240 locals recommend
La Perla
281 Beach RdOne of Cape Town's oldest and most popular restaurants. Airy, contemporary space with carved wooden chairs and ocean-view terrace, for classic Italian food.
Address: Old Mutual Building, Beach Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town, 8005
Phone: 021 439 9538
Named after the year in which Steenberg was established, Bistro Sixteen82 first opened its doors in 2009, and has been the tapas and bistro-style darling of the dining world ever since. It's about 30 minutes away, but well worth the trip. Wonderful for a lazy Sunday lunch.
111 locals recommend
Bistro Sixteen82
Steenberg RoadNamed after the year in which Steenberg was established, Bistro Sixteen82 first opened its doors in 2009, and has been the tapas and bistro-style darling of the dining world ever since. It's about 30 minutes away, but well worth the trip. Wonderful for a lazy Sunday lunch.
Bree Street has overtaken Camps Bay, Long Street and even Kloof Street as Cape Town’s coolest strip – when it comes to eating opportunities, anyway. There’s still a lot of construction happening, but through the dust and rubble rise gorgeous new spaces and cooking smells, so it keeps things exciting. This vibrant road that’s both wide and long offers numerous options – all excellent – for coffee, burgers, sandwiches and sundowners. Not to mention the dedicated bars for gin, bacon and cheese. Take a walk with us up Bree Street to see Cape Town’s hottest restaurant talent.
207 locals recommend
Bree Street
Bree StreetBree Street has overtaken Camps Bay, Long Street and even Kloof Street as Cape Town’s coolest strip – when it comes to eating opportunities, anyway. There’s still a lot of construction happening, but through the dust and rubble rise gorgeous new spaces and cooking smells, so it keeps things exciting. This vibrant road that’s both wide and long offers numerous options – all excellent – for coffee, burgers, sandwiches and sundowners. Not to mention the dedicated bars for gin, bacon and cheese. Take a walk with us up Bree Street to see Cape Town’s hottest restaurant talent.
WINE ON THE ROCKS AT KALK BAY
Phone: 021 788 7162
Kalk Bay
might be one of the most southerly and smallest of Cape Town’s suburbs, but don’t overlook it. Head here for drinks at The Polana in the Harbour House complex. The setting, right on the rocks, is spectacular. In the summer you can nestle on battered couches and cushions by the open windows while a fire burns cheerily as the waves crash in winter. Local wines feature heavily on the drinks list and there’s sometimes live music and dancing.
13 locals recommend
Polana
WINE ON THE ROCKS AT KALK BAY
Phone: 021 788 7162
Kalk Bay
might be one of the most southerly and smallest of Cape Town’s suburbs, but don’t overlook it. Head here for drinks at The Polana in the Harbour House complex. The setting, right on the rocks, is spectacular. In the summer you can nestle on battered couches and cushions by the open windows while a fire burns cheerily as the waves crash in winter. Local wines feature heavily on the drinks list and there’s sometimes live music and dancing.
True to bistro style, La Boheme is cosy and welcoming, serving gourmet yet hearty meals at a reasonable price. Boasting an impressive wine selection, of which over sixty are available by the glass, La Boheme is the only wine bar in the Sea Point area. The chefs, imaginative and experienced, take full advantage of the freshest ingredients available. As a result, you may find that last night’s menu has changed somewhat to what is on offer today.
128 locals recommend
La Boheme
341 Main RdTrue to bistro style, La Boheme is cosy and welcoming, serving gourmet yet hearty meals at a reasonable price. Boasting an impressive wine selection, of which over sixty are available by the glass, La Boheme is the only wine bar in the Sea Point area. The chefs, imaginative and experienced, take full advantage of the freshest ingredients available. As a result, you may find that last night’s menu has changed somewhat to what is on offer today.
When you're at the V&A Waterfront, pop in to Willoughby's for the best sushi in Cape Town.
289 locals recommend
Willoughby & Co
19 Dock RdWhen you're at the V&A Waterfront, pop in to Willoughby's for the best sushi in Cape Town.
Chapman’s Peak Restaurant is sought after by both visitors and locals. For over 25 years this internationally acclaimed restaurant has served mouth-watering seafood dishes including West Coast Lobster (crayfish), Prawns, Fresh Line fish and Portuguese Sardines.
My favourite dish is the calamari/steak combo.
143 locals recommend
Chapmans Peak Hotel
2 Chapmans Peak DrChapman’s Peak Restaurant is sought after by both visitors and locals. For over 25 years this internationally acclaimed restaurant has served mouth-watering seafood dishes including West Coast Lobster (crayfish), Prawns, Fresh Line fish and Portuguese Sardines.
My favourite dish is the calamari/steak combo.
Sightseeing
A Saturday morning must! Lots of fantastic food stalls and more.
619 locals recommend
The Old Biscuit Mill
375 Albert RdA Saturday morning must! Lots of fantastic food stalls and more.
Take a drive to Franschhoek for a day. Lots of wine farms on the way and a quaint little town with wonderful restaurants which is a delight to explore.
317 locals recommend
Franschhoek
Take a drive to Franschhoek for a day. Lots of wine farms on the way and a quaint little town with wonderful restaurants which is a delight to explore.
For the most spectacular view, this is a must. Take the cable car or, if you're feeling energetic, take one of the beautiful walks up.
1249 locals recommend
Table Mountain Hike
5821 Tafelberg RoadFor the most spectacular view, this is a must. Take the cable car or, if you're feeling energetic, take one of the beautiful walks up.
Boulders Beach is a popular tourist destination because of it's famous penguin population. It's a sheltered beach made up of inlets between granite boulders, from which the name originated. It is located in the Cape Peninsula, near Simon's Town towards Cape Point.
562 locals recommend
Boulders Beach
Kleintuin RoadBoulders Beach is a popular tourist destination because of it's famous penguin population. It's a sheltered beach made up of inlets between granite boulders, from which the name originated. It is located in the Cape Peninsula, near Simon's Town towards Cape Point.
Chapman's Peak Drive in Cape Town, which takes motorists on a 9km winding route from Hout Bay to Noordhoek, is widely regarded as one of the most scenic stretches of road anywhere in the world. Take a drive and see what all the fuss is about.
409 locals recommend
Chapman's Peak Drive
1 Chapmans Peak DrChapman's Peak Drive in Cape Town, which takes motorists on a 9km winding route from Hout Bay to Noordhoek, is widely regarded as one of the most scenic stretches of road anywhere in the world. Take a drive and see what all the fuss is about.
Take a tour to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela spent 18 of the 27 years he served behind bars before the fall of apartheid.
395 locals recommend
Robben Island
Take a tour to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela spent 18 of the 27 years he served behind bars before the fall of apartheid.
Shopping
Sea Point Spar
94 Regent RdClose to home in the same centre as Woolworths
Close to my house and has all the basics - good quality fresh fruit and veggies.
123 locals recommend
Woolworths Piazza St John
Close to my house and has all the basics - good quality fresh fruit and veggies.
You will find everything you need at this popular shopping mall 10 minutes away, but be prepared for crowds.
1951 locals recommend
V&A Waterfront
19 Dock RdYou will find everything you need at this popular shopping mall 10 minutes away, but be prepared for crowds.
Getting Around
MyCiti is a bus service with a stop 300m from my house. You need a card to use this service. Let me know before you arrive if you would like me to get you one. Its' a pre-paid service and R100 should get you around.
69 locals recommend
MyCiti Bus Century City Terminus
MyCiti is a bus service with a stop 300m from my house. You need a card to use this service. Let me know before you arrive if you would like me to get you one. Its' a pre-paid service and R100 should get you around.
Entertainment & Activities
Go to http://www.whatsonincapetown.com/ to see what's happening while you're in Cape Town.
171 locals recommend
Cape Town
Go to http://www.whatsonincapetown.com/ to see what's happening while you're in Cape Town.
FIRST THURSDAYS
http://www.first-thursdays.co.za/cpt-highlights/
A public event and free to attend. Art galleries and cultural events around Cape Town's central city stay open until 9pm or later on the first Thursday of every month, allowing anyone to explore the city on foot and experience the cultural wealth this city has to offer. There is no tour, schedule, or guided walk; that is up to you.
11 locals recommend
Cape Town Station
FIRST THURSDAYS
http://www.first-thursdays.co.za/cpt-highlights/
A public event and free to attend. Art galleries and cultural events around Cape Town's central city stay open until 9pm or later on the first Thursday of every month, allowing anyone to explore the city on foot and experience the cultural wealth this city has to offer. There is no tour, schedule, or guided walk; that is up to you.
Operating from the quaint seaside town of Gansbaai – located approximately two-hours from Cape Town and best known as the ‘great white shark capital of the world’ – divers can arrange to be picked up in the Mother City or can meet the diving operator at Kleinbaai harbour in Gansbaai. Whether you opt to drive yourself or be picked up by WSDC for the great Gansbaai-trek, the day starts at the crack of dawn – prime time for shark viewing.
For more information about White Shark Diving Company’s trips and tours, call +27 (0) 82 55 6858 or email info@sharkcagediving.co.za.
14 locals recommend
Shark Diving
Operating from the quaint seaside town of Gansbaai – located approximately two-hours from Cape Town and best known as the ‘great white shark capital of the world’ – divers can arrange to be picked up in the Mother City or can meet the diving operator at Kleinbaai harbour in Gansbaai. Whether you opt to drive yourself or be picked up by WSDC for the great Gansbaai-trek, the day starts at the crack of dawn – prime time for shark viewing.
For more information about White Shark Diving Company’s trips and tours, call +27 (0) 82 55 6858 or email info@sharkcagediving.co.za.
CapeTownMagazine.com
1 Sand Hill Roadcheck out lots more to do on http://www.capetownmagazine.com
http://www.paraglide.co.za/
+27768922283 or +27829637729
info@paraglide.co.za
106 locals recommend
Parapax Tandem Paragliding - Cape Town
Signal Hill Roadhttp://www.paraglide.co.za/
+27768922283 or +27829637729
info@paraglide.co.za
If gambling is your thing, this is the place to go!
113 locals recommend
GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World
1 Jakes Gerwel DrIf gambling is your thing, this is the place to go!
Drinks & Nightlife
Café Caprice combines artisan cocktails, a café-style menu, relaxing lounges and sidewalk seating to experience the epitome of Cape Town’s cosmopolitan social scene. Situated directly across from Camps Bay Beach at 37 Victoria Road, open 7 days a week since 1999, it is a home for many Cape Townians and a must visit destination for tourists.
Camps Bay beach is the ultimate sunset viewing spot and Café Caprice provides the perfect backdrop, as DJ’s fill the space with laid back music from Thursday to Sunday with a deep, chilled house soundtrack.
Café Caprice – a landmark on the Camps Bay promenade and an indelible part of the Cape Town bar and entertainment scene.
312 locals recommend
Café Caprice
37 Victoria RdCafé Caprice combines artisan cocktails, a café-style menu, relaxing lounges and sidewalk seating to experience the epitome of Cape Town’s cosmopolitan social scene. Situated directly across from Camps Bay Beach at 37 Victoria Road, open 7 days a week since 1999, it is a home for many Cape Townians and a must visit destination for tourists.
Camps Bay beach is the ultimate sunset viewing spot and Café Caprice provides the perfect backdrop, as DJ’s fill the space with laid back music from Thursday to Sunday with a deep, chilled house soundtrack.
Café Caprice – a landmark on the Camps Bay promenade and an indelible part of the Cape Town bar and entertainment scene.
In an ideal world, a neighbourhood bar is the place where the bartender addresses you by name, pours your poison without asking, and all your friends are there—every night. It’s a drinking utopia. It’s also a daydream. The bars that plod along with their devoted boozers year after year generally don’t have much going for them. Think Moe’s in the Simpsons, a seedy dive populated by alcoholic middle-aged men, then think of Adam Whiteman’s latest venture, The Power & the Glory. Everybody wants a piece of this hip bar-slash-bistro.
317 locals recommend
The Power & The Glory
13d Kloof Nek RdIn an ideal world, a neighbourhood bar is the place where the bartender addresses you by name, pours your poison without asking, and all your friends are there—every night. It’s a drinking utopia. It’s also a daydream. The bars that plod along with their devoted boozers year after year generally don’t have much going for them. Think Moe’s in the Simpsons, a seedy dive populated by alcoholic middle-aged men, then think of Adam Whiteman’s latest venture, The Power & the Glory. Everybody wants a piece of this hip bar-slash-bistro.
Alexander Bar attracts a mixed crowd of interesting locals. The bar is filled with old-world charm and is engineered to get people talking. The functioning antique rotary dial telephone system encourages you to chat to people all over the bar. There’s something to eat and drink whether you’re on a student budget or feel like splashing out. We favour craft beers and local wines from smaller producers and we have a classic range of well-made cocktails using fresh, high quality ingredients.
Upstairs is a theatre for intimate live performances: live music, comedy, drama, readings and more. It’s like a little festival venue all year round. Booking essential - Phone: 021 300 1088
87 locals recommend
Alexander Bar, Café & Theatre
76 Strand StAlexander Bar attracts a mixed crowd of interesting locals. The bar is filled with old-world charm and is engineered to get people talking. The functioning antique rotary dial telephone system encourages you to chat to people all over the bar. There’s something to eat and drink whether you’re on a student budget or feel like splashing out. We favour craft beers and local wines from smaller producers and we have a classic range of well-made cocktails using fresh, high quality ingredients.
Upstairs is a theatre for intimate live performances: live music, comedy, drama, readings and more. It’s like a little festival venue all year round. Booking essential - Phone: 021 300 1088
One of the newest restaurant/bars on the Cape Town scene, Arcade is a hip new spot already proving super popular with the cool kids. Located on the bustling Bree Street, Arcade has a gritty, urban feel with tables inside and spilling out onto the street. Great vibe!
93 locals recommend
Arcade Cafe
152 Bree StOne of the newest restaurant/bars on the Cape Town scene, Arcade is a hip new spot already proving super popular with the cool kids. Located on the bustling Bree Street, Arcade has a gritty, urban feel with tables inside and spilling out onto the street. Great vibe!
This Caribbean-themed restaurant in Kenilworth is a favourite with locals for more than its awesome food offerings – everything from jerk chicken to goat curry. With 30 beers on tap and more than 80 bottled, as well as cocktails and one of the best rum collections around, the bar is calling! There is also a cocktail happy hour every day from 5pm to 6pm.
52 locals recommend
Banana Jam Cafe
157 2nd AveThis Caribbean-themed restaurant in Kenilworth is a favourite with locals for more than its awesome food offerings – everything from jerk chicken to goat curry. With 30 beers on tap and more than 80 bottled, as well as cocktails and one of the best rum collections around, the bar is calling! There is also a cocktail happy hour every day from 5pm to 6pm.
This trendy spot is great for get-togethers and is located just off Long Street. With stylish décor and indie tunes playing in the background, it’s perfect for winding down after a long day. The drinks menu is extensive with a wide range of beers on tap. If you get a bit hungry, there’s a tapas bar to see to that.
226 locals recommend
Tjing Tjing
165 Longmarket StThis trendy spot is great for get-togethers and is located just off Long Street. With stylish décor and indie tunes playing in the background, it’s perfect for winding down after a long day. The drinks menu is extensive with a wide range of beers on tap. If you get a bit hungry, there’s a tapas bar to see to that.
The casual and laid-back atmosphere of Rick’s makes it a great spot for cocktails and beers with friends. The loft lounge and cocktail bar leads onto a roof deck and gives patrons a stunning view of Table Mountain. They also have a great menu.
90 locals recommend
Rick's Cafe Americain
Weltevreden StreetThe casual and laid-back atmosphere of Rick’s makes it a great spot for cocktails and beers with friends. The loft lounge and cocktail bar leads onto a roof deck and gives patrons a stunning view of Table Mountain. They also have a great menu.
So you like beer do you? Then Beerhouse in Cape Town is your utopia from the grind. There are 99 bottles of beer on the wall and 16 taps to help with the fall… Yep, I made that up, but there are genuinely no less than 99 bottled beers – from 13 different countries – and 20 taps for everything from pints to tasters. If you can’t find the perfect brew at Beerhouse, you obviously just enjoy trying to! There is also a food menu, which ties in nicely with the beery vibe, offering snacks paired with beers in-house and more substantial stomach liners as well.
198 locals recommend
BEERHOUSE on Long
223 Long StSo you like beer do you? Then Beerhouse in Cape Town is your utopia from the grind. There are 99 bottles of beer on the wall and 16 taps to help with the fall… Yep, I made that up, but there are genuinely no less than 99 bottled beers – from 13 different countries – and 20 taps for everything from pints to tasters. If you can’t find the perfect brew at Beerhouse, you obviously just enjoy trying to! There is also a food menu, which ties in nicely with the beery vibe, offering snacks paired with beers in-house and more substantial stomach liners as well.
Most of the venue is inside, but if you grab a spot on a balcony, you get a cool view of the buzzing long-street and Table Mountain. You can catch some live acts here or listen to the DJ on duty while sipping your drinks. Trendy place for the urban cool kids of the city.
92 locals recommend
The Waiting Room
273 Long StMost of the venue is inside, but if you grab a spot on a balcony, you get a cool view of the buzzing long-street and Table Mountain. You can catch some live acts here or listen to the DJ on duty while sipping your drinks. Trendy place for the urban cool kids of the city.
Opened in December 2014, and touted as Africa’s first-ever gin bar, Mother’s Ruin is quickly becoming one of the hippest places in town. So after centuries of being the opium of the masses and the drink of your grandparents, gin it seems, has found a new following as the sexiest, most interesting, and sought after spirit. The venue stocks 82 types of the spirit, pairing them with unique tonics and garnishes, with classic and reinvented gin-based cocktails on the menu. There is a small menu available, but here the real focus is on the gin!
54 locals recommend
Mother's Ruin Gin Bar
219 Bree StreetOpened in December 2014, and touted as Africa’s first-ever gin bar, Mother’s Ruin is quickly becoming one of the hippest places in town. So after centuries of being the opium of the masses and the drink of your grandparents, gin it seems, has found a new following as the sexiest, most interesting, and sought after spirit. The venue stocks 82 types of the spirit, pairing them with unique tonics and garnishes, with classic and reinvented gin-based cocktails on the menu. There is a small menu available, but here the real focus is on the gin!
Established way back in 1864, this unassuming local is still massively popular, particularly on game day with people literally spilling out the doors as Cape Town’s sports fans descend on the venue. With nine 46-inch flat screen TVs and two big screens, you won’t miss a single tackle, pass or boundary hit, just make sure you get there early or you’re going to struggle to get inside, let alone to the bar.
115 locals recommend
The Fireman's Arms
Mechau StreetEstablished way back in 1864, this unassuming local is still massively popular, particularly on game day with people literally spilling out the doors as Cape Town’s sports fans descend on the venue. With nine 46-inch flat screen TVs and two big screens, you won’t miss a single tackle, pass or boundary hit, just make sure you get there early or you’re going to struggle to get inside, let alone to the bar.
The masterminds behind this slick entertainment venue, situated in the heart of Cape Town, took a warehouse and turned it into one of the best live music spots in the city. Hang out with the rock and alternative crowds; enjoy a cold beer; and party to some of the best local and international bands and DJs. Check out their website for the latest gig guide to get the lowdown on the hottest new acts to hit the scene.
32 locals recommend
The Assembly
61 Harrington StreetThe masterminds behind this slick entertainment venue, situated in the heart of Cape Town, took a warehouse and turned it into one of the best live music spots in the city. Hang out with the rock and alternative crowds; enjoy a cold beer; and party to some of the best local and international bands and DJs. Check out their website for the latest gig guide to get the lowdown on the hottest new acts to hit the scene.
A popular Long Street club, Fiction has been around for seven years and continues to entertain patrons with all the alternative music that you can imagine. It sits in an old building that dates back to 1856. The interior, however, is anything but old with modern and minimalist décor. There’s even an upstairs daytime bar.
43 locals recommend
Fiction Bar
226 Long StA popular Long Street club, Fiction has been around for seven years and continues to entertain patrons with all the alternative music that you can imagine. It sits in an old building that dates back to 1856. The interior, however, is anything but old with modern and minimalist décor. There’s even an upstairs daytime bar.
This Greenpoint-based bar/club is popular with the LGBT crowd. Beaulah Bar is famous for amazing happy hours, great DJ’s and a dance floor that’s always pumping.
16 locals recommend
Beaulah Bar
This Greenpoint-based bar/club is popular with the LGBT crowd. Beaulah Bar is famous for amazing happy hours, great DJ’s and a dance floor that’s always pumping.
Bob's Bar is one of the famous pubs on vibey Long St, where people from around the Globe meet.
This is a perfect place to catch daily locals and have a nice legendary chat. Bob's has a unique variety of shooters with an extensive menu currently boasting no less than 83 to choose from. Wednesday is the day to visit Bob's.
15 locals recommend
Bobs Bar
187 Long StBob's Bar is one of the famous pubs on vibey Long St, where people from around the Globe meet.
This is a perfect place to catch daily locals and have a nice legendary chat. Bob's has a unique variety of shooters with an extensive menu currently boasting no less than 83 to choose from. Wednesday is the day to visit Bob's.
My personal favourite and the best kept secret in Cape Town - The Alma Cafe is a homely little place where good food, good music and good people reign supreme. Wednesday nights are a walk in, no cover charge Burger ‘n Beer evening with 2 or 3 bands playing. Friday and Sunday nights are a more formal affair with bookings compulsory @ 021 685 7377
14 locals recommend
The Alma Cafe
20 Alma RdMy personal favourite and the best kept secret in Cape Town - The Alma Cafe is a homely little place where good food, good music and good people reign supreme. Wednesday nights are a walk in, no cover charge Burger ‘n Beer evening with 2 or 3 bands playing. Friday and Sunday nights are a more formal affair with bookings compulsory @ 021 685 7377