Hout Bay may be the capital of fish and chips in Cape Town but there’s plenty to see and do in this seaside village. Better yet, lots of activities are budget-friendly.
Here is our round-up of pocket-friendly experiences in Hout Bay.
What to see and do
Bay Harbour Market
With live entertainment, food of all kinds, play areas and various arts, crafts and curios to buy, the Bay Harbour Market is the place to be on weekends. There is plenty to do and see and it is fun for the whole family. Local traders come here to sell their products while a live band entertains in the background.
Cost: Various
Website: www.bayharbour.co.za
World of Birds
There are over 3 000 birds and over 400 species of birds to see at World of Birds. This is the largest bird park in Africa and a wonderful place to take the kids to learn more about these animals. It’s a tropical garden setting, so nature lovers will enjoy it. You can also find various forms of mammals and reptiles here.
Cost: R130 for adults; R50 for children age 3-16 (free for kids under 3); R85 for pensioners and students
Website: www.worldofbirds.org.za
Boat rides
When conditions are good, head out with Circe Launches for a trip to Duiker Island. You may be able to see kelp forests and lots of sea animals. You can also do a trip to seal island, weather permitting.
Cost: R90 for adults; R45 for children under 13
Website: www.circelaunches.co.za
Clay Café
A place to eat, but also a place to create. You can enjoy a meal at the Clay Café while also painting some crockery that you can collect at a later stage once it is set and ready. This also makes a good party venue for both the young and young-at-heart.
Cost: Studio fee is R40 (includes paints, firing, and glazing); items to paint start at R70
Website: www.claycafe.co.za
Spot the seals
If you don’t have sea legs for a boat ride to Seal Island, you can always spot the seals at the harbour. They pop up on land from time to time
Cost: Free
Where to eat
Snoekies
You can find Snoekies at the far end of Hout Bay Harbour, providing locals and tourists with light, crispy-golden battered hake and freshly-cut chips from the Snoekies take-away as well as fresh fish from the Snoekies Fish Market.
Cost: Snoek and chips is R80
Website: www.snoekies.co.za
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Mariner’s Wharf
Situated right at the edge of the Harbour, Mariner’s Wharf has been around since 1984. Here not only can you buy great seafood, but also marine artefacts, souvenirs and antiques. Enjoy your fish and chips on the wooden benches outside with the beach in full view. Alternatively, have a seafood picnic on the shore.
Cost: Hake and chips is R80.
Website: www.marinerswharf.com
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Fish on the Rocks
Surrounded by the harbour, the wharf and the Naval Heritage site, Fish on the Rocks serves up delicious fish and chips. The building used to be a fisherman supply store in 1951 so it is steeped in history.
Cost: Hake and chips is R75. For something different order 8 crumbed prawns and chips for R75.
Website: www.fishontherocks.com
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Massimo’s
Massimo’s is one of the most well-known restaurants in Hout Bay. Massimo’s was named Best Pizzeria in Africa by the Top 50 Pizza awards in 2019. While they’re known for delicious pizzas – which are out of this world – Massimo’s offers a wide variety of Italian dishes. There is also a wheat-free option and seriously decadent desserts, including chocolate fondue and sweet pizzas.
Cost: Pizzas cost between R98 – R150
Website: www.massimos.co.za
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