Cape Town, South Africa is an award-winning, bucket list-worthy destination rich in history, culture, natural beauty and cuisine.
If you’re planning a trip to Cape Town and not sure how to kickstart your adventure, here is a guide on where you can experience the best of the best in the Mother City.
V&A Waterfront
The V&A Waterfront, located on the edge of the city’s busy harbour, is Cape Town’s premier shopping and entertainment hub. This popular Cape Town attraction boasts shops, restaurants, and fun activities for the entire family.
What to add to your itinerary: Start the day with breakfast overlooking the harbour before browsing the many designer and artisanal craft stores located at the V&A Waterfront. If you are traveling with friends or family, opt for a daring HintHunt activity where you can conquer one of their many escape rooms or embark on an Amazing Race around the precinct. Once you’ve worked up a sweat, head to TimeOut Market or Makers Landing for a bite to eat. Round off your day with a sunset cruise or a visit to the iconic Two Oceans Aquarium.
Website: www.waterfront.co.za/
Bloubergstrand
Bloubergstrand is a beautiful beachside neighbourhood on the other side of the city (visible from the V&A Waterfront) known for its beaches and its spectacular views of Table Mountain. Bloubergstrand, which means “blue mountain beach” in Afrikaans, is a world-renowned top spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing.
What to add to your itinerary: Start the day with a stroll along the scenic Bloubergstrand Promenade and snap photos of the iconic view of Table Mountain. After the walk, head to Trecastelli Tradizione Italiana for some fresh pastries and coffee, followed by a few hours at the beach. Blaauwberg Nature Reserve, home to 559 plant species, 45 mammal species and 30 species of reptiles, is also worth a visit. Here, you can go on a hike or indulge in a picnic or braai a stone’s throw away from the beach. Restaurants to visit include Ons Huisie, Catch 22 Beachside Grille and Bar, Blowfish Restaurant, and On the Rocks
Durbanville
Durbanville is a quaint town located in the winelands of Cape Town, approximately 30 minutes from Cape Town City Centre. Known for its award-winning wines, stunning vineyard landscapes, and art, this area is teeming with so much to see and do
What to add to your itinerary: Spend the day exploring the many wine estates dotted throughout the area as you sample world-class wines and their delicious cuisine. Popular wine farms to visit include Durbanville Hills Winery, Bloemendal, Diemersdal Wine Estate, D’Aria Winery, Meerendal Wine Estate, and Klein Roosboom Boutique Winery. If you are seeking more family-friendly experiences, you can explore the Majik Forest, ideal for cycling, walks, jogs, picnics, and dog-friendly trails. Cyclists can discover epic trails at Bloemendal Trail Park. Art enthusiasts can visit the historic Rust-en-Vrede Gallery, which once served as a prison, police headquarters, and a magistrate’s court. It has since been converted into a haven for art lovers with captivating exhibitions.
Website: durbanvillewine.co.za/
Kalk Bay
Head south from the city to Kalk Bay, a small harbour town located on the False Bay coast and best known for its unique fishing community and popular restaurants and bakeries.
What to add to your itinerary: Uncover the quaint streets lined with colourful shops and galleries, before stopping for a coffee at one of the trendy cafes on the strip. Head to the historic Kalk Bay Harbour where you will find fishermen coming and going for the catch of the day, which is sold to local restaurants to serve to visitors. End your day with a delicious seafood dinner overlooking the ocean at one of the many renowned restaurants in the area. If you don’t feel like driving, you can make a day of it and hop on the People’s Train from the Cape Town City Centre, which also travels to Simon’s Town and Fish Hoek.
Hout Bay
Hout Bay, a leisurely 30-minute drive from Cape Town City Centre, is a charming harbour town filled with top restaurants, thrilling marine adventures, and colourful art galleries. No visit would be complete without indulging in some fish and chips from one of the popular shops in the area.
What to add to your itinerary: If you’re a bird lover, check out World of Birds & Monkey Park, hailed as the Largest Bird Park in Africa. After you’ve wandered through the bird walkways, visit Monkey Jungle to get up close and personal with playful (and hungry) squirrel monkeys. You are spoiled for choice when it comes to lunch options, but a popular choice is Fish on the Rocks, Snoekies or Mariner’s Wharf, which serves fresh seafood and the area’s famous fish and chips. Creatives will love Clay Cafe where they can paint their own ceramics. For the adventurous, embark on a boat trip to Seal Island to watch these marine mammals in their habitat and take in the views of Sentinel Mountain.
Muizenberg
Muizenberg, or “Muizies” as it’s affectionately known, is a vibrant coastal town located 30 minutes from the Cape Town City Centre. Known for its warm waters and surfing culture, Muizenberg offers the perfect setting for families to come together and make lasting memories.
What to add to your itinerary: Experience Muizenberg Beach, known for surfing and the famous Muizenberg Beach Huts (a popular photo spot for visitors to Cape Town). If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, the Muizenberg Catwalk, a 3km flat walk, is worth experiencing. It takes you along the ocean and offers wonderful opportunities including whale/dolphin watching, swimming in many rock pools, bird watching and scenic views. Muizenberg also boasts charming bookshops, mouth-watering eateries, and lively bars.
