CAPE TOWN
GENERAL INFO
Getting Around: Uber, Car Rental
Weather: Highs in the ‘80s, lows in the ‘60s
Currency: South African Rand (16 ZAR: 1 USD)
Tipping: ~15% (similar to U.S.)
EAT + DRINK
Breakfast + Lunch
Bakery: Jason’s
A must-visit when in Cape Town - great breakfast food (sandwiches, skillets, + pastries). Sit down or grab some baked goods to go, and enjoy them at the top of Lions Head or Table Mountain.
Neighborhood Cafe: Superette
Bright and bustling neighborhood cafe, simple menu, good coffee and poached eggs.
Brunch: Manna Epicure
Best for a leisurely brunch - menu favorites are the avocado + coconut bread.
Market: Old Biscuit Mill
Open Saturdays, showcasing some of South Africa’s best food artisans.
Cafe/Bakery: Between Us
Homestyle cooking lunch spot with a great outside seating area with views of Bree Street, as well as a small courtyard seating area.
Healthy(ish): The Kitchen
Bustling spot in Woodstock, serving heavy (but healthy) “love sandwiches” and salads.
Dinner + Drinks
Happy Hour + Seafood: SeaBreeze Fish + Shell
High-quality fish in a cool setting with a great oyster happy hour.
Tapas: Chef’s Warehouse + Canteen
Easygoing, fun spot with a great tapas menu. Sit out front, try the “Tapas for Two.”
Casual: The Power + The Glory
Best for a casual fun evening out, known for the hot dogs, beer, and local wine.
Brasserie + Cocktails: Kloof Street House
Eclectic/quirky restaurant with an indoor and garden space. Live jazz on Sundays!
Sushi: Kyoto Garden
Sophisticated Japanese restaurant known for fantastic sushi. Adventurous eaters should try the six-course tasting for two.
Tjing Tjing is a younger, fun Japanese spot with a great rooftop bar for after-dinner drinks + music.
Sunset: The Bungalow
A go-to in Camps Bay for a scene / sunset drinks. Trendy but fun atmosphere. Chinchilla is another great spot nearby.
SEE + DO
Neighborhoods / Beaches
Bo-Kaap
The Bo-Kaap dates back to the 1760s when numerous rental houses were built and leased to slaves. When slavery ended, the slaves bought the properties and painted them bright colors in celebration of their freedom.
Camps Bay
Camps Bay is full of great hiking trails, beaches, and restaurants. The best time to visit is just before sunset, in time for happy hour.
Table Mountain
Table Mountain is a must - whether you hike or take the cable car. In order of shortest to longest, our favorite hiking routes are Kloof Corner (sunset), Lion’s Head, and Skelton Gorge.
Cape Winelands
The Cape One Winelands are only a 30-40-minute drive from the city, and boast some of the best (and scenic) wineries in the world. While Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are the most well-known, Constantia, Paarl, and Durbanville are also amazing and are a bit closer to the city.
Muizenberg Beach
“Muizies” (as the locals call it) is a jam-packed beachfront that’s the perfect place to spend a summer day in Cape Town. There are a handful of surf schools here where you can rent a board or take a lesson.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is a spectacular, 90-acre plant haven that borders Table Mountain National Park. There’s a great restaurant on-site, but we think it’s better to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the gardens.
Boulders Beach
A visit to Boulders Beach is a must when in Cape Town! The stunning setting is home to a colony of penguins that you can sunbathe & swim with in the protected beach area. *Tip: pair a morning at Cape Point National Park with an afternoon at Boulders Beach, and a sunset drive back to Cape Town along Chapman”s Peak Drive.
Cape Point National Park
Cape Point Nature Reserve is a Nature Reserve situated on the Southern Tip of Cape Peninsula. The reserve is home to the iconic Cape Point, the southernmost point of Africa, and the Cape of Good Hope, which is the westernmost Point of South Africa.
Safari + Other Adventures
Safari
There are several great safaris you can do in a short day trip from Cape Town. But if you want the full experience, we can arrange a trip to Kruger, Botswana, & beyond.
Shark Cage Diving
One of South Africa’s most popular adventures. If your dive is in Gansbaaai, make sure to stop in Hermanusfor lunch or dinner on the drive back.
Seal Snorkeling
A short boat trip to rocky Duiker island puts you right in front one of Cape Town’s largest seal colonies. You can observe the seals from the boat, or put on snorkel gear and experience the playful animals up close.
Sea Kayaking
Sea kayak is one of the best ways to see the city (and experience the town’s seal and penguin colonies).
Dune Shredding & Sandboarding
Explore the Atlantis dunes on an action packed Dune Shredding adventure or sandboarding experience.
Whale Watching
From July to December, you can see Southern right whales, seals, penguins, sharks, and dolphin species off the Cape. Each trip leaves from Gansbaai and is led by experienced marine biologists and guides.
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