We know lots of you are planning big trips to South Africa on either side of the trip - we LOVE THIS! We’re still doing a lot of exploring of South Africa ourselves, so whilst we know the Cape Town area very well, we wouldn’t claim to be experts beyond it. So here are a few recommendations and some Cape Town intel for your all to help you plan! Just because it’s not on the list, doesn’t mean it’s not a great shout!
Cape Town Recommendations
Restaurants
Cape Town’s Food Scene is world class. We’ve made this foodie map of our fav Cape Town spots for you. Things can be booked up to 3 months in advance so get in there early for the top spots like Beau Constantia, Tintswalo, La Colombe etc.
Hikes and Trail Runs
Sunrise / Sunset on Lion’s Head [~5km]
Best 360 views of cape town - take a head torch for the way up or down depending on the time of day you go.
Missing Link to Llandudno [~13km]
Flat by Cape Town standards and ends in a beach swim - you can easily uber back to town.
Pipe Track [how long is a piece of string…]
Wonder the side of table mountain along the 12 Apostles ridgeline - ocean view after ocean view!
Kasteelsport or Skeleton Gorge for climbing Table Mountain [Independently ~ 7km - half of it up steep hill, combined ~12Km to connect them]
You can walk across the top to connect the two, stop for a swim at the dam if it’s not dried out. If you end by going down Skeleton gorge you have free entry into Kirstenbosch national botanical gardens which are beautiful.
Old Fisherman’s trail from Hout Bay to Kalk Bay, via Silvermine dam [19 Kms]
Epic day long hike. Stop at the dam for a swim and lunch!
Silvermine Dam
Plot your own route around the maze of trails here, taking in view points like Constantia Berg, Elephant’s Eye and Noordhoek Peak.
Winelands - Stellenbosch & Franschhoek
Can be a day trip from Cape Town easily or go stay for a few days. There are basically no bad vineyards, although generally the bigger it is, the more commercial and so on the whole, smaller is better. Our favourite places:
Stellenbosch
Rainbow’s End
for a quiet glass at the end of the pass
Tokara
Valley views & delightful deli
Longridge Wine
Rykaarts restaurant here is great
Post & Pepper Restaurant
in town for one of the most delightful meals you can find
Franschhoek
Wine tram is a fun day, all routes are great, we like orange & pink routes
Boschendal
The most famous for a reason - book a cellar door wine tasting under the big tree
Babylonstoren
Gorgeous gardens and farm shop. We recommend their bookable cellar tour and tasting - the best we’ve done. Taking over Boschendal as the most famous
Grande Provence
for valley views
Boschendal
Shady big trees, oysters and bubbles
Atlas Swift
Family low key vibes and great chardonnay. Whilst you’re out there, try the hiking at either Jonkers nature reserve or Mont Rochelle
Beaches and Surfing
Clifton Beaches 1-4 in town are the best spot but can be busy
Llandudno
Easy beginner waves at Muizenberg
Medium waves at Llandudno
Padel
Play under the mountain at Camps Bay Retreat / Aprica Padel at the Bay Hotel (our local spots) or on the cliff edge at Glen Point. Book via Playtomic app - aim for bookings at least a week in advance in busy season for prime times.
Cycling
You can rent bikes and hit the roads or mountains for the day. We’re not the best people to ask but if you’re looking for something specific let us know and we’ve got friends we can ask for specific reccs. Otherwise hit Chapman’s Peak and stop at South Yeaster Bakery in HOut Bay on route - you won’t be disappointed! A great way to see cape town is via e-bike tour.
Tidal Pools
Dip in the chilly waters to freshen up at either Camps Bay or Bantry Bay.
Robben Island
The half day trip is a worthwhile experience of a crucial part of South Africa’s history.
The Red Bus Tour Route
It’s cracking and will take you all over!
Markets
Oranjezicht Market
Wednesday nights and weekends - prepared food stalls, fresh produce stalls, flowers, clothing and homeware
Old Biscuit Mill
Neighbourgood Market on weekends - similar vibe but a bit smaller and some permanent fashion and homeware shops.
Drive Chapman’s Peak
One of the most famous roads in the world. Take a light sunset picnic and find a spot to pull in at. Go early to get a good spot! You can hire a car for the day - we hired a little convertible just for the day once - such a fun way to do it!
Stop by Cape Vineyards Estate for a gorgeous view of Noordhoek beach. Have a spot of food at the Noordhoek Farm Village for family vibes
Fishing villages of Kalk Bay / Simonstown / Kommetjie / Fish Hoek
You can organise kelp forest diving or snorkeling from Simons Town and dive with the seals which is fun. Boulder’s Beach at Simon’s Town has the penguins - Hellie still hasn’t been, some people love it, some people are so-so…
Best Neighbourhoods to Stay in Cape Town
If you’re staying a long while, we thought we’d share some thoughts:
Firstly, plenty of Cape Town is safe, but nobody walks and public transport is poor - ubers are super super cheap and most people have cars. Whilst the CBD is safe during the day, we’d mainly avoid it at dusk and evenings. Bree and Loop Street form the last “edge” we’d recommend, avoid Long street and beyond if you can.
For where to stay and visit, here’s the best neighbourhoods we’d recommend:
Main Hub-bub
Camps Bay
Where we call home, just over the hill from the main city bowl. Truthfully can be a bit glitzy so aim for high up on the mountain side. Great ocean views!
Sea Point & Fresnaye
Tonnes of shops and restaurants with an 11km seaside promenade that is a great run & sea dip or coffee & walk vibe.
Green Point
Central with a big-ish park and the Stadium, situated perfectly between Seapoint and V&A Waterfront.
Gardens
A leafy, historic suburb at the foot of Table Mountain, famous for the trendy cafes and nightlife of Kloof Street.
Tamboerskloof
An upscale, quiet residential area nestled high on the mountain slopes, characterized by Victorian-era homes and incredible views of Lion’s Head.
Bo-Kaap
A historic heritage site famous for its brightly colored houses, steep cobblestone streets, and deep roots in Cape Malay culture and cuisine.
Vredehoek & Orangezicht
A popular spot for young professionals that feels like a quiet mountain village, offering some of the best panoramic views of the city skyline and harbor.
V&A Waterfront
The city's most secure and polished area with the V&A mall area and the harbour.
De Waterkant
Another colorful district with quirky streets and serves as the heart of the city's design scene and LGBTQ+ nightlife.
Further Out - would likely need a car:
Constantia
The “local” wineland on the side of the mountain. Typically, high-security estates, historic vineyards, and world-class dining.
Hout Bay
"Small-town" feel with a famous weekend market and the best bakery around - South Yeaster << HUGE favourite of ours!
Newlands
Forestry area next to the university, slightly suburbia feel.
Kalk Bay
A quirky, bohemian fishing village on the False Bay coast filled with antique stores, trinket shops, tidal pools, and a lively working harbor famous for its fresh "fish and chips." - some good hikes from here too!
Recommendations Outside of Cape Town
Favourite Hike
It’s a hot time of the year, so plan carefully! Cederberg - Wolfberg Arch & Cracks - Super cool hiking in red rock area. Recommend booking accommodation early. Go for 2-3 days minimum. Visit Cederberg wine farm for a little oasis in the dessert
Langebaan Kite Surfing & Beach
Can be done in a day trip or overnight. Great for beginner and advanced kitesurfing because of the lagoon and open sea.
Garden Route
So many stops! Our top 3:
Hermanus - You’ll be out of whale season but the coast walk is easy and the beaches great for dipping
Wilderness - Highly recommend staying in any accommodation in the Victoria Bay valley
Plettenburg Bay - Huge beaches for walks, runs, surfing and games!
You can find hikes anywhere you go - recommend the AllTrails App for finding them.
Safari
Best out of Johannesberg. Technically not the main season, but it should be memorable. We’ve not done any big trips yet but 3 recommendations based on price range:
Affordable - Camping and self drive through Kruger National Park
Medium - (We’re asking friends - will confirm Carly!)
Luxury - Any of the lodges at Sabi Sands (edge of Kruger)
Coastline for Scuba
We’ve not been yet but KZN province is the place to head for warm water tropical diving.