I have travelled to Cape Town four times in the last decade. And I plan to return many more times in the future. Aside from my own personal links to the city with family and friends, this massively multi-faceted destination offers such a variety of experiences to travellers that you can barely scratch the surface with just one visit. Forget any concerns about safety (Cape Town’s main tourist locations are safe and no more dangerous than any other major city), hire some wheels, press play on Paul Simon’s Graceland album and hit the road…. From breathtaking scenery and incredible nature to amazing food and hundreds of vineyards for wine tasting, these are some of the addresses that you need to type into your ‘’google maps’’….
Coffee
Bree street Your caffeine coordinates
Spearheading the renaissance of Cape Town’s CBD for quite a few years now, Bree Street is undeniable the street in central Cape Town where you need to head to for all your coffee and brunch outings. There are too many good cafes here to mention- just start at the top (on the corner of Bree and Buitensingel Streets) and take your pick as you walk down.
Bree St, Cape Town, 8001
That Greek Guy Your forest fuel
Located at the start of the hiking trails through the cooling Newlands Forest, on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, South African Greek Cypriot Chris plays great music and serves even greater coffee – always with a smile and a friendly chat. Just what you need to fuel up on caffeine before some ‘’forest bathing’’.
Newlands Forest Rd, Table Mountain (Nature Reserve) / @thatgreekguycoffeetruck / Open 7-1 Wed-Sun
Lighthouse Coffee Co. Your ‘secret’ beach terrace
The perfect caffeine pit- stop for your walk along Blouberg beach. What seems like just a standard coffee kiosk hides a stunning sun terrace at the back with incredible views of the ocean and Table Mountain. I hope you won’t need to work while in Cape Town, but if you do there is also plenty of co-working space and daily/monthly co -working passes.
47 Stadler Road, Bloubergstrand / @_lighthousecoffeeco / Open 6-6 daily
Culture
District 6 Museum Apartheid’s dark chapters
An emotional experience but a vital memorial to the thousands of central Cape Town residents who were forcibly removed from their homes during the darkest days of apartheid. Through hundreds of photos and testimonials, you get a real sense of the vibrant multi-racial communities that existed in District Six and the destruction and pain that tore them apart. Take some time for reflection with an award - winning coffee at Truth Coffee just across the road.
25A Buitenkant St., District Six, 8000 / @districtsixmuseum /Open 9-4 daily
Zeitz MOCAA African Art Now!
A temple to everything that is new and exciting about Cape Town (MOCAA stands for Museum of Contemporary African Art) the Zeitz -which opened in 2017-is based in a stunning building: a refurbished old grain silo. The focus here is on vibrant artists from all over the African continent and diaspora. Think Tate Modern with an African twist. End your visit by grabbing a rooftop cocktail at the Silo Hotel Rooftop Bar which offers stunning views of Table Mountain.
S Arm Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, 8001 / @zeitzmocaa / Open 10-6 daily.
Norval Foundation Sculpture garden strolls
Also focusing on contemporary artists from across the African continent, the star of the show here is their incredible sculpture garden where you can marvel at sculptures of all shapes and sizes with majestic mountains and vineyards in the distance. Add this as a stop to your Cape peninsula tour (see below). Until 22nd November 2026 you can see a major solo exhibition by one of South Africa’s most acclaimed artists, Brett Murray. Wild Life features sculptures spanning four decades of Murray’s career.
4 Steenberg Road, Tokai, 7945 / @norvalfoundation / Open 10-5 (closed Mon, Sun)
Nature & Wildlife
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden Biodiversity in Bloom
Stunningly beautiful gardens featuring hundreds (probably thousands) of species of flowers, plants and trees across 36 acres near the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. A great day out for families. Take a walk along the Boomslang Canopy walkway which offers amazing views as you stroll through the treetops. If you’re visiting during the summer season (Dec-Feb) look out for open air film nights and sunset concerts on Sundays. After your visit, drive to nearby Montebello Design Centre, a home to 25 artists and designers including painters, potters and craft makers. Grab a coffee or have lunch under the trees at Picnic Café & Deli.
Rhodes Dr, Newlands, 7735 / @kirstenbosch_nbg / Open 08:30-5.30 daily (Thu 08:30-5)
31 Newlands Ave, Newlands, 7700 / @montebellodesigncentre / Mon-Fri 9-5 (Sat 9-4, Sun 9-3)
@picnic.cafe / Open 7-4 daily
Boulders Beach Penguin playground
Voted Trip Advisor’s top ‘one-of-a-kind’’ beach in the world for 2026. I fully agree! Where else can you sit on powder soft sand (no sun loungers or beach bars here-it’s just you and nature) when suddenly a small penguin rushes past you and jumps in the water. Boulders Beach is a protected breeding colony for African penguins. Trust me, you will never forget the experience of sharing a beach with penguins. Visit the nearby viewing platform to see the entire colony from above, grab a penguin themed souvenir from the gift shop and don’t forget to check under your car for penguins before reversing out of the car park! Arrive early to beat the crowds.
Simon's Town, Cape Town, 7995 / Open 8-6.30 daily
Cape Point National Park (Almost) the last stop before Antarctica
Unlike many tourists, South African’s know that Cape Point is not the southernmost tip of the African continent (that is actually Cape Agulhas, about 200km southeast of Cape Point). Still, the nature reserve at Cape Point is a Unesco World Heritage Site with loads to offer nature enthusiasts: grab the ‘’flying dutchman’’ funicular to the steps of the old light lighthouse and follow the walking paths along the cliffs to the new lighthouse taking in the scents of fynbos (South Africa’s unique shrubland vegetation). The 360 degree panoramic views are stunning. If you’re lucky you might see baboons, ostriches or zebras. Have a drink or a bite to eat at the Two Oceans Restaurant.
Access via M4/M28, entrance at Cape Point Nature Reserve, 8001 / @capepointsa / Open: Summer (Oct–Mar) 6-6 and Winter (Apr–Sep) 7–5
Giraffe House Things are looking up!
Located about 40km from the centre of Cape Town, this well-maintained Wildlife Awareness Centre gives you the opportunity to feed and pet Gerry, their hand reared giraffe (and I can tell you that his fur is very soft!). You can also see meerkats, jackals and zebras and attend various educational sessions.
R304 & R101, Muldersvlei, 7600 / @giraffehousesa / Open 9-5 daily
Best Views
Table mountain aerial cableway A ‘’top’’ experience
Taking the cable car up to the top of Table Mountain is not something you can really plan for. If you wake up one morning and you see that the skies are clear and there’s no wind, then you need to head straight up to the Lower cable station on the foothills of Cape Town’s most famous landmark. It’s a smooth 5 minute ride up and each car rotates 360 degrees allowing everyone panoramic views of the city. Once you reach the top, there are incredible photo opportunities capturing stunning views of the city in all directions and plenty of walking paths with wild vegetation and flowers all around. There is also gift shop, a café, a bar and a wine lounge.
@tablemountainca / Visit www.tablemountain.net for opening hours
Peninsula Drive Scenic road tripping
If you were to ask me my favourite thing to do in Cape Town I would say: ‘’having a peninsula drive day’’. That means setting off from Cape Town’s Southern suburbs to join Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the most picturesque stretches of road on the planet, where- as you head down Cape Town peninsula’s seaside road- each turn reveals breathtaking combinations of mountains, bays and coves with one seaside suburb after another begging you to stop for a coffee, a drink or a bite to eat. Take a stroll along the beach at Hout Bay and grab some fresh calamari from Snoekies; make a stop in Simon’s Town for a browse in artist shops and more seaside seafood places, check out the penguins at Boulders Beach (see above) and drive past more seaside towns like Noordhoek and Kalk Bay before ending at Muizenberg where surfers brave the cold ocean and you can take selfies in front of the iconic multi-coloured beach huts. Allow a whole day for your peninsula drive- you’ll need it!
Bloubergstrand Be ‘’in’’ the postcard
My second favourite thing to do in Cape Town is to take in the ‘’never gets old’’ views of Table Mountain while walking along the powder white sands of Blouberg Beach.
Park your car at either Big Bay or Kleinbaai, go barefoot on a beach stroll taking in views filled with kitesurfers, happy dogs, families, couples, friends throwing a rugby ball about. When you fancy a stop just grab a seat at one of the many cafes, bars and eateries along the way. The 180 degree views of central Cape Town and Table Mountain in the distance create ‘’living in a postcard’’ vibes.
Shopping
V&A Waterfront Mall and more….
No visit to Cape Town is complete without a morning or afternoon spent doing some shopping at the Victoria Wharf shopping centre located in the VA& Waterfront marina complex. You’ll find everything from international brands to local African artisan designs. There are countless options for coffee, drinks and foods (most of which offer outside seating with a view of the marina and-often- stunning views of Table Mountain in the background).
Cape Town, 8001 / @vandawaterfront / Open 9-9 daily
Watershed For design market hunters
Explore over 365 different brands of design in this wonderful indoor market: from ceramics and paintings, to clothing and jewellery. The perfect place to pick up that elegant souvenir for your shelves back home. There are also plenty of places to grab coffee or food.
V&A Waterfront, 17 Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8002 / @vandawatershed / Open 10-7 daily
Oranjezicht City Farm Market Your open-air delicatessen
I defy you not to fall in love with this expertly curated food market which showcases the best local organic produce that Cape Town’s Mediterranean climate produces. Stock up on fresh fruit and veggies for your accommodation, sample some artisanal local chocolate and honey, pick up some rooibos tea and finish up with brunch and lunch from one of the food stalls. Busy on weekends - make sure you alive early.
Cnr Granger Bay Boulevard and Dock Rd, V&A Waterfront / @ozcfarm / Open 4-10 Wed, 8-2.30 Sat, 08:30-2.30 Sun
Food & Drink
Sundowner spots
‘’Sundowners’’ is more than just a word for Capetonians. It’s a way of life… In a city blessed with arguably the most beautiful sunsets in the world, it makes sense that locals and visitors seek out the best terraces, rooftops and beachside locations to enjoy their drink of choice and take in the almost indescribable splendour of Cape Town’s skies at dusk. Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing… when 6pm arrives, it’s time to fill your glass, find a comfy seat and embrace sundowner culture.
Camps Bay Race to the sun
I say ‘’race’’ because the seafront cafes and bars at Cape Town’s cosmopolitan party beach are always busy. And for good reason- they offer some of the best sundowner views in the city. Book a table in advance at rooftop bars like Chinchilla or Mantra and Café Caprice and make time for a walk along the beach towards Bakoven beach with breathtaking views of the Twelve Apostles mountains in the distance.
Victoria Rd, Camps Bay, Cape Town, 8040
The Lawns Elevated sundowners
Perched on the hills just above Camps Bay, The Lawns is a cinematic dream. With widescreen views of the Twelve Apostles mountains and the Atlantic ocean on a succession of terraced grass lawns, it boasts fantastic cocktails (try the passionfruit margarita) and jugs of favourites like Mojito and Strawberry Daquiri to share with friends. There’s a delicious all day food menu as well- everything from brunch to wood fired pizzas to share.
Round House Rd, Camps Bay, Cape Town, 8005 / @thelawns_ct / Open 12-11 Mon-Thu, 9-11 Fri-Sun
Big Bay The ‘’Big’’ Sky
From pizza and burgers at Happy Folks to local beers at Kapstaad Bruhaus and the ocean-front terraces at all time classic casual restaurants On The Rocks, Blue Peter and Ons Huissey, Big Bay offers ‘’core memory’’ sunsets with Table Mountain as the guest star. Much more relaxed than trendy Camps Bay, this where you come in shorts and t-shirt to soak in surfer beach vibes.
Otto Du Plessis Drive, Big Bay, CapeTown, 7441
Restaurants
The food scene in Cape Town is bursting with vibrancy and culinary flair. From Michelin starred excellence (which I will not pretend to be an expert in!) to casual dining there is a mind-blowing amount of choice for you to discover. Here are just a few of my favourites that never disappoint:
Fish Blowfish
Unbeatable views of Table Mountain from the main dining room, some of the best calamari, shrimps and oysters in Cape Town and an impressive sushi bar. Open from early in the morning for breakfast and brunch. Equally ideal for a date night, special celebration or family dinner.
1 Marine Dr, Bloubergstrand, 7441 / @blowfishcapetown / 7-11; 12-10 daily
Views Cape Point Vineyards Restaurant
Combine a wine tasting at the Cape Point Vineyards with a meal at their stunning restaurant where the ocean breezes and unbroken views across a small lake down to Noordhoek’s pastel white beach are truly unforgettable. When I was last there, I had a fantastic springbok carpaccio starter and a ‘chef’s kiss’’ butternut gnocchi main all washed down with a chilled glass of their award winning sauvignon blanc. For something different, pre- book one of their garden picnic baskets and lounge in the sunshine on the lawns in front of the restaurant.
Silvermine Road, Noordhoek, 7985 / @capepointvineyards / Open 12-4 Sun-Thu; 12-7 Sat
Meat- Hussar Grill
With multiple restaurants across Cape Town, the Hussar Grill chain takes meat very seriously. Sourcing only the finest quality beef and game from South African farms it’s a meat lover’s dream destination. My recommendation would be: try the grilled ostrich fillet (ostrich is widely farmed across South Africa and the meat is a succulent half-way point between chicken and beef.
New Cumberland Building, Beach Road, Mouille Point, 8005 (other locations also available) / @thehussargrill / Open 12-10.30 daily
Cape Malay Faeeza’s Home Kitchen
A must on any Cape Town itinerary is a walk around the multi-coloured houses of the BoKaap neighborhood in downtown Cape Town. This is the area Cape Town’s South Asian population have called home for decades and their spices and herbs have helped create the unique blend of sweet and savoury that is Cape Malay cuisine. The best place to sample Cape Malay dishes is at the now world -famous Faeeza’s kitchen where- despite the popularity of being featured on Netflix shows like Somebody Feel Phil – I had no trouble finding a table for lunch last year. Order the bobotie (think a curried meat version of ‘’moussaka’’) or the chicken curry and definitely have a slice of melktart for dessert. If you have time, sign up for one of the coking classes / food tours.
1 Chiappini Lane, Bo-Kaap, 8001 / 9-4.30 Mon-Thu; 9-12.30, 1.30-4 Fri; 9-3 Sat
South African Damhuis
A special place for me and the family, a short 30min drive up the coast from the suburbs around Bloubergstrand brings you to Melkbos, a sleepy seaside town that hosts Damhuis beach restaurant. Housed in one of the Western Cape’s oldest buildings (built circa 1785) DamHuis is the place to try traditional Cape favourites like bobotie, peri-peri chicken livers and Cape Malay seafood curry. Whether you sit outside on the oceanfront terrace in summer or inside with the whitewashed walls and roaring fireplace in winter, you’ll always experience the same warm welcome, excellent service and hearty family cooking that has kept locals coming back since 2009.
32 Beach Rd, Melkbosstrand, 7437 / @damhuis_restaurant / Open 9-11:15, 12-9 Tue-Sun (Mon closed)
Winelands
Throughout the city, the Cape peninsula and the winelands surrounding Stellenbosch, Franschoek and Durbanville wine tasting is the favourite pastime for most Capetonians: for just a little over the price of a coffee, you can spend a relaxed afternoon sampling award winning wines, often in stunningly landscaped surroundings with food pairing to enhance the experience. Before you know it, you will have too many bottles of wine to fit in your suitcase for your return trip home! Start by filling up your wine glasses here:
Groot Constantia The historical one
As South Africa’s oldest wine estate (founded in 1685) Groot Constantia is the ideal starting point to immerse yourself in Cape Town’s wine tasting culture. Its elegant Cape Dutch style whitewashed winery and restaurant building offer sun drenched outdoor tastings, a cellar tour (which I can highly recommend), two restaurants and a wine shop. Don’t leave without treating yourself to a least a glass of the Grand Constance which was Napoleon’s favourite wine – it was shipped to him during his final years of exile on Saint Helena island.
Groot Constantia Rd, Constantia, Cape Town 7806. Open 9-5 daily
Beau Constantia Views for days
As your car winds up the steep Constantia Nek hills past majestic mansions and towering trees, a sharp bend brings you to the gates for Beau Constantia. Their relatively small outdoor patio area at this boutique wine farm rewards you with arguably the most panoramic wine -tasting views in Cape Town. The last time we were there, we paired some of their most popular labels (like the fruity white Cecily and the Merlot Cab Franc blend Lucca) with a mouth- watering cheese and cold meats platter for an early lunch. I already want to return for dinner at Chef’s Warehouse, their onsite restaurant which regularly features on lists ranking the city’s top restaurants.
1043 Constantia Main Road, Constantia, Cape Town, 7806. Open 11-6 (Sat, Sun 11-7)
Babylonstoren The ‘cool’ one
Featuring regularly in the pages of Conde Nast Traveler and Monocle, Babylonstoren is undeniably cool in terms of design and hipster vibes but without any of the attitude. I’ve visited twice and both times I’ve been enchanted by the acres of fruit and vegetable orchards where (benefitting from Cape Town’s mediterranean climate) you can find citrus fruits, figs and avocados growing alongside aubergines and herbs.
Plan your tasting just before lunch and grab a table under the oak trees at the Greenhouse Restaurant. I still dream of the multi-coloured salad I had for lunch: the ‘farm to table’’ philosophy at Babylonstoren made every bite a burst of intense flavour!
There’s so much to love here: I could spend hours in their farm shop buying organic products and cheeses, there’s an onsite hotel if you fancy spending the night and another two restaurants. Tip: if you want the Babylonstoren experience in Europe, book a stay at The Newt in Somerset- a country estate owned by the same family and built with the same vision.
Klapmuts- Simondium Road, Simondium. Open 8-8.30 daily.
More wine?: Follow up your morning walk along the beach on Bloubergstrand with a drive up to Durbanville Hills- they make easy drinking everyday wines, perfect for stocking up for your accommodation. Plan an afternoon visiting neighbouring wineries Spice Route and Fairview: the former boasts additional beer and chocolate tastings and the latter is an all- time classic tasting stop with a lovely cheese shop and a shady restaurant perfect for leisurely lunches. For the opportunity to visit 5 or more vineyards all in one day, book your ticket for the Franschhoek Wine Tram a uniquely fun experience with timed stops at many top vineyards in the stunningly picturesque Franschhoek wine region. My advice: book an overnight stay in Franschhoek as you most probably won’t be in any condition to drive afterwards!
