Guidebook for Cape Town
Food Scene
Established, great seafood, good menu. Usually very busy so best to make a reservation.
117 locals recommend
Codfather Seafood & Sushi
37 The DrEstablished, great seafood, good menu. Usually very busy so best to make a reservation.
This used to be affiliated to the small urban farm in the suburb of Oranjezicht, now relocated to the V&A Waterfront. The market is all about fresh, local produce, freshly prepared tasty dishes and deli items to bring home, take to a picnic or eat right there. The market is very popular with the locals, in a wonderful setting with a beautiful view of the sea and has a magical vibe. No alcohol is served which keeps it clean and pleasant. Definitely worth a visit if you are here on a Saturday. Now open on a Wednesday night and Sunday (with alcohol sales on a Sunday).
324 locals recommend
Oranjezicht City Farm - Market
Granger Bay BoulevardThis used to be affiliated to the small urban farm in the suburb of Oranjezicht, now relocated to the V&A Waterfront. The market is all about fresh, local produce, freshly prepared tasty dishes and deli items to bring home, take to a picnic or eat right there. The market is very popular with the locals, in a wonderful setting with a beautiful view of the sea and has a magical vibe. No alcohol is served which keeps it clean and pleasant. Definitely worth a visit if you are here on a Saturday. Now open on a Wednesday night and Sunday (with alcohol sales on a Sunday).
The main attractions
You can't come to Cape Town without seeing our #1 tourist attraction. If you have energy and good legs, then a walk up Platteklip Gorge (easiest route, with steps) is a good way up. Catch the cableway down! Weather can change quickly, so my advice is try to do this right away on a good weather day on arrival so as not to be disappointed. A fabulous idea is to go in the late afternoon with a packed picnic (wine is allowed) and enjoy the sunset and watch the city lights come on. In summer the last cableway down is quite late. Consult the website for exact times.
1249 locals recommend
Table Mountain Hike
5821 Tafelberg RoadYou can't come to Cape Town without seeing our #1 tourist attraction. If you have energy and good legs, then a walk up Platteklip Gorge (easiest route, with steps) is a good way up. Catch the cableway down! Weather can change quickly, so my advice is try to do this right away on a good weather day on arrival so as not to be disappointed. A fabulous idea is to go in the late afternoon with a packed picnic (wine is allowed) and enjoy the sunset and watch the city lights come on. In summer the last cableway down is quite late. Consult the website for exact times.
Our local beach, white sands, tumbling waves, rocks to explore, restaurants and cafés over the road for when hunger or thirst gets too much.
This beach found at the foot of the Twelve Apostles mountains is iconic. Enjoy the beach volleyball that sometimes takes place. Picnics allowed, sunset gatherings of friends are popular so go and enjoy!
394 locals recommend
Camps Bay Beach
Our local beach, white sands, tumbling waves, rocks to explore, restaurants and cafés over the road for when hunger or thirst gets too much.
This beach found at the foot of the Twelve Apostles mountains is iconic. Enjoy the beach volleyball that sometimes takes place. Picnics allowed, sunset gatherings of friends are popular so go and enjoy!
Fun activities
Great for kids and families as there are many safe play areas, some for very small kids and gated. Means strictly only for the kids and they can't run off. Good security. Lovely ponds and interesting garden design to explore and enjoy. Wonderful setting and perfect for a family picnic. This is a place where the locals go.
417 locals recommend
Green Point Park
1 Fritz Sonnenberg RdGreat for kids and families as there are many safe play areas, some for very small kids and gated. Means strictly only for the kids and they can't run off. Good security. Lovely ponds and interesting garden design to explore and enjoy. Wonderful setting and perfect for a family picnic. This is a place where the locals go.
Wonderful approx 50min hike up to the top of Lion's Head on a well marked path. You need to be reasonably fit and agile for the last part which involves pulling yourself up a few rocks. No actual rock climbing thought. A shorter route involves using chains or you can avoid those and continue around on the well trodden path. Wear non slip trainers, take water on your back (you need to free your hands) and a hat. Enjoy the stunning views from up there. Not advisable when windy. Set off early and you'll find you're in good company with many hikers making it even safer. Enjoy!
725 locals recommend
Lion's Head Hike
Signal Hill RoadWonderful approx 50min hike up to the top of Lion's Head on a well marked path. You need to be reasonably fit and agile for the last part which involves pulling yourself up a few rocks. No actual rock climbing thought. A shorter route involves using chains or you can avoid those and continue around on the well trodden path. Wear non slip trainers, take water on your back (you need to free your hands) and a hat. Enjoy the stunning views from up there. Not advisable when windy. Set off early and you'll find you're in good company with many hikers making it even safer. Enjoy!
Shopping
Great shopping, dining and local markets to enjoy here. Also, definitely do not miss The Watershed at the V&A where you will pick up wonderfully creative quality knick knacks and gifts. African design and style are fully showcased here.
1951 locals recommend
V&A Waterfront
19 Dock RdGreat shopping, dining and local markets to enjoy here. Also, definitely do not miss The Watershed at the V&A where you will pick up wonderfully creative quality knick knacks and gifts. African design and style are fully showcased here.
Clothing, lovely gift stores, clothing boutiques, Italian shoes at good prices, great for picnic supplies from an amazing deli, a grocery shop, excellent wine boutique store, great cafés in the area. Parking under the building and so very convenient.
59 locals recommend
Lifestyle On Kloof
50 Kloof StClothing, lovely gift stores, clothing boutiques, Italian shoes at good prices, great for picnic supplies from an amazing deli, a grocery shop, excellent wine boutique store, great cafés in the area. Parking under the building and so very convenient.
Essentials
24 hour emergency private hospital is close by, just over Kloofnek and down into the City Bowl. Also has a pharmacy for any medications, but not open all hours.
55 locals recommend
Mediclinic Cape Town
21 Hof St24 hour emergency private hospital is close by, just over Kloofnek and down into the City Bowl. Also has a pharmacy for any medications, but not open all hours.
Arts & Culture
Often excellent productions are on at this small theatre in Camps Bay. You can enjoy a glass of wine in the auditorium whilst you watch the production. Always an enjoyable place to attend the theatre. Good restaurants nearby for a meal afterwards as well. Parking can be tricky so best to get there early, walk or catch a cab.
156 locals recommend
Theatre on The Bay
Link StreetOften excellent productions are on at this small theatre in Camps Bay. You can enjoy a glass of wine in the auditorium whilst you watch the production. Always an enjoyable place to attend the theatre. Good restaurants nearby for a meal afterwards as well. Parking can be tricky so best to get there early, walk or catch a cab.
My favourite local brunch choices
Beautiful views, a great bakery and lots of delicious healthy options for breakfast and lunch
77 locals recommend
La Belle Bistro & Bakery
Victoria RoadBeautiful views, a great bakery and lots of delicious healthy options for breakfast and lunch