Known for its surreal coastline, legendary winelands and rich history, South Africa, a.k.a the ‘Cradle of Humankind’, is home to the Mother City of Cape Town.
Cape Town is energetic, dynamic and bold. The dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain, Lion’s Head and Devil’s Peak enclose the city bowl of Cape Town and the dreamlike landscapes and mountainous background continues as you further journey down to the south western most point of the Cape Peninsula.
With so much to see, experience and consume, here is a guide so you can fit as much as possible in this frankly magical city.
When to visit
Cape Town being in the southern hemisphere offers a year-round Mediterranean climate, with a brief winter season between June and August rarely dropping below double figures. The summer season from December to March offers continuous warmth between 20 and 40 degrees Celsius. Ideal times to visit would be the shoulder months of November and April, or anytime between those months.
Cape Town being in the southern hemisphere offers a year-round Mediterranean climate, with a brief winter season between June and August rarely dropping below double figures. The summer season from December to March offers continuous warmth between 20 and 40 degrees Celsius. Ideal times to visit would be the shoulder months of November and April, or anytime between those months.
How to get there
Cape Town International airport is served by many providers both domestic and international, including KLM, Emirates, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Delta and United to name a few. Emirates has its own lounge, as does British Airways, both cater to partner airlines too. The airport offers meet and greet VIP services to take you through security and passport control, then from lounge to boarding. This service starts at £150 per person. There is a double layer of passport control which can cause queues therefore this service is worth it if keen to avoid delay.
An alternative option is via train, with daily services from Pretoria and Kimberley, as well as Durban and Bloemfontein. If you wish to arrive in whimsical style, the Blue Train is South Africa’s ode to the Orient Express, traversing through the magnificent mountain ranges, desert landscapes and savannah from Kruger National Park to Pretoria and finishing in Cape Town. From Pretoria to Cape Town it is a 27 hour scenic journey where you can wine and dine and sleep in comfort where royalty and heads of states have rested.
Where to stay
The Belmond mount nelson
The Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel is an iconic landmark of Cape Town, at the base of Table Mountain located in nine acres of English country style gardens, with its tree lined driveway and pink exterior (painted in 1918 to show peace at the end of World War I) it is truly whimsical and is the epitome of old school glamour, with nothing falling short at this 5 star hotel.There are 198 rooms and suites including Victorian-era cottages, with serene palettes and an understated luxe interior style. Notable guests include Nelson Mandela and Winston Churchill, and while history has literally graced this hotel it still has a contemporary feel, leaning into the fun pink scheme (the hotel is dubbed The Pink Lady afterall) and guest range of all ages, ensuring there is always a vivacious atmosphere.
The hotel has fantastic treatments in the Librisa Spa, which offers a healing sanctuary with restorative treatments including massages, body wraps, facials and mani/pedis. In addition to the Spa, there is a Hair Salon, two heated pools, a tennis court, children’s centre for 4-12 year olds and a 24 hour fitness centre.
The dining options here suit everyone; traditional and delicate afternoon tea with champagne on arrival as standard, a Sunday Jazz Brunch, with local musicians, a sumptuous menu and the option to add bottomless champagne. Champagne is very much a thing here! The Edge restaurant celebrates all the African Continent has to offer with generational recipes, indigenous ingredients whilst telling a story of the land. The breakfast at Oasis is known as one of the best in Cape Town, it also offers lunch on the terrace and pool service in the summer. The Planet Bar boasts chic elegance and in the evening you can sit outside under the stars toasting your memories of the trip. There is also The Chef’s Table, an opportunity to join the executive chef in an exclusive hidden dining space.
one & only
When looking for luxury in the same breath as The Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, you also have to consider the One & Only Cape Town which is an urban retreat, a 5 star hotel, with an awe inspiring lobby entrance overlooking the cloudy table mountain. See a review of the hotel in greater detail here.
With a range of 132 rooms and suites overlooking the marina, table mountain or the large hotel pool and canal, you are spoilt for space and views in this hotel no matter the room. You feel enveloped in a blanket of luxury and charm.
If the ample dining options including a South African grillroom Rooi, Nobu and a wine cellar for a private dining and wine tasting experiences isn’t enough, the hotel is right next to all the dining spots in the V&A harbour.
The spa is one of the largest in Cape Town, with private and couples treatment rooms, a private wet area, steam and sauna, thermal suites and hydrotherapy facilities including a vitality pool, aroma steam room, sauna, ice fountain and experience showers as well as a relaxation room with fresh juices, teas & an expansive treat selection.
The is a large pool which the hotel is centred around and a beautiful pool side dining space. The hotel has a state of the art gym, a kids club, art gallery and an excursion team for hiking, Table Mountain Yoga and tours.
the silo
The Silo offers a luxury boutique stay on the V&A Waterfront, housed in an architectural gem over six floors of a former grain silo. The building is not only home to the hotel but also the Zeitz MOCAA gallery, celebrating contemporary African Art.
The hotel houses 28 individually designed rooms which follow the contemporary theme, with an industrial shell, geometric windows and antique furniture and contemporary art completing the striking rooms, bringing the gallery into your room for a truly cultured stay.
Located in the tallest building in the City the hotel has 360 degree views from the iconic Silo Rooftop bar, perfect for sunset cocktails and al fresco dining, as well as the Willaston Bar which offers crafted cocktails and an array of small plates. The Granary Cafe offers epicurean delights from brunch through to dinner and a high tea, on the 6th floor looking over the waterfront. There is also private dining in the Wisdom Room, which can host up to 22 guests. As a boutique hotel, it spoils its guests with a spectacular rooftop pool for its hotel quests only. There is also the Silo Spa which offers facials, massages and wellness treatments.
victoria & alfred hotel
Central to the V&A Waterfront is the 4 star Victoria & Alfred Hotel, historically a warehouse in 1904, turned into a hotel overlooking the waterfront and Table Mountain. The 94 hotel rooms have views over the Waterfront, Table Mountain or the Piazza which is bustling with daily performances by musicians and dancers. The hotel is owned by the Newmark Hotels Group and therefore shares facilities with sister hotels in the area; for example guests at the hotel can use the pool across the street at the sister hotel Dock House Boutique Hotel. The Victoria & Alfred Hotels location and comfortable rooms provides the perfect base for exploring.
mount rochelle
Although not in the city of Cape Town, a 45 minute drive east is recommended if you love Wine and Beauty; where you’ll find the Mont Rochelle Hotel in Franschhoek. A 17th century hilltop estate at the base of the Klein Dassenberg Mountain Range, set within a 100 acre vineyard is owned by Sir Richard Benson, renowned for any hotel he and his family are involved in having charm and personable yet luxurious service. The intimate 26 room hotel focuses on light and openness for its interiors, to allow the bedroom views to speak for itself. There is also a 4 bedroom Manor House as an exclusive booking.
Home to two dining spots, the Miko restaurant prides itself on offering South African favourites, with al fresco dining on the terrace looking over the mountain range. The Country Kitchen is a more informal dining spot, perfect for family dinners on the terrace. It also provides gourmet picnics for treks. There is of course the winery, which offers a one-of-a-kind experience of a Winemaker’s Dinner with a tour of the cellar followed by a five-course pairing dinner in collaboration with Executive Chef Terence Morris.
delaire graff estate
Although not in the City of Cape Town, the Delaire Graff Estate is the jewel of the Cape Town Winelands; which is a well earnt title. Home to 5 star Lodges which range in size from 700sqft to a 6600sqft owners villa, all with balconies and/or plunge pools. Each lodge as sumptuous as the other. The Estate’s interior is adorned with art, sculptures and water features to compliment the priceless canvas of nature that houses the hotel.
There are 17 hectares of vineyards within the estate, which offer tastings where wine tutors take you through a curated selection of wines, paired with charcuterie, cheeses, olives and artisanal bread.
The dining options are of the highest calibre. Hōseki, (translates from Japanese as Jewel), has an extensive a la carte menu, as well as taster menus and Omakase dining options. The kitchen is led by Chef Virgil Kahn and prides itself on utilising fresh produce that is handpicked from the Estate’s vegetable garden and greenhouse. The restaurant ensures the remaining ingredients are provided by producers instilling Hōseki’s philosophy of organic farming. There is also the Delaire Graff Restaurant, dubbed ‘Bistro Chic’, focusing on simple yet delicious food. Also offering al fresco dining on the deck overlooking the mountain range, it’s the perfect spot to sit for hours, indulge and watch the sun set.
MOUNT ROCHELLE
Not to be forgotten is Mount Rochelle,, a 45 minute drive east is recommended if you love Wine and Beauty; where you’ll find the Mont Rochelle Hotel in Franschhoek. A 17th century hilltop estate at the base of the Klein Dassenberg Mountain Range, set within an 100 acre vineyard is owned by Sir Richard Benson, renowned for any hotel he and his family are involved in having charm and personable yet luxurious service. The intimate 26 room hotel focuses on light and openness for its interiors, to allow the bedroom views to speak for itself. There is also a 4 bedroom Manor House as an exclusive booking.
Mount Rochelle is a countryside escape, therefore plenty of activities in the luscious gardens and activities for adults include a Spa, Hamman, tours around the wine farms, as well as activities for children, be it pizza making, scavenger hunts, poolside fun and lawn games as well as local wildlife sanctuaries.
The hotel has an in art-inspired wellness sanctuary, with treatment suites with private courtyards to relax. Offering expert therapists and products from Augustinus Bader, Dr Barbara Sturm as well as the estate sourced Jardin de Delaire.
Just in case this hotel didn’t cater enough to the epicureans who enjoy the extra finer things in life, the hotel is of course home to the crowning jewel that is the Graff Diamond boutique, so worth a pricey souvenir pit stop.
ACTIVITIES & EXCURSIONS
Hiking
For when you want to feel the burn or have a mindful moment, then look no further than the hiking opportunities that Cape Town, the City of Mountains has to offer. If you are a novice or experienced hiker, both gentle and hard routes are on offer, with over 70 peaks above 300m within Cape Town’s city limits. The most iconic is of course Table Mountain, which has a flat top summit of 1,000m. There are around 50 routes up to Table Mountain which range from the more gentile stroll on well trodden path through to scrambling on narrow ledges. There are many trusted tour guides in the area and advertising at table mountain and most hotels offer group or personalised hiking trips for sunrise or sunset. An extra special excursion is offered by the One and Only, private sunrise yoga sessions on table mountain.
beaches
For those seeking to soak in the heat on a beach, you can’t go wrong with either Clifton Beach or Camps Bay Beach. Clifton Beach is separated into four beaches along a 1km strip, each beach attracts different groups so always good to have a stroll to find a tribe you vibe with. Clifton Beach is more popular amongst families and is much larger. Both beaches have the ridiculously beautiful twelve apostles mountain range behind it. If you didn’t want to take a picnic then there are also great outdoor dining spots along Victoria Road which both beaches back onto.
Day Trips
For 10 outings in one, there is nowhere better than Cape Point, situated within the Cape of Good Hope, a wild and unspoilt landscape forming part of the World Heritage Site known as the Cape Floral Region in the Table Mountain National Park – it is probably one of the most beautiful places someone can set their eyes on with magnificent beaches (Boulder’s Beach home to the penguins), scenic stretches and historic coastal villages. It is home to the most south-western point in Africa and looks out on the southern ocean where rugged waves meet stunning coastlines, elephant seals and stories of centuries old shipwrecks falling foul of the treacherous water.
Chapman’s Peak drive is known as one of the most spectacular roads in the world, running between Hout Bay and Noordhoek in the Cape Peninsula, running a 9km route between dramatic jagged rocks and the rocky coastline of the atlantic coast with breathtaking views and spots to stop at to admire the views and take spectacular photos. (Note: Jarat Tours offer a Cape Point day tour between 09:00-18:00 covering all of cape point, cape of good hope and then a tour up and around Table Mountain).
Jarat Tours offer chauffeur, concierge and private tour services, covering the major attractions such as Cape Point and Chapman’s Peak Drive and the Winelands. They are a five star service with set tours around the most surreal landscapes and areas of Cape Town and the Western Cape. They have a fleet of new Mercedes ranging from E Class to GLE Class and Vito Vans. The team are so knowledgeable and friendly and plan your entire day, and shape it around any specific requests you have to tailor it to what would make the most enjoyable trip for you.
wildlife
In addition to the amazing scenes of the Penguins at Boulder’s beach, you are spoiled with choice in Cape Town as there is the opportunity to regularly see Seals, whether it is in the V&A Waterfront or on a boat trip to seal island, you can spot the comical characters doing what many of us wish we could: lounging and eating in the sun throughout the day. The smell is not for the faint hearted, but their cuteness makes up for it.
There are also Shark diving and Whale watching boat trips departing from the V&A Waterfront (with tour operators advertising along the waterfront) which give the opportunity to go cage diving near Great White Sharks as well as spot southern right whales, humpbacks and bryde whales. Simon’s Town Boat Company offer trips that set out throughout the day to capture the beautiful mammals in their pods.
If you are happy with a trip further a field, then Aquila Private Game Reserve is a two-hour drive inland from Cape Town, and offers visitors half or full-day safaris. For a better chance of seeing the Big Five (that’s lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and Cape buffalos), checking in overnight at the thatched Aquila Lodge is recommended. Visitors can also spend time with rehabilitated animals at the Animal Rescue Centre on the reserve.
There is also Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, which is 3.5 hours from Cape Town, and one of the only reserves in the world where free-roaming white lions can be spotted in the wild, alongside cheetahs, elephants, and zebras. Located in the arid Little Karoo at the base of the Warmwaterberg Mountains, the 143,000-acre reserve has four lodges to choose from (we recommend Dwyka Tented Lodge, a chic tented camp set in a rock amphitheatre). With so much open space and so few lodges, Sanbona is the perfect place to disconnect.
shopping
Bree Street
Arguably the cultural shopping hub of Cape Town, with an array of local artisanal talent being displayed in the boutiques, including Klûk CGDT a South African haute couture atelier, known for bespoke, tailor-made gowns, but also has a great choice of ready-to-wear.
The Watershed
Has over 150 local vendors, promoting female led and local brands, it is a perfect place to find high quality gifts for loved ones and a perfect emporium for independent designers and jewellers.
V & A Waterfront boulevard
Offering the expected chain stores, there are also a selection of international luxury brands, where you can benefit somewhat from the exchange rate.
winelands
Potentially saving the best until last, there are the winelands, located in Stellenbosch & Franschoek, both benefitting from the maritime climate and mountainous terrain which offers more concentrated and flavorsome grapes, these winelands produce Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnays and Cabernet Sauvignons like no other.
Stellenbosch is a University Town surrounded by vineyards and is the second oldest town in South Africa, full of charming avenues rich in history. Old oak trees line the streets and frame the most beautiful surviving examples of Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian architecture.
Delaire Graff Estate is a stand out amongst the thousands of winelands – home to Wine, Diamonds and landscapes, a completely high end experience, yet so comforting and welcoming. A theme of South Africa is the value, with generous tasting menus at this exclusive estate starting at 30 euro for two people. Each tasting sees a Wine tutor take you through over 10 wines in their sculpted engraved wine glasses and a charcuterie board to compliment the experience. It is a place you simply struggle to leave, nor do they rush you to – likely in the hope that after a somewhat generous consumption of wine, you stay and buy a diamond or two…
Meerlust Estate is an equally beautiful but more rustic vineyard, famed for its Cabernet Sauvignon Meerlust, you can partake in the cowboy style tasting of standing up and drinking (maybe leave your chaps) and then wander the manicured grounds and admire the Dutch architecture.
Rust en Verde (rest in peace for the non dutch speaking among us) is a perfect inbetween of the two, with outdoor paired back dining, indoor cellar dining and bar wine tasting – they offer New World wines based on the Old World French wine making techniques. The aesthetics of the place are considered and offer a calm backdrop to spend the afternoon in.
A notable mention is the Waterford Estate which has an excellent tasting paired with chocolate which is also produced on site. The salted dark chocolate will leave you with cravings.
An alternative to Stellenbosch is Franschhoek, located within a scenic valley, scattered with Cape Dutch buildings and French flair. Franschhoek was founded by the French Huguenots over 350 years ago, and widely regarded as the culinary capital of South Africa. It lies against the backdrop of the majestic Franschhoek and Drakenstein mountains. Its beautiful setting with many guesthouses, café lined streets, antique stores, art galleries, bakeries and chocolateries lean in to the French flair. Franschhoek is also home to many festivals from the annual Bastille Day festival to the cheese, wine and olive festivals at various times throughout the year.
Standout wineries in Franschhoek include the Mount Rochelle vineyard, but the gold standard is the Mullineux & Leeu Estate, which has a tasting room designed by notable Spanish Architect Tomey Esteva, who created a space where the staff guide you through tastings bringing nature to you, which from there you can stroll through the scenic Bokkie Garden.
Franschhoek also has a Hop on Hop off Tram running through multiple vineyards and wine estates, making for a fantastic way to cover a lot of terrain in little time and tick off the many wineries across the eight routes it offers, at the reasonable cost of $17.
dining & NIGHTLIFE
time out market
The Time Out Market located in the bustling V&A waterfront, within a 30,000 square foot facility within the renovated power station, opened in late 2023. It is home to 13 carefully selected food vendors to showcase the city’s most delicious culinary offerings, ranging from African shisanyama, Bao Buns, Seafood, Pizza and desert options. There is no better spot for group dining as everyone can have a different cuisine or dish and all gather at the ample seating to dine together. It is a great spot for families, couples, groups and encourages sharing and diving into different cuisines in the informal setting.
the bungalow
A crisp white ambivert exterior interior aesthetic with a retractable roof to enjoy the sun setting makes this relaxed yet buzzy eatery a spot frequented by locals and tourists alike. It served renowned seafood platters (with Euro/GBP to South African Rand offering incredible value) and has a mixology masters cocktail list and New World Wines like no other. As music plays, crowds mix and people dine, you can watch the sunset in what makes for a mercurial moment for anyone.
Nobu
The only Nobu in the continent does not disappoint with its fresh sashimi, sushi and specials – particularly notable are the Black Cod Miso and Wagyu Beef Gyozas. The dark hues and shouts of ‘Irasshaimase’ (Welcome to my restaurant) from all Nobu team when you walk in adds to the fun atmosphere.
the harbour house
The waterfront restaurant offers indoor and outdoor dining in its breezy glass panelled prime spot. The selection of fish is outstanding, as are the wine options. The servers ask about your palette for both food and drink, to ensure your experience is seamless with your enjoyment of the dishes at the forefront.
the pot luck club
The Pot Luck Club restaurant is in a converted biscuit factory, opened by award winning Chef Luke Dale Roberts the kitchen is illuminated making it appear like its under a stage light. This adds to the bustling atmosphere and the small plate menu concept which encourages sharing and a taste experience.
BLONDIE
If you don’t mind a queue, or being achingly cool, then this restaurant turn late night music spot is where you want to head. Bring your own vinyl night to special guest DJ sets make Blondie both wholesome and cool without trying too hard.
Asoka
The cocktail lounge and restaurant is the perfect place to dress up and indulge in house sets and cocktails under the warm hues of its inviting dining space.
Athletic club & social
Stop here for live Jazz Wednesday to Saturday and regular disco funk DJ sets, framed in the beautiful and moody essence that is the basement of this three story Victorian building brings. Warning: You will dance.
District
A late night destination vibe, offering live music and DJ sets in the expansive space making for hedonistic nights featuring new and established DJs.
Cabo Beach club
An honourable mention to this beach club which rather generously offers beachfront views, airy restaurant, a seductive cocktail bar and dancefloor. You could spend a whole day here if you wanted to start the party early and finish into the early hours of the morning.
good to knows
If you live or have travelled in Europe, you will note nearly all customs are similar in Cape Town, especially when meeting new people, dining and tipping (10%), however the people you meet are likely much friendlier.
Uber is an excellent way of travelling around the city, with average prices for a 10-20 minute trip coming in at less than £10, with personal experience being of safe and friendly drivers.
It is a Malaria free zone, therefore Malaria tablets are not required, however check the tourism board website and check your vaccination status against what is recommended.
Your safety is paramount to any trip, therefore always stay vigilant, however the high level of crime tends to occur away from the normal tourist destinations, but you must still take sensible precautions. Check your nation’s government website on their advice in relation to travel.
Load Shedding is an unfortunate reality where there are forced power outages to account for limited supply, however if you are in a hotel they tend to have generators and you will not experience a power cut, however if out at restaurants and shops you may experience power cuts until generators return the electricity.
Its hard to visit Cape Town and not have lasting positive memories, the scenery, the food, the people all shape your appreciation of travel, change your context of scenery and inspire you to the point you will have a nostalgia and wistfulness of the City.
The IRL Edit. 