Cape Town Travel Guide - Things to do, Food, Experience
For the culture vulture, Cape Town is undeniably one of the best destinations in South Africa as remnants of its turbulent history characterizes the look and feel of the city. From iconic places such as the Castle of Good Hope, Grand Parade and City Hall to the numerous museums (District Six Museum, Iziko Slave Lodge, Jewish Museum) in the heart of the city centre, visitors of Cape Town will get to peek in the various aspects of its history, sociology and art.
Despite having several wonderful museums in the city centre, visitors are encouraged to travel beyond for the best attractions such as Bo-Kaap (Malay Quarter in where Muslim descendants of slaves reside) and Robben Island (an off-shore island which was a maximum security prison where Nelson Mandela served time). It is in these places that the tourist will truly get a feel of Cape Town’s history.
The budding explorers will, likewise, not be disappointed as the Mother City offers a plethora of places to conquer such as the Table Mountain and Caves (Elephant’s Eye Cave, Woodstock Cave and Peers Cave). To walk on the wild side, one may consider visiting various game reserves (Inverdoorn Game Reserve, Aquila Private Game Reserve) and other attractions such as Hout Bay’s World of Birds and Two Oceans Aquarium (located at Victoria & Albert Waterfront). These nature treats will definitely compel one to marvel at the diversity and the brilliance of the animal kingdom.
Fancy indulging in some sports? The gift of Cape Town’s land mass has made partaking in an incredible amount of sports possible. From swimming in the oceans, golfing, paragliding to even tobogganing, Cape Town promises a good workout while keeping your adrenaline pumping. All you need to do is to approach Cape Town Tourism to for a list of places or companies catering to the particular sport and you are set to go.
For the epicureans out there who enjoy good food, drink and luxury, you will never be left out with the Mother City’s assortment of luxurious resorts, fantastic restaurants, shopping opportunities and entertainment options. The star attraction in this area is the wine routes (Constantia Wine Route and Helderberg Wine Route) where you are treated to the best wines in the region as you toast to life and happiness with scenic landscapes as your backdrop. Another pit-stop not to be missed would be Grand West Casino and Entertainment World. Being the largest Casino in the world, it also caters to the younger crowd as it houses a cinema and a bowling alley in the same complex. This means that you can have a peace of mind while hoping that lady luck smiles on you as you roll the dice at the gambling tables.
Aside from its inexhaustible list of attractions, the spirit of Cape Town is well represented by its various festivals such as the Cape Minstrel Carnival. Thus, to truly appreciate the sights and sound of the city, one is encouraged to plan a trip during such festivals.
On a more practical note, the geography and infrastructure treats the traveler kindly as one is able to get around fairly easy with its good transport system and gentle Mediterranean weather. Additionally, lodgings are easy to secure as Cape Town has various hotels with a wide spectrum of price range and its locations are generally accessible to any tourist.
Endowed with attractions, breath-taking natural features as well as stunning landscapes; Cape Town is certainly the darling of South Africa as it will tickle the fancy of any traveler. Therefore, it is often common for one to take Cape Town as a launching pad to explore the rest of the Rainbow Nation.
Experience the Best of Cape Town
Best Sight-Seeing Sites
As Cape Town is deeply steeped in history, your itinerary should aim to provide you with a broad sweep of its history from the earliest days to one of the most important monuments in the city’s modern history. Hence, our picks for sight-seeing are: Castle of Good Hope, Robben Island, City Hall & Grand Parade and Bo-kaap.
Castle of Good Hope
Built in 1679 as a defense against sea invasions, this imposing structure is a testament to the Dutch staking a claim to the land. Aside from standing in awe at this magnificent structure, the Governor’s residence has various paintings and furnishings on display as well. Various artifacts in the Granary and a military museum are also opened to the public.
Robben Island
While it is best known for being a prison in which Nelson Mandela served time in for his political struggle, this island has been through various transformations since the 17th century. A trip there would open your eyes to life in prison and the sobering reminder of the costs that many have to pay in the name of freedom. There is a Robben Island museum at V & A Waterfront and one will have to take a ferry from there to get to the island.
City Hall & Grand Parade
Those who are interested in architecture will certainly admire the Italian Renaissance style of City Hall that is adorned by a 39-bell carillon tower. Aside from admiring the structure, one should take the opportunity to purchase tickets through Computicket to hear the Cape Town Philharmonic which performs within City Hall frequently.
While the grand parade of today is lined with green grocer stores, one should take a moment to appreciate that one is standing on the site that Commander Van Riebeeck chose as his first fort as well as the welcoming of the release of Nelson Mandela by thousands of South Africans in 1990.
Bo-Kaap
This colorful suburb is home to descendants of slaves that were brought over by the Dutch from Indonesia, Malaysia and other parts of Africa. While in the quarter, a visit to the Bo-Kaap Museum will inform you of the area’s history and Auwal, South Africa’s first mosque, will allow you to soak in the atmosphere of the Muslim community. A strong part of the community here also lies in the food. Hence, ensure that you have a traditional Cape Malay meal before leaving.
Best Nature Site
Table Mountain
While Cape Town has several good nature reserves, what makes Cape Town unique in terms of nature sites would definitely be Table Mountain. It not only offers various nature trails and spectacular views, it also hosts the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, King’s Blockhouse and the kramat (Muslim Shrine) of Goolam Muhamed Soofi. On top of that, more than 1500 species of plants that dot the different parts of Table Mountain for all to see when hiking on one of the well-paved trails that cater to different levels of experience.
Best Wine Route
Constantia Vineyards
Being the oldest wine producing region, the various wine estates in this region have been known to produce a wide selection of exceptional wines. While this route, make a stop at Groot Constantia, the oldest wine estate, where you can appreciate architectures of the various building that is influenced by various architectural movements. Furthermore, you will be able to get a feel of how a 19th century household looks like at the Manor House.
Best Nightlife
Long Street
Touted as the party capital of Cape Town, Long Street is certainly the go-to place for party goers. For meals, it provides a multicultural mix of restaurants such as Mama Africa’s for African fare and Masala Dosa for South Indian grub. For post-dinner drinks, there is always The Dubliner Irish Pub where you can puff on a cigar, drink and listen to jazz or even Zula Sound Experience which offers a great menu of food, drinks and entertainment (which does include poetry readings at times). This is definitely a paradise for those who want to party the night away.
All the Things to do in Cape Town
Tours
Aside from the main attractions such as Table Mountain, Bo-Kaap and V & A Waterfront, one should take some time to visit some of the quaint buildings and settlements that Cape Town has to offer. Places such as Iziko Koopmans De Wet House or Simon’s Town do offer a historical atmosphere as it transports visitors back to the colonial era. What makes such visit memorable is that it not merely informs you of historical events that happen but it gives you a snapshot of how a Dutch family and the British Navy settle down in Cape Town.
Alternatively, one may decide to go on a spiritual tour by visiting the various religious structures such as the Lutheran Church in Stand Street, the Auwal (mosque) in Bo-Kaap, the kramats (Muslim shrines) or various other churches and temples around Cape Town. Regardless of your religious beliefs, the architecture and ornamentations of these structures will inform you of the culture and customs of these religions. It also evokes a sense of amazement for how far Cape Town has come for all these religions to co-exist.
Sports
Another way to enjoy Cape Town is to take advantage of the vast amount of land and beautiful oceans and indulge in some sports. Activities such as mountain biking through Tokai Forest or quad biking through the countryside is certainly an exciting way to try something new while appreciating the beautiful landscape. For water lovers, fishing or snorkelling in the Cape’s beautiful waters is a great way to spend a day or two. For the brave ones, you may want to try shark diving at Two Ocean’s Aquarium where you can be up close and personal with that fascinating creature.
To marry romance and sport, why not take some time to pick up the basics of horse riding from the equestrian centres and later travel on horseback along Noordhoek Beach. Such rides are offered by centres such as Imhoff Equestrian Centre. Finally, for those who prefer a day down at the greens, there are several excellent golf clubs such as Mowbray Golf Club and Westlake Golf Club which provide a great golfing experience set amongst scenic backdrops.
Close to Nature
When it comes to Mother Nature, the best ambassador for her in Cape Town would definitely be Table Mountain and the various nature reserves available. Aside from the main nature reserves such as Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Inverdoorn Game Reserve, Cape Town also boasts reserves that are more specialized. Hence, you may want to consider Drakenstein Lion Park, Giraffe House Wildlife Awareness Centre or Hout Bay’s World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary if you have an interest in those species of animals.
For something a little different and not commonly associated with Africa, you may want to consider spending an afternoon with penguins near Boulders. Boulders is near Simon’s Town and between Fish Hoek and Cape Point. The sea there is great for swimming while the boulders around the beach shade you from the sun. Undeniably, the little known fact about penguins existing in Cape Town is something that you can bring back and impress your friends.
With the wide array of things to do outside of the main attractions in Cape Town, any traveller visiting the Mother City will certainly have a packed and enjoyable trip.
Food in Cape Town
One of the most iconic cuisines in Cape Town would be that of the Cape Malays. This cuisine was brought in by slaves from Indonesia, Malaysia and other parts of Africa under Dutch rule. Undeniably, the best place to taste an authentic Cape Malay Cuisine would be at Bo-Kaap (Malay Quarter). At Bo-kaap, you can certainly enjoy food such as denningvleis (lamb with chillies and spices) and bobotie (meatloaf with onion, sultanas, almonds, bay leaves and egg custard) while seeing how the descendants of the slaves live. If Bo-kaap is not in your itinerary, there are several notable restaurants that have been influenced by this cuisine – Emily’s (V & A Waterfront), Cape Malay Resturant (93 Brommerslvlei Constantia) and Jonkershuis (Groot Constantia Wine Estate).
Most of the abovementioned restaurants are in Constantia and for a very good reason; what is good food without the complements of a good wine? As such, your adventure is never complete without being intoxicated by the wonderful wines and picturesque settings that can be found in areas such as Constantia, Helderberg and Durbanville. Stopping by these places means you will get to enjoy vintages which traditions were started in the 17th Century by the Dutch. As an icing on the cake, these places do boast a selection of wonderful restaurants to ensure you do not drink on an empty stomach.
Another gastronomic reputation that Cape Town has is its fresh seafood. The very fact that the Capetonian waters are blessed with an abundance of seafood has led to a burgeoning industry in seafood trade and dining. In this light, Mariner’s Wharf is a stopover that you cannot miss as it is a seafood lover’s wonderland. It offers dining options such as Wharfside Grill and Wharfette Bistro (take-away eating outlet) and even Fisherman’s Market where you could purchase the freshest catch. In a bid to remind you of the place, there are souvenir shops all over where you can purchase knick-knacks to show others of your nautical adventures in the Mother City. Having said that, you may want to visit other restaurants that specialises in seafood such as Brass Bell, On the Rocks, Lookout Deck and Harbour House. If you prefer something with an oriental flair, sushi bars such as 221 Waterfront, The Tank and Ocean Basket are also available.
While Cape Town lures foodies to its shore due to its reputation for traditional Cape Malay cuisine, good wine and seafood, it does not neglect those that may not be interested in those as its culinary credentials extend to fine dining. Places such as Jardine’s (Bree Street), Bizerca Bistro (near Cape Town International Convention Centre) and La Colombe are well-known for their food and service. If you are looking for diversity, try Bibi’s Kitchen (Wynberg) for Indian cuisine, Mzoli’s (Gugulethu) for authentic African food and Mojolenas if you are a fan of Moroccan food.
While there is no reason why we should not long for breakfast, lunch and dinner while in Cape Town, there are times when we need something to nibble in between meals. This is where a selection of Cape Town’s bakeries and delis come in. To sustain you before the next meal, you may want to drop by at places such as Olympia Café and Deli (Kalk Bay), Empire Café (Muizenberg), Crush (various locations) or Giovanni’s Deliworld (Green Point).
When it comes to food, the Mother City is ever so nurturing as its selection of fantastic and diverse restaurants ensure we leave all the calorie-counting behind as we indulge in some of South Africa’s delicious fare. An activity not to be missed.
Shopping in Cape Town
Main Shopping Malls in Cape Town
Just as the wild plains of Africa are home to the Big Five, the retail jungle of Cape Town has its own Big Four.
Canal Walk
Century Boulevard, Century City, Milnerton, Northern Suburbs
Opens daily from 0900H-2100H
Located at just a 10-minute drive from the city centre, Canal Walk offers 400 stores featuring various prominent local and international brands. This means that one can easily get any shoes, fashion or accessory at this mall.
For entertainment, this mall also boasts a 17-cinema multiplex for one to catch up with the latest blockbuster. What makes this mall stand out from others would be its in-house television station, CWTV. It also has a modern Medical and Wellness Centre, spacious food courts and various specialty stores.
To top it all off, one can see the picturesque views of Table Mountain and Grand Canal from its patios as well as various restaurants. This would certainly be a sight to behold after all that shopping frenzy. As its slogan suggests, you can certainly ‘shop the world’ at Canal Walk.
Victoria Wharf
V & A Waterfront, Atlantic Seaboard
Opens from 0900H-2100H (Mon-Sat), 1000H-2100H (Sun)
This shopping mall certainly has scenic views as it is located in the famous V & A (Victoria & Albert) Waterfront. Well-heeled shoppers will certainly be spoilt for choices as it is home to various leading brands. For those who do not want to burn a hole in their pockets, this mall sells various curios and crafts as well. You will also be able to see the process of creating these beautiful crafts.
Food lovers will not be disappointed as there is a wide variety of choices available at the King’s Warehouse. Of course, the shopping options are not restricted to this mall alone. Be sure to check out the Pierhead as well as the Clock Tower Precinct when you are there.
Tyger Valley Shopping Centre
Cnr Willie von Schoor and Bill Bezuidenhout avenues, Durbanville, Northern Suburbs
Opens from 0900H-1900H (Mon-Sat), 0900H-1700H (Sun)
This shopping mall is a definite destination for any discerning shopper as it caters to all your shopping needs with 275 stores within 3 storeys. It offers a wide variety of options in the areas of fashion, lifestyle, home decor and beauty. It even houses a banking mall and a currency exchange service.
For post-shopping entertainment, one could spend an afternoon at the lanes with friends as they do have a ten-pin bowling facility. Of course, a movie is always an available option with its cinema nearby.
Need to rush off for a business meeting? That would not be a problem as one could get a quick bite in this mall before heading off to Cape Town’s central business district which is a mere 12-minute drive.
The best bit of it all is that one can toast to a great day of retail therapy with wine farms a stone’s throw away!
Willowbridge Lifestyle Centre
39 Carl Conjé Drive, Tygervalley, Northern Suburbs
Opens from 0900H-1900H (Mon-Fri, Summer), 0900H-1800H (Sat, Summer), 0900H-1700H (Sun & public holidays, Summer), 0900H-1800H (Mon-Sat, Winter), 0900H-1700H (Sun & public holidays, Winter)
Embrace the sunshine when you are shopping here for it is a one of a kind open-air shopping mall. It packs an interesting mix of eateries, coffee shops, specialty stores and a Woolsworth in a piazza-style layout.
For those who subscribe to Jamie Oliver’s philosophy of the importance of using fresh ingredients to cook from scratch, you will certainly be in for a treat as it has an organic Slow Market (opens every Saturday from 0900H-1400H) for your cooking needs.
Willowbridge definitely trumps the rest in terms of entertainment. The Barnyard Theatre (www.barnyardtheatres.co.za) lines up a fantastic set of rock concerts and musicals all year round.
Willowbridge certainly is a hit with the hip and trendy but it is important to bring an umbrella in case the skies decide to rain on your parade.
Crafts, Curios & Markets
Having travelled all the way to Cape Town, buying the local crafts is a fantastic way to retain memories of the trip. Furthermore, it goes a long way to support the local craftsmen and keeping their community alive which is killing two birds with one stone.
Hout Bay Crafts Market
Hout Bay Common, Hout Bay, Cape Town
Opens ever Sunday from 1000H-1600H
This craft market is situated at the heart of the scenic Hout Bay village. It is a great place for the whole family as not only one can purchase local art, clothes, toiletries, craft work and even toys.
Aside from shopping for crafts and curios the village also caters to nature lovers and adventure seekers with the largest bird park in South Africa, World of Birds, as well as hiking routes, nature reserve and a sandy beach.
It remains as a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon as it may not be the largest but definitely the most interesting.
Khayelitsha Craft Market
34562 Ncumo road, Harare, Khayelitsha
Opens from 0900H-1400H (Mon-Fri), 0900H-1200H (Sat)
For those who are looking for an opportunity to benefit a local community, Khayelitsha Craft Market is for you. The various crafts and wares and fashioned out of the creativity of the locals and proceeds from this venture will go towards benefitting the community that is plagued with poverty and unemployment.
The main attractions of the market would be the “Baboon Man” and the Look-Out Hill tourist facility. The “Baboon Man” is a local artist that carves baboon sculptures out of cement while the Look-Out Hill facility presents a panoramic view of False Bay, Hottentots Holland mountain range and Groot Drakenstein.
This craft market also presents a rare opportunity for tourists to see how the churches in local communities are like with St Michael’s and all Angels Anglican Church within the vicinity.
A visit to the Khayelitsha Craft Market will be an interesting and informative experience as it offers a glimpse into how a community lives as long as you do not mind the distance since it is located 20km from the city centre.
Bargain Shopping
On a shoestring budget with a long shopping list of gifts to bring home? No worries about that for Cape Town offers a host of options such as flea markets and factory outlet shopping.
Milnerton Flea Market
Otto Du Plessis Drive, Paarden Eiland
Opens from 0700H-1500H (Sat-Sun, Public Holidays excluding Christmas and Easter)
Touted as the most diverse flea market that is a haven for bargain hunters, Milnerton Flea Market is a trove of unwanted treasures looking for a new owner. Diligence does pay off in this market as it offers a sea of used items such as tools, art, antiques and knick knacks of all shapes and sizes.
If you have a growling stomach, there are mobile food stores in which you can buy food that caters to any palette. Furthermore, the Table Mountain will act as a beautiful backdrop to accompany your meal.
The growing popularity of this flea market as well as adequate amenities to cater to the public certainly draws in crowds from all over. As such, it is worth it to spend a weekend or two there.
Factory Outlet Shopping – Access Park
Bellville branch: 1 Van Riebeeck Road, Kuilsriver
Kenilworth branch: Near the M5 on corner of Chichester & Doncaster Road
Opens from 0900H-1700H (Mon-Fri), 0900H-1500H (Sat), 1000H-1400H (Sun)
Need to do some last minute shopping with not much cash left? Access Park Factory Shopping Complex is the place for you. This complex has everything to offer from clothes to electronics to even fruits and vegetables at a discounted price.
Furthermore, some services are available here such as hair salons and restaurants. So you do not have to worry should you need a quick image fix or settle your growling stomach.
The only drawback in shopping here is that you risk buying more than required. This is because you will save up to 50% shopping here than the other shopping malls around. With such savings, who could resist shopping in any of their two outlets? Share
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