Cape Town's Best: Iconic places, local faves and useful info
Drinks & Nightlife
Part coffee shop, part retail, part motoclub, part cocktail bar, part live music venue and all kinds of fun. Make sure you stop in for a barrel aged Old Fashioned or Negroni.
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The House of Machines
84 Shortmarket StPart coffee shop, part retail, part motoclub, part cocktail bar, part live music venue and all kinds of fun. Make sure you stop in for a barrel aged Old Fashioned or Negroni.
Harringtons Cocktail Lounge
61B Harrington StGreat cocktails, jazz nights and DJs.
A dive bar for those who enjoy unpretentious drinks and grungy settings. The ribs and American-style chicken & waffles are known as some of the best in the city.
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Lefty's
105 Harrington StA dive bar for those who enjoy unpretentious drinks and grungy settings. The ribs and American-style chicken & waffles are known as some of the best in the city.
A retro-cool diner with a quirky menu that buzzes from breakfast to late nights, popular with a younger crowd. Go there for a unexpected twists on local food, original cocktails or live local music in the evenings.
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Raptor Room
79 Roeland StA retro-cool diner with a quirky menu that buzzes from breakfast to late nights, popular with a younger crowd. Go there for a unexpected twists on local food, original cocktails or live local music in the evenings.
This cool surfer-punk bar on Harrington Street, downstairs from Harringtons, is festive and casual, making it a popular neighbourhood watering hole where locals go to listen to liuve music and let off steam.
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SurfaRosa
61a Harrington StThis cool surfer-punk bar on Harrington Street, downstairs from Harringtons, is festive and casual, making it a popular neighbourhood watering hole where locals go to listen to liuve music and let off steam.
Perseverance Tavern
83 Buitenkant StThe oldest pub in Africa.
Pop into the bar for a drink in a living piece of Cape Town history. One of the oldest functioning hotels and backpackers, the bustling bar drips with character (and characters).
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Kimberley Hotel Backpackers
46 Roeland StPop into the bar for a drink in a living piece of Cape Town history. One of the oldest functioning hotels and backpackers, the bustling bar drips with character (and characters).
Tucked behind Honest Chocolate in an adorable courtyard, this spot serves imventive gin cocktails and highlights Cape Town's local gin culture.
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The Gin Bar
64A Wale StreetTucked behind Honest Chocolate in an adorable courtyard, this spot serves imventive gin cocktails and highlights Cape Town's local gin culture.
Though an excellent restaurant for lunch and dinner, this space really comes alive as one of Cape Town's trendiest watering holes. Go for beautiful people, gorgeous decor and superb cocktails.
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The Athletic Club & Social
35 Buitengracht StreetThough an excellent restaurant for lunch and dinner, this space really comes alive as one of Cape Town's trendiest watering holes. Go for beautiful people, gorgeous decor and superb cocktails.
The latest rooftop bar to make a splash on the Cape Town scene. Polished and packed with Instagram moments.
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Gorgeous George Hotel
118 St Georges MallThe latest rooftop bar to make a splash on the Cape Town scene. Polished and packed with Instagram moments.
Food Scene
A collection of local spots in the East City precinct (i.e. within walking distance of the apartment) and memorable restaurants or cafes in Cape Town's renowned foodie scene.
The best pastries in town! This is the original bakery; there is also another in Green Point and a smaller coffee bar right round the corner in Buitenkant Street.
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Jason Bakery
185 Bree StThe best pastries in town! This is the original bakery; there is also another in Green Point and a smaller coffee bar right round the corner in Buitenkant Street.
This is what ice cream dreams are made of. Grab a cone and take a stroll along the Promenade for sunshine, fresh air and great views.
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The Creamery Café Mouille Point
2 Park RdThis is what ice cream dreams are made of. Grab a cone and take a stroll along the Promenade for sunshine, fresh air and great views.
World-renowned steampunk coffee shop with the best of local roasts.
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Truth Coffee Roasting
36 Buitenkant StWorld-renowned steampunk coffee shop with the best of local roasts.
This is a great venue all times of year - the courtyard in summer, and the cosy fireplaces indoors for winter. Live Sunday afternoon jazz adds to the Cape Town feel!
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Kloof Street House
30 Kloof StThis is a great venue all times of year - the courtyard in summer, and the cosy fireplaces indoors for winter. Live Sunday afternoon jazz adds to the Cape Town feel!
A Sunday brunch favourite with an original menu and sweeping views of colourful Bokaap.
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Harvest Cafe & Deli
102 Wale StA Sunday brunch favourite with an original menu and sweeping views of colourful Bokaap.
Trendy industrial-mod fine dining in the heart of the city. Good to know: Online booking required; set menu; seats max 20.
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Belly of the beast
110 Harrington StTrendy industrial-mod fine dining in the heart of the city. Good to know: Online booking required; set menu; seats max 20.
A charming crêperie with local twists on French favourites. Open during the day only, so this spot is great for lunch or Sunday brunch.
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Swan Cafe
Barrack StreetA charming crêperie with local twists on French favourites. Open during the day only, so this spot is great for lunch or Sunday brunch.
A hub for Cape Town's creatives, this space buzzes from 7am to 4pm daily. Great for coffee, bagels, cheesecake and people watching.
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New York Bagels
44 Harrington StA hub for Cape Town's creatives, this space buzzes from 7am to 4pm daily. Great for coffee, bagels, cheesecake and people watching.
A hidden gem popular with Cape Town's edgy creative crowd. Go there for steaming bowls of ramen, a casual atmosphere and hip hop sounds.
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Downtown Ramen Asian Restaurant
103 Harrington StreetA hidden gem popular with Cape Town's edgy creative crowd. Go there for steaming bowls of ramen, a casual atmosphere and hip hop sounds.
Think vegan food is only for the health-conscious? Think again! This spot offers moreish junk food that even meat-eaters love. Great for a quick bite or ordering in via Uber Eats / OrderIn.
If you are vegetarian or vegan and would like info about more local options, please get in touch!
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Lekker Vegan Harrington
Think vegan food is only for the health-conscious? Think again! This spot offers moreish junk food that even meat-eaters love. Great for a quick bite or ordering in via Uber Eats / OrderIn.
If you are vegetarian or vegan and would like info about more local options, please get in touch!
Authentic Italian tucked just two blocks away from the apartment. Go there for the incredible fresh pasta, affordable wines, generous portions and friendly banter with the cousins themselves.
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The Cousins Trattoria
3b Barrack StAuthentic Italian tucked just two blocks away from the apartment. Go there for the incredible fresh pasta, affordable wines, generous portions and friendly banter with the cousins themselves.
An eclectic mix of trendy decor, a heritage building, design-savvy locals, superb coffee and great food. Recommended for breakfast.
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Haas Coffee
19 Buitenkant StAn eclectic mix of trendy decor, a heritage building, design-savvy locals, superb coffee and great food. Recommended for breakfast.
Take a step into Willy Wonka's fantasy world with this local bakery known for its colourful treats.
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Charly's Bakery
36-38 Canterbury StTake a step into Willy Wonka's fantasy world with this local bakery known for its colourful treats.
Giant burgers, pizzas, breakfasts and more served with a ton of attitude. Great vegetarian and vegan options too.
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The Dog's Bollocks at YARD
6 Roodehek StreetGiant burgers, pizzas, breakfasts and more served with a ton of attitude. Great vegetarian and vegan options too.
Honest Chocolate Kaffihús
64A Wale StChocolate lovers' heaven.
Cape Malay fast food - the Masala Steak Gatsby is on point. Go hungry!
(Gatsbies are a Cape Malay tradition and consist of a large loaf of bread stuffed with curried meat, french fries, salads and sauces. Typically very affordable and shared between 3-4 people.)
Mariam's Kitchen St Georges Mall
101 St Georges MallCape Malay fast food - the Masala Steak Gatsby is on point. Go hungry!
(Gatsbies are a Cape Malay tradition and consist of a large loaf of bread stuffed with curried meat, french fries, salads and sauces. Typically very affordable and shared between 3-4 people.)
Parks & Nature
This is my all-time favourite before- or after-work hike. It's about a 40 minute hike up and 25 minutes down, with incredible scenery all the way.
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Lion's Head Hike
Signal Hill RoadThis is my all-time favourite before- or after-work hike. It's about a 40 minute hike up and 25 minutes down, with incredible scenery all the way.
Glen Beach
Usually a little quieter than Clifton (another favourite).
A trail with rewarding views for confident hikers. Safety tip: Always hike in groups and pick popular times (e.g. weekends) to hike. Take plenty of sunscreen and water, and make sure that you have familiarised yourself with the route before setting out.
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Devil's Peak
A trail with rewarding views for confident hikers. Safety tip: Always hike in groups and pick popular times (e.g. weekends) to hike. Take plenty of sunscreen and water, and make sure that you have familiarised yourself with the route before setting out.
One of the most direct ascents on Table Mountain, this is a clear-cut trail with plenty of foot traffic. The trail heads directly to the Cableway station, so this is a good option if you'd like to climb up but take the easy way down. This trail gets a lot of direct sunlight so please take plenty sunscreen and water.
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Platteklip Gorge
Platteklip GorgeOne of the most direct ascents on Table Mountain, this is a clear-cut trail with plenty of foot traffic. The trail heads directly to the Cableway station, so this is a good option if you'd like to climb up but take the easy way down. This trail gets a lot of direct sunlight so please take plenty sunscreen and water.
This breathtaking nature reserve is a must-see while in Cape Town, and is roughly 1h drive away from the city centre. There are spectacular views from the historic lighthouses, as well as a number of longer hiking trails (1.5-5h) for nature enthusiasts. The shipwreck trail is highly recommended.
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Cape Point
This breathtaking nature reserve is a must-see while in Cape Town, and is roughly 1h drive away from the city centre. There are spectacular views from the historic lighthouses, as well as a number of longer hiking trails (1.5-5h) for nature enthusiasts. The shipwreck trail is highly recommended.
These beautifully kept historic gardens showcase the Western Cape's rich flora to the fullest. The Summer Sunset Concert series (Sundays) and Galileo Open Air Theatre (Thursdays) are both highly recommended and uniquely Capetonian experiences. This spot is also wonderful for picnicking, walks and hikes (you can climb Table Mountain from here).
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Kirstenbosch þjóðgarðurinn
Rhodes DriveThese beautifully kept historic gardens showcase the Western Cape's rich flora to the fullest. The Summer Sunset Concert series (Sundays) and Galileo Open Air Theatre (Thursdays) are both highly recommended and uniquely Capetonian experiences. This spot is also wonderful for picnicking, walks and hikes (you can climb Table Mountain from here).
A historic public park in the heart of the city, good for a walk or run, with access to a number of museums. There's a restaurant with plenty outdoor seating too, though service tends to be slow. Safety tip: visit during daylight hours.
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Company's Gardens
A historic public park in the heart of the city, good for a walk or run, with access to a number of museums. There's a restaurant with plenty outdoor seating too, though service tends to be slow. Safety tip: visit during daylight hours.
Visit Cape Town's famous wild penguin colony and enjoy a pristine beach. Entrance is paid (roughly R70pp).
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Boulders Beach
Kleintuin RoadVisit Cape Town's famous wild penguin colony and enjoy a pristine beach. Entrance is paid (roughly R70pp).
Great for a walk/run direct from the apartment or free live concerts on selected Sundays. Popular with families. From the apartment: turn right toward Parliament, then turn left into Plein St. Keep heading up the hill until you reach the white walls & black gates of the park. Add 2 or 3 loops of the park and head back home and you'll have run just under 5km. Alternatively, add the Company's Garden to your return route to extend your run - just head left at the big intersection on Orange Street and turn right into Government Avenue (pedestrian access only).
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De Waal Park
Molteno RoadGreat for a walk/run direct from the apartment or free live concerts on selected Sundays. Popular with families. From the apartment: turn right toward Parliament, then turn left into Plein St. Keep heading up the hill until you reach the white walls & black gates of the park. Add 2 or 3 loops of the park and head back home and you'll have run just under 5km. Alternatively, add the Company's Garden to your return route to extend your run - just head left at the big intersection on Orange Street and turn right into Government Avenue (pedestrian access only).
Entertainment & Activities
An old-timey independent cinema with a super affordable bar, courtyard, concession stand and excellent films.
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The Labia
68 Orange StAn old-timey independent cinema with a super affordable bar, courtyard, concession stand and excellent films.
A stunning, intimate theatre in a revamped church, serving up the best of local theatre productions. Highly recommended!
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Fugard Leikhús
A stunning, intimate theatre in a revamped church, serving up the best of local theatre productions. Highly recommended!
Roark Gyms
47 De Villiers StNo-frills, community-focused functional training for fitness fanatics.
A multi-faceted gym with something for all fitness enthusiasts.
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Virgin Active Wembley Square Health Club
A multi-faceted gym with something for all fitness enthusiasts.
A welcoming yoga studio with mats & towels for hire. Offers both heated and non-heated yoga; drop-ins welcome. Check the website for class schedule and rates.
12 íbúar mæla með
Yoga Zone
14 Kloof StA welcoming yoga studio with mats & towels for hire. Offers both heated and non-heated yoga; drop-ins welcome. Check the website for class schedule and rates.
A long beachfront strip packed with bars, restaurants, volleyball and glitterati. This is more of a tourist spot than a local favourite.
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Camps Bay
A long beachfront strip packed with bars, restaurants, volleyball and glitterati. This is more of a tourist spot than a local favourite.
Parapax Tandem Paragliding - Cape Town
Signal Hill RoadA must for adventure seekers!
Essentials
NUDE FOODS
5 Constitution StA plastic-free grocer for the environmentally conscious.
Mediclinic Cape Town
21 Hof StA private hospital with 24h emergency unit.
Engen Oranje Service Centre
27 Annandale StPetrol station, convenience store and fast food.
Cape Town's central police station is located within walking distance of the apartment.
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SAPS Cape Town Central
28 Buitenkant StCape Town's central police station is located within walking distance of the apartment.
Sightseeing
Noon Gun
Military RoadYou'll hear the gun boom every day at noon sharp.
One of Cape Town's most famous landmarks. Head here for sunset cruises, tours to historic Robben Island, shopping, sightseeing and more.
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Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
One of Cape Town's most famous landmarks. Head here for sunset cruises, tours to historic Robben Island, shopping, sightseeing and more.
The easiest way to view the city from the top of iconic Table Mountain, and a great option for hikers who'd like to take an easier option for ascent/descent.
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Table Mountain Aerial Cableway
5821 Tafelberg RdThe easiest way to view the city from the top of iconic Table Mountain, and a great option for hikers who'd like to take an easier option for ascent/descent.
A look into the vibrant history of the much disputed area and the Apartheid policies that shattered a nation.
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District Six safn
25A Buitenkant StA look into the vibrant history of the much disputed area and the Apartheid policies that shattered a nation.
Zeitz Listasafn samtíma Afríku
South Arm RoadA must for lovers of art and architecture.
Dive into the history of the very first heart transplant, performed right here in Cape Town by Dr Christiaan Barnard in 1967. Currently rated as the top museum in Cape Town.
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Heart of Cape Town Museum
Main RoadDive into the history of the very first heart transplant, performed right here in Cape Town by Dr Christiaan Barnard in 1967. Currently rated as the top museum in Cape Town.
Shopping
A compact mall with two major local retailers (groceries, deli counters, etc.), a large pharmacy, hairdresser, beauty salons, gifts & curious, outdoor goods, ATMs and a number of clothing stores.
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Gardens Shopping Centre
Buitenkant StreetA compact mall with two major local retailers (groceries, deli counters, etc.), a large pharmacy, hairdresser, beauty salons, gifts & curious, outdoor goods, ATMs and a number of clothing stores.
Just Like Papa
73 Harrington StA trendy, design-forward take on all things outdoor.
This is what book-lovers' dreams are made of! The old-school shop is set in a historic building with a fascinating, curated selection of books and plenty of cosy reading nooks. Find yourself a book, grab a coffee at the bar downstairs and settle in for some me-time.
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the book lounge
71 Roeland StreetThis is what book-lovers' dreams are made of! The old-school shop is set in a historic building with a fascinating, curated selection of books and plenty of cosy reading nooks. Find yourself a book, grab a coffee at the bar downstairs and settle in for some me-time.
A large mall in Cape Town's historic waterfront with predominantly high-end shopping and a wide range of stores.
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Victoria Wharf Innkaupasetur
3 Dock RdA large mall in Cape Town's historic waterfront with predominantly high-end shopping and a wide range of stores.
A weekend institution with fresh produce, incredible food and local artisanal goods all set against the backdrop of Table Bay. Highly recommended!
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Oranjezicht City Farm - Markaður
Granger Bay BoulevardA weekend institution with fresh produce, incredible food and local artisanal goods all set against the backdrop of Table Bay. Highly recommended!
Situated in the Lifestyle Centre, a compact mall with quirky stores, a strong health focus and good restaurants. This Woolworths is a an upmarket grocery store.
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Woolworths Kloof Street
50 Kloof StSituated in the Lifestyle Centre, a compact mall with quirky stores, a strong health focus and good restaurants. This Woolworths is a an upmarket grocery store.