Cape Town’s location is fantastic. The extraordinary nature of Table Mountain is just a cable car ride away from the city, a little further south is the Cape Peninsula surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. So close to nature is the vibrant downtown, where there is plenty to discover. This blog is an anthology of lesser-known venues of one of the most fun cities in the world.
Cape Town in a nutshell
Familiar landmarks stand out when you view Cape Town from the air. Off the coast is Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years in captivity; Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the cozy harbor fringed by trendy bars and restaurants; the colorful streets of Bo-Kaap; the striking silhouette of Table Mountain; the dashing coastline of the Cape Peninsula. Unmistakably Cape Town! Less visible are those lesser-known spots that equally define Cape Town’s identity. The first outing follows the coast in search of tide pools hidden away.
Ocean dipping in tidal pools
Rock pools filled with seawater, usually bordered by a man-made watershed: that describes the dozens of tidal pools around the Cape Peninsula. The view from such a pool is breathtaking! Here you can swim or bathe safely, without wave action or currents. Some pools are fairly shallow and not too big; these quickly warm up in the sun once the tide turns and the seawater around the pool recedes. There are also deep pools where you can actually swim and pools where you can even paddle-board and canoe. A wonderfully refreshing getaway, mostly less than a half-hour drive from Cape Town.
Private villas and urban vibes
Cape Town’s most beautiful residential areas are located on the coast. Several villas are available in this quiet area for small travel groups who value maximum privacy and luxury. Ellerman’ s exclusive villas are one example, and we would be happy to tell you what other options are available in Cape Town.
The Silo is a striking building that towers high above its urban surroundings. The upper floors of this former grain silo have been masterfully transformed into a hip environment that fits Cape Town’s urban jungle so well. The 360º panorama from the Rooftop restaurant and pool is phenomenal! There are also fantastic views of Table Mountain, VA Waterfront or Robben Island from your room or suite.
Groundbreaking exhibits
Zeitz MOCAA
No need to leave the door for a high-quality art experience, as the acclaimed gallery ZEITZ MOCAA (Museum of Contemporary Art Africa) is located on the lower levels of the old silo. Here the unique industrial architecture of concrete, metal and glass stands out even more. That alone makes a visit worthwhile. The many exhibition rooms feature changing exhibitions by world-class South African but also international artists.
District Six Museum
District Six was once a multi-racial neighborhood where many artists, writers and musicians of all kinds gathered. The apartheid regime put an end to this vibrant community. More than 60,000 people were forced to move; all of District Six’s buildings were demolished and razed to the ground. The District Six Museum tells in a gripping, often moving way about the events and the impact they had on groups of people, races and individuals. A penetrating, evocative account of a period in South Africa’s history that is thankfully behind us.
Fine dining
In Cape Town, there are countless places to enjoy lunch or dinner. If you are a lover of special culinary experiences, there are also options that are truly distinctive.
Fyn
FYN restaurant has a very complete menu, but the large selection of plant-based dishes and tastings stands out. You will find a rich palette of worldly flavors with many Japanese and French accents, but above all, special ingredients from the South Africa and Cape region: mielie pap tamale, artichokes from the Cape Winelands, bacon tree, soutslaai and local cheeses.
Pier
Pier Restaurant is part of La Colombe Group. Many dishes are inspired by the sea, combined with flavors from all over the world. The chef himself calls it “an ode to the sea. A refined and unlimited gastronomic adventure awaits you here. As a bonus, this restaurant is in an iconic location: V&A Waterfront.
Music festivals and jazz nights
Not far outside Cape Town are several major music festivals, but you can also attend big – and grand – concerts within the city’s borders. Take the Ultra South Africa festival, for example, where the main focus is electronic music, techno, dance music and hip-hop. Expect live bands here as well as DJs.
For those who are more into jazz, there are blissful opportunities to enjoy the night musically in Cape Town. Small bars or a nondescript venue outside the city center, the best spots are not always recognizable. With the right advice or a local guide, you will discover the best locales where you can dream away to the sounds of lived-in saxophones, guitars and percussion. Another cocktail or a beer, the night is long. These are the places where time is elastic and music sounds until the sun rises again.
