Cape Town

Cape Town off the beaten track Cape Town is a favourite tourist destination and every year, the Mother City welcomes millions of visitors to its shores to experience its unique sights, sounds, history and culture. Things can get a little crowded at the most well-known attractions over season, but luckily there are a few hidden gems away from the main tourist hot spots where you can experience a little piece of Cape Town, the way the locals do. Get stuck into a fried chicken waffle Yup, there’s nothing like fried chicken with waffles and maple syrup, especially not at Lefty’s, the little diver bar and eatery in Harrington Street near the Parliament buildings. Its reputation as a lively, slightly odd venue with great food and drink has made it a firm favourite among locals. A movie at the Labia Just around the corner from trendy Kloof street eateries, is Cape Town’s grand old lady of film, The Labia. One of the last independent movie theatres in South Africa, the Lab...

Sundowners in Cape Town There’s something magical about summer sunsets: the vibrant colours, the warm glow, and that unshakeable sense that – for a moment – all is right with the world. They ought to be celebrated properly, and these Cape Town spots make it easy to do just that! The Bungalow Situated at the foot of Lion’s Head on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, The Bungalow does a good job of living up to its name. We’re not talking about an itty bitty cottage here; we’re talking relaxed summer home of a ridiculously wealthy friend. The blue-and-white theme and stained timber gives it a fresh nautical feel, but the chandeliers, gilded mirrors and white table linen are by no means out of place. Think sushi, crayfish or oysters served with sweet melon, chilli and vodka salsa, paired with a chilled class of chardonnay or a flute of your favourite champagne. If that wealthy friend is buying, there’s a bottle of Armand de Brignac Brut Rose on the menu, but otherwise ...

Shimansky offers a gem of an experience in Cape Town The Cape Town Diamond Museum and the Shimansky Diamond Experience at the V&A Waterfront is a must. The song goes that diamonds are a girl’s best friend. No argument there, because I’ve never met a girl who doesn’t like something with a nice sheen to it. But then they work pretty well for guys too, particularly when they’re trying to impress said girls by introducing them to their new BFF. Enter the Cape Town Diamond Musuem and the Shimansky Diamond Experience at the V&A Waterfront, which not only houses millions of Rand worth of diamonds, but also allows you to delve deeper into the history of the precious gem. I am not a man heavily invested in bling, but I do enjoy a good story, and was recently taken on a tour of the experience by Kelly at Shimansky, who is not only passionate about the industry, but incredibly knowledgeable about all things diamond as well. Now, this particular story is over 3-...

Cape Town named “best-value” holiday destination in the world According to the United Kingdom’s annual Post Office report, South Africa is the best value long haul holiday destination for the Brits. The report surveys prices in 34 resorts and cities around the world. Bali has been knocked off its perch for the first time, with Cape Town taking over. The report makes use of data from Travelbag and looks at a “basket” of tourist items like meals and drinks. Cape Town came in at £48.89 (around R830) which is quite a bit cheaper than Bali’s £62.56, where costs have ballooned by over 50% in the last 12 months. Tokyo was ranked third (£63.87), followed by Kenya’s Mombasa coastline (£69.41) and Colombo, Sri Lanka (£70.61). So, if you have friends or family from the United Kingdom popping round for a visit soon, do tell them to check out our list of 11 Things British visitors should know before they land in South Africa. Just in case it’s not clear: this list is meant t...

Local culture and cuisine at Richard's The brainchild of Richard Loring, producer of the internationally-acclaimed African footprint, and Roland Seidel, Richard’s Supper Stage & Bistro is a truly home grown Cape Town affair, using the city’s unique, and colourful history, as the basis to the venue’s signature show – Kaapse Stories. Richard’s is a favourite for visitors to the Mother City, partly because the show is so unique to the local residents, but also due to the venue’s atmosphere, which is warm and welcoming. Kaapse Stories focuses on the Kleinjties family, who were residents of District Six before the forced removals during apartheid. Combining traditional Kaapse Klopse with iconic South African tunes and some more current tunes, the show is a great mix of local and international music. But despite including some more contemporary songs, which undoubtedly appeal to a larger audience, the focus of the show never strays from the family’s story, whi...

Boutique Backpackers in Cape Town So you want to travel on a budget, but you also love style? Time to meet the cool kids of the travel industry. They’re called “poshtels” and they’re a combination of hostels and posh design. Essentially the idea is to invite backpackers to discover in style at superb costs. All while meeting the coolest kids on the block. So how quirky are we talking here? Meet our top 5! THE BACKPACK Voted Lonely Planet’s best value for money hotel in the ENTIRE WORLD, South Africa’s oldest backpackers is also one of its most hip and happening – not to mention eco-friendly. Stylish décor is dedicated to promoting the vibe of the old Victorian setting, and with multiple communal areas for meeting your fellow world-wanderers, swimming pool, on-site café and travel centre, there’s no wonder it’s the wunderkind of the tourist talk. Add that to outstanding service and social upliftment projects, there’s nothing like The Backpack for getting in touch ...

  Get your coffee fix in Cape Town The coffee culture is strong in Cape Town with shops lining the corners and main strips across the city, calling on java connoisseurs to sample their latest brews. From little nooks in the CBD to seaside meeting places in Simonstown, check out some of our local coffee shops with character. DELUXE COFFEEWORKS Deluxe Coffeeworks makes the list for so many reasons: As well as offering fantastic coffee, this popular coffee house also offers great music and welcoming friendly baristas. Another draw of this funky industrial-style coffee house, particularly for tourists visiting the city, is its location: Situated in the centre of the city, just near Greenmarket Square, Deluxe Coffeworks is the ideal coffee stop if you need to spend some time in the city centre organizing your day trips, sorting out banking and organizing your travel money, or simply experiencing Cape Town’s urban heart. There’s no better place to take a ...

Cape Town Comedy Club With sets taking place at The Pumphouse in the iconic V&A Waterfront, the Cape Town Comedy Club welcomes both local and international acts of the highest calibre and wit. It’s open five days a week and provides a hangout for customers and audience members to eat, drink and relax while enjoying a laugh or three. Loved by big name comedians like Barry Hilton, Marc Lottering and Nik Rabinowitz, the club has hosted some of the best talents in the industry. The dinner theatre seats 180, with patrons often sharing tables. If you are booking a large group, contact organisers to see if you can be grouped together. The menu is halaal-friendly and there is no cooking done with alcohol or pork. Highlights: Found in a historic building at the V&A Waterfront Restaurant and bar which is halaal-friendly Sets by comedians such as Marc Lottering, Nik Rabinowitz and more   Jou ...

Southern Sun Cape Sun This Southern Sun hotel has a brilliant central location in Cape Town, providing luxury accommodation within walking distance of all major tourist attractions. Scenic views abound with incredible vistas of Table Mountain, Robben Island and Table Bay creating a breath-taking holiday environment. A short drive will get you to the V&A Waterfront, the premium shopping centre of the Mother City. Explore its huge variety of boutiques, markets, bistros and restaurants before taking a yacht trip around the coast. Travel through the nearby Kloof Nek Pass where the mountains open up onto the Atlantic Seaboard with its pristine silver sands and turquoise waves crashing against the seaside. Hiking trails up Lion’s Head, Devil’s Peak and the Twelve Apostles are musts for nature lovers as is the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, its verdant slopes disappearing into the foothills of the mount...

Welcome to the Baxter Theatre The home of progressive South African theatre and performance since 1977, and the cultural gateway to the University of Cape Town, the Baxter Theatre Centre is a vibrant, multi-cultural entertainment hub in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town. Nestled under the striking Devil’s Peak mountain and at the foot of the University of Cape Town, the Baxter boasts a world-class theatre and concert hall, as well as a studio stage, rehearsal rooms, offices, a restaurant and bars and an impressive, spacious foyer. Built in 1976, the Baxter was a pillar of hope during the apartheid era. By leveraging its strong relationship with UCT, the theatre was able to present multi-racial, progressive work at a time when all other non-racial interactivity was banned or censored. The Centre is within walking distance of the vibrant student shopping centre of Rondebosch. Coffee shops, gyms, restaurants are easily accessible and the railway station to take y...

O on Kloof Boutique Hotel & Spa offers a sophisticated city sanctuary presiding over Cape Town’s cosmopolitan Atlantic Seaboard catering for Cape Town’s most selective travelers. Enter O on Kloof Boutique Hotel & Spa and discover a place where every moment is an occasion. Socialise over some Champagne or our selection of esteemed local wines. Alternatively you may indulge a quiet drink in the lounge around the intimate fireplace with a library of books and DVD’s close at hand. Experience Breathtaking Sunsets O on Kloof is a romantic oasis where minimalist design meets sheer relaxation and provides the perfect vantage point from which to enjoy sensational views and breathtaking sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean below. Guests experience a sense of unrushed tranquility, lifting the spirit in an unassuming way. It ensues from the wooded bliss of the sun drenched deck or the beauty of the...

Pennypinchers Origin Of Trails returns to Stellenbosch Stellenbosch (Western Cape) - The 4 th annual Pennypinchers Origin Of Trails two day mountain bike (MTB) stage race will return to the picturesque City of Oaks on Saturday, 03 and Sunday, 04 December 2016. An individual two day mountain bike stage race, the Pennypinchers Origin Of Trails combines a vast network of world class trails with beauty and exclusivity.   Entrants are given a “once a year” opportunity to experience a spectacular combination of single-tracks in the pristine setting of the Stellenbosch Winelands. “Stellenbosch is a mountain biking mecca,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports.   “After an intense season of racing we are excited to treat mountain bikers to an event that celebrates the fun side of mountain biking.   Whether an elite or social rider, all sporting enthusiasts are invited to enjoy their favorite sport in a social setting with family an...