City Guide: Cape Town

written by John Philp February 7, 2017

Cape Town is one of those places that feels almost too cinematic to be real. Mountains drop straight into the ocean, the light shifts constantly, and every corner of the city feels like a different version of itself. It’s equal parts beach town, wine country, and city—but somehow never feels overwhelming.

There’s also a real depth to Cape Town that you feel once you start to understand its history. As one of the oldest cities in South Africa, its past is layered—shaped by colonial trade routes, apartheid, and the country’s path to democracy. Visiting places like Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, gives important context to the city today, while neighborhoods like Bo-Kaap reflect its rich cultural mix, from Cape Malay heritage to a broader blend of African, European, and Asian influences. It adds a layer to the trip that goes beyond just how beautiful everything is.

Most days naturally fall into a rhythm. Mornings usually start slow, maybe with coffee and a walk along the water, before heading up Table Mountain or out along the coast. The views are everywhere—whether you’re driving, hiking, or just sitting somewhere with a glass of wine—and it never really gets old.

Afternoons tend to stretch out a bit more. Long lunches turn into late afternoons, especially if you make your way toward Camps Bay or Clifton, where the beaches feel almost unreal. The water is cold, but the setting makes up for it—white sand, dramatic cliffs, and that kind of light that makes everything feel slightly elevated.

Food in Cape Town is also a big part of the experience. There’s a mix of refined, destination dinners and more relaxed, unfussy spots, and you’ll end up doing both. Places like La Colombe feel like a full evening built around the meal, while others are more about the setting and the moment. Either way, meals tend to linger.

And if you have time, it’s worth getting just outside the city. The Cape Winelands—especially Stellenbosch and Franschhoek—feel like a completely different pace, with rolling vineyards, long tastings, and slower days that balance out the energy of the coast. It’s an easy addition that makes the whole trip feel more complete!

To Eat:

Carne – A go-to for steak if you want something simple but done really well. It’s all about high-quality meat, minimal fuss, and a cozy, slightly old-school atmosphere. Feels like a reliable, no-brainer dinner.
Willoughby and Co. – Don’t let the mall location throw you—it’s one of the most popular sushi spots in the city for a reason. It’s fast-paced, always busy, and consistently good. Perfect for a casual lunch that somehow ends up being one of your favorites.
Nobu – Sleek, polished, and exactly what you’d expect from Nobu. It’s more of a full night out than a quick dinner—order the crispy rice and lean into it. A good option when you want something elevated but still fun!
Baia – Right on the V&A Waterfront with views over the harbor and Table Mountain. It’s classic seafood, done well, in a setting that’s hard to beat. Feels a little more traditional, but the location makes it worth it.
Harbour House – Built right over the water, with waves crashing below while you eat. It’s all about the setting—simple seafood, a glass of wine, and an easy, coastal vibe. A great excuse to get out of the city for a bit.
Pot Luck Club – One of the most sought-after reservations in Cape Town. The menu is made for sharing, with bold, creative dishes that feel a little unexpected. Go for lunch if you can—the views over the city are just as good as the food.
95 Keerom – A bit more classic and refined, known for Italian dishes and great steak. It’s quieter, slightly more formal, and feels like a good option when you want something more traditional. Not flashy, but consistently good.
Lola’s Cafe – Easy, casual, and perfect for breakfast or lunch. It has that relaxed, neighborhood feel where you can sit for a while without thinking too much about it. Good coffee, simple food, and a nice break from heavier meals.
Honest Chocolate Café – One of those spots you end up going back to more than once. Great coffee, incredible chocolate, and a cozy, slightly tucked-away feel. Pro-tip: there’s a secret gin bar in the back!
Yours Truly – Laid-back, slightly hipster, and good for an easy drink or casual bite. It’s more about the vibe than the food—think coffee by day, drinks by night. A good in-between spot when you don’t want anything too formal.
Savoy Cabbage – A long-time favorite that still holds up. The menu leans seasonal and a little more elevated, but without feeling too serious. It’s a nice middle ground between casual and refined.
Royale Eatery – Known for burgers, but in a more elevated way than you’d expect. It’s relaxed, slightly edgy, and good when you want something easy that still feels intentional.
Café Caprice– More of a scene than just a restaurant. Right on Camps Bay, it’s perfect for a late lunch that turns into sunset drinks. Come for the energy and the people-watching.
La Perla – Classic Italian on the beach, and a Cape Town staple. It’s lively, a little chaotic, and great for long dinners with a group. Not trendy, but always fun.
Cafe Manhattan – A bit of a hidden gem with a loyal local following. It’s relaxed, welcoming, and has a slightly old-school charm. Good for an easy night out that doesn’t feel overdone.
Grand Café – Beach club energy without leaving the city. Think cocktails, ocean views, and a long afternoon that slowly turns into evening. More about the vibe than the food.
La Parada Del Mar – Tapas-style dining right by the water, with a fun, social atmosphere. Good for sharing plates and a few drinks with a group. Feels lively without being overwhelming.
Azure – Located at the Twelve Apostles Hotel, with sweeping ocean views. It’s more refined and a bit of a destination, perfect for a slower, more elevated dinner. The setting does a lot of the work here.
Blues – A classic sunset dinner spot in Camps Bay. The views are incredible, especially as the sun drops into the ocean. A little more traditional, but hard to beat for the setting.
Bacon on Bree – Casual, cool, and perfect for breakfast or lunch. It’s one of those places that feels very local, with simple food done really well. Easy stop that always delivers.
Scheckter’s Raw – Health-focused but still actually good. Smoothies, plant-based dishes, and a bright, easygoing space. Great if you want something lighter without sacrificing flavor.
ëlgr – This is one of the most talked-about newer restaurants in the city right now. It’s refined but not stiff—Nordic influences with local ingredients, and a space that feels effortlessly cool. Also surprisingly great cocktails, which not every fine dining spot here nails.
Amare – One of the biggest recent openings—and it’s already won Africa’s Best New Restaurant (2025). Mediterranean-inspired, very design-forward, and right on the coast.
Blondie – A newer, more fashion-y crowd spot on Kloof Street. Small plates, good cocktails, and that “cool people ended up here” energy.
Café Sofi – All-day café that turns into a really nice dinner spot. Clean interiors, great coffee, and a soft, European feel that works at any time of day.
Le Bistrot de JAN – One of the most hyped recent openings—French bistro energy with a Michelin-level chef behind it. It’s polished but still approachable (think steak frites, wine, good lighting).

To Drink:

Silo Rooftop Bar – One of the best views in the city. You’re right above the V&A Waterfront looking out at Table Mountain, and it feels a little surreal at sunset. Go early, order a cocktail, and stay as the light changes.
Chinchilla – Right across from the beach and always buzzing. It’s a bit scene-y in the best way—sunset, DJs, and a crowd that’s there to stay awhile. Come for drinks and don’t expect to leave early.
Jack at SKYE Rooftop Bar – A rooftop pool, ocean views, and a slightly more relaxed crowd than some of the bigger spots. It’s polished but still easy, and works just as well for late afternoon as it does for sunset. One of those places you end up lingering.
14Stories Rooftop Bar – High above the city with a full skyline view. It’s a little more low-key than the Silo but still gives you that rooftop moment. Great for an easy sunset without too much planning.
Skybar (at The Grey Hotel) – Tucked away in De Waterkant and feels slightly more under the radar. The space is clean, modern, and a bit more intimate than the bigger rooftops. Good if you want something elevated without the crowds.
Locâl at RED Roof – Fun, colorful, and a bit more playful than your typical rooftop. It’s right at the Waterfront, so you still get great views, but the vibe is more relaxed and social. Easy place to start the night.
The Gin Bar – Hidden behind a chocolate café and feels like a secret the first time you find it. It’s all about craft cocktails (especially gin), and the courtyard setting is super charming. Perfect pre-dinner spot.
Talking to Strangers – One of the best pure cocktail bars in the city right now. Small, intimate, and very design-forward, with drinks that feel thoughtful without being overcomplicated. More of a late-night, one-more-drink kind of place.
Fable – Creative cocktails inspired by stories and myths, which makes the whole menu feel a bit different. It’s lively, slightly chaotic, and a fun shift from the more polished spots. Good once the night gets going.
Culture Wine Bar – A more relaxed, wine-focused spot on Bree Street. It’s cozy, stylish, and perfect if you want to slow things down a bit. Great energy without feeling like a full-on bar scene.

Wineries:

Similar to Napa, California – the best way to see the Winelands surrounding Cape Town is by renting a private driver to bounce around to the desired vineyards. If you’re trying to cut costs and streamline the vineyards, the Franschhoek Wine Tram is a great alternative.

Fairview Wine Tasting – A fun, easy first stop—known for its wine and cheese pairings (and yes, the goats out front). It’s a bit more casual and lively than some of the other estates, which makes it a great way to ease into the day. Good if you want something less formal but still really well done.
Groot Constancia – The oldest wine estate in South Africa – and you really feel that history when you’re there! The setting is beautiful, with classic Cape Dutch architecture and rolling vineyards. It’s a slower, more traditional stop that’s worth it for both the wine and the atmosphere.
Waterford Wine Estate – One of my favorites! Also one of the more unique tastings, especially if you do the wine and chocolate pairing. The property is stunning, with an orange grove out front and a peaceful courtyard that feels almost Mediterranean. It’s relaxed, refined, and easy to spend a while here.
The Spice Route – More of a full experience than just a winery. You can spend hours here moving between wine tastings, a brewery, chocolate shop, deli, and even a distillery. It’s a bit more built-out and lively, but perfect if you want variety in one place.
La Motte – Known for its beautiful grounds and a slightly more understated, elegant feel. The wine is great, but it’s also worth coming for the setting—especially if you have time to explore or walk the property. Feels a little more peaceful compared to some of the busier estates.
Steenberg Farm Wine Estate – A great option if you want something closer to the city. It’s polished but still relaxed, with beautiful surroundings and consistently good wines. Easy to pair with lunch and turn into a slower afternoon.
Delaire Graff Estate – One of the most visually stunning estates in the region. Everything feels very elevated—from the views to the art to the wine—and it’s a bit of a “wow” moment when you arrive. Definitely more of a destination stop.
Klein Constancia – A bit more low-key, but known for producing some of the best wines in the country. The setting is simple and beautiful, without feeling overly designed. A good balance if you want something authentic and less showy.

To Do:

Table Mountain – You kind of have to do this. In summer, the top is often covered by a dramatic “tablecloth” of clouds, which makes it even more surreal. You can hike or take the cableway—either way, the views over the city and ocean are unreal.
Lions Head Hike – One of the best hikes in the city, especially for sunrise or sunset. It’s a steady climb with some steeper sections near the top, but completely worth it. You get 360° views of Cape Town, the ocean, and Table Mountain all at once.
Boulder Beach – See the African Penguins that inhabit the beaches of Cape Town. They’re the only penguins found on the continent of Africa!
Beach day at Camps Bay
Visit the Winelands!
Bo Kaap – Formerly the Malay Quarter, it’s a diverse neighborhood featuring bright painted walls and houses
Sunset on the Boulders looking onto the 12 Apostles
Visit Robben Island – where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned
See the Cape of Good Hope

Adventures outside of Cape Town:

Cage Diving with Great Whites – South Africa is one of two places you can dive with Great White Sharks. I’ve gone twice and have had a lovely experience with Marine Dynamics both times!
Zip Lining – In need of an adrenaline rush? A drive outside of Cape Town to Elgin Cape Canopy Tours
Cape of Good Hope – View the dangerous and rocky Cape Point and climb up to the lighthouse atop the rock. One of the windiest spots I’ve been. The photo above shows the view – you’ll truly feel like you’re at the edge of the world.
Hike in Greyton – The Boesmanskloof Hiking Trail from Greyton to McGregor was a great hike. Pitstop at Breakfast Rock and take a dip in the waterfall located at the halfway stop. Recommend staying at the cutest B&B, Old Potter’s Inn!
Cape Agulhas – The actual ‘southern-most point of Africa’ and also where the Indian & Atlantic Oceans meet. There the lighthouse and maritime museum to also see there!

Cape Town is one of those places that somehow does everything well—mountains, ocean, food, and a pace that makes it easy to actually enjoy it all. The days naturally fall into place, whether you’re hiking in the morning, at the beach by afternoon, or settling into a long dinner as the sun sets. It’s as much about the setting as it is the feeling you get while you’re there—effortless, a little indulgent, and hard to replicate anywhere else. And once you leave, it’s the kind of place that stays with you in a quiet way. It doesn’t take long before you’re already thinking about going back.