Hello Cape Town! My name is Mattia, and I’ve been working with the DM team since the start of the year on a few projects, including the creation of this very space.
I’m landing in Cape Town next week for the first time (from London, UK, where I live) and I need your wisdom and advice: What are the quintessential experiences of life as a Capetonian that I shouldn’t miss? Where’s the best coffee in town (I’m Italian so I must get this right), which are the most beautiful bookshops, what are the best hikes, the best parks, the best everything?
Help a curious first-timer make the most of your beautiful city (and see you at The Gathering!)
There are the obvious stops. Table Mountain, Boulder’s Beach, Kirstenbosch, District Six Museum, Bo-Kaap, (Robben Island is currently closed for renovations, I believe). The Zeitz Moccaa if you’re an art lover. Cape Point if you’re a hiker or nature lover. What am I missing Capetonians?
Are you even a Capetonian if you don’t take an evening walk along the Promenade with a coffee? (Cape Town is full of coffee shops so you will get your fix!)
The Book Lounge is my favourite city bookshop, there are some interesting free walking tours, Kirstenbosch Gardens and Green Point park are lovely, Lion’s Head is a great hike, Kalk Bay is a quaint seaside town to explore (get fish and chips at Kalkies!)
For food, tourists love Oranjezicht Market, Time Out Market, Mojo Market and the Neighbourgoods Market at Old Biscuit Mill - all have a wide selection of food stalls to choose from.
It feels like saying that I don’t drink wine is even more dangerous in South Africa than it is in my home country of Italy But good to know that Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are worth a visit even without the wine component!
We are fairly new to Cape Town ourselves, and it has been quite an adventure trying to find the best spots of anything. Walking along the Promenade is an easy-must-do 10/10; follow up with ice cream at The Creamery (it’s on your walk anyway so you might as well claim the reward); head on over to The Book Lounge (fantastic bookstore and great staff!), and diagonally across from that is Retro (?), a coffee shop with great coffee and a brilliant vibe. If you arrange everything for a Saturday and in advance, you can also get a bit of volunteering in with Ladles of Love (they run a Dignity Kitchen on Saturdays; check website on how to book), and right next to that is U-turn’s fabulous 2nd hand store. We actually live in the Southern Suburbs though, and here I would definitely recommend a walk along Muizenberg Beach, and you can walk all the way to St James or further if you want. For a lovely Sunday drive, head on in to Simon’s Town and opt for lunch at Fran’s Place right on the harbour (portions are big and prices are excellent!). Once there you can have the best waffles at I Love Waffles, and a walk in the vicinity will provide ample oddities - like a Toy Museum - if you’re up for exploring. Minari Korean Kitchen in Simon’s Town is also great.
Wow, Nadja, thank you! That’s such generous advice, I really appreciate it. Can’t wait to check out most of these spots – I have a feeling that The Creamery and I will be good friends
I am based in the Southern suburbs so my selection is biased. I second @nadya suggestions!
I would highly recommend a walk from Muizenburg to St James or Kalk Bay. I love the Kalk Bay harbour.
I would recommend catching some live music - check out the Alma Cafe in Rosebank (see https://www.almacafe.co.za for a gig line-up). They are also a great coffee shop during the weeks (Tues to Sunday 7 am to 3 pm).
My name is Mattia, and I’ve been working with the DM team since the start of the year on a few projects, including the creation of this very space.
But good to know that Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are worth a visit even without the wine component!