Kiff Kombi local special: fall in love ...
Travel, eat, drink with friends in a vibey kombi, driver included (20% off price)
We'll get through this. CapeTownTogether Follow our social channels for useful news, daily local champions + find moments of joy | |
![]() | +27(0)72 350 2062 |
![]() | Ideas Cartel - 113 Loop Street |
![]() | www.capetownmagazine.com/subscribe |
![]() | CapeTownMag |
![]() | CapeTownMagazine.com |
![]() | capetownmag |
Last Updated: 1 December 2020
Magic gardens, hidden play parks, waterfalls and a castle. Celebrate South African art and heritage museums, including one dedicated to southern Africa's oldest inhabitants. Plus find once-in-a-lifetime adventures and things to do across the Western Cape. Local or visitor, you must add one (if not all) of these experiences to your bucket list.
Start your day off on a high note by joining in a silent guided dance and meditation experience with Secret Sunrise.
It’s such an important part of the Cape’s food culture that we asked our readers to recommend the best restaurants and cafes. Here’s your pick of the best gatsby in Cape Town, according to locals.
Waterfalls, colourful fynbos and a lush indigenous forest are waiting to be discovered at the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens, a protected reserve near Betty’s Bay.
Just two hours from Cape Town, Gansbaai is known as the Great White Shark capital of the world. If you’re brave enough, shark diving in Gansbaai is a must.
Shark cage diving doesn’t thrill you? We dare you to swim with the crocodiles instead at Le Bonheur in Paarl.
Just past Boulders Beach near Simon’s Town, you’ll stumble upon Windmill Beach where you can frolic in the natural pool and soak up views of the False Bay coastline.
For the ultimate glamping experience, visit Namaqualand’s annual spring flower display in August and September and spend the night surrounded by a plethora of colourful blooms in the luxury Namaqua Flower Camps.
Magik Forest is a green space bordered by Durbanville, Bellville and Welgemoed. The series of connected paths is the perfect way to enjoy a peaceful stroll.
Walk for 30 minutes through the south-eastern part of the Silvermine reserve and you’ll stumble upon the hidden gem that is the Silvermine Waterfall.
Marvel at the architecture, get lost in the art or just explore the Silo District at the V&A Waterfront around the Zeitz MOCAA Museum.
Go on a two-day rail adventure to this historic town. With just one hotel and bar, a post office and a restaurant. Get transported back to a simpler time when you take the forgotten route to Matjiesfontein.
Get up close with Cape fur seals, take in history and get epic pictures on a gentle cruise around the V&A harbour with Cape Town City Tours.
The perfect mix of luxury and old-world charm, the Blue Train will take you on a slow meander along the Garden Route from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth.
If you love the ocean and good wine, enjoy both at Noordhoek’s winery by the sea. After your tasting, book a picnic on the lawn and delight in the breath-taking views Cape Point Vineyards is famous for.
Go on a guided tour of Banhoek, Franschhoek or Stellenbosch through safe, scenic routes, tasting each farm’s delicious wines with Vinebikes, who guide wine tasting adventures on an e-bike.
Horse trails, quad trails or wagon trails – take your pick at Rhebokskloof Wine Estate in Paarl. Plus, there’s wine tastings on offer too at Wine Valley Adventures guided tours.
Explore Cape Town on a kayak? Meet some of the city’s most loved residents, from penguins and Cape fur seals to dolphins with Kaskazi Kayaks.
Escape to Langebaan and spend a leisurely weekend in the West Coast National Park onboard a luxury house boat.
Beautiful views, quaint shops dotted along cobbled streets and the best fish and chips, there are a host of fun things to do in the charming seaside town of Kalk Bay.
Home to the South African museum, the Cape Town Holocaust Centre and the South African National Gallery, get lost in the beauty and history at the Company’s Garden.
Stop off at the South African Navy’s largest naval base and enjoy a meal at one of the many charming eateries in the historic Simon’s Town.
While you’re in Simon’s Town, be sure to visit the colony of penguins who settled at Boulder’s Beach in 1982.
Venture below ground to discover Cape Town’s early history and its close connection to water with a truly unique tunnel tour.
It’s not just about the meat, it’s a lifestyle. A place to party, see the hottest local artist or just chill with friends a tshisanyama.
The cableway has been taking visitors up and down Table Mountain for 90 years. It's one of Cape Town's most popular attractions. It's very popular, especially in summer, so book early and book online.
Challenge yourself to a hike up Knife’s Edge – the views of the city will be worth it.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is known for its pretty picnic spots, but don’t miss out on a meander along the ‘Boomslang’, their treetop canopy walkway.
Home to the prison that housed many political prisoners under apartheid, the most famous being Nelson Mandela, experience history with a tour of Robben Island.
From the kiddies indoor play area to artisanal street food at the soon-to-be-launched Makers Landing, there’s something for everyone at the V&A Waterfront.
Spend the day on an open-top bus. With 30 stops, you’ll get to experience all the city’s main attractions with the Hop on Hop off City Sightseeing tour.
With over 60 trader stalls filled with quirky goods and live music, you’ll enjoy hours of entertainment at the Bay Harbour Market in Hout Bay.
Spend your Saturday feasting on artisanal fare and shopping locally-made goods at the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock’s vibrant Neighbourgoods Market.
In the heart of Hout Bay and owned by a secretive Russian billionaire, lives a castle – an exact replica of the German Lichtenstein Castle.
Explore the history of slaves in South Africa in one of the oldest buildings in Cape Town at the Iziko Slave Lodge.
Learn about the 60 000 residents who were forcibly removed from their homes in District Six during apartheid at the District Six museum.
Situated just 30kms from Cape Town and built on the largest sand dune on the Cape Flats with stunning views of the surrounding areas is a hidden gem, Lookout Hill in Khayelitsha.
With over 3 000 birds and 400 different species spread over four hectares, nature lover’s must make a turn at Africa’s largest bird park, the World of Birds.
The mother church of the Anglican Diocese of Cape Town and designed by Sir Herbert Baker in 1847, St George’s Cathedral is a must-see for history buffs.
Forget a limo – enjoy a unique chauffeur experience on the back of a Harley Davidson and take in the views along the city’s spectacular coastal roads with Cape Bike Travel.
A hidden gem in the heart of suburbia, this park is magical. Wood-carved planes and cars, a towering tree house and a stream to frolic in ensure Paradise Park lives up to its name.
Take a trip to 7de Laan – the miniature version that is! After 15 years’ hard work, a super fan couple from De Kelder transformed their backyard into a mini 7de Laan.
Wind your way between Noordhoek and Hout Bay on what some say is one of the most spectacular coastal drives in the world. You gotta do Chappies.
Housed in a former fish market built in 1925, Salty Sea Dog in Simon’s Town is the best spot to enjoy fish ‘n chips with a view.
Its quaint furniture dotted in a pretty garden coupled with its homestyle food are some of the reasons suburban foodies flock to Starling’s Café.
Explore some of South Africa's most beautiful farms, estates and reserves while staying in absolute comfort at one of 11 Africamps boutique glamping camps.
Learn about Cape Town’s gang culture with an educational and interactive tour at the 18 Gangster Museum in Khayelitsha.
Explore the first education centre dedicated to the culture and history of southern Africa's oldest inhabitants at the !Khwa ttu San Heritage Centre.
Bokkoms aka fish biltong (salted, dried pieces of mullet fish) is a well-known Cape delicacy. Try it at Die Vishuis in the town of Velddrif.
For just R13 per person, you can enjoy 13km of self-guided hiking trails boasting magnificent views overlooking the northern and southern suburbs at Tygerberg Hills.
Tucked away in the mountains between Swellendam and Heidelberg is the Grootvadersbosch Conservancy, a reserve which is home to the tallest species of tree in the world.
---
Your ultimate small town bucket list of hidden gems in the Western Cape.
We also have bucket loads in things to do with kids.
From secret hideaways and birthday freebies, there’s a treasure trove of free things to do.
And more specifically free and cheap things to do with kids.
For adults here’s our list of wine tastings with a difference.
---
Use our events section for an up-to-date overview of what’s happening in the city, ‘burbs and dorpies. Join our newsletter and get quick access on the go by adding us to your mobile home screen for the ultimate guide to discoveries in Cape Town.
Follow and like us on Twitter ❤ Facebook ❤ LinkedIn ❤ Instagram ❤ Pinterest for updates.
Kiff Kombi local special: fall in love ...
Travel, eat, drink with friends in a vibey kombi, driver included (20% off price)
Wolfkop holiday specials: glamp for up ...
Plus 9 activities also at half-price: bodyboard the Olifants, hike, see rock paintings ...
Whales, wine and a special reader’s ...
Get 10% off your Hermanus holiday plus a complimentary bottle of wine
First Fridays, the social event in ...
Talk to gallerists, art lovers and drink wine from this famous region
See world-famous SA artist Nelson ...
Opening night (with Makamo) fully booked. Walk-about in planning
Weekly burger specials plus 2 happy ...
R99 for two burgers and R30 for all wine, beer and gin
Book a luxe Hermanus stay on this ...
Colourful, central + opposite a gorgeous (safe) tidal pool
Your guide to eating at Burgundy ...
Beer-battered hake + chips, seafood pasta and a local delicacy
What to watch at The Galileo open-air ...
Classic movies on Wednesdays to Sundays. Plus picnic screening at Kirstenbosch
Incredible room specials at Windsor ...
Now and during whale season. Plus one kid under 12 stays free
Spectacular rates on shark cage diving ...
For R700 less. Plus ask for current readers’ specials
Ficks: the best sundowner pinchos bar ...
Pair wine, cocktails and mocktails with pinchos and a spectacular sea view
Gallery Riebeek Kasteel shows off the ...
This country village also offers good food, excellent wine + lots of history
Add Rupert Museum to your Stellenbosch ...
Legendary Sam Nhlengethwa has an exhibition and playing personal vinyl collection
Fine art, excellent wine, delicious ...
Take the day and visit this top wine farm to view local art and eat exceptional food
Pre-order the T-Roc from Barons Cape ...
The T-Roc is here. Test drive now and pre-order to spec!