Whats Up Cape Town’s Natalie Basson has a special Insider’s Guide to Cape Town, South Africa. So if you’re going for business or pleasure, this is the must-see, must-taste, must-experience list.
In the words of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, “God did something very special when he created Cape Town. This city where the currents of two oceans meet is the entry to a beautiful continent and her people”
Cape Town is also affectionately referred to as The Mother City, the heart of which beats with an abundance of creativity, beauty, cultural diversity, vibrancy and mere magic. Capetonians are an eccentric and eclectic mix, from chaps busking, chatty flower sellers, live land art performers, babes on the beaches, minstrels, to the businessman with his take-away coffee strolling to work… everyone is a unique puzzle piece that all slot in perfectly together to form one colourful unit.
Here is our guide to experiencing the city of Cape Town as a local…
Transport
– Hop on the My City Bus. Routes vary and stations are conveniently located throughout the city allowing you to hop on and off as you wish. It is economical, fast and effective.
– Tour with the Cape Town City Sight Seeing Bus, it’s a great opportunity to see the entire Peninsula in half a day.
– Hire a bike, cycling in Cape Town is one of the best ways to see the city, most coffee shops/restaurants have a secure area to lock up your bike.
Food
– Markets are hugely popular; there are many trendy spots to try local cuisine, wine and beers. Most markets have live entertainment and offer an alternative shopping experience (lovely local craft). Our fav’s include – The Bay Harbour Market, City Bowl Market on Hope, Food from the Platteland and The Neighbourgoods Market.
– Haas Coffee Collective on Rose Street is a fabulous spot to host a meeting in their conceptual studio come coffee shop.
– And simply no trip to Cape Town is complete without high tea at the Mount Nelson. Delicious finger sandwiches filled with rare roast beef and rocket, smoked salmon, followed by delectable dark chocolate cake, lemon meringue and freshly baked scones.
Cultural
– Take a trip to from the V&A Waterfront to Robben Island where local guides will take you through the history of the Island as well as the prison.
– The Company Gardens links most centrally located museums and galleries (Iziko South African National Gallery, Iziko South Africa Museum and South African Jewish Museum) so take along a picnic basket and chill out on the lawns.
– AmaZink offers a South African township dinner-theatre experience in the Stellenbosch township Khayamandi. Make a booking to avoid disappointment
Get your Groove on – Night Life
– Tjing Tjing is a unique urban rooftop bar located in the heart of Cape Town with a great vibe and delicious Tapas.
– Twankey at the Taj for the freshest Seafood, Champagne chilled to perfection and a suave oyster bar.
– The Orphanage Cocktail Emporium offers a specialist emporium of artisanal cocktails, elixirs and delectable dishes.
For more guidance on unique things to see and do, hidden gems and experiencing Cape Town as a local visit the Whats Up Cape Town site.
