Sue Bell, co-owner and Product Director at The Turquoise Holiday Company with a passion for all things Africa, gives us a whistle-stop tour of her favourite Cape Town hidden gems, hangouts and hot spots…
Where to stay in Cape Town?
One of my favourite boutique hotels is Cape Cadogan. It is family owned and operated and therefore the service is very personalised with fabulous attention to detail. Having recently completed a total refurb it is also looking fresher and better than ever! It’s located in an area called Gardens, Cape Town’s Notting Hill if you like…just striking distance from Kloof Street, where the local Capetonians love to go and hang out. Lots of restaurants, bars and eateries are within walking distance and the atmosphere is wonderful. Access to the more touristy areas of Camps Bay, the V&A Waterfront and Table Mountain is quick and easy but equally not right on your doorstep so you can escape the hustle and bustle at the end of a busy day. The hotel’s sister property More Quarters, just two minutes away, offers more apartment style accommodation, perfect for those looking for a bit more space. Both properties serve breakfast, but they don’t have restaurants, purely because guests are encouraged to dine out for lunch and dinner as there’s such a great local choice nearby.
What to do in Cape Town?
Make sure you go up Table Mountain of course, head to Camps Bay for drinks and lunch and you must do the Waterfront …but otherwise enjoy the Kloof Street area close to the two hotels mentioned, and build in some time to soak up the atmosphere of this amazing city! Hire a car and take a drive down the coast along the Cape Peninsula to Boulders Beach in Simons Town, to see the penguins and have lunch at the Black Marlin restaurant. Hout Bay is great too…take a drive over Chapman’s Peak to Noordhoek and enjoy a walk along Long Beach to the lobster-fishing village of Kommetjie. Finally, if time permits take a drive to the stunning Constantia Valley… only 15 mins out of Cape Town and one of the Cape’s oldest wine areas.
Boulders Beach, Simons Town
Where to eat in Cape Town?
The two very well-known restaurants in Cape Town are Pot Luck and The Test Kitchen ….advance bookings essential, but definitely not to be missed! They are both run by Luke Dale-Roberts, one of South Africa’s most celebrated chefs and located in Woodstock, a real arty and foodie enclave. Aside from these two top picks, the list of amazing restaurants from which to choose in Cape Town is endless. Foodies will be in absolute heaven, and with the Pound being so strong against the Rand, there has never been a better time to eat and drink until your heart’s content!
Have you been to Cape Town and found some wonderful hidden gems? Let us know in the comment box below, we’d love to hear from you!
Take a look at our full list of Cape Town accommodation options and itinerary inspiration to give you ideas for your next adventure…
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