Andrew Hallett

As if the mountain, oceans, vibrant city and dynamic culinary scene weren’t enough to keep you busy, Cape Town also brings the goods when it comes to a jam-packed schedule of concerts and events. We're tapping into all the vibes with our updated and expanded Events Guide to Cape Town. Across the city, you’ll find live music, vibey markets, special shows and fun events that are a total jol (that’s a ‘party’, in local lingo). Here's our hand-picked selection of the hottest events to head for in the Mother City. RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Cape Town🍝 The best restaurants in Cape Town🏖 The best beaches in Cape Town🛍 The best shops in Cape Town🏠 The best Airbnbs in Cape Town 🏨 The best hotels in Cape Town Richard Holmes is a travel writer based in Cape Town. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

From kids’ events to workshops and classes, live music to pop-up events, here are all of the events coming up at Time Out Market Cape Town. 

Mother's Day - 11 May 2025 - is around the corner, folks. This is a day dedicated to celebrating your mom by spoiling her with your time and attention... and maybe something delicious or a fun activity. Should you be looking for some inspiration on how to spoil your mom on her big day, you've come to the right place. Scroll down the list below for some ideas we've come up with at Time Out Johannesburg. These are sure to put a smile on your mom's face and have her heart singing with joy. RECOMMENDED 📍 The best things to do in Johannesburg🛏️ Where to stay in Johannesburg🏨 The best hotels in Johannesburg🍺 The best pubs and bars in Johannesburg

If you love eating out but are left gawking at the prices of things in 2025, we feel you, and we are here for you. Whether you are after a juicy burger, cheesy pizza, a little bit of spice, fresh sushi or something sweet, we've found the best 2 for 1 specials in Cape Town for you to take advantage of. If you feel we've missed anything, please pop over to our social pages and let us know - Facebook and Instagram. Let's share the good deals with everyone! NB: Please note that these specials can change from time to time and we have no control over if/when they do. We will do our best to keep the list as up to date as possible. RECOMMENDED: 🍽 The best restaurants in the Cape Winelands🏨 The best hotels in Cape Town🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town🍷 The best wine farms in and around Cape Town🍕 The best pizza in Cape Town

Cape Town’s menu of Mexican eateries has never been hotter, offering everything from laid-back taquerias to trendy cocktail spots. It’s a cuisine that’s flown under the radar for far too long and still has room to grow, but Mexican food is on the up as a handful of memorable eateries and passionate chefs raise the bar with menus filled with authentic flavours, quality ingredients and a dedication to traditional flavours. Of course, you can still find cheesy Tex-Mex if that’s your flavour, but it’s no longer the only taco in town. And what goes better with a tasty taco than an icy margarita or copita of premium mezcal? Well, a paloma perhaps, but you get the idea. Happily, in step with the growing interest in Mexican cooking is the explosion of premium tequilas and mezcals on offer behind the bar. Shoot them or sip them, it’s your call. So whether you’re bustin' for burritos or enjoying an enchilada, dive into our pick of the best Mexican restaurants in Cape Town. RECOMMENDED: 😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town☕️ The best cafés and coffee shops in Cape Town📍 The best things to do in Cape Town This article was written by Richard Holmes, a travel writer based in Cape Town. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines and check out our latest travel guides written by local experts.  

In January, we published our annual ranking of the world’s best cities. To create the list, we quizzed city-dwellers on everything from happiness and nightlife to walkability – and while all these factors are important in making a city great, let’s face it: a city is nothing without its food. From street eats to fine dining, family-run taverns to cutting-edge kitchens, eating and drinking is the backbone of local culture in our cities and the reason many of us choose to travel.  So, in order to figure out the great culinary metropolises of today, we surveyed thousands of people around the world about food in their city. We asked locals to rate their city’s food scene across 18 different criteria, including quality, affordability and attributes from ‘family-friendly’ to ‘experimental’.  Each city was ranked according to quality and affordability ratings, alongside a score from a panel of Time Out food experts – editors, food critics and Time Out Market chefs – who were asked to share their insights into the most exciting cities for food right now. To create the final ranking, we included only the highest-scoring city for each country to ensure the list reflects culinary cities globally. We then asked our global network of food writers to tell us exactly what makes their city such an exciting place to eat right now. The result? A very tasty list indeed. In each of these 20 cities, you’ll find the best of the old-school and the new. There are long-standing street food stalls and

People who don’t live in cities will tell you they’re busy, lonely and expensive places. But there’s a reason so many people choose to live in them: with world-class art and culture, unbeatable food and nightlife, buzzing neighbourhoods and a dizzying amount of stuff to do and see, there’s simply no better place to be.  Every year, we take the pulse of city living by quizzing thousands of locals across the planet about life in their hometowns. This year, more than 18,500 city-dwellers shared their insights on everything from food, nightlife and culture to affordability, happiness and the overall city vibe. When urban living can sometimes feel isolating and costly, this year we wanted to get a sense of what, exactly, makes a city feel like home. Sure, the nightlife is great, but is the city safe and walkable? Is good quality food and art available at a reasonable price? Is it easy to make friends, find love, and access nature?  Livability was a key factor in our ranking this year. But a great city to live in is, naturally, a great city to visit. So, along with the thousands of responses from locals around the world, we asked Time Out’s global network of city experts to vote on the places they think are particularly exciting right now. After crunching all that data, here we are: Time Out’s definitive ranking of the world’s best cities in 2025. Read on to see how your hometown fared… RECOMMENDED:🛍️ The coolest neighbourhoods in the world right now🌎 The best things to do in the

Trouver la ville la plus cool du monde chaque année, c’est notre passion chez Time Out ! En 2025, on a tout passé à la moulinette pour mieux comprendre ce qui rend une ville vraiment vivable. Est-ce qu’on peut marcher dans la rue sans flipper ? Est-ce que l’art et la bouffe sont accessibles sans braquer une banque ? Est-ce qu’on peut facilement se faire des potes, tomber amoureux, ou juste respirer un peu d’air frais ? Parce qu’une ville où il fait bon vivre, c’est aussi une ville où il fait bon voyager. En plus des votes de notre réseau d’experts, cette année, on a demandé à 18 500 citadins de nous filer leur avis sur leur chez-soi. Gastronomie, vie nocturne, culture, coût de la vie, baromètre du bonheur… On a tout mixé, trituré et recoupé, et voici le verdict : le top ultime des meilleures villes du monde en 2025, by Time Out (dont deux Françaises, Paris, 19e, et Marseille, 38e).

Breakfast: a meal so revered it can be enjoyed at any hour. As Cape Town’s dining scene grows more impressive by the day, so does its ability to whip up quality breakfasts. The vibrant streets of the Mother City are dotted with vibey breakfast spots and brunch places to help you start your day right – whether it’s 6am or well past noon. Amble through Cape Town’s seaside and central neighbourhoods alike and you’ll come across an enormous range of essential breakfasts and brunches. This place has it all: from whitewashed coffee shops brewing artisanal blends to eclectic, art-filled spaces where you can linger over a boozy brunch; bagel joints serving up cream cheese-stuffed goodness to bakeries dishing out South African baked delicacies; and nourishing, plant-based spots for all the yogis and health food junkies out there. Whether you’re looking to linger awhile in one of Cape Town’s favourite brunch establishments or get your breakfast to go and start your day with a picnic on the beach, soaking up the endless ocean and mountain views, here are this city’s finest places for breakfast and brunch. RECOMMENDED: 😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🍣 The best sushi in Cape Town🍕 The best pizza in Cape Town🍷 The best wine farms in and around Cape Town📍 The best things to do in Cape Town🛏 Where to stay in Cape Town Planning your next trip? Check out our latest travel guides, written by local experts.

The DHL Stadium is a venue in Cape Town which hosts sports matches, live concerts, conferences and other entertainment events. It is the home to the Stormers and often hosts Springbok matches. Local football teams also use the stadium for home matches from time to time.

Joining the Market’s vibrant roster of renowned chefs and culinary talents and marking the second location of this beloved Cape Town establishment, Una Más Taqueria brings a true taste of Mexico to the heart of the city. Founded by hospitality brothers Gavin and Sean Binder, and Ricky Simon from Three Wise Monkeys, its tantalising cuisine and artistic flair promises to take food lovers on a flavourful journey. Dishes include an exciting array of freshly prepared Lamb Al Pastor Tacos (traditional slow cooked rosemary and bay leaves, rotisserie lamb shoulder, pineapple, mint, white onion, herbed mole, coriander and lime), Millie Mexicana (a chargrilled locally grown corn on the cob slathered in secret garlic, arbol aioli and garnished with imported Mexican chilli powder, house-made queso fresco and fresh lime) and Charred Gem Lettuce (fire roasted baby gem lettuce with aioli, coriander pesto, mature cheddar, manchego cheese, smoked paprika oil, lime and vinaigrette). The menu is inspired by authentic Mexican street food and Una Más Taqueria is not just a dining experience - it’s a celebration of the spirit and flavours of Mexico. For the founders, every dish tells a story. Their menu is a tribute to Mexican street food, crafted with authentic ingredients and a passion for bold flavours. From their signature tacos to their surprising accompaniments, every bite is designed to transport you to the bustling streets of Mexico. They source the finest ingredients, including specialty

When it comes to artistic excellence in Cape Town, the Artscape Theatre Centre is the place to visit. Located in central Cape Town, the Artscape was opened on 19 May 1971 as the Nico Malan Theatre Centre. Ever since, it has been the home to world class productions and has become the venue of choice for all genres of performing arts. Described as an "iconic cultural beacon in the Western Cape", the theatre provides theatre-goers with an experience to remember.

The Grand Arena has a capacity of up to 7,000 people and hosts large local and international acts and bands. In addition, the venue is equipped to host shows, launches, conferences, banquets, and other events of varying size. It is located within the GrandWest Casino.

Firemaster Shaun Scrooby's Vuur has done it again! The Remhoogte Wine Estate-based restaurant has been named as the 87th best steak restaurant in the world for 2025. After coming in 88th place in 2024, the jump up one place on The World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants list will have brought a smile to the faces of Scrooby and his dedicated team. 'The culinary philosophy of the brainchild and chef-owner Shaun Scrooby is rooted in the art of open-fire cooking. Utilising up to six different types of wood, each chosen for its unique flavour profile, the team crafts a seasonal, seven-course menu that showcases the best of local produce, meats and seafood. Dishes are prepared and served in front of guests, with chefs sharing the stories and inspirations behind each creation,' the write-up for Vuur's 87th-place finish reads. You may remember that Time Out Cape Town had the pleasure of visiting Vuur earlier this year for The Rare Tour, which saw Madrid's Los33 join the Vuur team for a fire collaboration of note. You can read all about that experience here. After finishing in 15th place in 2024, chef Oswaldo Gonzalez and his Los33 dropped down to 28th on the 2025 list. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Cape Town (@timeout.capetown) A fellow South African spot also made the cut Alongside Vuur, The Blockman in Johannesburg also made the cut, sneaking into the top 101 in 97th spot. The Parkhurst steakhouse led by chef-owner Vassilios Ho

'Irresponsible dog walkers add to the demise of the Critically Endangered African Penguin!' That's the headline of an urgent appeal by the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), requesting that those who walk their dogs near colonies of seabirds take more care to ensure the safety of these precious creatures. Over the past few years, a number of incidents have been documented of off-leash dogs attacking penguins and other seabirds, resulting in serious injury, trauma and sometimes death. The worst incident of the lot took place in 2022 in Simon's Town, where two dogs from nearby homes attacked and killed 19 African Penguins. It was a truly devastating time for conservation efforts. In a recent statement released by SANCCOB, the importance of controlling your dogs around seabirds was once again driven home, with the non-profit organisation calling any such attacks an "owner problem", not a “dog problem”. "One of the main challenges with mainland seabird colonies is the additional threats posed by humans and land-based predators, including domestic dogs. In past years, African Penguins have been attacked by unleashed dogs resulting in severe trauma and even death. This is not a 'dog problem', it is an owner problem who disregards by-laws and dog-owner responsibility," SANCCOB insists. "The African Penguin’s rapidly declining population has been well-documented, owing to the numerous and complex threats facing the iconic species. We are in a

One of the many wonderful things about food is that there are no rules... or at least nobody has to conform to those of the unwritten variety. Yes, some might disagree with that, but at the end of the day, flavours and textures are there to be played with, in order to create something new or a twist on the traditional. When it comes to the Cape Town classic that is the mighty gatsby, purists will tell you that you should never veer from the original path, which is your masala steak or polony/vienna. However, there is a spot on Main Road in Bergvliet which, while still paying tribute to the roots of the gatsby, is disrupting the scene by creating unique creations to take the monstrous, messy and iconic food into the future. Bradley Isaacs opened Cut-In-2 following the COVID-19 lockdowns and has been putting his own unique spin on gatsbys and takeaways ever since. "We've been disrupting the gatsby industry for the last four years. The food industry in general is forever changing with new concepts and twists on traditional cuisines, so if you want to keep your customers enticed and coming back for more, it is important to create new menu items which complement your standard menu," he says. And that's exactly what he has done this May, releasing two new gatsby creations - prego chicken and pickled jalapeno smash burger. "So the reason for creating these two flavours is because it complements our existing menu, which has prego chicken wings and a bacon and jalapeno smash burger. S

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) is the bearer of some bad news ahead of the upcoming weekend - we are in for some stormy weather, Cape Town! A Yellow Level 4 warning has been released by SAWS ahead of anticipated damaging winds and waves in and around Cape Town. According to Sonica Lategan, the City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management spokesperson, the strong winds will start on Friday, with heavy rain expected on Saturday. "Potential impacts from the forecast could include uprooted trees, damage to roofs, an increased risk of runaway fires and disruption of coastal activities. We urge residents to secure objects on their properties that could be carried away by the wind, like outside furniture and to be mindful of potential damage to garage doors, sliding doors and windows," Lategan said in a statement on Thursday. "When travelling, please be on the lookout for obstructions on the roadway, like fallen trees or other debris. Any weather-related emergency can be reported to the city's public emergency communications centre on 021 480 7700."   The South African Weather Service (SAWS)   The storm is expected to clear by Mother's Day on Sunday, so if you had planned anything outdoors, you may still be able to make those memories with mom. However, we suggest monitoring the weather as the weekend progresses to ensure you will be in the clear... literally. Cape Town emergency numbers Should you require assistance over the weekend, please take note of the emergency

The De Hoop Nature Reserve is a scenic 240km drive from Cape Town - and what awaits travellers there is something truly magical. So magical, in fact, that Time Out Travel named the reserve's famous Whale Trail as one of the 20 best hikes in the world! The 55km trail from Potberg Hut to Koppie Alleen takes five to six days to complete and apart from being able to experience this stunning part of South Africa up close and personal, if you go at the right time of the year, you will likely be able to witness a natural wonder of epic proportions. Between June and November every year, hundreds of endangered southern right whales breech, breed and calf close to shore. This annual event is considered to be among the best land-based whale-watching experiences in the entire world. Photograph: De Hoop Collection Pro Whale Trail tips For the best possible chance of seeing these massive creatures, it is advised that you look to visit between mid-August and mid-October, but that's not to say you won't see them throughout the June to November window. We're just trying to maximise your chances. Also, when you reach Stilgat Bay, you can trade in your hiking boots or trail shoes for fins and masks in order to snorkel around tidal pools. This is a glorious opportunity for you to swim amongst the array of marine life. Which other trails and hikes made the cut? If you have already been lucky enough to complete the Whale Trail and want to hike more of Africa, then Time Out Travel believes you w

Are you ready for The Good Life Show 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 30 May to 1 June? This year's event will feature a star-studded line-up of international and local chefs, with the focus being on celebrating the ever-evolving organic, plant-based and natural industries. The likes of renowned British Michelin-starred celebrity chef Jameson Stocks, internationally-acclaimed raw gourmet food pioneer Dr Aris LaTham and the Executive Chef at Mount Nelson Luke Lawrence Barry will all be in attendance to show off their incredible array of skills and knowledge. Heidi Warricker, The Good Life Show's organiser, says: “We are absolutely thrilled to have such a stellar line-up of chef talent on board. One of the biggest trends worldwide is wellness, sustainability and food awareness, and this is where The Good Life Show is bang on target. "People are becoming more aware of what they are consuming, where it comes from as well as the effects on the environment. Chefs are actively seeking to source higher quality, locally sourced and often smaller producer ingredients. This trend is driven by a desire for fresh, flavourful and healthier food, support for local communities and a growing emphasis on sustainability and ethically-produced goods.” What to expect at The Good Life Show At the 2025 edition of the show, there will be innovative products to try, chef demos, mixology sessions, hands-on masterclasses, expert wellness advice, insightful industry talks and

Following the news earlier this year that the Springboks would take on the Wallabies at Cape Town Stadium (DHL Stadium) on 23 August, a second international clash has been announced for the Mother City. Rassie Erasmus' Boks will take on the Barbarians on Saturday, 28 June, with the match marking the start of the world champions' 2025 international calendar. This fixture will be the first ever meeting between the Boks and Barbarians on South African soil. The two sides have met eight times before, with the last encounter taking place in London at Wembley Stadium on 5 November 2016. The match ended 31-31. For those unfamiliar with the Barbarians - or BaaBaas for short, they are a British-based invitational rugby club founded in 1890 and which wear an iconic black and white kit. For 2025, the team will be made up of players from sides that ply their trade in the United Rugby Championship, Top 14, Premiership, Super Rugby and Japan Rugby League One. Think of the BaaBaas as something of a 'Dream Team' made up of players who aren't on international duty. Speaking after the announcement, Erasmus said: “It’s always exciting to face the BaaBaas, and this match will be particularly special as it marks the first time that we will face them in South Africa. For us this will be the perfect opportunity to get the players match-ready for the official international season, which starts a week later. “We may have had a satisfying 2024 season, but this is a new year and a fresh challenge, and

With the public holidays coming thick and fast at the moment, many have a long weekend coming up - if you remembered to take Friday off, that is. Thursday, 1 May, is Workers' Day in South Africa. The public holiday has been observed since 1994 and 'serves both as a celebration of workers’ rights and as a reminder of the critical role that trade unions, the Communist Party and other labour organisations played in the fight against apartheid,' writes the South African Government's website. If you are looking to explore Cape Town this public holiday and try something different to your normal routine, below we have some ideas for you to consider. First Thursdays Photograph: First Thursdays Cape Town Tap into your cultural side on Thursday, 1 May, as the ever-popular First Thursdays shows off all things artsy and tasty in Cape Town. Explore Cape Town's best galleries like The Artists Gallery and Eclectica Contemporary as they stay open later than usual, before grabbing a bite to eat and a tasty drink or two at the likes of Tjing Tjing House and Ramenhead. If you fancy trying a different First Thursdays experience, the Stellenbosch edition launches on Thursday and it promises to be a jol of note. A full guide to Cape Town and Stellenbosch's First Thursdays can be found here.  Explore Cape Town's foodie scene Photograph: La Colombe/Jan Ras We really are spoilt for choice in Cape Town when it comes to food. Fancy something, well, fancy? Then check out our guide to the best restau

Over the Freedom Day long weekend, emergency services and our heroic firefighters have been battling the fire which has engulfed the mountains around Tokai, Silvermine, Noordhoek and surrounding areas. In addition, the Animal Welfare Society of South Africa and SPCA have been hard at work assisting the critters affected, with a joint effort across the board aiming to mitigate the extent of the natural disaster. Helicopters have been flown in from both Stellenbosch and George to assist in the firefighting efforts, while the teams on the ground in the affected areas are in need of assistance to keep both their spirits high and bodies nourished. Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson for the City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Service, said in a statement on Monday morning: "No major flare ups were reported overnight. Choppers will be airborne after an assessment. One female firefighter was injured and taken to hospital. "As of last night (Sunday, 27 April) the fire was creeping down Boyes Drive, Kalk Bay and Fish Hoek side, while on the Ou Kaapse Weg side it moved towards Noordhoek. Crews remained on the fire line throughout the night. We are closely monitoring the situation and urge the public to stay away from these areas. "An Incident Management Team Type 3 has been activated and will work on a 12 hour rotation. This provides greater oversight in managing the incident. Road closures remain in place. Donations in the form of water, energy drinks and bars, as well as non-perishable it

We have another long weekend coming up and that means we have some extra time to explore Cape Town! Freedom Day is celebrated on the 27th of April every year. As this year's public holiday falls on a Sunday, this coming Monday, 28 April, is also a public holiday. For those who may be unaware, we celebrate Freedom Day as a way to mark South Africa's first democratic election in 1994, which saw the legendary Nelson Mandela become president and the official end of apartheid. If you are looking for something to do this long weekend, we have some ideas below: The Long March To Freedom The Long March To Freedom / Instagram / @longmarchtofreedom Learn more about South Africa's journey with this incredible tribute to the likes of the Mandelas, the Sisulus, Steve Biko, Helen Joseph and other heroes who fought for the freedom and rights of all South Africans. A hundred bronze statues have been erected of the influential people who helped shape a free South Africa at Century City. Tickets for The Long March To Freedom range from R20 to R75 and can be purchased at the entrance to the exhibit. Operating hours are 10h00 to 16h30. Take a trip to the Winelands Photograph: De Grendel A trip to the Winelands is always great fun, especially when you know you can head out on a Sunday and not worry about work on the Monday. Check out our guide to the best places to grab a bite to eat in the Winelands, while we are feeling some wine tasting at the likes of Meerlust in Stellenbosch, Vergelegen

A list recently released by Travel + Leisure of the top new hotels to stay at around the world has included Cape Town's very own Cape Grace, A Fairmont Managed Hotel! Yes, we know the Cape Grace isn't exactly new, but it went through some extensive refurbishments and unveiled those changes in 2024, which made it a worthy contender for this 2025 list of hotels to visit globally. Unsurprisingly, the Cape Grace is also on our list of Cape Town's best hotels, where our Local Expert Richard Holmes describes it as being 'infused with a bright contemporary aesthetic and a focus on African art that runs from the lobby to the rooms, blending the Cape Grace’s sense of classical elegance with a dose of Afro-centric flair'. Cape Grace is joined on the list by a South African lodge located in the Soutpansberg mountain range. Few & Far Luvhondo is located close to the border with Zimbabwe. This exclusive lodge has just six suites and offers some of the best game viewing in the country from a cable car! Representing Africa Eight hotels and lodges across Africa also made the cut, with the likes of Kenya, Morocco, Botswana and Seychelles being recognised for their incredible hospitality sectors. The eight are: Jannah Lamu, Kenya Kibale Lodge, Uganda Mara Toto Tree Camp, Masai Mara, Kenya Royal Mansour Casablanca, Morocco Voaara Madagascar Wilderness Bisate Reserve, Rwanda Atzaró Okavango, Botswana Cheval Blanc Seychelles Cunard’s Queen Anne Time Out Cape Town recently got the chance to visi

If you live in the Gauteng area and are looking for a quick trip to the bush, the Waterberg's Qwabi Private Game Reserve should be next on your to-visit list. As someone who was brought up on trips to the Kruger National Park, I have always been somewhat biased in my opinion that your best bet for a bush break is the Lowveld. End of story. However, after being afforded the opportunity to explore the Waterberg's bushveld offering, I must admit that my views have been changed. The Waterberg is stunningly beautiful and the perfect location for a bush adventure. The lush green terrain and plethora of mountain peaks make for serious eye-candy as you seek out the Big Five and the accompanying critters that make up the African bushveld. Time Out Johannesburg Qwabi - which is Sesotho for 'African Wildcat' - is located in the heart of the Waterberg, which was designated as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 2001. With 11,421ha of mountainous bushveld, Qwabi is spoilt with natural beauty that is so eye-catching, it almost felt as if I had been transported to a foreign land - and not a mere three-hour drive from Johannesburg. During my two-night stay, I was put up at the Babohi lodge, which is one of two lodges within the Qwabi reserve. Billed as the 'adult lodge', no guests under 16 are permitted. For a more family-oriented bush adventure, Qwabi's Letamo is the perfect location. Babohi houses different accommodation types. My room was aptly named Buffalo 2, and is perfect for couples w