Christy Bragg

If you love the ocean, there’s always a beach near you in Cape Town. The city offers a wide range of walking routes and hiking trails where you get both a lungful of sea-breeze and a body full of endorphins. ​​ Literally surrounded by the ocean on three sides, the sea makes its presence felt just about everywhere in the Mother City, from the icy Atlantic waters over to the pristine sands of Clifton 3rd, all the way throught to wallowing in the warm(ish) waters of False Bay.   But if you want to go beyond the quick dip in the sea, and you have a yearning to hike by the ocean, here are some of the spectacular routes that you can take. Remember to bring wind- and protection-layer clothing, water, sunscreen, and check the tides for rocky sections.  Time Out Tip: You are bound to have a delightful, pleasant time along our shores! When you're all blissed out on your ocean views, you may want to try this list of day hikes close to Cape Town next!  Local Cape Town expert, Christy Bragg, refers to herself as a bohemian scientist, with her blended experience in conservation and feature writing. From rabbit-chasing in the Karoo to decoding climate change, she’s done it all - with a pen in one hand and a field guide in the other. She now splits her time between immersing herself in nature around Cape Town, parenting teenagers and freelance gigs. 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 edito

Cape Town is a rewarding family holiday destinations, packed with activities for kids of all ages, especially in summer, which is when the Mother City truly comes into her own. With golden beaches, dramatic natural landscapes and a relaxed outdoor lifestyle, the city offers families the freedom to slow down, reconnect and explore together.  From barefoot beach days and wildlife encounters to leafy parks, creative play spaces and ocean adventures, families can mix free, budget-friendly outings with a few memorable spoils. Whether your children's idea of fun is building sandcastles, spotting penguins, riding bikes, cooking up a storm or discovering life beneath the waves - there are options aplently. Nature is never far away in the Mother City, and it forms the backdrop to many of its best family experiences. Mountain trails, coastal boardwalks, urban parks and world-class reserves invite children to burn off energy while sparking curiosity about the natural world. At the same time, Cape Town’s vibrant city heart adds a playful edge, with harbours, boat rides, sporting hubs and interactive attractions keeping young minds engaged. Together, these experiences make Cape Town an effortless choice for a summer family holiday. So, if you’re wondering what to do with the kids in Cape Town this holiday, read on. There’s a magnetic mix of fantastic free activities, budget-friendly outings under R200, and a few special spoils for those once-in-a-holiday treats.  ICYMI: There's still time

Want to make your Christmas shopping easy and fun to do this year? Get your present shopping done at one of the many, lovely Christmas markets in South Africa. There’s something for everyone at a market, whether that be toys, homemade deli foods or crafts. There’s bound to be a Christmas market near you as they pop up in all the little corners of South Africa. Here are just a few that promise fun, food, and festivity for the entire family.

The festive season has officially arrived, and at Time Out Cape Town, we've gone full Mariah-meets-Wham.  Yes, the Christmas feels are loud. Still sceptical? Our Daily Advent Calendar is proof. Think bite-sized festive reveals serving up the very best of the Mother City, one delightful surprise at a time.  Haven't locked in your Christmas lunch yet? There's still time. Our Christmas Lunch round-up has you covered, and if an end-of-year jol is calling your name, consider this your sign to start planning. Is the tree still in the box, or do you still need to get one? No judgment (Okay, fine, we're judging. Just a little!). For many of us, gifting feels like chaos rather than cheer at the moment. But take heart. Nothing gets you into the festive spirit quite like wandering a Christmas market, browsing pop-ups and convincing yourself that one more gift or tinsel treat is absolutely necessary.   Any one of these markets should get you on track - in addition to our Christmas Green Gifting Guide here. Happy Holidays!  Are you ready to unwrap a new Christmas surprise every single day? Head over to our social media channels to follow Time Out Cape Town on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. And don't forget to sign up to Time Out's free newsletter for expert recommendations on new things to do, see, eat and drink in the Mother City.

Cape Town isn't just beaches and city life– there are some of the best summer experiences just outside the city. Within an hour or two, you'll find farms, berry-picking spots, animal encounters, and peaceful outdoor escapes– perfect for a warm summer's day. Whether you're looking for something fun to do with friends, a family outing or a quiet escape in nature, these summer activities are easy day trips that don't require a long drive. RECOMMENDED:  😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🍸 The best bars in Cape Town🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town☕️ The best cafés and coffee shops in Cape Town Time Out makes a small commission from the affiliate links included in this article. These links have no influence on our editorial content, but they do help us to bring you more recommendations every week. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Cape Town’s restaurant scene is renowned for its vibrant culture and excitingly different menus, but sometimes what adds that extra flavour to the palate is not what’s inside, but what’s outside! Many Cape Town restaurants are strategically located to offer their patrons breathtaking scenic views. From gazing upon our very own, unique Table Mountain, with its own tablecloth of cloud, to watching whales frolic in the ocean, these restaurants promise a feast for your eyes as well as your palate.  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 shops are awash in tinselled green and red festive splendour and you’re busy drafting your Christmas gift list.   Perhaps this year you are wondering about choosing Christmas presents that are gentler on Mother Nature. If you want a greener Christmas this year, Cape Town is full of sustainable shops, eco-markets, and online gift options that are beautiful, light on planet resources and will give lots of festive joy to your loved ones. ICYMI: Shopping Trends 2025: How South Africans are shopping this festive season Pampering the person and the planet If your mom or sister needs some TLC this Christmas, consider wrapping up an earth-friendly self-care kit, such as Holisteeq’s Zero-Waste Minimalist Self-Care Essentials Gift Set, for some guilt-free, luxurious pampering moments. This low-waste gift set is packed with goodies that pamper while protecting the planet. Think bamboo toothbrushes, exfoliating washcloths, mini shampoos, facial cleansers, and body butters in travel tins. It’s the small things that make a big difference. Holisteeq’s Zero-Waste   Alternatively, splash out on the ocean-inspired luxury Healing Ocean gift set, a self-care bundle with a marine theme, containing: body wash, body soother, a mist, foam bath and bath oils, all wrapped up in sustainable packaging. Their products are free from synthetic fragrances, colourants, petrochemicals, DEA, preservatives, and parabens, making them good for you and the planet.  Sweets for the stocking Sweeten up your l

It amazes me how many little pockets of natural wonder are still hanging out in the nooks and crannies of this beautiful city. The citizens of Cape Town are, in the majority, careful stewards of the biodiversity found in the city, and they guard its wild wonders with pride and care. So let’s take a walk on the wild side, and discover some of the best-kept secrets of the city. Time Out Tip: As with all wildlife, resist the urge to get too close. Respect their space and take a moment to simply sit still and watch - that’s when the magic truly unfolds. When it comes to tracking endangered species, sharing citizen science alerts can make a real difference for conservation experts in the field.  

I recently had the great pleasure to chat to Roushanna Gray, the woman behind Veld and Sea, about her work and its roots in sustainability. Roushanna describes Veld and Sea as “an immersive education space offering wild food foraging workshops and unique nature based events and experiences”. She takes people into nature and shows them the wild delicacies, nature’s treats. She teaches people how to find these treats, how to harvest them sustainably, and how to craft them into nourishing and beautiful meals. As I listened to Roushanna describing how foraging for natural food feels like “returning to home’, I had an uncanny sense of deja vu. Forgotten foods and wild ingredients  Her philosophy resonates very closely with the lovely traditions described in the bestselling book ‘Braiding Sweetgrass’, written by Potawatomi professor Robin Kimmerer. Braiding Sweetgrass explores reciprocal relationships between humans and nature, with a focus on the role of plants in Native American traditions. Roushanna’s joy in teaching others to find the nurturing elements in nature, and her credo of reciprocity for nature (a form of mutual giving, where each gives the other equal benefits/or gifts), makes her the South African version of Robin Kimmerer. Her excursions are lessons in treating nature with reverence and appreciation, and creating connection through the culinary arts (or through the relationship of food). Food, she says, is a way to connect us to each other and to nature. That is why

Cat owners, everywhere, have been celebrating cats on this day since 2002, when th International Fund for Animal Welfare declared it a day to raise awareness and learn about ways to support our feline friends. If you are a cat person, and even if you're not, Cape Town offers some cat-chy places to learn more about them, with a fun selection of things to do in honour of these fluffy kitties of the world.  From petting near-hypoallergenic cats, supporting endangered caracals, to high tea with your tamed pussycat - try this list for a day in the Mother City that will leave you purring with pleasure.  ICYMI: 10 Best spots for a fun day with your pets in Cape Town  

Cape Town has something for everybody to enjoy, including the fur babies!  From parks where your pets can frolic and owners can watch over a steaming cup of joe, to restaurants with menus specially designed for pooches - there are plenty of haunts where hounds and humans can eat, meet and be merry. Let’s take a walk through some of the options.

When the raindrops are sliding down the windows and the north-wester is whistling in the chimney, when the kids are using “I’m bored” as a mantra, then it is time to get the family out of the house. Luckily, Cape Town has many fun and creative ways to entertain kids (and parents) on those wet and cold winter days. There is something for everyone, from the kid with enough energy to power up Eskom, to the child who could sit for hours drawing pictures on your dining room walls. Read on for our guide to the best winter indoor activities for kids in the Mother City. Pro Tip: Be sure to check age limits before booking activities and don’t forget to take pictures! TIME OUT RECOMMENDS: 😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🏨 The best hotels in Cape Town🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town🍕 The best pizza in Cape Town Follow Time Out Cape Town on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok!

Family holidays, in my youth, were spent on the beach, playing in the rockpools and looking for shells. Nowadays, I can get just one whiff of suntan lotion, and I am back there, on the beach, in an instant. That lovely holiday feeling arose when I heard we were going on a guided trip to Koppie Alleen to explore the rockpools of the De Hoop Nature Reserve, and it kept fizzing throughout our four-day stay at the beautiful De Hoop Villa - part of the De Hoop Collection.  Where is De Hoop? De Hoop is a three- to four-hour journey from Cape Town, along the N2 highway to Caledon, passing through Napier to Bredasdorp on the R316, then following signs to Malgas/Infanta on the R319, which leads to the reserve's gravel entrance road. The Overberg seems to be many miles of grey and brown croplands during the summertime. Still, just as you think the croplands are going to last forever, the landscape turns a corner, and suddenly there are deep valleys and plains full of fynbos and proteas and thick, shrubby greenness. It feels like a long drink of cold, sparkling water as you drive into De Hoop Nature Reserve. And the sparkliness of the sea and the fairy castles of white, shimmering dunes strung along the coast is only topped by the effervescent welcome from the De Hoop staff.   The Nature Reserve itself is run by CapeNature but the De Hoop Villa and the other beautiful accommodation options of the De Hoop Collection, who provide a wide range of options for different budgets and needs: fr

Did you know there’s a shaggy mountain resident living rent-free on one of the world’s most famous landmarks? In fact, it’s not supposed to be there. But this is the intriguing story of the Himalayan tahr, a goat-like creature that’s been roaming Table Mountain for decades, ever since a few crafty escapees bolted from the old Groote Schuur Zoo back in the 1970s.  The zoo was established in 1931 by the state using Cecil Rhodes' private menagerie, and closed around 1980. Today, the zoo is abandoned, but in its heyday, it housed lions, crocodiles and a shaggy-looking mountain goat called the Himalayan tahr.  Mwgielink, Wikimedia commonsLion's den after abandonment at the old Groote Schuur Zoo. The zoo animals’ enclosures were not very big and wouldn’t be considered acceptable according to today’s zoo welfare standards. They were small and easy to break out of (and into). For example, in 1974 three inebriated UCT students who had just won a rugby game tried to steal a lion cub from the zoo. One of the students was bitten by one of the lionesses and rushed to hospital, where he took six months to recover. Clearly, tipsy students have been doing silly things after rugby games since forever! Similarly, other animals found ways out, including several Sambar deer. The tiny pens might have been why two of the Himalayan tahrs staged a breakout, escaped from the zoo and eloped to Table Mountain, where they didn’t ta(h)rry but immediately started a big family. This family has since gro