Richard Holmes

The Cape Winelands may be famous for its world-class wines (don’t miss a taste of Pinotage, South Africa’s signature red varietal) and fabulous food (start with our guide to the best restaurants in the winelands), but it’s also becoming recognised as one of the world’s premier golf destinations. Whether you have a morning free or an entire week, there’s a course ready and waiting. From Cape Town, you can be on the first tee amid the vines in under an hour (and rarely more than two), and from Constantia to the Breede River spectacular scenery comes standard. From championship tracks to laid-back country courses, the variety in the Cape can keep you swinging for days.  But what truly makes the Cape Winelands a great golf destination is everything surrounding the course. Immerse yourself in Stellenbosch's history. Savour exquisite food in Franschhoek. Explore estate gardens in the Helderberg. The list continues.  What that means is that your day doesn’t end at the 18th green (or the 19th hole), but it also allows you – or non-golfers – to turn a golf trip into a deeper exploration of all that the Cape has to offer.  Don't miss: The Best Golf Courses in Cape Town And of course, that means you can play more than one. Maybe anchor a trip with a round at a premium championship layout, then take it easy on a friendlier country course for the second day. This list even has a top-tier mashie course if you're really short on time. So, the choice is yours. Clean your clubs, stock up on

Show me a city on earth with better sunsets. No hurry, I’ll wait. Because, let’s be honest, it’s impossible to beat what Cape Town has to offer when the sun sinks below the horizon. Sure, we’re sorry that another day in the Mother City has slipped by, but my-oh-my, what a show we get to enjoy! With the mountain rising from the city, and the ocean almost everywhere else, you’re never far from a dramatic vantage point to enjoy the sunset. And perhaps the best part is that you don’t need a special occasion – or much effort – to catch the show. Sure, you could hike up a mountain peak, but you can also drive to a picture-perfect vantage point, or simply throw your picnic mat down on powder-soft sands. Your call. Just remember, this is Cape Town, right, and that ever-present wind brings a sneaky chill the moment the light fades. No matter how warm the day is, pack a layer and thank me later. Ready to go? Here’s the Time Out pick of the 13 (it’s lucky for some) best sunset spots in Cape Town. RECOMMENDED: 🍷 The best wine farms in and around Cape Town 😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🛏 The best Airbnbs in Cape Town🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town☕️ The best cafés and coffee shops in Cape Town Born and raised in the city, 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.   

There’s no shortage of choice when it comes to finding a bed in Cape Town, and that perfect trinity of comfort, charm and location can be dialled up or down according to the depth of your pockets. If you’re watching your budget, you’ll want to start with our guide to the Best Affordable Hotels in Cape Town, which is filled with pocket-friendly picks. But if you’re splurging a little? Well then, you’ve come to the right place. From glorious urban hideaways that could have been plucked from the streets of Paris or Amsterdam, to seaside escapes with the most unforgettable views, you’ll be spoilt for choice for luxury hotels in Cape Town. There are historic charmers and contemporary creations, and if you’ve been dreaming of a room with a view, you’ve come to the right city. RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Cape Town😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🏄‍♀️ The best beaches in Cape Town🛍 The best markets in Cape Town🖼 The best museums and galleries in Cape Town Planning your next trip? Check out our latest travel guides, written by local experts. 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 allow us to bring you more recommendations every week. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

If there’s one thing to love about Cape Town’s coffee culture, it’s the sheer diversity of experiences on offer. Fancy a post-surf flat white? There’s a beachside barista ready and waiting. Want to delve into the geekery of roasting regimes and pour-over versus espresso? A passionate connoisseur will happily debate the finer points. And if you want to extend a simple cup into a lazy lunch? Well, you’ll find plenty of laid-back cafés across the city dishing up inspired menus of fresh, seasonal fare.   And while there are a handful of global brands promising to deliver your caffeine fix, do us one favour: go local. Spend your money with small businesses. Seek out people passionate about the perfect pour. Because in South Africa’s ‘Mother City’, the coffee culture is simply too vibrant to settle for a bad cuppa.  RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best things to do in Cape Town😋 The best restaurants 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🍣 The best sushi in Cape Town🛏 The best Airbnbs in Cape Town Planning your next trip? Check out our latest travel guides, written by local experts.

JANUARY 2026 UPDATE: Cape Town's mixology scene just keeps on growing, as new bars pop up to ensure locals and visitors never get thirsty. And with summer putting on quite the show, we've updated and expanded our insider guide to the best rooftop bars in Cape Town. Cape Town has great views. It also has fantastic bars.  Shake the two together and you have the formula for a pretty unbeatable night out. But happily, Cape Town’s best rooftop bars aren’t only about late-night capers. Sure, the sunset views are pretty impressive, and they tend to come alive after dark, but at most of these high-altitude escapes, you can also kick back with a memorable brunch, plug in the laptop and crack on with work, or settle in for a lazy lunch. Where you go depends on your mood: craft cocktails and a glam crowd? Or something more laid-back? If it’s sunset and sea views, you’re especially spoiled for choice in Cape Town. So select your vibe, pick a spot and get set for an urban discovery of the best rooftop bars in Cape Town. RECOMMENDED: 🍷 The best wine farms in and around Cape Town 😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🛏 The best Airbnbs in Cape Town🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town☕️ The best cafés and coffee shops in Cape Town Born and raised in the city, 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. 

Want to know where the locals love to go? In this exclusive series on Time Out Cape Town, ‘Local Intel’ taps into some of the city’s best-connected characters to unearth the corners you simply can’t miss in the Mother City. Chefs slice and dice their way to Michelin stars. Journalists vie for Pulitzers. Movie stars dream of Oscars. But in the world of high-end concierges, it’s the Golden Keys that count. The Golden Keys are the emblem of Les Clefs d’Or, an invitation-only international association of hotel concierges which began in France in 1929 and went global in 1952. Built on the twin pillars of service and friendship, it’s a fraternity of the world’s best concierges, whose members are identified by the crossed golden keys worn on the lapel. And those keys don’t come easy. Membership can only be earned through a rigorous assessment, followed by evaluation from senior and international members. For concierges, it is a badge of honour. For guests, the keys unlock access to a global network of trusted concierges who can open doors, secure hard-to-get bookings, and solve myriad problems facing travellers. In September 2025, Yassir Ebrahim became the latest member of an exclusive group of Cape concierges to be awarded the coveted ‘Golden Keys’. As the concierge at acclaimed boutique hotel Ellerman House, Ebrahim is at the top of his game, crafting memorable Mother City stays for the fortunate (largely international) guests that get to call Ellerman House home. Though he firs

With a blanket spread beneath shady oak trees and a basket brimming with delicious lunchtime bites, it’s hard not to love a good picnic. And though Cape Town’s restaurants get the lion’s share of the limelight, there’s some fine food – with views to boot – on offer when you book a gourmet picnic in the Winelands. From farm breads warm from the oven to small-batch cheeses, artisan charcuterie and seasonal salads – all washed down with something cold and local from the cellar – Cape estates have perfected the art of the picnic. And it is not just about the food. At Jordan you tuck into a feast in private pods beside the dam; at Boschendal you sprawl under centuries-old oaks with live music drifting across the werf. Vergelegen sets white tablecloths under its camphor forest, while Warwick hides you away in exclusive Forest Pods and Spier promises farm shops, galleries and tours before you even open your basket. Whether you are planning a lazy Sunday with friends, a family outing with space for kids to run, or a day-date with a twist, these are the Winelands picnics around Cape Town worth booking ahead for. 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 Born and raised in the city, 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 editor

Let’s be honest. As much as we love the modern set-up of DHL Cape Town Stadium, the food at large events is, well, kind of forgettable. Apart from the long queues that mean you’re likely to miss that crucial try or your favourite song, the food is never going to be a highlight. And to drink? Sigh. The selection behind the bar isn’t going to have you cheering from your seat, will it?  Our advice? Rather, make the most of what Cape Town has to offer outside the stadium gates. Fortunately, Green Point and the surrounding neighbourhoods near the DHL Cape Town Stadium are brimming with superb pre- and post-match venues that offer far more than soggy chips and boring-brand beers. So, whether you're in the mood for a quick burger, arrive early to indulge in a classic Italian or are looking for a craft brew with a view, there’s something within walking distance to satisfy both your palate and your pocket. Somerset Road is packed with lively bistros and local favourites, as well as a few late-night hangouts to keep the party going after the final whistle. Of course, don’t forget the V&A Waterfront either, which is just a short walk from the stadium gates.  Whether you're donning green and gold for the Bokke, following your favourite artist on tour, or just want to soak up the stadium vibes, here’s your essential guide to the best places to eat and drink near Cape Town Stadium. Time for just one more tip? Don’t forget to book a table well ahead of game day... RECOMMENDED: 😋 The bes

With the Atlantic Ocean on its doorstep, it’s no surprise that Cape Town is awash with wonderful seafood restaurants. And while there are plenty of high-end eateries creating edible art with local seafood, sometimes all you want is a good ol' portion of fish and chips. And not just any old fish and chips – a plate where the fish is fresh, the batter is crispy and the chips come swimming in vinegar. And if it’s eaten with a sea view? So much the better. Luckily, there’s no shortage of places supplying just that in the city dubbed the ‘Tavern of the Seas’.  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 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.

The eastern fringes of central Cape Town – once a semi-industrial area between South Africa’s parliamentary buildings and the historic suburb of District Six – has enjoyed a resurgence over the past decade. Today the ‘East City’ – its new moniker – is filled with a host of restaurants, cafés, museums and creative businesses that make the district a drawcard day or night. And by the looks of our recently expanded and updated guide to this corner of Cape Town, the East City is becoming one of Cape Town's hottest new destinations for foodies. Unlike some of Cape Town’s more popular thoroughfares – like the nightlife on Long, or eateries of Bree – there’s no single theme running through the East City. Instead, it’s a rough-and-tumble mix that somehow seems to work. For every hole-in-the-wall dive bar, there’s a stellar high-end restaurant. Find yourself there nice and early? A handful of coffee shops and bakeries will happily kickstart your day. Looking for a bit of culture? Bookshops, museums and galleries will fill your schedule. And come nightfall, bars and clubs rattle to life, each catering to eclectic tastes. Lace up your walking shoes and dive into Time Out’s pick of the best places to visit in Cape Town’s East City. RECOMMENDED: 🍷 The best wine farms in and around Cape Town 😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🛏 The best Airbnbs in Cape Town🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town☕️ The best cafés and coffee shops in Cape Town Born and raised in the city, Ric

The silly season has arrived in Cape Town in all the right ways, with some of Mzansi’s brightest comedy stars raising the curtains in the Mother City to dish up an extra helping of festive season belly laughs. From supermarket musicals to interstellar wittiness, these are the shows worth booking before they sell out. RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best things to do in Cape Town😋 The best restaurants 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🍣 The best sushi in Cape Town

Cape Town is filled with ways to wine and dine, or perhaps work on your tan beneath the searing African sun. All of which means that at some point you’ll need to work on a little wellness. Happily, there is no shortage of wellness spa options in and around the Mother City, so we have updated and expanded our guide to the best wellness destinations in Cape Town. Whether you opt for a hotel destination spa with all the steam-room bells and hydrotherapy whistles, or a simple day spa delivering a memorable massage, you’ll be well taken care of at any of these wonderful wellness spas in Cape Town. 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 Born and raised in the city, 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. 

There’s plenty of new energy on the streets of Sea Point, and where there aren’t new stores and eateries opening up, there are cranes laying the foundations for them. Sea Point’s hotel scene has been quietly levelling up over the past few years, with The Cole easily the most exciting new addition to this corner of the Atlantic Seaboard. This five-star boutique hotel is part of the Kove Collection, which also runs The Marly in Camps Bay and The Alphen in Constantia, and brings their signature sense of understated style across both the rooms and public areas.  Set just off Beach Road, it’s close enough to the Promenade to slip out for a morning jog, or to join the swimmers doing laps at the Sea Point Pavilion swimming pool. Location aside, the building itself – by acclaimed local architect Robert Silke –  is also a looker. With its ocean-facing aspect, sinuous curves and a muted palette, the design narrative is a nod to mid-century Tropical Modernism. Why stay at The Cole? Let’s start with the location. Half a block down? The Sea Point Promenade. One kilometre stroll along? The Saunders Rock tidal pool and some of the best sunsets in town. Half-a-block uphill? Sea Point Main Road buzzes with restaurants, bars and boutiques. Beach day? Hop an Uber or the MyCiti public bus service to Clifton or Camps Bay. Want urban vibes? Do the same in the other direction to the city centre and V&A Waterfront.   What are the rooms like? The Cole offers four categories of rooms, across Class

Cape Town is widely recognised as the culinary capital of Africa; a city full of restaurants – here's the Time Out pick of the best restaurants in Cape Town – serving up refined dining, stylish décor, and menus that draw on both local and international culinary influences. But there are not many places in Cape Town where the lunchtime crowd includes a couple of curious locals (myself included), a handful of prison warders grabbing a quick bite, and kitchen staff dressed in bright orange overalls stamped with “Corrections”.  Then again, few places aim to offer convicted criminals a way back into the workforce while providing hungry diners with an affordable meal. But that’s what you’ll find at Idlanathi – isiZulu for "eat with us" – the staff canteen at Cape Town’s notorious Pollsmoor Prison.  The watchtowers of Pollsmoor brood above the leafy streets of Tokai, an upmarket corner of the city’s southern suburbs. It is a place of expensive homes, private golf clubs, and – strangely – one of South Africa’s most notorious prisons. A maximum security facility packed to the rafters with gangsters, murderers, and those convicted of myriad heinous crimes.  Happily, you won’t meet a single one of them at Idlanathi. Working here is a privilege offered only to low-risk prisoners convicted of non-violent crimes who have shown good behaviour. For them, it’s both a chance to escape the monotony of prison life and learn a few skills that will help them integrate back into the outside world. 

Ah, Franschhoek, that bastion of fine living in the Cape Winelands, where the tricolore flutters in the summer breeze and the main street is bustling with wealthy, well-dressed folk sipping rosé in the South African sunshine. Little wonder that Franschhoek – or ‘French Corner’ – valley is one of the most popular destinations in the Cape Winelands.  From the Wine Tram to wine tasting to a menu of fine restaurants to discover, you’ll need a few days here to see it all. There’s no shortage of luxurious hotels and guesthouses offering the last word in Winelands luxury, but what if you’re looking for a taste of this champagne lifestyle on a box-wine budget? Finding an affordable bed isn’t easy, but it’s also not impossible, thanks to spots like Neighbourgood Gables. While the Neighbourgood brand started out offering co-working space in and around Cape Town (check out our comprehensive co-working guide over here), they have since expanded to offer a fantastic range of accommodation in the city and Winelands. Why stay at Neighbourgood Gables? If you want the character of a homestay with the ease of a guesthouse, Neighbourgood Gables is a winner. There’s a laid-back charm to the space, which is filled with like-minded travellers that you might bump into at the pool or in the breakfast room. It’s also just a few blocks up from the main road, which is lined with excellent restaurants and shops, meaning you can park your car and explore town on foot. Last, but definitely not least, is p

If you made me choose, I’d have to say it was the duck liver parfait. No, no, it was the chocolate cream. Or perhaps the lamb scrumpet.  Truth is, it was always hard to pin down my favourite dish at Farro when it was the destination restaurant on Gabrielskloof wine estate. But, as much as I love Alex Windebank’s cooking, 90 minutes was always a bit of a trek for lunch. So, sing hallelujah, foodies were delighted to hear that in October 2025, Farro packed up its country home to set up shop in a charming Victorian building in Gardens.  The Backstory Windebank – and his wife, Eloise, who runs Farro front-of-house – honed their skills at Polpo in London, turning out upscale Venetian plates amid the buzz of Soho. When they relocated to Johannesburg and opened Farro, it became a cult destination in Illovo, as loved for its cocktails as its cuisine. And, the space was a vibe! Covid forced the restaurant to close, and a brief period in corporate life wasn’t to their taste, leading them to relaunch Farro at Gabriëlskloof wine estate in 2022. There, it developed into a popular destination restaurant, drawing regulars willing to travel to the Overberg. But in October 2025, the couple returned Farro to its urban roots by opening in a cosy Victorian terrace in Gardens. And my, oh my, you should book.  The Vibe In a word, sophisticated. Unlike the country-casual vibe of Gabrielskloof, their new city address is a place where you’ll want to dress up just a little. It’s an elegant space – art

Perched on the dunes of Kommetjie’s famed Long Beach in Cape Town’s southern peninsula, Last Word Long Beach feels like it might be Cape Town’s best-kept secret. Once the seaside home of the founder of the Last Word hotel collection – which includes boutique properties in Franschhoek, Constantia and upcountry – Last Word Long Beach brings all the laid-back charm of a private beach house, with the service and facilities of a boutique hotel. And with every suite gazing straight onto rolling Atlantic swells and the white sands of Long Beach right on the doorstep, this intimate hideaway offers an effortless seaside escape in the ‘Deep South’. Why stay at The Last Word Long Beach? In a word? Location. If you’ve been to Cape Town before and want to discover a different side of the city, or are looking to bookend your Cape exploring with a few days of R&R, look no further. And for locals looking for a staycation close to the city, it’s perfect. Although the hotel was just 35 minutes from my own front door in the suburbs, it felt like a complete escape. The setting is certainly what will first hit home, with the sands of Long Beach stretching out right in front of the hotel. The view is framed by superb vistas of Table Mountain National Park, and if you look closely, you can see clear across to the Upper Cableway station. If you’re active, the (chilly) waters here are home to some of the city’s best surf breaks, so you can fit in a sesh before breakfast. Step indoors, and that homely

A sixth-generation family estate just outside Cape Town, Diemersdal produces cool-climate wines in the heart of the Durbanville winelands. Its charming tasting room offers curated flights and flexible options. Tasting options Standard and premium flights, plus build-your-own options. What else can I do? Visit during seasonal farm events or enjoy a casual meal at the Diemersdal Eatery.

This Simonsberg estate is celebrated for its hospitality, sustainability, and creative wine-and food experiences. Tasting options Reserve (R95), Premium, and Wine & Fynbos Cupcake pairing (daily). What else can I do? Enjoy cheese platters or seasonal culinary events. Browse the garden restaurant menu for lunch or casual meals. Stay overnight in charming vineyard cottages available on-site.

Renowned for world-class Pinotage and Bordeaux-style blends, Kanonkop offers tastings in a modern facility enriched with heritage. Established by the Sauer family, this estate blends tradition with artistry. Tasting options Standard and premium flights featuring flagship wines; platters available. Private tastings on arrangement. What else can I do? Browse art and historical displays in the tasting space. Collect rare releases from their cellar shop.

One of South Africa’s oldest wine estates, dating back to 1685, Groot Constantia blends rich history with wine tasting, heritage attractions, and a choice of dining experiences. Tasting options Standard tasting (5 wines + glass), Chocolate & Wine pairing; premium tastings occasionally available. What else can I do? Follow the Visitor’s Route through historic Manor, cellars, and museum. Lunch at Jonkershuis or Simon’s.

One of the oldest estates in the Stellenbosch winelands, established in 1692, Lanzerac blends winemaking with luxury hospitality in the gorgeous Jonkershoek Valley. Visitors can enjoy a modern tasting room, guided cellar tours, and a choice of restaurants. The estate also features a five-star hotel and full-service spa, perfect for guests seeking a genuinely immersive and comfortable Winelands experience. Tasting options Jonkershoek Tasting, Heritage Tasting, Wine & Chocolate pairing; daily guided cellar tours. What else can I do? Dine at Manor Kitchen, Taphuis or Craven Lounge. Unwind in the Lanzerac Spa. Stay the night in one of the elegant rooms or suites at the Lanzerac Hotel.

A family-run estate in Bottelary Hills since 1946, Kaapzicht is famous for Chenin Blanc and its Steytler Reserve range. The relaxed tasting room overlooks vineyards and hosts tastings with optional cheese or charcuterie platters. Tasting options Family Range (R100), Terroir Range (R160), Steytler Reserve (R350). What else can I do? Enjoy a platter while sipping on the serene terrace. Purchase wines, including limited vintages, at the cellar door. No on-site accommodation, but Stellenbosch offers a variety of charming options a short drive away.

Founded in 1988 by Pinotage pioneer Beyers Truter, Beyerskloof highlights the versatility of Pinotage through expressive tastings. The estate features a tasting room and Red Leaf Bistro for relaxed wine pairing. Tasting options Classic (R70), Superior (R100), Grand (R160) What else can I do? Dine at Red Leaf Bistro with vineyard views. Shop for a wide selection of Pinotage styles at the cellar door. While there’s no on-site lodging, nearby Stellenbosch has plenty of options to stay longer.

Since opening in 2016, Foxcroft has quietly gone about establishing itself as one of the city’s best small plate dining experiences. It’s been a decade of fine food from chef-proprietor Glen (whose middle name is Foxcroft) Williams, so perhaps it’s fitting that it’s now time for a change.  That comes in mid-January 2026, when the Foxcroft crew will close up the kitchen at High Constantia to move to a new venue in a heritage landmark in the southern suburbs.  And hungry locals will be pleased to know that they won’t have to travel far, with Foxcroft reopening in the historic Constantia Nek buildings on Constantia Nek Circle. The heritage building first opened as a tearoom in 1929 and was, until recently, home to La Parada and Harbour House.  With La Colombe just up the hill and Chefs Warehouse at Beau Constantia nearby, Constantia Nek is poised to become a hotbed of fine dining! “While we have enjoyed our time at High Constantia, I have always wanted to get Foxcroft into a space with a view, whether it be on a farm or freestanding,” Williams told EatOut. “Our lease was coming up for renewal, and it just lined up perfectly with this opportunity at Constantia Nek. The building is a southern suburbs landmark, and it lends itself perfectly to the direction we are headed in.” That direction will see Foxcroft up the ante in refinement. Previously, Foxcroft has been the more relaxed sibling within the La Colombe restaurant family, recognised for its seasonal small-plate menus, polish

Despite some logistical hiccups that put the Two Oceans Marathon in the news for all the wrong reasons in 2025, one of Cape Town’s most famous races is back for another year. And while the road runs (56kms and 21kms) are still the most popular events of the Marathon weekend, the Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run has become a highlight of its own for runners who prefer their shoes dusty and their tracks made of gravel. Now in its 13th year, the Trail Run takes place on Friday, 10 April 2026 during the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon weekend and offers two distances: a 16km route and a 24km course, both designed to deliver a proper morning out in the mountains. “We’re excited to kick off 2026 with the opening of entries for the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run,” says Chris Goldschmidt, Chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC. “The 16km and 24km trail runs offer participants a rare opportunity to explore the stunning and challenging trails of Table Mountain during the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon weekend. With each distance limited to just 500 runners, this is an intimate and exclusive experience in one of the world’s most breathtaking natural settings.” The Trail Runs add “another exciting dimension” to the weekend, adds Two Oceans GM Wade Bromfield. “The Trail Run routes showcase some of the most breathtaking scenery and authentic trail-running terrain on Table Mountain, offering a challenge that is as achievable as it is exhilarating. Whatever distance you choose,

Locals heading out and travellers jetting into the Mother City are about to get more choices, as Qatar Airways piles extra flights into Cape Town. Doha is one of the most popular Middle East gateways for travel in and out of Cape Town, and from 17 February 2026, Qatar Airways plans to add an extra two flights each week, bringing the total to 14 flights a week! For travellers that means more flexibility when choosing departure times, and smoother connections via Doha to the airline’s global network of more than 170 destinations.  The Cape Town bump forms part of a wider expansion of Qatar Airways’ South African schedule. Johannesburg is the big winner with an extra three flights – for a total of 21 per week – while Durban (tagged with Maputo) services will increase from five to seven weekly flights from 5 March 2026. Altogether, we’ll see an extra seven Qatar Airways flights jetting in each week by the beginning of March! That’s good news for holidaymakers and business travellers looking to save time and keep their connections through Doha as short as possible. ICYMI: Cape Town International breaks passenger record! That’s as good a reason as any to consider Qatar Airways for your next trip abroad, but another I am particularly keen to explore is their in-flight Wi-Fi internet service. Qatar Airways offers passengers on selected African routes (check when booking) free Starlink Wi-Fi for streaming, gaming and working at 35 000 feet. It’s available gate-to-gate (subject to lo

There’s nothing wrong at all with a little jog along the Sea Point Promenade. Cape Town is home to some fantastic Parkrun events. And we know that Table Mountain has some of the world’s finest trail running. Ryan Sandes told us his favourite Table Mountain trail over here.  But if you’re looking for a challenge that falls somewhere between a fun day out and being completely unhinged, then look no further than the Red Bull Dune Dusters. Running is hard. Sand is soft. Put the two together, and you've got the ingredients for a deep, dark pain-cave.  That certainly won’t be enough to stop hundreds of enthusiastic runners from tackling the sandy slopes of the Atlantis Dunes in February, when the Red Bull Dune Dusters returns to the Mother City for the first time since 2020.   Wait. What is the Red Bull Dune Dusters? Well, simply put, it’s a little jog. Five or six kilometres. No problem, right? Ah, but there’s a twist. This loop takes runners up, down, and around the talcum-soft sand dunes of Atlantis. There are flatter stretches and some technical sections, but it’s the steep climbs on shifting sand dunes that separate the tough from the rest.   And, there’s a twist. You don’t just run it once and call it a day. You have to race just to qualify for the race. Then you’ll compete to stay in the mix as the field gets whittled down. How does it work exactly? To start, there are a series of time-trial qualification heats (8.30am – 11am), before the event shifts into ‘The Eliminator’.

As if we needed another excuse to spend time in the ‘city of oaks’, the return of the Stellenbosch Street Soirées is certainly a good one. The latest season of the Stellenbosch Wine Routes’ open-air Street Soirées returned to Stellies in October 2025, bringing a two-hour oak-lined street party to Drostdy Street every fortnight with wine tastings, street food and live music. After a little festive break, the party is back, with a cordoned-off road beneath Stellenbosch’s signature oaks dotted with relaxed seating pods and tasting stalls. "The Stellenbosch Street Soirées have become one of the most highly anticipated fixtures of the winelands calendar,” says Stellenbosch Wine Routes manager Elmarie Rabe. “It’s not only a way to be immersed in the rich wine and food traditions of the Stellenbosch lifestyle, but many people use it as a prelude to a night on the town.” Tickets (R250pp) are limited, and each includes a branded tasting glass and 10 wine tasting tokens. There are food stalls to keep the hunger pangs at bay, and live music to set the soundtrack. Doors open at 5pm, and the Soirée runs until 8pm. Here are the dates for the remaining Stellenbosch Street Soirées in 2026: 14 & 28 January 2026 11 & 25 February 2026 11 & 25 March 2026 Book your tickets online via Plankton. Sign up to Time Out's free newsletter for expert recommendations on new things to do, see, eat and drink in the Mother City. You can also follow Time Out Cape Town on Facebook, Instagram and TikTo

It’s more than a little ironic that just a day after I had the pleasure of a two-hour delay – spent sitting on the tarmac, waiting for air traffic control – aboard a FlySafair plane that news drops that South Africa’s busiest low-cost airline has been named the most on-time airline in the Middle East and Africa.   Using millions of data points from hundreds of sources, the annual Cirium On-Time Performance Review is a respected global audit assessing airline performance. In the latest report, FlySafair carrier achieved a 91.06% on-time arrival rate, outperforming global airlines including Qatar Airways, Etihad, and Emirates. Of course, flying short domestic and regional routes – often with arrival and departure times slightly ‘padded’ to allow for hiccups – is a different game to coordinating hundreds of aircraft and millions of passengers each year. But still, for many travellers, on-time performance matters, and Cirium’s On-Time Performance Review has placed FlySafair at the top of its Middle East and Africa rankings for 2025, with a 91.06% on-time arrival rate across 62 805 flights. “While we have achieved this recognition previously, it carries particular significance this year,” says FlySafair’s Chief Marketing Officer, Kirby Gordon. “With sustained challenges in air traffic management, fuel supply certainty, and airport infrastructure; including baggage handling systems that sit outside an airline’s direct control; maintaining reliable on-time performance has required

It’s been twenty years since the first tashas opened in Johannesburg, and in the decades since, this much-loved café concept has expanded across the country and the world, with outlets as far afield as London and Dubai. And now tashas has put down roots in the Southern Suburbs, with a new tashas opening at Cavendish Square in Claremont. “This marks a significant milestone for our South African footprint,” says CEO and Founder of Tashas Group, Natasha Sideris. “It’s great to be able to bring our signature warmth and refinement to one of Cape Town’s most vibrant retail and lifestyle destinations.” ‘Cavvies’ is the most popular shopping centre in this corner of the Southern Suburbs and is sure to buzz with festive shoppers as Christmas approaches. But, in truth, tashas isn’t just about festive fuel-ups… it’s a classic brand with a sense of timeless, effortless style, and that certainly shines through in the new space.  Step inside and you’ll find a sophisticated dining room that doesn’t try too hard: think mosaic flooring, high-gloss stucco walls, and rich timber offset by brass accents that will remind loyal regulars of the original tashas café in Atholl, Johannesburg. But also take a moment to admire the hand-embossed paper installation by artist Elonah O’Neil, an ethereal creation floating in the heart of the space, suspended by gold wire and designed to move gently with the breeze. Bronze details by city foundry Bronze Age add yet more subtle textures, while works by contemp

If you’re looking for New Year’s Eve entertainment that doesn’t involve pricey tickets or schlepping across town in Cape Town’s infamous traffic, the V&A Waterfront is going big with a free open-air music celebration that comes complete with good vibes, harbour views and a midnight fireworks moment to ring in 2026. This year’s live programme takes place on – well, of course – 31 December 2025, with the festivities kicking off at 6pm and running until 1am. At midnight, the Waterfront will stage a controlled, five-minute fireworks display designed to be visible from across the precinct and from various viewpoints around the city. Signal Hill will offer epic views, if you can find a spot.   Who’s on the line-up? This year, the NYE bill is headlined by award-winning singer-songwriter Zoë Modiga, with a crowd-friendly mix of live acts and DJs including GoodLuck, Emo Adams and Loukmaan Adams, DJ Shezzy K and the Starlight Band, with KFM’s Carl Wastie on MC duty.  “We love hosting visitors at the V&A Waterfront throughout the year, but there’s something especially magical about this time of year, when families connect, visitors take in the vibe of Cape Town at its best to see out 2025 and welcome the new year,” says Donald Kau, Head of PR & Communications at the V&A Waterfront. “The energy of the evening is truly unmatched, and we love nothing more than being the place where families and friends can come together to welcome the start of a new year in a festive safe and secure envir

The much-anticipated opening of the five-star boutique hotel, The Cole from the Kove Collection has officially opened - Time Out Cape Town's Social Media Manager Ishani Chetty attended the launch event, take a look:  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Cape Town (@timeout.capetown) Following is the initial opening announcement in September this year, by Time Out Cape Town City Expert Richard Holmes: Sea Point – one of Time Out's World's Coolest Neighbourhoods in 2023 – is set for a sizzling hot summer. Between OKU’s planned revival of The Ritz, a boujee new apartment development in Dear Jean, and plenty of restaurant action at street level, the latest goss is that the newest addition to the Kove Collection will be open in time for summer. The Cole is a five-star boutique hotel from the Kove Collection, which also runs The Marly in nearby Camps Bay, and is due to open in December 2025. At The Cole expect 60 light-filled suites where widescreen Atlantic and mountain views take centre stage. There’s a rooftop restaurant and pool, a spa with sauna and cold plunge, and on-site retail with 24 curated brands on offer at Boutique Marly. It’s pitched as modern luxury with an easy seaside rhythm, set just steps from the ever-popular Sea Point prom and just a few minutes’ drive from the Waterfront. “Designed for both the international traveller and the local connoisseur of luxury, this vibrant social hub will blend modern luxury with the distincti

Lumen noun (plural lumens or lumina /ˈluːmənə/ ) The SI unit of luminous flux, equal to the amount of light emitted per unit solid angle (one steradian) from a uniform point source of one candela. Next April, the historic Company’s Garden will be transformed into a glowing playground of light, colour and creativity as Cape Town hosts ‘LUMENOCITY – The Art of Light’. Billed as Africa’s first large-scale festival dedicated entirely to light-based art and immersive creative technology, it’s set to run from 9-12 April 2026. The four-night experience is timed to coincide with the Two Oceans Marathon, adding a new drawcard to an already busy weekend in the city. Designed and created entirely by South African artists – including Cape Town illustrator and multi-disciplinary artist Yay Abe – LUMENOCITY will showcase more than 20 large-scale light installations and interactive artworks. Expect projection mapping by Yay Abe across the South African Museum and National Gallery, glowing pathways, illuminated trees and ambient performances, all encouraging visitors to move, touch, explore and play. “LUMENOCITY is about igniting wonder – that electric moment when imagination feels real,” says Gareth Hadden, LUMENOCITY Founder and Creative Producer. “We want every visitor to leave with a sense of possibility, reminded that creativity isn’t just art on display, but a future Cape Town can shape and lead.” Signature installations include a 10-metre light tower housing an LED ‘cave’ for full vis

Cape Town’s Atlantic seaboard has a new summer hotspot as Morea House, Autograph Collection, opens just a frisbee throw from the sparkling sands of Camps Bay Beach. More than just another new hotel, it’s also the first Autograph Collection property to open in Cape Town, bringing fresh momentum to the city’s rapidly expanding luxury hotel scene. Set right across Victoria Road from Camps Bay Beach, the 90-room hotel is situated on prime sunset territory, offering uninterrupted views of the Atlantic Ocean (for sea view rooms) or Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostles.  Morea House lands just as Cape Town is gearing up for the peak summer season, offering a stylish base within walking distance of the promenade’s restaurants and bars, as well as the prime beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton. Design plays a central role in Morea House, with interiors by Cape Town–based, award-winning designer Tristan du Plessis (also responsible for the recent opening of Amura at Mount Nelson), whose studio specialises in high-impact hospitality spaces worldwide.  Photograph: Jiri Lizler Here, Du Plessis brings a palette of timber, stone, and bronze tones layered with sculptural forms and soft textures. It all aims to echo the contrast between mountain, sea, and sand visible outside the picture windows. Guestrooms and suites take full advantage of those views, with custom furniture and tactile details that emphasise a sense of place. The same applies to the public spaces, which evoke a sense of opu

It’s been a year, right? If you, like me, could really do with some belly laughs to slide into 2026 on the right foot, look no further than Alan Committie’s brand-new show, which goes curtains-up at Theatre on the Bay in December. Alan Committie – who shared his Cape Town favourites on Local Intel – is blasting into the festive season with A-VA-LAUGH-TA, his 28th solo show, at Theatre on the Bay. True to form, audiences can expect a high-energy stand-up special designed to banish the blues with interstellar wordplay, physical comedy, and Committie’s trademark take-downs of the crowd, as this award-winning comic tries to make sense of a year where everything feels a bit… alien. Directed by longtime collaborator Christopher Weare, A-VA-LAUGH-TA riffs on the humorous side of everyday absurdities in 2025.  "To celebrate the third in the series of Avatar movies, ‘Fire and Ash’, which is how people describe my cooking style, I’ve called my latest show A-VA-LAUGH-TA,” Committie told Time Out Cape Town. “I’m covering all kinds of topics, including the need to prevent turning blue and looking after mental health. I also share a do-it-yourself opera guide and reflect on the silliness of book clubs. I take a look at weddings and funerals, and then I finish the show with a recreation of James Cameron’s other big hit, ‘Titanic’, in which I play everyone... including the iceberg. It’s a lucky packet of madness!” It's guaranteed to be a belly-laugh of the very best kind, delivered in the co