Richard Holmes

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. Cape Town-based artist Justine Mahoney has spent more than 30 years developing a body of work that delves into the age-old question of humanity, and what it means to exist within a body. Born in Johannesburg, she completed her National Diploma in Fine Art at the University of Johannesburg in 1991, and has gone on to build a multidisciplinary practice across sculpture and painting. Her work has been shown at Southern Guild, Iziko South African National Gallery and Cavalli Gallery, and internationally at fairs and exhibitions including Design Miami, PAD London and Salon Art + Design in New York. Mahoney is best known for hybrid figures that combine human, animal and mythic elements, and while her early works drew on visual references ranging from science fiction to classical art, today her art is focused inwards, shifting from images in the outside world to those arising from the psyche. It’s work that is layered and otherworldly, but also increasingly personal, and that same sensibility carries into her favourite corners of Cape Town. To discover Justine’s latest work, be sure to check out her current exhibition – Pareidolia – which is on at Southern Guild’s Cape Town gallery (Silo District, V&A Waterfront) until 9 April. MORE LOCALS SHARE THEIR FAVOURITE

Autumn in the Winelands is a time for both rest and revelry. The annual harvest is drawing to a close, the vineyards are settling into winter, and the cellars are full of fermenting juice. And yet, there’s still enough warmth in the day for tastings, long lunches and easy road trips. It’s the last stretch before winter settles in, making it the ideal moment to get out of Cape Town and explore. And if you needed an excuse to plan a day out or weekend away, here it is: the next few months bring a run of wine festivals across the Western Cape, from varietal celebrations to events that shine a light on lesser-known corners of the Cape Winelands.  Some are an easy day out. Others demand a whole weekend. Whether you want to taste top Chardonnay in Robertson, spend a wintery Saturday with Chenin, discover cool-climate producers near Gansbaai, or keep things easy with a food and wine extravaganza in Constantia, these are the wine events to have on your radar before the season changes. More Mother Sippy! The 'vagabond' wines of Jessica Saurwein What a story, is the Inzuzo Wine Company! We sit down with Jennifer Hugé

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. Artist and designer Michael Chandler – founder of Chandler House in the Bo-Kaap – has spent the past decade (and then some) building one of Cape Town’s most distinctive creative worlds. Born in East London in 1985, Chandler moved to Cape Town with his family in 2000 and went on to study at the University of Cape Town, where literature, philosophy and art history helped shape the rich visual language that runs through his work today. His early career took him deep into the worlds of antiques, auctions and decorative arts, from Stephan Welz & Co to Cape Dutch dealer Deon Viljoen, Everard Read and back into the auction world as a furniture specialist, before he launched Chandler House as a space to bring together art, antiques, design and what he has called his “burning creativity”. Since then, Chandler has become known for ceramics, objects and interiors that draw on the visual history of the Cape, blending ornament and botany into storytelling with a distinctly playful eye. Along the way, he has exhibited at the South African National Gallery, collaborated with major retailers on whimsical homeware, been selected as the artist for the 2017 Nederburg Wine Auction and recently made waves with his large-scale hand-painted ceramic murals. He’s nothing short

There are weekends for restaurants and gallery-hopping. Weekends for big-city glamour. And then – often just as the novelty of the new year is starting to lose its shine – there are weekends when your brain is crying out for a little peace and quiet in crisp mountain air. That’s your cue to drive north or east out of town, and keep going until the phone signal fizzles out. Happily, the countryside around Cape Town is very good at serving up that sort of escape. Within two or three hours of the city you can trade traffic for fynbos slopes, river gorges, rock pools, scenic valleys and some very persuasive stoeps. The best mountain getaways aren’t all doing the same thing, either. Some are made for couples who want a hot tub – get steamy in our fulll hot tub guide over here – and a bottle of wine with nobody in sight. Others are better for families, hiking groups or a long-overdue gathering of friends. But all of them deliver the same essential promise: fresh air, dramatic scenery and the excuse to do very little at all but sit back and reboot. RECOMMENDED:🛏 A guide to where to stay in Cape Town🍴 The best restaurants in Cape Town🐧 The best beaches in Cape Town🏡 The best Airbnbs in Cape Town🏨 The best hotels 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. 

Cape Town’s food scene is next-level. Officially ranked the 4th best food city in the world, the Mother City blends global flavours with local flair, dishing up everything from award-winning fine dining to hole-in-the-wall gems you’ll want to keep secret (but we won’t). With its rich mix of cultures, the city’s dining scene is a constant state of delicious evolution - think boundary-pushing chefs, bold new concepts and collaborations with plenty of option that’ll have you booking a table immediately. Hungry and ready to explore? We’ve rounded up the hottest new restaurants in and around Cape Town - because we are dedicated to keeping our finger on the pulse of Cape Town’s dining scene, uncovering the hottest new restaurants for you to enjoy! 

This list is from 2024. Our latest ranking for 2025 is live here. In 2024, what exactly makes a neighbourhood cool? Craft breweries, natty wine bars and street art are well and good, but the world’s best, most exciting and downright fun neighbourhoods are much more than identikit ‘hipster hubs’. They’re places that reflect the very best of their cities – its culture, community spirit, nightlife, food and drink – all condensed in one vibey, walkable district. To create our annual ranking, we went straight to the experts – our global team of on-the-ground writers and editors – and asked them what the coolest neighbourhood in their city is right now, and why. Then we narrowed down the selection and ranked the list using the insight and expertise of Time Out’s global editors, who vetted each neighbourhood against criteria including food, drink, arts, culture, street life, community and one-of-a-kind local flavour. The result? A list that celebrates the most unique and exciting pockets of our cities – and all their quirks. Yes, you’ll find some of those international hallmarks of ‘cool’. But in every neighbourhood on this list there’s something you won’t find anywhere else. Ever been to a photography museum that moonlights as a jazz club? Or a brewery with a library of Russian literature? How about a festival dedicated to fluff? When communities fiercely support and rally around their local businesses, even the most eccentric ideas can become a reality. And that, in our eyes, is

JANUARY 2026 UPDATE: My birthday falls in early February, and even though Janu-worry is behind us, I could still do with a few extra coins in my pocket. So I went out and scoured Cape Town for even more free things to enjoy on my (and you on your) birthday. We've updated and expanded this guide so much you'll need some careful planning to fit them all in! Some are for kids. Others are best for adults. Either way, you'll find so many offers are valid for the whole month, so you can space them out. Enjoy! They say the best things in life are free. But that’s not entirely true... what’s even better than free stuff is free stuff on your birthday! Whether you’re riding the cableway to a rocky mountain (birthday) high or soaking up silver-screen magic beneath the stars, make the most of a little me-time with the best birthday freebies Cape Town has to offer. 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 was a time when all we wanted from a weekend cottage was a decent place to make a braai. Today? It’s the wood-fired hot tub that’s the must-have accessory when booking a place to escape for a few nights. And happily, close to Cape Town, we are spoiled for choice. From vineyard hideaways in the Winelands to beach houses on the West Coast, mountain cabins in the Overberg and riverside boltholes on the Southern Cape, we’ve rounded up some of the most unforgettable escapes that bring a strong hot tub game. Some are properly romantic, built for couples, while others are large enough for you to bring friends and family along. Some are rustic and off-grid, while others are design-forward and luxurious (with prices to match). What they all have in common is that sought-after sense of escape: fresh air, open views, and a steamy hot tub to look forward to.  Whether you’re in the mood for a boutique tent at Boschendal, a beachfront soak in St Helena Bay, or a quiet pod above Theewaterskloof, these are some of our favourite hot-tub cabins near Cape Town right now. Pack the firelighters, bring a book, and plan on staying in. RECOMMENDED:☕️ The best cafés and coffee shops in Cape Town📍 The best things to do in Cape Town🥣 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town🏨 The best hotels 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.

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 Mother City has always been a great place for surprise wildlife encounters. It could be a caracal on the mountain, a few dolphins with your Tobago’s brunch at the Radisson, or a horny Tahr on the paths of Table Mountain. Sunfish in the Robinson dry dock, or orcas in Kalk Bay harbour? We’ve had those too. But right now, all eyes – and aaaaawws – in the city are on the Cape clawless otters that you’ll find living in and around Cape Town. There are otters in Glencairn and Simon’s Town that you might be lucky enough to see at sunset, and this family became Instagram stars recently:   View this post on Instagram A post shared by Belinda Joubert (@bj.inspire) But for many tourists and locals, some of the city’s most charismatic “did you just see that?” sightings are happening in the canals of the V&A Waterfront and near Green Point Park, where Cape clawless otters are living their best semi-aquatic lives alongside joggers, shoppers and kayakers. “Cape clawless otters are native to the Cape Peninsula coastline and have always occurred in the broader region,” explains Martine Viljoen, who runs the Two Oceans Aquarium’s Marine Wildlife Management Programme. “Their presence in highly urban spaces like the Waterfront became more noticeable during the COVID-19 lockdown period, when reduced human activity allowed wildlife to explore areas they had not usually been observed to frequent.”   Photograph: Steve Benjamin   Lockdowns meant playtime for

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. Matthew Sterne swopped a career as a journalist in the travel media to start his own tour guiding company in Cape Town. But instead of simply doing the same-old same-old tours that follow a well-worn path around the peninsula, Sterne took the road less travelled by. Under the brand ‘Natural Wanders’, the self-proclaimed ‘Chief Wanderer’ set about creating a series of walking tours that got visitors and locals under the skin of the Mother City.   Sterne began with the Lion Trail, a half-day walking tour that offers the perfect introduction to Cape Town, bundling the biodiversity, food, culture and scenery of the Mother City into an immersive local-led experience. Building on the success of this city wander, he developed the Constantia Wine Walk, which offers guests a taste of the valley’s fine wines, while delving deep into the ways its history is indelibly linked to the development of the Cape’s winelands. Realising tourists (and curious locals) had a taste for vineyard adventures, he stepped out with the Franschhoek Wine Wander. The latest addition to his portfolio of unique walking tours is the Cocktail & Speakeasy Tour, which introduces wanderers to hidden bars and mixology hotspots in the East City of Cape Town. While Sterne’s tours distil the very be

There are so many good reasons to love ‘The Nellie’. For 125 years, it’s epitomised luxury in the Mother City, whether you stop in for Afternoon Tea, admire the art that fills the corridors, or check in for the night. And with its latest collaboration, the Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, is proving that it has a finger pressed more tightly than ever to Africa’s creative pulse. In the month that the Mother City welcomes the Investec Cape Town International Art Fair, the Mount Nelson has thrown open the doors to the Thebe Magugu Suite. Who is Thebe Magugu? If you’re not au fait with the world of African fashion, Thebe Magugu is one of South Africa’s most celebrated fashion designers. Born in Kimberley and known for his considered exploration of African identity and contemporary elegance, for the past decade Magugu has taken his unique take on African fashion from Mzansi to the world. And now he brings that nuanced lens to one of Mount Nelson’s historic wings, with the two-storey Thebe Magugu Suite along the historic Palm Avenue.   Photograph: Mount Nelson It’s Magugu’s debut in luxury hospitality design, and – let me tell you – it’s a knockout. Billed as an ‘Afro-modernist sanctuary’, it is indeed the kind of suite where you might check in and never leave. Melding African heritage and British sensibility, it’s a space alive with texture and organic tones, a true cocoon where you’ll want to sit quietly and let your eyes soak in the detail. Created in collaboration with Studi

Recently voted one of Time Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2026, Park Hyatt Johannesburg brings a low-key luxury to what is perhaps my favourite corner of the city. Set within a restored 1930s mansion in leafy Rosebank, this is the South African debut of the Park Hyatt brand, and while it may be one of the smallest outposts in Hyatt’s huge global portfolio, it makes a strong first impression with heritage architecture, beautiful interiors and warm and attentive service like only Jozi can do. There’s a sense of arrival from the outset, from the suited doormen at the entrance to the art-filled interiors within. And be sure to take a moment to admire the collection of Assouline tomes that grace the lobby! Original architectural details nod to the old manor house, while the design of this new property layers in plenty of elegant details: parquet floors, marble finishes, fluted glass and a curated arts programme inspired by South African landscapes and botanical history. It all feels indulgent without trying too hard. Why stay at Park Hyatt Johannesburg? Johannesburg has no shortage of luxury hotels, but Park Hyatt Johannesburg stands out for both its scale (small enough to feel personal) and mood (quietly upmarket). With only 31 rooms and suites, it feels far more intimate than the city’s larger five-star properties, and that smaller footprint gives it the feel of a private urban guesthouse – but with all the hotel bells and whistles – rather than a conventional business hot

Turn the clock back a century, and Muizenberg was one of the Cape’s most fashionable seaside resorts. With grand homes along the so-called Millionaire’s Mile and a lively beachfront culture, famous visitors included everyone from Cecil John Rhodes, who died at Rhodes Cottage in 1902, to Rudyard Kipling, Agatha Christie and George Bernard Shaw. And now, with Muizenberg’s massive beachfront renovation well underway, it looks like this corner of the city is about to enjoy its next heyday, as visitors flock to the warm waters, gentle surf and an ever-growing menu of cafés and restaurants. While The Happy Rooster, which opened in late-2025, might be on the ‘wrong’ side of the tracks, across the railway from the beach, it’s worth the short walk to take a seat in this laid-back Portuguese-style restaurant, where trinchado steak and peri-peri chicken are served up at great prices with a side order of knock-out sea views. The Backstory 15 December 1882 was a big day for Muizenberg. A Friday in Cape Town, and I’d like to think that the good and great of this seaside suburb turned out in numbers to watch the first train huff and chuff its way along the railway line that had finally reached False Bay. Suddenly, this corner of the city’s coastline was easy to reach for day-trippers and holidaymakers, and Muizenberg’s first heyday as a seaside resort was about to begin. But it would be another 31 years before the grand red-brick train station – that still stands today – was built. With its

Opening a restaurant days before the peak summer season in Cape Town requires a certain kind of confidence. Opening a restaurant catering for up to 300 diners, right on the tourist-packed pavements of Kalk Bay, days before the peak summer season? Well, that’s just a little bit crazy. But since opening in December 2025, The Reef has survived and thrived in the first three months of summer, so Time Out Cape Town pulled in for a taste of what’s on offer. Ocean views, succulent seafood, and a laid-back beach vibe make this a welcome new addition to the Kalk Bay strip. The Backstory The False Bay coastline is home to what is surely one of the most scenic commuter railway routes in the world. Once the line from Cape Town reaches Muizenberg, the tracks run so close to the coast that you’re liable to get spray on the windows when there’s a big swell running. Alongside the railway, you’ll find signal gear, stations (of course), and a collection of railway houses and buildings, many of which are shuttered and in various states of disrepair.  And it was one of these railway buildings, just on the outskirts of ever-popular Kalk Bay, that today houses The Reef. Renovated, reimagined, and boasting superb sea views, it’s a great example of old buildings being given a new lease of life, adding to the myriad attractions of the city. Kalk Bay has a few seaside restaurants (hello Brass Bell), and The Reef is a welcome new addition to the suburb.  The Vibe Low-key, straight from the beach, as la

Arum is a modern Winelands restaurant with a clear brief: cook from the farm and add flavour with flame. “Farm to fire” is how they frame it here, and whether you’re gazing out at the vegetable gardens from your table or admiring the dry-ageing fridge near the kitchens, there’s a very real sense of being close to your food. It’s elevated cooking, but without pretence or fuss. It’s the smartest table on Boschendal Farm, but also low-key in its approach to polished service and authentic hospitality, which is always on point. Though it’s only been open a few months, it’s sure to become a dining destination in the region. The Backstory Arum is the latest outing from chef Peter Tempelhoff — he of FYN fame — and his team, with chef Travis Finch guiding the menu and handling the day-to-day running of the kitchen. It’s a kitchen that works closely with the estate’s farmers, with much of what you see on the menu coming from the farm. The Vibe Arum sits in Boschendal’s original werf building, and the design leans into contemporary aesthetics rather than historic farm vibes. That’s thanks to a crack design team: Rotem Shachar and Megan Bond of MR. Design Studio, working alongside architect Jacques Mouton, and under the guidance of acclaimed designer Tristan du Plessis. There’s a comfortable flow through different spaces, from the heritage room (a delight in winter) through to the garden-facing section. The views here across the Food Garden are superb, with a large terrace if the weather

At DUSK, in the heart of Stellenbosch, executive chef Callan Austin has made a name for himself with a bold menu of refined cuisine, conceptual plates, and adventurous tasting menus. But Plenitude is not that. Instead, although it is located inside Majeka House boutique hotel, Plenitude leans firmly into the realm of a neighbourhood restaurant. The kind of place where you’ll return every other week, and the staff will know exactly how you like your martini. It’s still early days, but Plenitude is starting to find its feet out on the floor and in the kitchen. The Backstory Plenitude – which means ‘abundance’ – is part of a broader refresh at Majeka House, which was recently taken over by The Living Journey Collection, a group that runs hotels across the Cape. Austin oversees creative direction, but it’s chef Orlando Reid who leads the kitchen day-to-day and is most likely cooking your dinner.  His goal is straightforward: a restaurant with the style of a small hotel but the welcoming feel of your local eatery. And on the menu? A choice of approachable plates, elevated just enough to make it feel like a treat. The Vibe There are two spaces at Plenitude, and where you dine will depend on your mood and perhaps the weather. The small terrace is a delight, especially at lunchtime when you’ll want to be out in the warm Winelands air looking over the small gardens. Come evening, head indoors for a more refined dinner setting, with white tablecloths, fine stemware, and a rather-grand

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

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.

Let's be clear. It is a long (long!) way from Cape Town to New York. Flying direct on United Airlines, you'll cover almost 13 000 kilometres on a flight that takes nearly 16 hours. it's one of the longest routes on United's huge network. I've done it twice, and can attest to the fact that by the end you'll be about ready to sell a kidney if it'll get you bumped up to the Polaris business class for the flight home.  But those long-haul economy flights from Cape Town to the US of A might be about to get a little more enjoyable. This week, US-based carrier United Airlines unveiled the new United Relax Row, a three-seat economy setup that converts into a couch-style space after take-off. It’s aimed at families with small children and couples travelling together, but solo travellers with deep pockets who want a bit more room could also sign up. The concept is pretty simple. A dedicated row of three United Economy seats uses adjustable leg rests that fold out to create a flatter, mattress-like surface for stretching out, sleeping, or at least making a long-haul binge-watch feel a bit more civilised. Just don’t think you can use it to Netflix and chill, OK? Passengers booked into the Relax Row will get a custom-fitted mattress pad, specially sized blankets and extra pillows, while families will receive child-focused extras including a plush toy and travel kit. The new section will sit between standard economy and United Premium Plus. The Relax Row isn’t exactly groundbreaking. Air N

South Africans have taken to cruise holidays like the proverbial duck to water, with MSC (that’s the Mediterranean Shipping Company) bringing ships to local waters to allow a taste of life on the high seas, without the cost of a long-haul air ticket. In the latest season it was the MSC Opera that sailed in local waters, with most departures sailing out of Durban to explore the warm waters of Mozambique and the Indian Ocean. But, this year Cape Town gets the last word, and MSC Opera will head south to wrap up the local season. On 27 March the ship departs Durban’s Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal on a three-night voyage to Cape Town, giving travellers one last chance to sail along South Africa’s coastline before the local season ends in April. Once in Cape Town, MSC Opera will operate a line-up of cruises from the Cape Town Cruise Terminal. The programme includes short three-night cruises into the Indian Ocean, along with longer five-night round-trip sailings to Walvis Bay in Namibia. Set sail on the last MSC Cruises: 30 March 2026: Bok Radio Cruise A five-night round-trip sailing from Cape Town to Walvis Bay, Namibia, and back, with Bok Radio and a line-up of South African artists bringing the music on board. Cabins are available online from R11 558 per person sharing.  4 April 2026: Love Jazz Cruise Another five-night round-trip from Cape Town to Walvis Bay, this one built around a jazz-themed experience at sea. We can't see any cabins available online, so best to contact MSC

Well now. That didn’t last long. We were quite excited back in 2024 when Air Botswana announced the launch of direct flights from Cape Town to Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta and within easy reach of the Makgadikgadi Pans. If you were planning a luxe safari or perhaps an overland adventure, Maun was the place to be. And any competition with Airlink, which dominates these sorts of regional routes, could only be good news for fares.   But, 18 months on, it seems that the beleaguered national carrier of our northern neighbour just couldn’t make it work.   The airline has quietly gone and canned its direct flights from the Mother City to Maun, citing the need to “optimise our route network, safeguard schedule integrity, and ensure that our customers continue to benefit from reliable and efficient services.” But Cape Town shouldn’t take it too personally. This time, seriously, it’s not us, it’s them. Along with Cape Town, Air Botswana also recently cancelled its direct services from the capital Gaborone to Durban and Windhoek. If you’re planning a trip to the Delta this winter – remember that May to August is peak season – you can still get there on Airlink’s daily non-stop flights from Cape Town to Maun. It’ll take about 2h30m and set you back around R10 000 return. ICYMI: Cape Town International crowned Africa’s best airport! Sign up to Time Out Cape Town's free newsletter for expert recommendations on new things to do, see, eat and drink in the Mother City. You can

“We’re bringing back the boerie!” That’s the bold, boerewors-powered plan from restaurateur and chef Neil Swart who, together with business partner Anouchka Horn, is shaking up the edible attractions of Cape Town's East City. If those names sound familiar, they should, because they are no strangers to Cape Town’s restaurant scene. In 2018 they transformed an old bike shop on Harrington Street into Belly of the Beast, a restaurant with a set menu and a bold approach to nose-to-tail cooking. It was an instant hit. They followed that up in 2023 with Galjoen, bringing that same focus on ingredients to South African seafood. In 2025 Seebamboes took it up another notch, with a more refined tasting menu experience. Now they’re both ramping it up and dialling it back, with ambitious plans for three new Harrington Street restaurants opening this year. We’ll get to the other two in a bit, but for now let’s get down to the wors.  “Everyone is opening up smashburger joints, and that’s all the rage, but Anouchka and I always wondered why you can’t get a bloody good boerie roll on every corner of this country?” So while they’re not quite solving the ‘every corner’ problem, when BURI opens in mid-2026 they’ll have fixed at least one corner in the East City. BURI is going to keep things “lekker simple”, says Swart. “Somebody wrote that we’re reimagining the boerewors roll. We’re not doing that, we’re just doing it properly, with good ingredients and a bit of care and attention,” says Swart. 

Is this the most colourful weekend of the year in the Mother City? It might just be, as the Cape Town Carnival returns on Saturday, 21 March 2026, bringing one of the city’s biggest annual street parties back to Green Point. This year’s edition runs under the theme ‘Follow Your HEART’, and around 1500 performers from communities across the Cape are expected to take part in the three-hour parade. The Carnival is marking 16 years of the event in 2026, with organisers promising a big night of floats, music, dance and street performance. The parade – which officially starts at 7pm – will once again be the main attraction, but there’s plenty more happening in the hours before and after. Alongside the moving spectacle of floats, bands and dancers, carnivalgoers can expect entertainment villages with food and bars, spectator stands, live stages and a late-night afterparty. But if you’ve been before, you’ll know that the pre-parade build-up is half the fun. And if you love a man in uniform, you’re in luck! In what has become one of the event’s best-loved traditions, the City’s brave men (and women) in blue (and red) are set to take part in the warm-up activities before the main procession, so expect the City’s Fire and Rescue Services and Law Enforcement officers to step out in style. Photograph: Cape Town Carnival 2025   An entertainment village near the start of the route will run from 3pm through to midnight, with food trucks, performances and an afterparty headlined by DJ R

Just as the last of the glitter and tinsel is being packed away after the Cape Town Carnival, attention shifts from Green Point’s parade route to DHL Stadium, where the DHL Stormers take on Welsh side Dragons RFC on Sunday, 22 March. It will be the Stormers’ first United Rugby Championship home game at DHL Stadium since January, and around 20 000 spectators are expected for the 3pm kick-off. Can I still get a ticket? Absolutely! The good news is that tickets are still available, starting from just R85! Gates open at 1pm.  And what’s more, this Sunday your ticket gets you a double-header of great rugby, because the URC clash will be followed by a curtain-dropper fixture between a Stormers XV and the Seattle Seawolves, which gets under way at 5.15pm. The Seattle Seawolves is a professional rugby union team based in Seattle, Washington. They play in Major League Rugby, the top-level professional rugby competition in the United States, but don’t be surprised if you hear a fair bit of Afrikaans coming from their pack! Although they’re one of the league’s most established clubs and two-time MLR champions, the current squad is filled with South African players! Getting there and away Got your ticket? Great. But, as always, getting to and from the stadium will take some planning, and public transport is likely to be the easiest option for avoiding the usual congestion around Green Point.  A free MyCiTi shuttle service, only available to ticket holders, will transport spectators to

Autumn is one of the best times to explore the Cape Winelands, and Tokara Wine and Olive Estate is marking this 'secret season' with the return of its annual Rare Plant Fair & Autumn Open Garden this April. Set on the slopes of the Simonsberg, just off Stellenbosch’s Helshoogte Pass, Tokara is famous for its food and wine, but this one-day event invites visitors to wander through Tokara’s private farm garden – usually closed to the public – at what the estate describes as Autumn’s halfway mark. Expect meandering pathways, secluded garden rooms, sculptures and wide views across the Banghoek Valley.  One of the garden’s standout features is the Adamastor Moss Garden. Created by Japanese garden specialist Gert van Tonder using local sandstone, granite and moss gathered from the surrounding terrain, guided tours of the moss garden will be offered on an ad hoc, first-come, first-served basis. Alongside access to the private gardens, the Rare Plant Fair will see specialist growers offering a wide range of plants for sale, including indigenous fynbos, proteas and more unusual exotic species suited to autumn planting. It’s a drawcard for serious plant collectors and home gardeners alike, but also for anyone looking for an easy day outdoors in one of the Cape’s most scenic settings.  There’s good reason to make a full day of it. Refreshments will be available on site, while a limited number of pre-booked picnic hampers from the Tokara Delicatessen will be offered for collection at the

Cape Town has done it again, claiming a top 10 place on Time Out’s global ranking of the World’s Best Cities after finishing in first place a year ago. Time Out’s city ranking for 2026 has placed South Africa’s ‘Mother City’ at number six in the world, confirming what locals have been saying for years: there are very few places that can match Cape Town for sheer quality of life, natural beauty and cultural energy. And did we even mention the food scene?  While the #6 ranking is a few positions lower than in 2025, when it was named Best City in the World, it still puts Cape Town in seriously good company. This year Melbourne takes the top spot, followed by Shanghai, Edinburgh, London and New York. Cape Town lands ahead of a few heavyweight global cities, beating out Mexico City, Bangkok, Seoul and Tokyo, which round out the top 10. How are Time Out's 50 best cities chosen? Essentially, it's based on the insights of over 24,000 people across 150 cities worldwide. "We combined their thousands of responses with the votes of more than 100 Time Out city experts. Then we tapped up our network of local writers to tell us exactly what makes their city worth a visit right now," explains Time Out Travel Editor Grace Beard.   "Cape Town’s continued recognition among the world’s best cities speaks to its enduring global appeal," enthuses Enver Duminy, CEO of Cape Town Tourism. "Visitors come for the natural beauty, but what stays with them is the depth of the experience, from our neigh

While we’ll have to wait a few more weeks to discover how much pain there will be at the petrol pumps, flights on South Africa’s largest low-cost carrier are going to get more expensive a whole lot sooner.  In the same week that fares for international travel spiked, FlySafair has announced that it will introduce a fuel surcharge for all new flight bookings, on service between 12 March and 12 May 2026. Existing bookings won’t be affected, and no surcharge will be added retrospectively. The airline says it is introducing the fuel surcharge after a sharp spike in jet fuel prices pushed up operating costs across its network. According to the airline, jet fuel prices at South African coastal airports have jumped by around 70 percent in the past week, following the escalation of the Middle East crisis on 28 February. FlySafair doesn’t hedge its fuel costs, meaning it is vulnerable to daily price shifts. R70 000 in extra costs for Cape Town - Joburg “Fuel typically makes up 50 – 55 percent of FlySafair’s direct operating costs,” said the airline in a statement. “At current price levels, the airline estimates an additional cost of around R35,000 per flight hour for each Boeing 737-800 aircraft in operation. FlySafair has absorbed these increases since the crisis began, but this is simply not sustainable without threatening the long-term viability of affordable air travel in South Africa.” FlySafair says it has absorbed those costs up to now, but can no longer do so without putting p

If you’ve tried to book a flight out of the Mother City recently, you’re probably still picking your jaw up off the floor. What was a predictable, if somewhat costly, R14 500 return fare to London in mid-February has, within just 10 days, increased to a flight ticket that threatens to leave a R50 000 hole in your wallet, if you want to fly direct from the Mother City to Heathrow. If time's no matter, and you don't mind flying via East Africa, you might get that figure down closer to R30 000. And that’s not for a seat at the sharp end, but a humble economy class ticket. If you can even get a seat, that is.  And it all comes down to that good old economic principle of supply and demand. Following the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East on 28 February, the global aviation network has experienced a systemic shock not seen since the COVID pandemic. According to aviation analytics, the scale of disruption is staggering. Globally, more than 40,000 flights have been cancelled since 28 February, removing around 4.4 million seats from the global aviation market. And it’s hit Cape Town and South Africa especially hard. Our location at the very tip of Africa—coupled with the regional dominance built by Middle Eastern carriers over the past decade—means South Africa is disproportionately reliant on Middle East connections for affordable long-haul travel. So when airspace shuts down and flights are grounded, the sudden instability in that region has effectively closed our most po

Eliud Kipchoge has announced that the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon will be the first stop on Eliud’s Running World, his new seven-continent marathon tour. The 2026 race takes place on Sunday 24 May. It’s great news for marathon organisers, after the 2025 edition was blown out by gale-force winds and had to be cancelled at the last minute. With the star power of Kipchoge at the start, it also bodes well for the Cape Town Marathon’s bid for World Major status.  But for Kipchoge - who in 2019  became the first person to run a marathon in under two hours, clocking 1:59:40 in Vienna in an unofficial exhibition event – the Cape Town start is more than just another race day. The Kenyan superstar says he wants the tour to help “make this world a running world”, with the two-year project designed to take him to all seven continents while raising funds for the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation’s work in education and environmental awareness. Cape Town, he says, is a particularly meaningful place to begin. “Africa is where my journey as a runner began and where the foundation of my success is deeply rooted,” said Kipchoge. “To start this World Tour in Cape Town is very special. It is about celebrating the strength of African running and inspiring the next generation. To race my first ever marathon on the African continent holds deep meaning for me. I cannot wait!” Wait, what? Yes, that little factoid almost sneaked past me too, but it’s true! Kipchoge’s appearance adds a neat piece of sporting his

Fifteen years after the World Cup triggered a significant upgrade of Cape Town International Airport (does anyone even remember that tiny old domestic terminal?) the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has confirmed that R10 billion will be invested in expanding the airport to accommodate future demand.  The largest portion of that – over R6-billion – will be allocated to something every passenger will utilise but may not really notice: a new, realigned main runway.  The new runway will measure 3500 metres by 60 metres and will be classified as ‘Code F’ by the International Civil Aviation Organisation. This means the runway is designed to safely accommodate the largest passenger aircraft in the world, such as the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747-8, as well as the next generation of wide-body aircraft. The runway will also rotate 11.5 degrees eastward. While that may not sound like much, the realignment will free up space within the airport precinct and will include rapid-exit taxiways and a partial parallel taxiway. This means aircraft can clear the runway more quickly, getting passengers to the terminal faster, and helping the next aircraft land or take off sooner. In theory, it should lead to improved on-time performance for passengers.  But passengers will likely be more interested in what’s available at the airport itself, and in line with the runway works, Cape Town International plans a substantial expansion of the domestic terminal. Photograph: SuppliedArtist impression of