Richard Holmes

Have you seen that ad for a certain car-buying/selling platform featuring comedian Schalk Bezuidenhout? The one where petrol is so valuable he uses it as eau de cologne, and gets a bunch of guys to push his kombi around? It's funny, not funny. But Schalk, we feel that way too. With the price of petrol through the roof, it’s tempting to just put the car up on bricks and accept the fact you’re never going to take a road-trip holiday ever again. But, hold up. Not so fast. One of the joys of living in Cape Town is that we have so much right on the doorstep. Whether it’s the ocean, mountains or vineyards your soul is craving, it’s never too far away. So, with a little weekend escape on our minds, and a beady eye on the fuel gauge, we scouted out a dozen destinations less than 100 kays from Cape Town. Now, I don’t know what car you drive, but with a light foot on the pedal you can probably get 10 litres per 100kms, right? 10 litres of petrol is about 240 bucks (with a tip for the attendant). Return trip, that’s less than R500 on petrol for a weekend away. Score! So from the misty cliffs of the southern Peninsula to the vineyards and olive groves of the Swartland, these gems are all under 100km from Claremont (where the Time Out office is). Time to fill up and head out... 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 sh

As much as Cape Town is a hotspot for nightlife, it’s also a city that knows how to make mornings count. Step out in the city on a Saturday and you’ll see pelotons of cyclists powering south down the peninsula. Surfers strap boards to the roof in search of the best surf breaks in Cape Town, Park Run events are packed, and runners pound the pavement on the Sea Point Prom or tackle the endless trails of Table Mountain. All of which means that by the time the sun is up, half the city has earned their breakfast. And those sleeping in after the night before? Well, they deserve a good feed. Happily, Cape Town has no shortage of sublime spots for breakfast and brunch, whether you’re in the city or the suburbs. The city’s coffee culture is as complex as the artisan hand-roasted beans being ground by bearded baristas, and bakeries turn out pastries so good they’ll make a Parisian weep. And the melting pot of the city’s kitchens comes to the fore here too, whether it’s shakshuka from the Levant or a southern-style chicken waffle. Brunch might come with bubbles (local Cap Classique, of course) and plant-leaning cafés (Cape Town’s vegetarian restaurants are sublime) pile bowls with greens and grains. All of which means you’re spoilt for choice when deciding where to go for breakfast or brunch in Cape Town. Take a seat, and check out these local favourites. RECOMMENDED: 😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🍣 The best sushi in Cape Town🍕 The best pizza in Cape Town🍷 The best wine far

South Africa’s love affair with meat means you'll find a steak featured on almost any restaurant menu across the city, from fast-food to fine-dining. But as any committed carnivore will tell you, a single option buried deep on a long menu doesn’t really count. Instead, if you’re after a fine steak and likely a good glass of red to match, you’d do well to head straight to one of the Mother City’s celebrated steakhouses. Many of Cape Town’s best steakhouses have been in business for decades; a testament to their quality and, often, personality. In recent years many have also honed in on what really matters: serving the best cuts sourced from local farmers, and grilled to perfection. Rump or sirloin, T-bone or hangar... whichever you prefer, these are the best steakhouses in Cape Town. RECOMMENDED: 😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town☕️ The best cafés and coffee shops in Cape Town📍 The best things to do in Cape Town This article was written by Richard Holmes, a travel writer based in Cape Town. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines and check out our latest travel guides written by local experts.

When the winter cold fronts hit the Mother City, many people reach for their wooly slippers. But savvy Capetonians reach for their weekend bags and puffer jackets instead. Winter is officially the Western Cape’s ‘secret season’, and without the crowds of summer, hotels and guesthouses across the Cape drop their rates to fill their rooms. Which means it’s prime time for locals to get out and explore, without breaking the budget. Besides, it’s just rain, right?  While the odd cold front may make the mercury fall, that’s just an excuse to light the fire and open a bottle of something red. Or, lace up those boots and enjoy the fynbos when its most lush and green. Whether you’re looking to soak in a wood-fired hot tub – we’ve got the best hot tubs getaways over here – while the rain patters on a canvas roof, or find a five-star fireside sanctuary in the heart of the city, we’ve tracked down the most enticing offers for the winter. Haul out your weekend bags, check the diary, and hit the road... RECOMMENDED: 🚵 The best mountain bike getaways in the Cape🍴 The best restaurants in Cape Town🐧 The best beaches in Cape Town⛰️ The best mountain getaways close to 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. 

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. MORE LOCALS SHARE THEIR FAVOURITE SPOTS Musician Mandisi Dyantyis on finding inspiration in the city Stormers coach John Dobson on his favourite steakhouse Where designer Sindiso Khumalo shops for gifts Where songster Will L

It’s April, and all eyes are on the dams. City managers are warning residents of possible water shortages in the summer ahead and putting the metro on ‘Early Drought Caution’. This week, the city’s main water storage dams are just 45 percent full, about 20 percent lower than at this time last year, and the 2017 drought and threat of ‘Day Zero’ still looms large in the minds of locals. But, in fact, this is all nothing new. Cape Town: always a thirsty city Wind the clock back 150 years, and the fast-growing city of Cape Town was battling the same problem: a lack of fresh water to fill the taps of the expanding suburbs below. Locals had long relied on the spring water and streams that flow from the sandstone of Table Mountain – the Khoisan named this place Camissa, for its ‘sweet water’ – but by the late-1800s those streams were no longer enough. As demand rose and summer streams dried up, engineers were forced to think bigger. And higher. Their solution was a bold one: build reservoirs on top of Table Mountain. First came the Woodhead Tunnel, built between 1888 and 1891, which diverted water from the Disa Stream – which flows into Hout Bay – towards the city centre. However, streams ebb and flow with the rains. Dams are more reliable. In 1890, Scottish engineer Thomas Stewart was brought in to help turn that idea into stone and mortar. He built cableways up Kasteelspoort, and laid rail tracks for steam engines on the mountain top. Sandstone was plentiful, but it all had to be

Last week, while we were all kicking back on Easter holidays, the City of Cape Town quietly announced that the Battle of Muizenberg site had officially been proclaimed a Provincial Heritage Site, bringing the list of provincial sites to 20. Which, no doubt, left many Capetonians scratching their heads. Muizenberg had a battle? Seriously? Because these days Muizenberg is better known for its rainbow beach huts, beginner-friendly surf break and a breezy beachfront full of restaurants and cafés. Just over the tracks, The Happy Rooster dishes up darn fine Afro-Portuguese food, served with a great sea view. But take a short walk along the Main Road towards Kalk Bay, and you’ll find yourself at the gate to one of the unsung historic corners of the city. The site of the Battle of Muizenberg.   The site’s formal protection as a Provincial Heritage Site identifies the area as “a cultural landscape site with various layers of significance”. That includes evidence of shell middens that suggest the presence of indigenous groups well before the occupation of Muizenberg by the Dutch in the mid-17th century. More Cape History: The ‘circle of saints’ around Cape Town But there are also the remains of the stone walls and fortifications that defined the Battle of Muizenberg, a conflict between the Dutch and British in 1795. The Dutch defence fortifications were overseen by Louis Michel Thibault; a military engineer at the time, who would later become a prominent architect of 18th-century C

It wasn’t all that long ago that beer in Cape Town was thoroughly mainstream, with your options limited to little more than mass-produced lager. But in step with the rise in artisan coffee and a taste for Neopolitan pizza came the slow but unstoppable spread of craft beers, as local beer-lovers discovered you could do so much more with hops and malted barley. Today across Cape Town’s bars and restaurants you’ll find hundreds of delicious craft beers, from dozens of local breweries, on tap and in the bottle. But nothing beats sinking a pint at the source, pulling up a barstool in one of the city’s cosy taprooms. At many, the food is as good as what’s in the glass, and you’ll always find a buzzy atmosphere and a knowledgeable bartender happy to talk you through the taps on offer. Thirsty yet? Take a seat and have a look through Time Out's expanded and updated guide to the best craft beer taprooms to visit in and around Cape Town. RECOMMENDED: 🍷 The best rooftop bars in 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. 

What does your dream weekend away look like? Is it all about culinary adventures through the winelands? We’ve got that covered over here. Prefer to kick back with your dearly beloved in the steamy embrace of a wood-fired hot tub? Here are some of our favourite hot tubs in the Cape. But if your perfect escape comes covered in mud, includes plenty of gravel, and offers the chance to get sweaty on the hills and stoked on the descents, you’ve come to the right place.  Because the Western Cape is nothing short of nirvana for those who love muddy tracks and two wheels to get dirty on. Within a few hours of the city – or as little as 30 minutes – you can be riding hand-built singletrack through fynbos, cranking hard through forested valleys, climbing granite slopes or cruising rugged Karoo tracks with barely another rider in sight. But not every country cottage can be called a getaway for dedicated riders. A gravel road on its own won’t cut it, right? So we’ve scoured the Cape to rustle up our favourite getaways for some proper MTB. Places where trails are well marked, the singletrack brings a smile, and there are wash bays, rental bikes and route maps to make life easy. If you want to roll straight from your room onto the dirt, look no further. RECOMMENDED:🛏 A guide to where to stay in Cape Town🍴 The best restaurants in Cape Town🐧 The best beaches in Cape Town⛰️ The best mountain getaways close to Cape Town🏨 The best hotels in Cape Town Born and raised in the city, Richard Hol

Welcome to Mother Sippy, where we shine a light on the talented winemakers, brewers, distillers and mixologists that make sure the Mother City never goes thirsty! From new wine releases to taprooms pouring perfect pints, Mother Sippy is your guide to all that’s good and great in Cape Town’s world of drinks. South African wine has no shortage of family stories; tales of ambitious farmers and hard-working wine-growers who till the soil and toil in the cellar to create magic from the vines.   But few have scaled from a family farming operation to ‘buy-them-everywhere’ quite like Van Loveren. What started as a family farm in the Robertson Valley has grown into one of the country’s biggest independent wine businesses, with wines sold in 70 countries and a portfolio that now stretches from big-name commercial brands to more premium labels. And some eye-catching recent acquisitions. Under the leadership of the four cousins – Philip, Neil, Hennie and Bussell Retief – Van Loveren is now in expansion mode, with Overhex, Survivor Wines, Landskroon and Neil Ellis Wines all forming part of the company mix. Despite the expansion, for Van Loveren’s Managing Director Philip Retief, the golden thread of family still runs through the business. “A lot of things. Our main offices and tasting room, the lush gardens and Christina’s restaurant all form part of the family story. Several of our labels, like Van Loveren, Tangled Tree, Retief Reserve and Four Cousins, also bring family stories and leg

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

Set on the historic Blaauwklippen wine farm, founded in 1682, the rebuilt manor pairs Cape heritage inspiration with contemporary interiors. It’s all surrounded by generous gardens to offer an easy sense of winelands escape on the quieter fringes of Stellenbosch. With wine tasting and plenty of activities on the farm, it’s as much a base for exploring as it is a destination in itself.  Why stay at Blaauwklippen Manor? Start with the setting. Blaauwklippen is close enough to Stellenbosch to make it easy to explore this historic university town. It’s not quite close enough to walk, but a few minutes’ drive and you’ll soon discover the vibey streets of the Eikestad. But there’s also plenty to keep you settled in on the estate without feeling the need to venture out. Because this is not simply somewhere to sleep after a day of indulgent tastings. On Blaauwklippen you’ll find estate walks and tastings on site, as well as weekend markets and family-friendly activities (more on that in a bit). The hotel’s understated sense of luxury is another draw, and from the concierge-style service on arrival to the considered approach to hospitality, there’s a boutique charm to Blaauwklippen. What are the rooms like? Blaauwklippen Manor offers a choice of room categories, spread across the restored Manor House and the adjoining Jonkershuis. Far and away my favourite are the four expansive suites in the restored Manor House, all shaped by high ceilings, layered interiors and a modern-heritage ae

There’s certainly no shortage of great steakhouses in Cape Town, whether you prefer yours old-school in the mould of Hussar Grill, or something more contemporary like the recent addition of East City Grill. But in a crowded landscape, CARNE stands apart, and has done ever since chef Giorgio Nava first opened the doors to his Milanese-inspired steakhouse in 2007. In a city where restaurants come and go, a run of almost 20 years is pretty darn impressive, but it’s not hard to see why. The Backstory CARNE – ‘meat’ in Italian – is the work of Giorgio Nava, one of the best-known chefs in Cape Town’s Italian restaurant scene. He first made his name in the Mother City with 95 Keerom, which fast became one of the city’s favourite Italian restaurants, before the pandemic put paid to this palace of pasta (and so many other delicious dishes). But, just a few steps away, across Keerom Street, CARNE endured. In a similar vein to 95, Nava opened CARNE with a simple but powerful idea: apply Italian refinement, and a discerning approach to ingredients, to cuisines South Africans love to eat. It worked for pasta at 95, and proved a hit when it came to meat at CARNE. The Vibe Unlike the leather booths and dusty-wine-bottle aesthetic of many steakhouses, the Keerom Street setting of CARNE is elegant and contemporary without being flashy. It’s changed little since opening, and yet still feels on point. Translucent ‘ghost’ chairs, art on the walls, low ceilings. It’s intimate, sexy and modern, wi

There are plenty of polished farm stays in the Cape Winelands, but perhaps few manage to weave together quite the tapestry of luxury accommodation, rich heritage and fine food, quite so elegantly as Vergenoegd Löw, which traces its histoy back to 1696. Mix in proper eco-credentials and a flock of Insta-worthy runner ducks and it’s easy to see why this farm at the gateway to Stellenbosch has become so popular as a quietly luxurious Winelands retreat. Why stay at Vergenoegd Löw? For starters, location. It’s minutes from the N2, putting it within easy reach of the airport, Somerset West and Strand, while also being convenient for Stellenbosch and the surrounding Winelands. Then, you’ll love the breadth of experiences on offer. You can come for a romantic Winelands escape and spend your days moving between your private pool deck, a long lunch at Geuwels and an afternoon tasting in the Wine Lounge.  But you can just as easily lean into the estate’s sustainability story, with its regenerative farming, rich birdlife, working vineyards and famously eco-friendly pest control courtesy of a flock of Indian Runner ducks. There’s a delightful spa that taps into the farm’s fynbos bounty, as well as a pair of restaurants led by one of the Cape’s best-loved chefs. And that’s before we even mention the wine, which you could discover over lunch, or at a specialist tasting. What are the rooms like? This isn’t a one-size-fits-all wine-farm hotel. Depending on what kind of stay you’re after, ther

Cape Town isn’t short on steakhouses, but East City Grill certainly manages to cut through the noise. For starters, it’s more contemporary than your average grill room, with a modern aesthetic that takes the familiar language of premium beef and adds a distinctly Japanese accent. The Backstory East City Grill sits on the first floor of 84 Harrington Street and forms one half of a dual concept, alongside the more intimate sister restaurant Yakiniku. While the Yakiniku section leans into the Asian aesthetic with blonde woods and a traditional grill-it-yourself concept, East City Grill weaves some of those same flavours into a menu brimming with steakhouse classics given a lift and a twist. And with the steak coming from the owner’s family farm in the Swartland, there’s a farm-to-fork philosophy at work here too. The Vibe The setting is a big part of East City Grill’s appeal. Up a flight of stairs from Harrington Street and you’re transported into a moody space of dark timber, coppery warmth, leather banquettes and low lighting. Copper panels by Bronze Age line the walls, while timber-slatted walls and ceilings are offset by a Shou Sugi Ban timber wall. It’s polished, elegant, and the first clue that this isn’t your run-of-the-mill steakhouse. It’s perfect date night material. The Food The menu reads like a greatest-hits list for meat lovers, but with enough twists to keep things interesting. Of course there are the expected premium cuts — rib eye, sirloin, fillet, rump, plus Wa

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

Cape Town Opera is bringing one of opera’s biggest crowd-pleasers back to the stage this May, with a new production of Carmen running at Artscape from 19-31 May 2026. ‘Carmen’ is perhaps the most famous work by the French composer Georges Bizet, and if you’re new to opera, it’s a fairly easy entry point into the art form. This time around, the staging comes courtesy of theatre director Steven Stead. Set in early 1930s-era Seville, Spain, you can look forward to all the passion, jealousy and fatal attraction that have made Carmen a classic since its first performance in Paris in 1875. From the bustle of the cigarette factory to the charged spectacle of the bullring, it’s set to a score packed with instantly recognisable favourites, including the ‘Habanera’ and ‘Toreador Song’. Leading the cast is Nonhlanhla Yende in the title role, with Lukhanyo Moyake as Don José, the soldier. Vuvu Mpofu takes on the role of Micaëla, while Conroy Scott appears as the swaggering Escamillo. Brittany Smith and Khayakazi Madlala round out the principal cast as Frasquita and Mercédès. Cape Town Opera’s Vocal Ensemble and Children’s Chorus will be joined by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Tim Murray. The opening night also marks a major milestone for Artscape, with the first performance taking place as the venue celebrates its 55th anniversary. But, you’d better be quick, as there are only six performances in the run: Evening performances take place on 19, 21, 27 and 29 May at 7

Cape Town hikers planning an early-morning Lion’s Head mission will need to tweak their usual route from next week. SANParks has announced that the Jeep Track, which winds around the peak from Signal Hill Road, will close from 20 April to allow for essential maintenance work. SANParks says it hopes to reopen the trail by June 2026, but that is subject to the weather playing ball with the work that needs to be done. And we all know what a Cape winter can look like!  The closure means the Jeep Track will be off limits to hikers and runners for two months, but the summit itself will remain accessible via alternative routes. (Did you hear all those fitfluencers breathing a sigh of relief?) So with the Jeep Track closed, what are the alternate routes up Lion’s Head? SANParks: Temporary Lion's Head Jeep track closure The closest option to the usual jeep track route is the Kramat trail off Signal Hill Road, which starts near the Kramat (check out our story about Cape Town’s ‘Circle of Saints’) and heads straight up the northern flank of the peak until it joins the very end of the Jeep Track. SANParks says parking at the Lion’s Head parking area will still be available for hikers using the Kramat approach. There is also a trail from Kloof Road, but you’ll need to negotiate the roadworks there. If you’re feeling very fit, there’s also a trailhead at Upper Rhine Road from the top of Sea Point, but that leads up to the Kramat Trail anyway, so you might as well park up top and save y

There’s certainly no shortage of fine food in the Franschhoek valley, but when it comes served with a jaw-dropping valley view then why wouldn’t you book a table?  La Petite Ferme has long been famous for its fabulous setting on the Franschhoek Pass, with the kitchen turning out plates of Cape country cuisine. While the views remain as stunning as ever, the menu just got a serious polish, with the arrival of Richard Carstens as head chef. Carstens is no stranger to the Winelands: he arrives from Arkeste at Chamonix Wine Estate, where he earned the top-tier three-star accolade at the 2023 Eat Out Restaurant Awards. Before that he spent eight years at Tokara in Stellenbosch. After settling into the La Petite Ferme – ‘the little farm’ – kitchens, Carstens has just unveiled his debut menu, and it’s got all the polish and produce-forward plates you could have hoped for. It’s a big step up from what was served before, with Carstens sticking to his much-loved approach to French cuisine. “Modern French cuisine as I practise it, is not a departure from tradition, it is its natural evolution,” he says. “It builds on classical foundations but sheds the unnecessary, adding innovation and a singular focus on the ingredient, the season and the story of where the food comes from. At La Petite Ferme, that story is all around us.” And for a taste of that approach look no further than his new autumn menu. Expect dishes such as bobotie-spiced beef tartare with yoghurt, pickled onion, macadamia,

ULTRA South Africa has dropped its final lineup for the hotly-aniticipated 2026 event, which is set to fire up the Freedom Day weekend this April. This year marks the 11th edition of South Africa’s leading EDM festival, which pulls into Johannesburg (Expo Centre, Nasrec) on Saturday, 25 April 2026, before heading to Cape Town (The Ostrich) on Sunday, 26 April 2026.   Who’s playing ULTRA South Africa in 2026? For the Main Stage this year, ULTRA is going heavy on crowd-pleasers: John Summit brings tech-house heat, DJ Snake promises big-room hits, and Axwell adds progressive-house pedigree. A special back-to-back from Afrojack and R3hab is going to be the show to watch, though. Support acts round out the bill, and there’s plenty to keep local fans on their feet: Kyle Watson, DJ Kent, TiMO ODV b2b Kyle Cassim, plus Apashe, Indigo, and more.     WIN BIG!   Time Out is giving away a set of two tickets to Ultra South Africa 2026 for Cape Town and entering is ridiculously simple. Here’s how it works: Make sure you're subscribed to Time Out Cape Town Follow Time Out Cape Town on any of our social media platforms, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.  Confirm your entry details via the Ultra Ticket Giveaway competition form.    The competition closes on midnight Sunday, 19 April 2026, and the winner will be announced on Monday, 20 April. 👉 Enter the Ultra South Africa ticket giveaway Because discovering the best things to do is what Time Out is for – now let’s get you to the biggest

Cape Town’s most unusual open day is back, as the 2026 SA Navy Festival takes over the East Dockyard at Simon’s Town Naval Base this weekend. The Festival runs from Friday, 17 April to Sunday, 19 April, from 10am to 5pm. Entry is free of charge. If you’ve never made the trip before, this is one of the few chances to step inside one of the country’s most historic military sites and get a closer look at the fleet that calls False Bay home.  This year’s programme will include guided tours of selected naval vessels, including a Type 209 submarine, alongside live demonstrations, capability displays and performances by the SA Navy Band. Specialised units such as search and rescue and firefighting teams are also expected to be part of the action. In addition to the ship tours and military displays, visitors can expect food stalls, children’s entertainment and a festive atmosphere around the dockyard. If you’re planning to go, the smart move is to take the train. Metrorail Western Cape says trains will run between Cape Town and Simon’s Town on Saturday and Sunday, with return tickets a bargain at R20. Trains will run roughly every hour, but you can find the full train schedule here. With the festival expected to draw big crowds, public transport is likely to be much easier than trying your luck with finding parking in Simon’s Town. Head over to our social media channels to follow Time Out Cape Town on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. And don't forget to sign up to Time Out's free

There’s good news for travellers looking to head out of Cape Town via Dubai, as Emirates plans to add three weekly flights between Cape Town and Dubai as of 20 April. That will bring its schedule from seven to 10 flights a week, as travel demand begins to recover after weeks of disruption linked to the Iran war. The new flights will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. EK772 departs Dubai at 3.45am and arrives in Cape Town at 11.30am, while EK773 leaves Cape Town at 1.15pm and lands in Dubai at 12.35am the following day. That’s handy timing for late-night connections at Dubai. The increase follows a turbulent stretch for airlines operating through the Gulf. Although a ceasefire in the Iran war was announced on 7 April, aviation across the Middle East is still recovering, with carriers continuing to rebuild schedules and restore capacity. In March, Emirates shifted to a limited schedule on the Cape Town route, as regional airspace disruption upended normal operations. Qatar Airways has also been adjusting its South African operation, and is slowly rebuilding its capacity into Cape Town, currently offering one daily flight from Cape Town to Doha.  But the recent volatility has created opportunity for other carriers. Earlier this month, Ethiopian Airlines increased its Cape Town-Addis Ababa service to double-daily, expanding access to its 145-destination network and giving local travellers another strong one-stop option to Europe, North America, Asia and the rest of Afr

Your cellar. Their menu. That’s the thinking behind the brand-new Saturday BYO (Bring Your Own) Lunch launching at Chefs Warehouse & Canteen on Bree Street this Saturday (11 April), where guests are invited to bring their own wine to enjoy with no corkage fee. Nothing. Zip. Mahala. We like that! And it’s no one-pop wonder. The no-corkage BYO lunch is a weekly Saturday affair on offer throughout the winter, and this Bree Street favourite will serve a different ‘Tapas for Two’ menu each week. It’s something of a return to the more spontaneous spirit of the restaurant’s early days, so expect menus shaped by chef inspiration, seasonal ingredients, guest chefs or standout suppliers. And because pairing is caring, the menu will be announced on social media each week, to allow you to pick the perfect bottle or two from your cellar. “Chefs Warehouse has always been about sharing, and we’d love to see what locals are drinking and hear some of their great stories around those wines,” says Tomlin. Chefs Warehouse does not usually allow diners to bring any of their own wine, so the BYO Lunches mean it’s more accessible and affordable for local guests to share a few bottles, match it to multiple courses and get the full pairing experience out of a lunch. “This adds to the vibe of the easy Saturday social lunches we want to create for our community of diners,” says chef partner David Schneider.  Time Out Tip: The Saturday affairs are also your only opportunity for lunch at Chefs Wareh

Wind-free days. Mild temperatures. Blue skies before wintry cold fronts. Yup, Cape Town in autumn is made for running. First comes the feverish build-up to the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon on 11 and 12 April, then the city looks ahead to the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon on 24 May. And right slap-bang between the two comes another big-name race: the 2026 Absa Run Your City Cape Town 10K, set for Sunday, 10 May. The race marks its 11th edition this year, landing on Mother’s Day to once again promise a fast and festive route through the Mother City. The 10km route is known for linking the coast and city centre. The morning starts with a bus trip from Cape Town's CBD to the start line in Milnerton, and the race route then follows the coastline towards Table Mountain –sea and city views come standard – before finishing in Lower Long Street. The Cape Town outing is a fast and flat point-to-point route, so runners can look to bag a PB on the day too. “Runners and supporters will witness top-tier racing on home soil, and experience a 10km event packed with excitement, energy, and unforgettable on-route entertainment,” says Michael Meyer, managing director of race organiser Stillwater Sports. “Cape Town’s unique backdrop makes this race a must-do for all runners - elite or social - and we can’t wait to #RunYourCity with everyone.” Need to know Entry includes: performance T-shirt, entrant gifts, race number with timing chip, two refreshment stations, tog-bag drop-and-collect servic

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.