Selene Brophy

There’s a beautiful, languid ease to strolling through Franschhoek. You can easily spend the day on foot, sauntering down Huguenot Street, moving between galleries, restaurants and craft shops - with dedicated stops along the way, including the Huguenot Fine Chocalate at one end down to the striking Huguenot Monument at the other, which pays homage to the French settlers who shaped the Cape’s food and wine heritage in the late 17th century.   It may be a small Winelands town, but you’ll struggle to find anywhere in South Africa with more award-winning restaurants, wine estates and curated experiences per square kilometre. Set against the vineyard-lined slopes of the Franschhoek Mountains and Groot Drakenstein Mountains, just over an hour from Cape Town, the valley offers a seamless blend of heritage, design, artistic creativity and serious food culture. That accessibility is part of the appeal. Whether you’re a local or visiting the Mother City for the first time, Franschhoek makes for an easy, indulgent mini-break. Throughout the year, the town buzzes with food and wine festivals, art and book fairs - now joined by the highly anticipated debut of the Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek, set to create an even stronger global draw. During a recent weekend escape to La Residence  - part of The Royal Portfolio, which also includes The Silo Hotel - it became clear how effortlessly Franschhoek delivers the best of both worlds when it comes to a world-class tourist destination: c

Right now, it feels like a great time to celebrate our cities. What cities do best is bring people together – everything we love about urban life, from the galleries and bars to the neighbourhood parks, exists thanks to the communities that make it all happen.  That’s why, every year, we raise a toast to the city with our definitive annual ranking, created on the back of a comprehensive survey of city-dwellers worldwide. Our survey asks not only what people love about their cities – the food scene and nightlife, the shops and museums, the parks and people – but also how it feels to live there. We asked you about happiness, affordability and quality of life, among a variety of other criteria. And, in order to dig deeper into the everyday lives of locals, this year we expanded our survey to cover aspects like love, romance and community feel. Time Out’s Best Cities with Intrepid Travel spotlights the destinations that offer the best of both worlds: an endlessly exciting catalogue of reasons to visit, as well as all the good stuff that makes a place feel like home. The 50 cities that made the list this year did so thanks to the insights of more than 24,000 people across 150 cities worldwide. To determine the final Best Cities ranking for 2026, 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. The result? A rundown of the m

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! 

A love for the stars can be tough when you are constrained by a city’s light pollution, but it doesn’t completely have to put a damper on your celestial calendar. While nothing beats the absolute emptiness of the desert or untouched mountain tops, you can still plan to enjoy that special meteor shower, according to South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) expert Dr Daniel Cunnama. “Astronomy is one of the few sciences where everyone can participate just by looking up,” explains Cunnama, based at SAAO’s headquarters in Cape Town’s Observatory district. “You don’t need special training or equipment to feel awe, curiosity, or connection.” Cunnama is a computational astronomer whose work focuses on simulating how galaxies form and evolve using supercomputers and is passionate about sharing cutting-edge astronomy breakthroughs with the public as SAAO’s Science Engagement Astronomer. SAAO also manages the observatory in Northern Cape’s Sutherland, South Africa’s most popular stargazing hotspot.  SAAOSAAO’s Sutherland facility in the Karoo. “Growing up in South Africa, I was lucky to experience really dark skies, and once you see the Milky Way properly, it’s hard not to ask questions. Astronomy sits at a nice intersection of big ideas — time, space, origins — and hard science.”  But can an astronomer have a favourite celestial event? “I have a soft spot for meteor showers. They’re accessible, communal, and don’t require any equipment — just a warm jacket and some patience.  I

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. Raised across Gugulethu, Langa and Pinelands, Siv Ngesi grew up moving between worlds that taught him very different lessons about community, resilience and belonging. His earliest memories are rooted in township life: playing in the street until the lights came on, hunting in the bush with friends, and sitting around a table with his grandfather eating sheep’s head. His move to Pinelands also marked a different chapter. “We were one of the first Black families allowed to live there,” he explains, describing a community of trees, neighbours moving from house to house, and meals shared at friends’ homes. “My parents couldn’t really afford it, but they made a huge sacrifice for us to be there. I’ll always be grateful for that.” That grounding in shared experience - and in people showing up for one another - runs like a golden thread through what Siv does, both on screen and off. Alongside his acting career, he’s the founder of the MENstruation Foundation, which distributes free sanitary pads across Southern Africa as part of a broader fight to end period poverty.   It’s work he links directly to Ubuntu. “The whole world needs more Ubuntu,” he says, pointing to a South African instinct to go beyond the call of duty. “We do things we shouldn’t be able to achie

A city’s connectivity can make or break the experience for visitors and remote workers alike - with access to reliable Wi-Fi influencing everything from navigation and bookings to work productivity and safety. To see which destinations really make it easy to stay connected, international eSIM provider Holafly analysed cities worldwide using a wide range of factors. Instead of focusing only on internet speeds, the study also considered how easy it is to find free public Wi-Fi, how many hotels offer complimentary internet, mobile data costs and how widely mobile connections are used across the city's population. Kuala Lumpur emerged as the most connected city globally, thanks to its low mobile data costs and strong network penetration. Asia and Europe dominate the top connected cities. Milan, Lisbon, and Porto, in particular, are celebrated for their "affordable data and a dense Wi-Fi coverage". At the same time, Doha is noted for its "lightning-fast speeds despite higher data pricing". South Africa doesn't make a showing in the top global ranking. Still, Holafly’s country-level data shows that Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban perform competitively within the region, with Cape Town narrowly leading the connectivity charge locally.  Holafly Data: Most connected cities 2026 The Mother City has the highest overall connectivity score, driven by the largest concentration of free Wi-Fi hotspots, strong download speeds and a high number of hotels offering complimentary internet a

The year might still feel baby-fresh (if that’s the case, please share your secrets), but there’s no better time to lock in a couple of mini-breaks for the months ahead. Especially with April’s generous run of public holidays lining up like an open invitation to get out of town. And really, you’d be mad not to take it.  A short drive beyond Cape Town, unlocks a whole new pace of travel, with towns like Darling, Barrydale, Greyton and Paternoster offering a welcome change of scenery - and plenty to do once you get there.   It’s not just a hunch, either. According to the latest industry research from payments platform Yoco, small towns have been quietly winning over both local and international travellers. While Cape Town still processes the bulk of international transactions, smaller Western Cape towns are capturing a meaningful share of traveller spend, often driven by longer stays, more intentional spending and deeper engagement with local businesses. In fact, destinations like Stellenbosch, Stilbaai and Gansbaai are nudging visitors into full self-care holiday mode more effectively than the city centre itself. As Yoco notes: “The most dramatic festive effects appear at a town level, particularly in small coastal destinations. The towns with the largest November-to-December increases are concentrated almost entirely in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape.” The numbers tell the same story. Kenton-on-Sea in the Eastern Cape recorded a 437% increase in transaction value, while S

Time Out Market is ready to offer visitors and regulars a new flavour bomb experience as Zuney Burgers officially opens on Tuesday, 3 March. The award-winning burger brand has built up a cult following with its much-loved farm-to-table Wagyu burgers straight from the Eastern Cape - and now they're bringing it to the heart of the Market. For Zuney, farm-to-table starts with responsibly farmed Wagyu cattle and ends with burgers built using the whole animal. By turning surplus cuts into flavour-forward classics, they deliver on quality, sustainability and traceability in every bite.   “We’re not just serving burgers; we’re serving our farm. Every patty starts in Zuney Valley in the Eastern Cape, where our Wagyu is raised responsibly and with intention. That direct farm-to-plate approach is what makes Zuney different,” says co-founder Henning Klopper.  Visitors can expect a menu rooted in quality ingredients and bold flavour, including the Cheeseburger with Wagyu beef, American cheese, pickles, Wagyu-infused onions, house sauce and a light brioche bun; Wagyu Fries, hand-cut and twice cooked in Wagyu tallow; and the indulgent Wacon, featuring Wagyu beef and Wagyu bacon with classic toppings.  Time Out Market Cape Town Founded by Klopper and Devin Wells, Zuney Burger began as Zuney Wagyu, an online business supplying premium Wagyu beef, and its growth remains rooted in this sustainable sourcing approach. South African actor and entrepreneur Siv Ngesi has also boosted the brand's

Whether you’re margherita-loving purist or an all-the-toppings enthusiast, a fan of New York-style, Detroit-style, Neapolitan-style or your own whacky style, everybody’s their definition of a dream pizza. But cities all over the world have put their own spin on the dish, too, and that’s why we called on our international network of editors and writers to share the weirdest, tastiest and most lip-smacking pizzas where they live. So, feast your eyes on Time Out’s freshly-baked roundup of the best pizzas on the planet.  RECOMMENDED:🍝The best cities in the world for food🥪The best sandwiches in the world🥩The best steaks in the world This list was edited by Liv Kelly, Time Out’s travel writer. 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.

Striking the right balance is exactly what makes the Mother City so appealing as a destination, states Sechaba Gqeba.   Celebrating 15 years in broadcasting, Gqeba has become one of South Africa’s most recognisable voices - on radio, television and some of the country’s biggest stages.   Though not Cape Town–born, she has made the city her own, drawn to its food and wine culture, thoughtful design, and spaces that feed both creativity and calm. Here’s how she experiences Cape Town right now.   What’s inspiring you in Cape Town at the moment? As someone who's very invested and has a keen interest in the food and wine scene, I'm inspired by how elevated the culinary space in Cape Town is. It puts South Africa on the global map. We’re seeing an exciting new generation of young chefs coming to the fore, pushing boundaries and telling fresh stories through food.   The wine scene has always been splendid, but what many people don’t realise is just how competitive South African wines are on a global scale.   As someone who considers herself a foodie and gravitates towards those kinds of experiences, it’s been incredible to watch the city evolve.   What’s a common misconception about Cape Town? That it’s unaffordable, property is expensive, yes, but maintaining a lifestyle here doesn’t have to be. There are so many experiences that cost very little, and you can live really well without constantly spending big. How would you describe Cape Town style compared to Joburg?  Having lived

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

If 2025 taught us anything, it’s just how quickly time moves. One moment we were clinging to gratitude and getting through, and the next the year had slipped by in a blur of work, celebrations and half-kept resolutions.  That said, I’m already deep in what I love most - taking stock of the big news we covered in the last couple of months, what’s been shifting and how we might want to travel, eat, explore and connect more meaningfully in the year ahead.  When I look back at what stayed with me most, it wasn’t any specific thing. Most certainly, there were many travel moments, connections made over meals shared, or exploring outdoors with people I love that made all the difference.    And digging into our recent Time Out South Africa’s Joy Revolution, I'm seeing the same patterns reflected. The analysis of what we, as South Africans, have experienced over the last couple of years points to a collective shift from survival to thriving, with connection, community, and real-world experiences emerging as the most powerful sources of joy. Marriott Bonvoy’s latest research echoes this, showing South Africans planning more holidays in 2026, embracing passion-led travel, outdoor adventures, curated experiences, and what the industry has dubbed “lux-scaping”- those intentional moments of indulgence that bookend or elevate a trip.   This year is not really going to be about ticking boxes. It’s going to encompass who you spend time with and exactly how these moments, whether travelling to

Brookdale's Bistro sits at the heart of the Brookdale Estate, where vines stretch towards the dramatic Drakenstein Mountains in views that just beg you to you exhale and unwind. Over the past three years, the estate's restuarant has earned its reputation for thoughtful wines and a casual, yet refined, dining style that showcases the best of the region. Helmed by executive chef Gary Coetzee, the restaurant recently earned recognition from Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards, placing it among the country’s most notable dining spots.  The backstory Brookdale Estate with its Manor House and the recently launched Owner’s Lodge sit snugly on these 67 hectares of working farmland. The Rudd family acquired the once-overgrown farm in 2017 and has steadily transformed it into a polished Winelands destination known for its expressive wines and thoughtful hospitality. And just a short stroll from these luxurious stays sits Brookdale's Bistro - a relaxed, ingredient-led restaurant where the vineyards outside the window naturally find their way onto the table. The vibe The thing I love about dining at a wine estate’s bespoke restaurant is that the wine and food feel effortlessly paired, without the full theatre (or occasional pressure) of a formal wine pairing. At Brookdale’s Bistro, the synergy simply exists in a tasteful evening celebrating delicious flavours. The dining room leans towards a refined, yet casual experience. Think vineyard views, warm service and the sort of atmosphere th

The resounding “voetsak” (go away) bellowed during a scene by Awethu Hleli, who plays Emma in this reimagining of Russian playwright Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull, leaves little doubt that the dark comedy lands squarely in South African territory.  Now showing at the Baxter Theatre Centre, Aaron Posner's Stupid F'ing Bird proves that Chekhov’s century-old observations about human behaviour remain entirely relatable. Timeless human desires Director Maria Weisby’s interpretation emphasises that, while the world has changed dramatically since Chekhov wrote The Seagull in the late 19th century, human longing has not. Everyone in this story is searching for something. Whether it be recognition, success or affection, almost no one finds it where they expect.  Loneliness, as portrayed in the production, suggests it's not an individual struggle but a shared social condition. In a world increasingly connected, yet emotionally distant, the play lands with surprise immediacy and engagement - even as the audience is directly solicited for ways the scenes should unfold and a delightful turn that somehow personalises the overall experience of watching the play even further.  A collision of relatable characters Centred on a young playwright, Con, played by Nirel Sithole, who is desperate to breathe new life into the theatre. Each actor in The Baxter's Fires Burning Company approaches their role with such convincing verve that the inevitable collision of each character's flaws becomes all the

The Cape Winelands isn’t short on luxury stays, but now and then something arrives that simply raises the bar.   The newly launched Owner's Lodge at Brookdale Estate in Paarl is one of those. Perched on a secluded hill on the 67-hectare estate, this exclusive-use villa feels less like a hotel and more like a beautifully run private home. The kind where your mornings begin with birdsong and vineyard views, and evenings end around a long dining table with good wine and even better company.  The Rudd family bought Brookdale in 2017 when it was little more than an overgrown parcel of land. Fast-forward to today, and the estate has transformed into a polished Winelands destination, known for its fine wines and rated for its new-world boldness.  And after spending the night in the newly built Owner's Lodge, this feels like its most intimate offering yet.  Why stay at Brookdale Estate Owner's Lodge? The Owner's Lodge is perfect for a milestone trip, a multi-generational family gathering or a celebratory getaway with friends. The space lends itself so well to a relaxed break, where unwinding is the aim. The villa accommodates up to eight guests on an all-inclusive basis, with a private chef, butler and a steady flow of Brookdale wines included.  I also see this as an excellent pause in a longer Southern Africa itinerary. After a safari in Kruger or time exploring the Okavango Delta in Botswana, this is the sort of place where you would want to slow down and savour the afterglow of wh

If you’re looking for a light, entertaining night out, Pretty Woman: The Musical is a sure bet. But you'd better move, as the production opened to sold-out performances for its opening week of its Cape Town run.   The smash-hit stage adaptation of the beloved 1990 rom-com - running at the Artscape Opera House until 19 April before heading to Johannesburg's Monte Casino - draws plenty of enthusiasm from the crowd. And it’s easy to see why.   This is comfort theatre at its most polished: familiar, fun and super nostalgic. The production leans into what audiences love most! Snappy one-liners lifted straight from the original film, big romantic moments and a Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance score that’s easy on the ears. You’ll find yourself swaying along more than once.   There’s a strong sense of '90s nostalgia throughout - from ring-dial telephones to Beverly Hills excess - all wrapped in glossy set design. The slick lighting and seamless scene changes are on point to keep you engaged with the storyline, even when you already know exactly how it ends. Performances that carry the charm Christopher Jaftha brings effortless charisma to Edward Lewis, delivering a performance that balances suave confidence with just enough vulnerability as he weaves between the detached bachelor and crooning lines of Something About Her. Opposite him, Leah Mari shines as Vivian Ward, bringing the required depth to her role while still snappily infusing it with relatable, real street-smart quips.   Tog

It’s been a while since I’ve been welcomed into a hotel quite the way that La Residence, in Franschhoek, does it. There's the Royal Portfolio wave, where all the staff assemble to greet you. Stepping through the main entrance, there is an immediate, almost imperceptible decompression of the senses as you are handed a posy of freshly picked roses from the garden.   The vast sweep of winelands that greets you front and centre could not be more fitting for the expression, a sight for sore eyes. And while I’m not one for the destination dupes trend (because who doesn’t crave the original?), this view could easily be mistaken for the Napa Valley or the vineyards of Tuscany. A perfectly chilled glass of La Residence’s house-made rosé arrives just in time to cut through the Cape heat, while the quietly confident staff begin to reveal the layers of the property to you. Royal Porfolio founder Liz Biden’s deft, unmistakable touch is everywhere - with considered ensembles at every turn from the entrance, to the dining room out through to the patio and pool areas - all curated to be entirely transportive. Why stay at La Residence? Franschhoek is the embodiment of old-world charm, food, wine and Cape heritage - and you’d be hard-pressed to find a stay that encapsulates all of it quite like La Residence. What sets The Royal Portfolio apart is how deeply each property is rooted in its surroundings. Here, that translates into a refined balance of total privacy, paired with effortless acces

At the foothills of the Silvermines mountains, on the edge of the Constantia Valley, you'll find Steenberg Farm. For me, it's a scenic drive from the flat, sandy West Coast and its postcard-perfect Table Mountain views for days, towards this lush ridges of the Southern Suburbs. The shifting seasons from Summer towards Autumn subtly adding some drama. Cape Town's landscapes are extraordinary, and it isn't lost on you during this 30-minute drive, If you're based in the city, it's even quicker. Arriving in the estate’s parking area, we were greeted by a fleet of open-top spider race cars – the sort of machines clearly designed for taking sunny weekend road trips between the Constantia Valley wine estates.    Despite being the tail end of February, Cape Town’s weather had other ideas during our visit. Cloudbursts rolled across the city, not entirely surprising given that nearby Newlands is considered one of the wettest areas in Africa. Inside the elegant Steenberg tasting room, we settled in for a Sense of Sauvignon tasting, while the soft rain rippled across the modern, cube-centric water feature just outside. The combination of glass architecture, reflective pools and misty mountains creates a strikingly atmospheric introduction to the estate. The Backstory Tucked inside the historic Steenberg Farm is Bistro Sixteen82 - so named after the farm's founding year. It's one of the oldest wine farms in South Africa - well, let's face it, the Cape's wine farms are all historically o

Two-handers demand stamina, precision and a confident creative trust. When the two-hander in question was written by Zakes Mda, the stakes rise considerably.   And the Girls in Their Sunday Dresses, currently running at the Baxter until 7 March, meets that challenge. The play is deeply attuned to the lived reality of womanhood. Set against the backdrop of post-liberation Lesotho, the narrative centres on the slow grind of government food-aid queues. This strange historical window remains relatable today across a politically challenged country and world. Furthermore, it is laced with the irony of Lesotho’s position at the time Mda wrote the play: an independent nation encircled by apartheid South Africa, catapulting the inequities of the day into the spotlight with its debut at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 1988.   The play follows two women - a sharp-tongued Lady and a weary, quick-witted Woman - performed with precision by Awethu Hleli and Tamzin Daniels. They are sister-women whose lives collide as they wait in line. As the queue inches forward, their stories unravel through satire and softness, exposing corruption, inequality and the daily bureaucratic humiliations that shape their world. Staying for the post-show Q&A with the cast, director Mdunyiswa Kweyama, and Mda himself proved as evocative as the production. The discussion echoed what unfolds on stage: cattiness mixed with unguarded empathy.     During the Q&A, Mda recalled being invited by US Johns Hopkins Unive

If you think pizza is “just a base with stuff on top”, Pizza Connection owner Enrico Di Giambattista will politely roast you with his method, and win you over with flavour. It's all about precision: 48-hour fermentation split across two preferments, additive-free flour, and a ruthless approach to ingredients: local if it’s genuinely excellent; imported if it’s not available here at the standard he wants. The result is pizza that lands light, fragrant and properly moreish. What’s on the menu? Start with the Margherita, as it's the best option for tasting the dough's flavours, along with juicy tomato and mozzarella.   The Capetonian, as the name suggests, is a nod to what the regulars here order - proving that classics like San Marzano Tomato, Fior Di Latte, Pancetta, Red Onion, Avocado, and EVO oil make all the difference. The Napoli-style base is baked hot and fast to produce a crust that’s flavourful, airy and blistered. And they'll happily do an even crunchier Roma-style base, if you prefer.   There are loads of interesting options on the menu of this rather unshowy spot - including slow-cooked Oxtail "alla Vaccinara" (a bit too saucy for me) or the Le Baciate (a folded pillow-like roma filled with parma ham and fresh burrata).Here, balanced simplicity, a generous portion size and reasonable prices sees these local favourites more than holds its own.   If you’re doing a first visit, go Napoli for the full theatre of the crust, and it's a good idea to add a Baciate to share

There are some bold flavours, and even bolder claims, coming from the newly relaunched Urchin at the Hyatt Regency Cape Town. Under Chef Marcus Gericke, the space and its menu have been reimagined into a Western Cape showcase, a Tour de Force. This is a tasting menu with a point of view, and Gericke isn’t shy about it.  "This menu is not a fusion with other countries' food cultures, it's all about South African flavours, specifically the food of the Cape," Gericke states. “Show me where this is being done, I'd like them to come for me,” he challenges. And he's bringing receipts - after undertaking a 1,627km road trip across the province in three short days (complete with a tempered chocolate map) to source the ingredients and conceptualise the 9-course Journey tasting menu.  The vibe Located on the elevated dining floor level at the CBD hotel, just off Buitengracht Street, this former conferencing space is now the intimate, polished dining room of Urchin. Wrapped in large-scale portraits of the epic Journey that Gericke took less than a month before launching the new tasting menu in November.  Images of Kalk Bay Harbour, the dusty Karoo hinterlands and the beautiful calm of the Garden Route, along with some of the unique characters like the fish sellers, add to the visual story of this tasting experience.    Gericke sees supporting local small businesses, like Kalk Bay's Aunty Ashmita, instead of going through a third chain provider for their daily catch, as part of the J

Opá! is the new Greek street food dining concept at its most soulful. Chef Callan Austin, one of South Africa’s most dynamic young chefs and co-founder of Stellenbosch fine-dining destination DUSK, brings a decade of culinary mastery to this, his first solo venture. Notably, under his leadership, DUSK earned Eat Out’s 3-Star rating, Best New Restaurant, and recognition from the JHP Gourmet Guide, while 2024 saw Austin named Chef of the Year at the LUXE Awards and celebrated on a global stage at The Best Chef Awards.  The latest addition to the Time Out Market Cape Town brings all things Mediterranean to life with bold, abundant, fresh flavours. “When I started in the industry, I was drawn to fine dining for all its creativity and precision. Over time, though, I realise I wanted to create food that’s more immediate, approachable, and just genuinely delicious. We're focusing on dishes that people really want to eat. Cooking simple, honest food reminded me why I fell in love with cooking in the first place," says Austin.    "I’m really excited for people to experience the energy of the Opá kitchen, the bold yet simple dishes we’re serving, and the warmth and generosity of Greek street food, coupled with the local community spirit of dining market so effortlessly creates.”   Austin is joined by Opá's Head Chef and Operations Manager, Daniel Martin, whose culinary experience includes some of Cape Town’s top fine dining restaurants, including Salsify, FYN, and Gåte at Quoin Rock.  

Dinner at Chefs Warehouse Beau Constantia feels like a special occasion.  Whether it's a date night or an actual celebration, Constantia Valley’s elegance, mixed with executive chef and co-owner Ivor Jones’s playful and sometimes irreverent food philosophy, makes for the perfect setting. The launch of a new five-course set menu marks a shift in rhythm for the restaurant that's more structured but no less surprising.  In fact, this menu feels considered in every aspect for Jones, building layers of flavour across the evening while still leaving space for detours, personal choice and the odd left-field pairing. It's clear why the dining room is abuzz throughout the service, as Jones and his team make it all about enjoying the food at your own pace. It helps, of course, that the setting is as dramatic as ever.  Perched high on the slopes of Constantia Nek, Beau’s glass-walled dining room is a front-row seat to one of the Cape’s most beautiful valleys, while the open kitchen pulls you straight into service.   As the evening unfolds, the sparkling city lights below are quite something, naturally enhancing the restaurant's appeal.  What’s on the menu? The new pairing menu offers quite the selection. The freshest West Coast Saldanha oysters with a kick of nam jim (a signature Asian move for Jones) are worth the supplement, and I could have happily feasted on that all evening.  The braaied linefish, with champagne cream, is absolute perfection. Adding prawn and scallop sui mai (trad

A musical as iconic as Chicago demands precision - from choreography to comic timing, to the band and the lighting - and the latest South African production delivers it in spades.   Now in its fourth production on local shores, it blends vaudevillian sass, jazz-soaked satire, and biting commentary on celebrity culture that feels as relevant today as it did when it first hit Broadway in 1975. Currently on at Cape Town’s Artscape Theatre, this all-local staging of Broadway’s longest-running American musical lets you know you are in for a ride from the moment the first brass notes ring out from the 11-piece live band. Every shimmy, shake, and jazz hand lands, matched by the snappy interplay of Roxie Hart (Kiruna-Lind Devar), Velma Kelly (Samantha Peo), and the ever-watchful Mama Morton (Tankiso Mamabolo). From the solos to the duets, they bring all the spicy rivalry and reluctant camaraderie the show is well-loved for.   Numbers like Cell Block Tango, All That Jazz, and Class had the audience tapping along, reminding us why this musical remains a long-standing favourite.   View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chicago The Musical (@chicagomusical) Jonathan Roxmouth oozes charisma as smooth-talking lawyer Billy Flynn, particularly in All I Care About and Razzle Dazzle, scenes that had the opening night audience roaring with delight.   The American accents are razor-sharp, the choreography (by resident director and choreographer Darren Greeff) retaining

If there is one thing that makes Cape Town’s rainy winter weather a little easier to embrace, it is the arrival of seasonal menu changes.   The Pot Luck Club’s Sunday Brunch Winter Extravaganza returns from 10 May until the end of October, once again offering one of Cape Town’s most sought-after weekend dining experiences. As part of the original Luke Dale Roberts restaurant collection, it has become something of a seasonal institution for those who like their Sundays leisurely and indulgent. The latest edition of the PLC brunch features a ten-course menu paired with bottomless bubbles, along with a DIY Bloody Mary station with house-infused vodkas, all priced at R1390 per person (which is slightly cheaper than last year's bubbly inclusion) Guests can expect a flavour-packed Asian menu, with Executive Chef Jason Kosmas and the PLC team clearly having fun keeping things light yet hearty, from smoked oysters topped with passion fruit Nước Chấm to the classic Arnold Bennett baked smoked haddock omelette.   The Pot Luck Club10-Course Winter Brunch including the classic Arnold Bennett.    Morish inclusions are the brioche topped with a quail egg, porcini hollandaise, and mushroom duxelles, alongside the roast duck with foie gras. You'll have to pace yourself with these 10 courses, which include desserts, sticky rice pudding, tropical fruit, and a selection of sweets. The sweeping city views overlooking Woodstock from The Pot Luck Club, paired with live jazz and a lively social

Qatar Airways is ramping up its global network this year, expanding services to more than 150 destinations worldwide from 16 June 2026, with Cape Town remaining firmly on its African map.  The updated schedule strengthens connections between Doha and 25 African destinations, including Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban, while also introducing new and resumed routes, including Kinshasa and Luanda from 16 May, Port Harcourt from 1 May, and Alexandria, Marrakesh and Seychelles from 16 June.  For Cape Town travellers, it means more options into Europe, Asia and the Middle East via Doha at a time when long-haul connectivity is becoming increasingly competitive. The expansion comes despite ongoing operational pressures linked to instability in the Middle East. Like several major Gulf carriers, Qatar Airways has had to navigate partial airspace restrictions and reroute flights across parts of the region due to the ongoing conflict, which has affected flight paths, scheduling, and capacity planning. The latest schedule update signals a push toward network stability ahead of the northern hemisphere summer, while providing passengers with more certainty about winter travel from South Africa. The move also adds to a broader surge in international air access for Cape Town. Recently, Emirates and Wesgro signed a Memorandum of Understanding to boost inbound tourism to the Western Cape, targeting key source markets across the Gulf, India and the Far East. The partnership coincides with Emir

We were never ready for summer to end! And with a jam-packed weekend of things to do, from the Stormers Rugby at the DHL stadium and an ever-popular SA Navy festival, the Cape Town weather is not playing along.  The South African Weather Service has warned of two cold fronts sweeping across the Western Cape, bringing heavy rain, strong gusts and flashes of lightning. The first cold front is already making its presence felt and will continue through to Monday, along with a sharp temperature drop and rough coastal conditions. Waves are expected to reach up to 5 metres, so the ocean is very much off-limits - not great for the Noordhoek Beach warning, following a dangerous lagoon break on Thursday.  Local climatologist Weather Man Pete suggests the second system arriving on Sunday could pack the biggest punch, with heavier rain, gusty winds and possible lightning strikes lighting up the skies!  "Let's hope the rain all heads damwards! The yellow dots in the rain image are expected lightning strikes. Enjoy the sudden winter this weekend!"    Satellite Image via EUMETSAT ALSO SEE: The (thirsty) story behind the Table Mountain dams   What it means for your weekend Not ideal timing. With Stormers rugby at DHL Stadium and the SA Navy Festival on the lineup, expect wet seats, muddy grounds and plenty of dashes for cover. Roads could get slippery, visibility may drop, and low-lying areas could see some localised flooding. The only upside? If the clouds break just right, Sunday could

After two hectic short weeks and jam-packed weekends, you'd be forgiven for wanting to shift down a gear as you hit the middle of April. But only so you can prepare yourself for the upcoming Freedom Day long weekend that brings with it a bonus 9 days off in a row, for only three days of leave, taking you right into the Worker's Day long weekend.  Time Out Tip: Don't miss the opportunity to win tickets to Ultra 2026 taking place at The Ostrich on Freedom Day long weekend - see the full competition details here. The Beyond Limits breath workshop is just the thing for you. Because let's face it, a rave out in District Six isn't exactly chill, and the Rocky Horror Show at Theatre on the Bay is sure to be high energy. But all in all, it's a good time to be in the city. Here are our suggestions for the best things to get you out and about this weekend, from Friday 17 April to Sunday 19 April, across the Mother City and surrounding suburbs.   ALSO SEE: The 19 best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town Atlantic Seaboard Stormers vs Connacht Rugby Saturday, 18 April 2026 | Kick-off is at 13:45 Location: DHL Stadium, Cape Town Cost: From R130 via Stormers.tmtickets.co.za The DHL Stormers host Connacht Rugby in a United Rugby Championship fixture at DHL Stadium. This match marks the Stormers’ penultimate regular-season home game in Cape Town as they push for home-ground advantage in the playoffs. A free MyCiTi shuttle service will run for match ticket holders from Civic Centre and

Beachgoers are being urged to take extra care after a dangerous lagoon breakout on the northern end of Noordhoek Beach. According to a post by SANParks, crews from the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) station in Kommetjie responded to a near-drowning earlier today, near the beach car park. Footage of the rough waters, as the Noordhoek lagoon broke through to the sea has been shared to social as it created a wide, deep channel with strong, fast-moving water. Do not attempt to cross the lagoon channel With the tide pushing in, conditions are especially hazardous. Beachgoers are being asked to avoid the northern section of the beach near the car park, and to keep children and pets well away from the water. Conditions can change quickly, especially while the breakout is active.   View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Cape Town (@timeout.capetown)   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 also follow Time Out Cape Town on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok!

Cape Town’s global air connectivity continues to gain momentum, with a new partnership between Wesgro and Emirates aimed at driving inbound tourism to the Western Cape. The Memorandum of Understanding was reached at the World Travel Market Africa this past week as the two partners look to collaborate on marketing Cape Town and the surrounding region as a key global destination for visitors from the Gulf, India and the Far East. The agreement focuses on boosting visitor demand through Emirates’ international network. It aligns with Emirates’ route expansion, with the introduction of a third daily flight between Dubai and Cape Town as of 20 April.  This new MoU adds to ongoing airline partnerships and capacity increases, such as the recent Air France‑KLM Group's strategic agreement with Cape Town Tourism to stimulate travel demand from European markets and boost connectivity options for local travellers. While the airline industry continues to calibrate against the global turmoil in the oil market due to the war in the Middle East, these collaborations, along with new and expanded routes, signal continued confidence from global airlines in Cape Town as a tourism destination - and reinforce its position as one of Africa’s most connected long-haul destinations.  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 also follow Time Out Cape Town on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok!

If you're heading to the V&A Waterfront over the next few months, we've got some good news and some bad news.  Bad news: traffic access along parts of Dock Road will be impacted, while ageing water and sewer pipelines are replaced as part of a major infrastructure upgrade. Construction will run for around 33 weeks, from mid-April to the end of November 2026, and will include excavation, trenching, and road reinstatement.  The good news? One of the city’s most popular leisure destinations is rolling out free parking and electric shuttle rides to help visitors get around during construction.  The Silo and Clock Tower parking garages will offer free parking on weekends from May through October, while the Battery Park parking garage remains free to the public on weekends.   A free electric shuttle service, operating on weekdays, will also continue running across the precinct. The service uses electric golf carts and three-wheeled e-bikes to help visitors move easily between key areas. Most construction will take place along Dock Road near The Watershed and the Two Oceans Aquarium, extending towards Ebenezer Circle and the Astron garage intersection. Traffic will continue to flow through the area, with two outgoing lanes and one incoming lane kept open, supported by traffic marshals and signage to guide drivers and pedestrians. V&A Waterfront   Time Out Tip: Attending a show or meeting during peak periods? Rather get into the Waterfront precinct early. Check out the Neighbourhoo

Are you ready for the 11th edition of South Africa’s leading EDM festival? The event pulls into Johannesburg (Expo Centre, Nasrec) on Saturday, 25 April 2026, before heading to Cape Town (The Ostrich) on Sunday, 26 April 2026.   If electronic music is your thing, this is the festival for a banging Freedom Day long weekend! Expect massive stages, world-class production and a lineup packed with global heavyweights and local icons. Who’s playing ULTRA South Africa in 2026? The Ultra South Africa lineup is stacked this year, with global heavyweights and local favourites spread across multiple stages. 🔊 Main Stage highlights Expect big drops, big singalongs and serious crowd energy from: John Summit — tech-house heat and festival anthems DJ Snake — massive big-room hits Axwell — progressive house royalty Afrojack b2b R3hab — the back-to-back everyone will be talking about Also on the Main Stage lineup: Kyle Watson Apashe Indigo Headroom B2B Geometric Flux Niskerone b2B Dakota Kurt April 🖤 RESISTANCE Stage If underground house and club sounds are more your vibe, the RESISTANCE stage is where things get deeper. Headliners include: Dennis Ferrer — New York house legend Shimza — global Afro-tech powerhouse  Also playing: Major League DJz Caiiro b3b De Capo b3b Enoo Napa Kitty Amor Kid Fonque NEWS FLASH: We're giving away two general access tickets to one lucky reader! Time Out is giving away a set of two tickets to Ultra South Africa 2026 for Cape Town and entering is ri

Cape Town’s executive mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis, has been elected leader of the Democratic Alliance, a move that instantly raises a practical question for residents: can he lead a national party while still running the city? For now, Hill-Lewis says yes. In an interview with Daily Maverick Associate Editor Ferial Haffajee, before the leadership vote, he made it clear that remaining mayor of Cape Town was “absolutely” his intention, describing the role as the most meaningful job in South African politics. That stance echoes an earlier precedent, when former DA leader Helen Zille held the party leadership while serving as Cape Town mayor for about two years, before becoming Western Cape premier. Still, the dual role isn't the norm or ideal, even if Hill-Lewis sees it as a power move to grow the party's base. Running a major city is already a full-time executive job, and leading South Africa’s second-largest political party is no small side project. The real test will be whether Hill-Lewis can balance the national spotlight with the day-to-day work of governing a fast-growing metropolis. A national platform from a City Hall? Hill-Lewis has argued that staying in municipal government could actually strengthen his leadership of the DA. Cape Town, he says, offers a “functional platform.” It is a working example of how the party believes government should operate, especially when compared with the struggling metro of Johannesburg. Tourism numbers continue to surge, with Cape Town In

This Freedom Day, 27 April - the team at Time Out Market Cape Town will host RARE – a vibrant pop-up celebrating craft, art, and fashion, alongside live creativity and a lively market atmosphere. The experience will take place on the Monday of the Freedom Day long weekend - from 1pm to 5pm, with fashion and craft stalls set up outdoors in the Dry Dock for the bustling Waterfront visitors to enjoy. The afternoon event will feature independent designers, including WAG, Nje Clothing, TGCG, Malaville, Romi Frida Flores, Twists and Knots, King on Horses and Queen of Steel. You'll be able to browse one-of-a-kind pieces, discover emerging creatives, and enjoy the buzzing Freedom Day energy inside one of Cape Town’s most exciting food and culture hubs, with live art creative performances adding to the vibe.  Creatives, are you ready? Vendors working in craft, art, and fashion are invited to take part in this curated pop-up experience - the first of six markets planned for the coming months.  If you’d like to participate in the April market email sivu.nobongoza@timeout.com by COB on Monday, 13 April to apply.  Make this Freedom Day the day to celebrate local creativity, culture, and community!  Don't miss their Neighbourhood Feels Good specials for locals! These specials will be running at the Time Out Market Cape Town from April to the end of August! Happy Hour gives you half-price drinks - Mon–Thurs 16:00–19:00. App Nights offers 50% off hero dishes - Mon–Thurs 19:00–21:00 only via

The much-anticipated light festival, LUMENOCITY, has opened in the company gardens, and we had a first look at this limited event taking place this weekend!  Designed and created entirely by South African artists, LUMENOCITY showcases a stunning mix of light-based art and immersive creative technology in over 20 large-scale installations. These unique exhibits are being projected across the South African Museum and National Gallery, creating glowing pathways and illuminated trees as part of an ambient exhibition of colour, encouraging visitors to move, touch, explore and play.  Visitors will encounter a series of immersive artworks including: Yay Abe - a signature projection artwork exploring motion, rhythm and light ThingKing - a hanging installation at the intersection of art and technology Magpie Collective - an interactive light environment visitors can step into Water Dixon - a large-scale architectural lighting installation Walter Ritson & Brad Baard - walk-through sculptural light structures View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Cape Town (@timeout.capetown) The event also features a range of food trucks and bar areas to grab a bite and a drink while you wander, making it the perfect way to get out and explore this historic part of the city this weekend.   The surprising history of the Company's Garden  Cemented in history books, the Company's Garden was founded in 1652 by Jan van Riebeeck as a practical food gar

This upcoming weekend is one of those weekends where Cape Town goes all in. Yes, even after the Hyrox Easter weekend shenanigans! The Two Oceans Marathon draws tens of thousands of runners and spectators to the Southern Suburbs and beyond, while the city's newest cultural event - LUMENOCITY - is set to transform the Company's Garden into an illuminated playground after dark. And then there's Kiss Kiss at the Castle of Good Hope on Saturday, which is firmly its own thing. Broadly, you have a choice this weekend: run, watch people run, wander through light installations, or surrender to a daytime festival headlined by Basement Jaxx. Any of these is the right answer! Atlantic Seaboard  The Rocky Horror Show — Theatre on the Bay Friday 10 – Sunday 12 April (running until 30 April) | 3pm and 8pm Location: Theatre on the Bay, Link St, Camps Bay Cost: R295 – R495 — bookings via Webtickets Richard O'Brien's beloved rock musical is well into its run at Theatre on the Bay, delivered by Pieter Toerien's production with the Luitingh Alexander Musical Theatre Academy. Iconic one-liners, a killer soundtrack, and a very enthusiastic audience experience. If you missed it over Easter, this is still very much your window.    Photograph: Jesse Kramer   Two Oceans Marathon - Spectator Route Saturday 11 April (Ultra) | Sunday 12 April (Half Marathon) Location: Route passes through Camps Bay, Sea Point and Clifton Cost: Free to spectate While the race is technically routed in the Southern Su