Selene Brophy

Cape Town's winter weather is dicey, at best. The beauty of the secret season, between May and August, at the Southern tip of Africa, is that you can enjoy balmy, sun-filled days in between some windy, rainy stretches. But even then, the ample natural, adrenaline-infused attractions of the Western Cape will call you away from your creature comforts for a bit - purely because the Cape in winter is an adventure wonderland that not everybody gets to experience!  Sure, the mountain slips into cloud more often, while you're chasing the newly refreshed waterfalls and the ample coastlines running from east to west are pelted by restless waves. But if you show up, you'll discover sides of this city the summer crowds never get to see. You get something far better than a nice day. You get an adventure story! And this wanderlust after outdoor experiences that bring something more than a curated snap to the gram is a shift that's happening globally. A SATSA Adventure White Paper, released in February, shows that South Africa's adventure tourism industry generated R25 billion in 2024, with travellers actively seeking experiences shaped by the elements rather than sanitised from them. Summer is easy! You book, you arrive, you tick it off. Winter makes you earn it, and that's precisely why what you get back is worth it. The adventures are the same ones that run year-round. But the light is different, the landscapes are different, the company is different (smaller, more interesting, slightly

The Mother City and its surrounding nature playgrounds are gearing up for winter. And while Cape Town’s winter is mild by Northern Hemisphere standards, flurries of snow along the surrounding mountains have become something to look forward to despite the chilliness. Even Table Mountain has been known to surprise Capetonians with a rare dusting of snow - usually after an icy cold front and only if you're up early enough to catch it before it melts.  Recorded snowfall on the mountain dates back to the early 1900s, and when it does happen, it’s a truly magical (and fleeting) winter moment.  However, for those who live for these brrracing winter weather moments, there are a few spots that offer you a good chance of chasing snowflakes without having to leave the Western Cape. Pack your boots, grab a flask, and let’s go snow hunting.  RECOMMENDED: ☕️ The best cafés and coffee shops in Cape Town 📍 The best day hikes in Cape Town 🥣 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town 🏨 The best hotels in Cape Town  

*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-69eb0d43-90ac-83ea-a54a-49493c47c7b6-2" data-testid="conversation-turn-16" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="assistant"> Time Out Market Cape Town at the V&A Waterfront has dropped its new winter menu, and it’s built for comfort-food season. Think rich pastas, fragrant curries, loaded pizzas, fresh linefish and a waffle dessert that serving fluffy joy! Across the Market’s kitchens, some of the city’s best chefs have designed these dishes for cooler days, longer lunches and those “we’ll just stay for one more” kind of dinners.  It's never been easier to taste the Mother City, all under one roof in the heart of the city's most popular destinations, the V&A Waterfront.   

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.

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

UPDATE: 8pm, Sunday, 10 May - After a weekend of erratic weather lashed parts of the Western Cape, the South African Weather Service is warning of a second cold front expected to move in on Monday morning. It brings a multi-hazard weather event with flooding, strong winds, dangerous coastal conditions, and some snowfall. "This weather system is expected to result in widespread disruptive rainfall, strong to gale-force winds, very rough seas, and significantly colder temperatures over the western interior and coastal regions." The Cape Metropole and other parts of the south-western Cape are expected to be affected during the morning peak-hour traffic period on Monday morning, with additional severe weather warnings expected to be issued tomorrow for Tuesday.   Strong winds expected Sustained gusts of 65–80 km/h, with gusts reaching 100–120 km/h, are possible over parts of Cape Town on Monday. If you need to be on the roads, extreme caution is strongly advised, especially near the Huguenot Tunnel, located between Paarl and Wellington in the Western Cape. The area is known for incidents in which high-sided vehicles are blown over during strong wind events.  Gale force winds of over 90km/h are considered extremely dangerous, with the city warning, "it often results in trees being broken or uprooted, and building or storm damage is considerable. Large waves (6-9 metres) with overhanging crests are visible, and the sea becomes white with foam."      SAWSMultiple warnings of severe

Cape Town’s global connectivity continues to climb, with Virgin Atlantic announcing a notable increase in flights to the Mother City for the upcoming 2026/27 season.   The British airline will operate 11 weekly flights between London and Cape Town - from October 2026 through to March 2027, marking a significant uplift in capacity during one of the city’s busiest tourism periods. The move strengthens air access at a time when international demand for South Africa shows no signs of slowing. In addition to its Cape Town expansion, Virgin Atlantic will also increase frequencies on its Johannesburg route, deploying its Airbus A350-1000 aircraft to support the added demand. The revised schedule has been designed with traveller convenience in mind, offering more seamless overnight connections to London and improved onward connectivity into Europe and North America. “Having served South Africa for nearly three decades, Virgin Atlantic continues to play a key role in connecting the region to global markets,” says Global Commercial Lead Liezl Gericke. “This latest capacity increase marks another milestone in supporting tourism growth, trade and cultural exchange.” A broader trend: airlines doubling down on Cape Town Virgin Atlantic’s expansion forms part of a wider trend, with several international carriers recently ramping up their presence in Cape Town: Emirates adds new Cape Town flights Qatar Airways plans boost to Cape Town flights KLM increases Cape Town service Despite challen

The Encounters South African International Documentary Festival returns this June, bringing with it a globe-spanning selection of non-fiction storytelling that promises provocative narratives to inspire and move audiences. This year’s Festival has drawn just under 1,000 submissions from 128 countries and territories, reflecting the ever-expanding reach and relevance of documentary filmmaking. From intimate personal stories to sweeping political narratives, experimental forms and deeply rooted local histories, the 2026 programme is shaping up to be one of the most diverse in the Festival’s nearly three-decade history. While the full lineup is still under wraps, one major highlight has already been confirmed: the African premiere of TUTU, a deeply personal portrait of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Desmond Tutu.  Fresh off winning the Peace Film Prize at the Berlin International Film Festival, the documentary, directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Sam Pollard, offers an intimate look at Tutu’s life, from his anti-apartheid activism to his later global advocacy. Audiences can expect never-before-seen archival footage, moments of his hallmark sense of humour, and, of course, Tutu's enduring moral voice.  Screenings of TUTU will take place in Cape Town at the Labia Theatre and at the V&A Waterfront Ster-Kinekor on 7 June, with additional showings in Johannesburg. Pollard is also set to be in attendance, hosting masterclasses and participating in festival events.  As Africa’s longest-r

From Wednesday, 6 May, the pressure on travellers intensifies as South Africa implements a sharp fuel price hike, with petrol jumping by over R3 per litre and diesel by more than R5, one of the steepest increases in recent years. This surge is already feeding directly into the cost of flying: jet fuel prices have spiked dramatically in recent months due to global oil disruptions, forcing airlines to introduce or extend fuel surcharges and push fares higher.     Yet even as the Middle East crisis is hitting the travel sector hard, it's not hitting travellers hard enough to stop them from travelling. That's according to a new survey by the Association of Southern African Travel Agents and Advisors (ASATA).   A new survey conducted between 20 and 28 April 2026 reveals that while global flight chaos is pushing prices sky-high, most travellers aren’t backing out. Instead, they’re digging deeper, delaying decisions, or calling in the pros to help them secure the most flexible deal.  Pricier tickets and the stubborn wanderluster According to the ASATA survey, a hefty 75% of travel agencies say their clients are facing increases of between 10% and 50%.  Emirates confirmed 96% of its global network has been restored after the recent disruption – a signal that international travel is steadily finding its rhythm again. But that's only part of the messy mix of limited fuel supplies, seat availability and ongoing rerouting. Even the much-anticipated FlySafair birthday sale, taking plac

The Western Cape is in the firing line as an intense cut-off low sweeps across South Africa this week. Expect a chaotic mix of heavy rain, plunging temperatures, strong winds, and even snow! According to the South African Weather Service, conditions will peak between today and Thursday (First Thursdays in the Mother City far from cancelled though). The Garden Route, specifically, is on high alert for disruptive rainfall and potential flooding. Flooding risk intensifies An Orange Level 8 warning has been forecast for parts of the Garden Route, with torrential downpours expected to flood roads, damage settlements, and isolate communities.   If you're in the area, avoid flooded roads and swollen rivers, as fast-moving water can be dangerous.  South African Weather Service. Snow incoming While coastal areas of the province brace for rain, inland high-lying regions could see snowfall from Wednesday evening. Roads and mountain passes across the north-eastern Western Cape, and into the Eastern and Northern Cape, could be impacted.  Time Out Tip: Feeling brave? Here's where to snow hunt this winter safely! Wind and waves Damaging winds and rough seas are forecast between Cape Agulhas and Cannon Rocks, with disruption for small harbours and coastal navigation over the next few days.   What you should do: Avoid crossing flooded roads Travel only if necessary and with caution Secure outdoor items ahead of strong winds Keep updated with any added SAWS advisories Conditions are expe

Every year, FlySafair turns its birthday into one of the most anticipated flight sales of the year! And with airfares being so expensive lately, R12 tickets will be in hot demand.  But 2026 will be a little different due to jet fuel shortages caused by the Middle East conflict.  A total of 50,000 tickets (one‑way seats across its domestic network) will go on sale for R12 each, exclusively via the FlySafair’s website flysafair.co.za, from 9am on Wednesday, 6 May.  However, airport taxes and applicable fuel surcharges will be added on top of the base fare price of R12. FlySafair confirmed all charges will be clearly displayed throughout the booking process, in line with its "commitment to transparent, upfront pricing." As with previous sales, you'll go into a waiting room "to ensure a fair sale experience for customers." While you wait, you will be able to search for flights using the Birthday Fare Finder, play the Flappy Plane game and take part in FlySafair’s competition to win free flights for two people for six months.  "Entry into the booking site is completely randomised, meaning it’s not about who logs in first – it’s all down to luck. Customers are selected by chance and will be given 10 minutes to complete their purchase," added the airline.  If you need to book a flight, the FlySafair app will be your best bet, as the Birthday Sale will take over the airline’s website until all the R12 sale tickets are sold out.  ICYMI: Cape Town-Kruger flights restart Follow Time Out

With another long weekend just around the corner, it's the perfect time to get your Mother’s Day plans sorted. Although not a mom myself (Amy here, and planning on keeping it that way for a very, very, very long time), I've been lucky enough to have an incredible one, and to share both personal and professional spaces with equally incredible women who are. Just for clarity, when I say 'moms', I'm referring to all of the motherly figures in your life – your mom, grandmother, aunt, cousin, neighbour, teacher, or anyone who has filled in that gap. A quick basic history lesson on where Mother’s Day comes from. Mother’s Day was first campaigned for by Anna Jarvis in the United States in 1905, following the death of her mother, a peace activist during the American Civil War. It was created to honour her, but it was only in 1914 that it was officially designated a national holiday in the United States. This year in South Africa, the celebration falls on Sunday, 10 May, yes, as in next weekend. If you’re still trying to figure out how to celebrate the moms in your life and want to go beyond breakfast in bed and a bouquet of flowers (lovely as they are), we’ve rounded up some of the best Mother’s Day experiences in the Mother City.  Time Out Tip: I strongly recommend making bookings early to avoid disappointment... Need somewhere to stay this Mother's Day? 5 places to stay for under R1,000 in Cape Town Mother’s Day Lunches Kloof Street House Sunday, 10 May | 10am – 4pm Location: Klo

Ultra Cape Town is officially back, with 2027 dates confirmed for 30 April at The Ostrich along Cape Town’s West Coast. After this past weekend’s electric edition, next year’s festival already has plenty to live up to. Even a 100% rain forecast couldn’t keep the crowds away, as thousands of festival-goers arrived ready to dance through the downpour. The crowd spanned generations, too, proving that great house and EDM cuts across age groups when the line-up is right. From Afrojack, Apashe and John Summit commanding the main stage to Shimza, Major League and Kitty Amor turning up the heat at Resistance, the energy barely dipped all night. As Kitty Amor’s set reminded everyone, house music has the power to cross divides and connect people into the same moment of exhilarating fun - and Ultra delivered exactly that. The setup was spacious and polished, with sharp lighting displays, the odd fringe activation and enough covered areas to keep the rain from ruining the night. Ponchos were also on sale, so there was no reason to get up close to experience the vibe with some of the best DJs on the circuit right now. Resistance became the shelter of choice, and by the later sets, it was absolutely cooking. Food and drinks were available via token wristbands that had to be preloaded with cash, and the flow in the chill-out areas felt smooth. Overall, the experience felt far more polished than your average festival - even with the rain, constant woodchip top-ups kept high-traffic areas mud

As Cape Town property prices continue to climb, more buyers are looking beyond the city for something increasingly difficult to find in the metro: space, affordability, and a more laid-back lifestyle. Semigration has shifted. It’s no longer just about Johannesburg families moving to the Western Cape - it’s increasingly about Capetonians themselves moving out of Cape Town and into smaller towns along the Winelands, Overberg, West Coast, and Garden Route. According to independent economist John Loos, there’s little evidence of a 'reverse semigration' trend out of the Western Cape due to the rise in the property affordability gap. Instead, there is a significant shift within the province itself, as buyers move away from the city and into smaller regional markets where homes offer better value and lifestyle appeal.  That’s why towns like Tulbagh, Barrydale, Paternoster, Bonnievale, and Kleinmond are becoming increasingly attractive. Lifestyle is driving the shift Semigration is still deeply lifestyle-led. Buyers want walkable beaches, mountain views, less traffic, cleaner environments and communities that feel slower and more connected. Reliable fibre and remote work flexibility mean many professionals no longer need to choose between career access and quality of life. Better municipal services and stronger infrastructure in many Western Cape towns also continue to drive confidence among buyers. Loos notes that governance and service delivery remain major factors reinforcing the

If your winter plans involve eating well and staying out late, Time Out Market Cape Town has you covered. Launching its new, winter dishes on Thursday, you now have a fresh round of comfort plates to enjoy across the Market’s kitchens, run by some of the city’s most celebrated and award-winning chefs. Think rich sauces, warming curries and a waffle dessert of note - the new menu leans into the kind of ingredients that make a blustery day in the Mother City worth leaving the couch for.   Selene BrophyOpa'!   Standouts of the tasting launch included new additions from OPÁ!, with a pan-roasted linefish served with golden roasted baby potatoes, capers and tomato, brightened with lemon and parsley. The new Enchiladas Suizas at UNA MÁS bring the Mexican heat, with your choice of chicken or beans, baked in a salsa verde and finished with bubbling au gratin cheese and fresh coriander. Selene BrophyUna Mas Pizza people should head straight for YARD. They’re experimenting with a new winter base, and the Salami Tartufo layers mushrooms, mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan white sauce, wild rocket and truffle salami. It absolutely delivers.  CARNE has a winter crowd-pleaser on the menu: Chicken Alfredo. That silky butter-cream sauce with Grana Padano over tender, free-range chicken is the kind of winter carb moment where you should just close your eyes and enjoy. Don’t miss the chance to get your hands messy at Kapoochka with their fragrant saffron and coconut curry wrapped around succulen

FlySafair has slightly reduced its temporary fuel surcharge for the second week in a row, and will continue to review its costs as Jet A1 pricing remains elevated. The levy was added in March, after Jet A1 fuel prices spiked due to the Middle East conflict. The airline noted that Jet A1 pricing remains more than double pre-conflict levels - and thus it could not remove the levy entirely. This means you can expect to pay the elevated cost until "prices stabilise at sustainable levels."  The airline confirmed in a statement that it would extend the levy, initially set to expire on 12 May, until 21 August. For now, you can expect to pay an added fuel charge of R787 on a flight between Cape Town and Johannesburg. See the full list of surcharges on FlySafair routes here, as these costs vary by route to reflect actual fuel consumption per journey.  Global oil prices have climbed sharply since February, with Brent crude rising from around $69 per barrel to roughly $115 per barrel. At the same time, the weakening rand against the dollar is further exacerbating the high cost of air travel right now. Aviation experts estimate that fuel prices at South African airports have surged by more than 140% in a single month.  The airline will review and adjust the surcharge every seven days in line with the pricing it receives from its fuel supplier.  “When we introduced this surcharge in March, we made a commitment: it would be dynamic, reviewed weekly, and reduced as soon as fuel pricing allo

Are you ready for a little R&R this Freedom Day weekend? Beyond the extra day off, 27 April marks the anniversary of South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994, when millions could vote freely for the very first time. A defining moment in our country’s history and a powerful reminder that freedom was hard won. Aluta continua! It is also a chance to celebrate and enjoy the simple freedom of making the most of your city. Best you choose wisely? Freedom to sleep in. Freedom to say yes to one more glass of wine at the festival of your choice. Freedom to pretend a museum crawl counts as cardio. And yes, even, the freedom to dance until 2am at Ultra and then question your life choices over brunch on Monday. From weekend markets and heritage walks to paddles around Robben Island and concerts worth losing your voice over, Cape Town is serving options. Consider this your official guide to do absolutely the most!  Time Out Tip: Don't forget, it's an extra short week ahead, with another upcoming public holiday on Friday, 1 May! Atlantic Seaboard RARE Freedom Day Market Monday, 27 April | 12pm – 5pm Location: Time Out Market Studio Cost: Free entry As part of Time Out Market Cape Town’s Freedom Day celebrations, this market spotlights the best of local talent. Featuring a selection of everything from art and fashion to vinyls and a Kids’ Creative Corner, this is one way to see a different side of the Mother City, whether you’re a local or a tourist.   Photograph: Supplied The