Selene Brophy

Every year, we create a definitive ranking of the world’s greatest cities for eating and drinking. The aim is to celebrate the chefs, kitchens and street food stalls that feed the city, bringing locals and visitors together to savour life’s one greatest pleasure: an excellent meal. So, how is the list decided? This year, Time Out’s Best Cities for Food with Intrepid Travel was created on the back of a survey of more than 24,000 locals, based all around the world. We asked them to rate the overall quality of the food scene where they live, how affordable it is to eat out and the food spots they believe their city does best.  We then paired their thousands of responses with the insight of Time Out’s expert food panel – editors and food critics from across Time Out’s network – who voted for the cities they think are the most exciting dining destinations on the planet right now. Only the highest-scoring city in each country made the final 20, ensuring our list reflects culinary capitals globally.  As our list demonstrates, it’s a very fun time to be eating out in the city right now. Restaurants from Lisbon to Lima are serving up some of the most striking, daring and downright delicious plates of food you can find. On the menu? Satsuma creamsicles in New York, fish bone noodles in Copenhagen and fancy phở in Ho Chi Minh. There’s fine-dining in Melbourne and ‘fun dining’ in Cape Town, food trends from sandwich crazes to elevated tacos, and coffee and cocktail scenes well worth trav

Here at Time Out, we love all hotels equally: the flashy five-stars, the cool boutiques, the well-thought-out budget stays. But some are, undoubtedly, better looking than others. Whether ‘beautiful’ to you is a secluded jungle lodge or an eco-cool city stay, a kitschy motel or a reawakened royal residence, we’ve got them all on this list (and then some).  Now, it goes without saying that any list of the world’s most beautiful hotels is entirely subjective and by no means exhaustive. But what we can offer is real-life experience: every place on this list has been visited by one of Time Out’s editors, writers and hotel experts. From Punjab to Palermo, California to Costa Rica, we can guarantee that each hotel packs serious wow factor, and you’ll have an excellent stay at them all.  The world’s most beautiful hotels at a glance 🏰 Best heritage hotel: Ashford Castle  ⛰️ Best for show-stopping scenery: The Hiramatsu Karuizawa Miyota 🌺 Most beautiful gardens and grounds: Four Seasons Hotel Firenze 🎨 Best for avant-garde art and design: Jackalope Hotel 👑 Best for all-out maximalism: The Fifth Avenue Hotel 🏊 Most beautiful pool: The Phoenicia Malta 🏙️ Most beautiful city-centre hotel: Le Pavillon de la Reine How did we choose the world’s most beautiful hotels?  Our global team of editors, writers and hotel experts spend a lot of their time reviewing hotels in their corner of the world. Every hotel on this list has been selected for a reason: show-stopping scenery, beautiful i

Cape Town’s food scene has become one of the most exciting reflections of the city's multicultural, slightly chaotic approach (in the best way) to seasonal winter flavours.Across the city, chefs are drawing on Japanese ramen bars, Thai spice markets, East Asian small plates, Italian comfort food, African coastal ingredients and Cape nose-to-tail cooking - while still grounding their menus in local produce.  One minute, you could be slurping deeply savoury ramen on Bree Street at Yatai, the next you’re eating Thai-inspired winter dishes at Chefs Warehouse at Beau Constantia. Settle into the rich simplicity of Giorgio Nava’s silky Chicken Alfredo from Carne (winter comfort in a bowl!). The ocean flavours and African storytelling at Seebamboes and COY are inspirational. While the bottomless bubbles will fire up your Sundays at The Pot Luck Club. Equally enticing is how confidently Cape Town chefs are blurring the line between fine dining and comfort food. At Test Kitchen Fledgelings, Korean fried chicken sits comfortably alongside smoked snoek pâté and bone marrow brioche. The Belly of the Beast Group is giving East City’s ever-evolving food culture life, where menus are driven less by rigid structure and more by the seasonal intention for that particular day. The results are a winter menu offerings that take risks without losing its local food instinct or dialect! So go on, be adventurous - don't just stick to your favourites. Try something different with menu specials catering

Sadly, Bafana Bafana have crashed out of the 2026 World Cup tournament. Hardlines boys, you did us proud.   If 2010 taught us anything (and as many South Africans will happily remind you), it's that football gees hits differently. Sixteen years after hosting the world's biggest sporting event, Bafana Bafana were back on football's grandest stage and through to the Group 32 stages - the first time any South African soccer team had made it that far in the history of the tournament.   Canada beat our boys on Sunday, 28 June, in extra time, to send Mzansi out of the World Cup tournament.  WHERE TO WATCH: Best Spots for Live Sports Event Gees in Cape Town View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Cape Town (@timeout.capetown) Your 2026 FIFA World Cup Planning Guide Whether you're a lifelong football fan or someone who only starts paying attention when South Africa is involved, now is the time to start planning your World Cup experience.  The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the biggest in history, expanding from 32 to 48 teams and featuring a record 104 matches across three host nations. Where is it taking place? For the first time ever, the tournament will be hosted by three countries: United States Canada Mexico The opening match takes place at the legendary Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, while the final will be played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA. When does it start? The tournament kicks off on 11 June 2026 and concludes with the f

Bafana Bafana’s World Cup hopes have come crashing down in the extra time minutes of their match against co-hosts Canada.  After earning a crucial draw against Czechia, Bafana Bafana headed into the final group-stage match knowing that a win would secure a place in the knockout stages. The stakes couldn’t have been higher. But it was not meant to be. Hardlines Bafana, you did us proud!  Still, the tournament showcasing the beautiful game continues. Here's where you can continue to catch all the World Cup action.

Cape Town loves its rugby almost as much as its sundowners, and when the Bokke take to the field, the city transforms into one giant fan zone.  Of course, there is also soccer and cricket, all bringing their own legendary following to a big screen near you.  From buzzy beer halls and family-friendly pubs to seaside taverns, there’s no shortage of spots to soak up the gees and cheer on the green and gold. We’ve rounded up the best venues to catch every scrum, hat-trick or LBW!  SEE: Where to eat and drink near Cape Town Stadium  

Winter weekends were made for red wine, good conversation and discovering your next favourite bottle. The Time Out Market Cape Town continues to be a local favourite for bringing all three together, with its monthly Winter Wine Series. It's a relaxed afternoon of tasting that puts some of the Western Cape's most exciting producers under one roof. Running on the last Saturday of every month from June to September, the event transforms the Market's studio into a wine lover's playground, where you can sip your way through a curated selection of wineries while soaking up the all buzz of the V&A Waterfront.  The next tasting takes place on Saturday, June 27, bringing together producers from some of the Western Cape's most celebrated wine regions, including Stellenbosch and Paarl, Robertson, and the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. "Cape Town's wine culture is one of the things that makes this city so special, and our Winter Wine Series is all about bringing a fantastic mix of established favourites and boutique producers togehter to give guests the chance to discover different regions, along with the stories behind the wines, right here in the heart of the V&A Waterfront," says Sivu Nobo, Time Out Market Cape Town's Events Co-ordinator.    "It's essentially a wine route without the driving. Just award-winning wines, great food and a fantastic atmosphere overlooking this unique harbour." So what can you look forward to at Saturday's event? Rijks, Tulbagh One of Tulbagh's most acclaime

Finally! The nation has heaved a collective Halala with the backing of Mokoena in the in-goal area - taking Bafana Bafana to a draw in their second group stage match against Czechia.   We're behind the next match happening on 25 June: Bafana Bafana vs South Korea! Yes, we have seen South Korea's trending training videos. Still, Jozi, you need to bring the gees to one of these venues near you. Curious to know Bafana Bafana's chances? We read the tea leaves of the performance analysis here.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by FOX One (@foxone) And to dial up the gees even more, we've rounded up where the world’s biggest football stars would book a table if they had to swap the stadium tunnel for Joburg’s restaurant scene. Think flame-grilled feasts, discreet five-star dining rooms, celebrity hotspots and restaurants designed for long lunches that turn into celebrations, providing just the right kind of World Cup swagger.  

Cada año elaboramos una clasificación definitiva de las mejores ciudades del mundo para comer y beber. El objetivo es rendir homenaje a los chefs, los fogones y los puestos de comida callejera que alimentan a la ciudad, uniendo a locales y visitantes para saborear uno de los mayores placeres de la vida: una comida excelente. ¿Y cómo se decide la lista? Este año, el ranking de las Mejores Ciudades para Comer de Time Out se ha creado a partir de una encuesta a más de 24.000 residentes de todo el mundo. Les pedimos que valoraran la calidad general de la escena gastronómica de su lugar de residencia, el precio de salir a cenar y los puntos gastronómicos en los que creen que destaca su ciudad. A continuación, combinamos esas miles de respuestas con el criterio del panel de expertos culinarios de Time Out (editores y críticos gastronómicos de toda nuestra red), quienes votaron por las ciudades que consideran los destinos gastronómicos más estimulantes del planeta en este momento. Para garantizar que la lista refleje fielmente las capitales culinarias globales, solo la ciudad con la puntuación más alta de cada país logró entrar en el Top 20 definitivo. Como demuestra nuestra selección, vivimos un momento divertidísimo para salir a comer por la ciudad. Restaurantes desde Lisboa hasta Lima están sirviendo algunos de los platos más sorprendentes, atrevidos y francamente deliciosos que se puedan encontrar. ¿Qué hay en el menú? Polos de crema de mandarina en Nueva York, fideos de espina

Cada any elaborem una classificació de les millors ciutats del món per menjar i beure. L'objectiu és retre homenatge als xefs, els fogons i les parades de menjar de carrer que alimenten la ciutat. I com es decideix la llista? Enguany, el rànquing de les Millors Ciutats per Menjar de Time Out s'ha creat a partir d'una enquesta a més de 24.000 residents de tot el món. Els vam demanar que valoressin la qualitat general de l'escena gastronòmica del seu lloc de residència, el preu de sortir a sopar i els punts gastronòmics en els quals creuen que destaca la seva ciutat. A continuació, vam combinar aquestes milers de respostes amb el criteri del panell d'experts culinaris de Time Out (editors i crítics gastronòmics de tota la nostra xarxa), que van votar per les ciutats que consideren els destins gastronòmics més estimulants del planeta en aquest moment. Per garantir que la llista reflecteixi fidelment les capitals culinàries globals, només la ciutat amb la puntuació més alta de cada país va aconseguir entrar al Top 20 definitiu. Com demostra la nostra selecció, vivim un moment divertidíssim per sortir a menjar per la ciutat. Restaurants des de Lisboa fins a Lima estan servint alguns dels plats més sorprenents, atrevits i francament deliciosos que es puguin trobar. Què hi ha al menú? Polos de crema de mandarina a Nova York, fideus d'espina de peix a Copenhague i un sofisticat phở a Ciutat Ho Chi Minh. Hi ha alta cuina a Melbourne i fun dining (alta cuina divertida) a Ciutat del Cap

Kloof Street is firmly on the radar of local and international travellers as it's snagged a spot on Time Out's Coolest Streets in the World for 2025.  Framed by Table Mountain, Kloof Street is where the city bowl meets the creative vibe of the Mother City. Stretching from the upper edge of Cape Town toward the neighbourhood of Tamboerskloof, it’s a lively strip that captures the CBD's unexpected urban charm.    Essentially, Kloof Street feels like Long Street’s more refined sibling as it pulses with new pop-ups and old-world character. Think Victorian façades with its broekie-lace balconies, concept stores, cocktail dens, boundary-pushing restaurants and just the right amount of after-dark mischief.  Ultimately, Kloof Street rewards those who stroll rather than speed through. Whether you wander uphill toward Table Mountain or drift down toward the city bowl, the charm is in the discovery.   @timeoutcapetown We caught up with locals and visitors in Cape Town to find out what makes Kloof Street one of the World's Coolest Streets for 2025. From favourite hangouts like Blondies to unique boutiques like AKJP, our interviewees spill all the tea on what makes this vibrant street a must-visit hotspot. Time Out Bonus: We have curated a guide to the top must-visit spots on the World's 22nd Coolest Street for 2025 for an exclusive insider's view on how to make the most of this bustling hub. Visit the link in our bio for this must-read guide. Comment below and tag your favourite re

Every year, Time Out publishes the results of its international survey ranking the world’s best cities. Our team then dives deeper into the data to uncover other fascinating insights, like the world’s best cities for culture, the coolest neighborhoods and—the one I look forward to most—our ranking of the world’s best food cities. To get there, we surveyed thousands of city dwellers and asked them to rate their city’s food scene across 18 different criteria, including quality, affordability and diversity. Then we tapped our global network of chefs, editors and food critics to provide local insight into what makes their particular cities such wonderful places to eat—and not just right now. Our global network of food writers shared knowledge about the history of food in their cities, the dishes each place is known for, and the influence of different cultures on the local food scene. We’re serving up all this delicious intel in the tastiest list you’ll read all year, filled with nuggets from folks who frequent the bars, are restaurant regulars and know their city’s food scene inside and out. Ready to dig in? Here are the greatest cities for food on the planet.

The Pink Lady, the grand dame of Cape Town, that's the Mount Nelson, adding a timeless space to Cape Town's hospitality. Long after trends come and go, the Mount Nelson continues to embody a kind of old-world allure that feels uniquely its own. Beneath its striking pink façade, generations have gathered for baby shower afternoon teas, weddings, milestone celebrations and memorable dinners. Tucked away inside the hotel, Amura extends the latter to the tee.   On a recent visit to sample the restaurant's new winter menu, it became clear that Amura has settled into itself. The fanfare of its December 2025 opening has deepened into something more confident and considered. In the past few months, the restaurant has hosted industry events, welcomed visiting chefs, and drawn plenty of attention since opening, but this visit felt like the first opportunity to properly experience what it intends to be as one of the main dining experiences of the Nellie. Others, of course, include The Red Room by Chef's Warehouse and The Oasis Restuarant.  ALSO SEE: Alain Roux and Ángel León are cooking together in Cape Town The Background Amura is the first restaurant outside Spain from internationally acclaimed chef Ángel León, widely known as "El Chef del Mar" for his pioneering work with marine ingredients at his celebrated Andalusian 3-Michelin-starred restaurant Aponiente. The restaurant occupies the space formerly known as The Colony Restaurant, a fixture of Cape Town fine dining through much of

Sushiya is a restaurant greater than the sum of its parts. While chef Peter Tempelhoff – also behind Ramenhead at Time Out Market Cape Town – and chef Shin Takagi – owner of a two-star Michelin restaurant in Kanazawa, Japan – are both hugely accomplished chefs and restaurateurs in their own right, when they decided to collaborate on a new restaurant, greatness was pretty much guaranteed.  READ: Sushiya x Stickman collab brings the fire! Sushiya at Time Out Market Cape Town takes the shape of an upscale 'sushi shop', offering authentic yet contemporary Japanese sushi. The menu is made up of small dishes with classic pickled and preserved Japanese-style vegetables, a variety of modern nigiri platters, a platter of maki, and temaki and gunkan maki infused with local and classic Japanese flavours. Beyond the considered cuisine, Tempelhoff and Takagi also use Sushiya to showcase their dedication to sustainable sourcing, craftsmanship and tradition.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Market Cape Town (@timeoutmarketcapetown) SUSHIYA MENU   Temaki Hand RollsWhite Fish Ceviche - Tempura nori, ponzu dressing, red onions, avocado, cucumber R145Yellowfin Tuna Chives, miso egg puree, crispy onion R185  Sashimi Mixed4 pieces R1658 pieces R310 Uramaki Inside-out Rolls Prawn California Roll R190 (8pcs)Tiger prawn, avocado, lime, katsuoboshi flakes, spring onion  Zesty Roll Seared R180 (8pcs) tuna, zesty mayo, amazuzuke onion, avocado, rocket leav

Perched on the marina at the landmark Cape Grace Hotel, the Bascule Bar has long attracted everyone from whisky collectors and business moguls to curious travellers looking for a nightcap. Following a relaunch in 2024, the space has traded some of its old-world whisky den energy for a slightly more contemporary vibe. And while prevailing smoking legislation has changed the approach to savouring some of the exceptional bottles on offer sans cigar in hand, the space remains an authentic draw. The Vibe Walk into the Bascule on any given evening and you'll find a fascinating mix of locals and visitors sharing stories over drams. Case in point: the Morris brothers.  For more than 20 years, the trio have made the Bascule bar their unofficial meeting room. Through ownership changes, renovations and evolving whisky trends, they've kept returning to the same bar overlooking the yachts. What makes their story even more interesting is that when the bar entered its latest chapter, the hotel's team didn't simply reinvent the space and hope for the best. "We were asked, 'How can we make this into something that would be more appealing to you?' They didn't just dismiss us. They knew we'd had a long history with the Bascule," the brothers shared with me.   And it's this sense of continuity that gives the Bascule a genuine community spirit. As one of the brothers puts it, "Guests have often joined us. They come to meet locals. And we enjoy sharing our whisky."   Which brings me to the Bascu

Seebamboes sits somewhat hidden above sister restaurant Galjoen, on Harrington Street. But make no mistake, this 16-seat restaurant has staked its claim by taking the familiar idea of surf and turf and seriously turning it on its head. There are unexpected flavour combos, with seaweed served alongside meaty flavours that leave a lingering richness on your lips. Named after Ecklonia maxima - the giant indigenous kelp lining the Western Cape coastline - Seebamboes translates to “sea bamboo.” This restaurant feels entirely connected to the ocean landscapes that have inspired its creative culinary team. The result is a striking menu of small plates that doesn't lose sight of being nourishing, while establishing it as one of the city's most distinctive dining experiences. The Backstory Seebamboes forms part of The Belly Restaurant Group, the hospitality collective founded by Anouchka Horn and Neil Swart - the duo behind Belly of the Beast and Galjoen.   What makes the group particularly interesting is its deliberate resistance to scale. None of their restaurants seats more than 35 guests, and all sit within two city blocks in Cape Town’s East City Precinct. Together, they’ve helped transform Harrington Street into an exciting culinary hub.   At Seebamboes, chef Adèl Hughes - who previously cooked at Galjoen and alongside Kobus van der Merwe of Wolfgat fame - leads the kitchen with confidence. Sustainability underpins everything both at Seebamboes and Galjoen, from locally foraged

Many things can prompt a recollection of a particular time in your life. Smell is a particularly powerful one.    I recently noticed a foul smell in the air over our West Coast neighbourhood and remarked that it smelled like tear gas. The fact that I had teargas as a point of reference was funny to my family, at first. But it stirred a memory of the Apartheid-era riots I experienced growing up on the Cape Flats, back in the eighties. Just a few days later, I would watch Rise 76, further stoking the uneasy power of these memories and making Tiisetso Mashifane wa Noni’s new production profoundly arresting. This play does not simply ask you to remember June 16, 1976. It hits uncomfortably hard, reminding us how close that history still sits beneath our skin.   Marking the 50th anniversary of the Soweto student uprising, Rise ’76: The Story of June 16 takes you to Molefe Secondary. In this fictional Soweto school, learners, teachers, and parents are pushed to the breaking point by being forced to use Afrikaans as the medium of instruction. What begins as black consciousness and progressive, thought-provoking incitement through poetry outside the classroom's walls soon gathers momentum into the terrible force of that historic day. Mashifane wa Noni, a two-time Fleur du Cap-winning playwright and director, avoids the broad textbook version of the uprising. Instead, she works in smaller, sharper moments by depicting a student meeting, a teacher’s fear, a mother’s grief, the bodies

At The Wes Bistro & Bar, winter is making a theatrical and somewhat indulgent statement. The newly launched winter set menu leans into classic French comfort, wrapped in a setting that feels pulled straight out of The Grand Budapest Hotel film.  The Backstory Megan Kritzinger has built her name on instinct as much as intention. After growing Stellski’s into a Bree Street staple, she’s carved out something more personal with The Wes.  Positioned beneath The Trade Boutique Hotel, the restaurant opened at the end of 2024 as the hotel's breakfast bistro. It carries a distinct identity by design. As Kritzinger puts it, there simply couldn’t be two Stellskis. Instead, The Wes draws from her time in Nice and a clear love of French bistro culture. It’s less about replication and more about interpretation, filtered through a playful lens - more specifically, the lens of celebrated American film-maker Wes Anderson. Vibe The immediate pull is visual. It’s Wes Anderson-coded in the best way: pastel-drenched, symmetrical, slightly surreal. A central fountain anchors the space, alongside a chic cocktail bar, while curved banquette and parquet floors lean into old-world glamour. It’s the kind of dinner spot that inspires you to dress up a little more. Not to be pretentious, but in a “lean into the moment” kind of way, and that adds to the fun.  The Food In addition to its all-day breakfast, the bistro offers an à la carte French-inspired menu. Its winter set menu (R495per person) is a tight

It’s been roughly two years since this intimate 30-seater opened, offering locals and visitors a genuinely thoughtful seafood experience built entirely around responsibly caught South African produce. Named after the country’s national fish, Galjoen sits on Harrington Street in the East City Precinct, bringing an intimate, sustainability-led approach focused on what comes from our surrounding coastal regions. No Norwegian salmon, or Vietnamese prawns here! Instead, you'll find fresh local fish, shellfish and foraged sea vegetables sourced from a tight network of suppliers that fit the bill for responsibly sourced. The menu also shifts constantly, giving diners something new to look forward to each time.   The Backstory Harrington Street is having a moment. Once a gritty edge of the CBD, it now hums with galleries, boutiques and the promises of culinary excellence. If anything is challenging Bree Street’s dominance, it’s here, as the East City Precinct continues to reinvent itself.  At the centre of that shift is the Belly Restaurant Group, led by chef duo Anouchka Horn and Neil Swart. Between Belly of the Beast, Galjoen and the intimate Seebamboes, they’ve created a tight cluster of deeply South African concepts - with more on the way. Think boerewors-focused BURI, game-driven Quagga, and walk-in spot No Show - all small and all within a couple of blocks of each other.  Head chef Isca Viljoen, who came up through some of Cape Town’s best kitchens, shares that philosophy c

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

Most of us see the sun every day, but rarely stop to notice the full path it takes across the sky. We move between desks, screens, cars and home - occasionally glancing outside or basking in its warmth momentarily, before returning to whatever demands our attention. A new creative project challenged a group of South African photographers and creatives to do the opposite by going outdoors, slowing down and allowing nature to take control of the creative process.   For the Corona Solargraph Series, ordinary Corona cans were transformed into pinhole cameras using one of photography’s oldest techniques. A tiny hole was made in each can, and photographic paper was placed inside. The cameras were then positioned outdoors and left untouched for up to 7 days at a time.  There was no shutter to press and no image to review, edit or reshoot. But each participant's unique location, with the camera facing North and capturing the foreground, ultimately determined the image's outcome. The project is based on the idea that “beautiful things happen when you let the sun in”, but its creative appeal goes deeper than that.    At a time when images can be captured, altered or generated in seconds, solargraphy requires patience. This project asked its creators to accept uncertainty, while also relinquishing control.  When nature becomes the creator A solargraph exposure can run for anything from a week to a full year, depending on the image being created.    Although the participating creative

South Africa knows a thing or two about a room with a view. But these three stays give you just as much reason to admire what’s inside. Mount Nelson, Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa and La Residence have made Time Out’s list of the world’s most beautiful hotels, joining a global selection of 33 properties spanning historic castles, jungle retreats and striking city hotels. The list draws on the experiences of Time Out’s editors, writers and hotel experts, with every property visited by a member of the team. Architecture, interiors, gardens and scenery all inform the selection. And we're delighted three South African properties have been selected - appearing at numbers 10, 24 and 31, respectively. Here’s what makes each worth a closer look. Mount Nelson, Cape Town The Pink Lady has never needed much help turning heads. Welcoming guests since 1899, Mount Nelson brings together its unmistakable pink exterior, nine acres of gardens and a setting beneath Table Mountain. Rooms, suites and historic cottages offer different ways to settle into one of Cape Town’s most recognisable addresses, while afternoon tea remains an institution. There’s plenty happening beyond those familiar rituals, too. Amura, chef Ángel León’s first restaurant outside Spain, adds a contemporary layer to the hotel’s appeal. Designed by Tristan du Plessis, its marine-inspired dining room pairs a dramatic ceiling with textured finishes and a central fishmonger’s station. It’s a compelling reason to make an even

We're seated in the bespoke Yakiniku Room at East City Grill when Chef Hayato Morita brings his palms together in a resounding clap.   The clap came midway through a one-night-only dinner at East City Grill & Yakiniku, which has quickly become a favourite in Cape Town’s ever-evolving East City precinct. The sound briefly stills the room as the Japanese chef prepares Wagyu sushi with cuts of local Denver and tongue (not at all like the tongue popularised over Christmas lunch). It would be easy to read the moment as theatre, particularly from a chef known for a secret Tokyo restaurant that uses projection mapping to turn dinner into a carefully choreographed occasion. But a later explanation details how the clap is an act of praise for the meat: an acknowledgement of the animal and the life given before the knife or flame touches it. In Japan, where Buddhist-influenced restrictions helped shape centuries of complicated attitudes towards eating land animals, the gesture carries a deep resonance. For Morita, it comes as a personal expression of gratitude and reveals something essential about the way he cooks: a serious respect for his Wagyu as an ingredient. From canapés to the Yakiniku Room The invitation-only evening brought together chefs, restaurant-industry guests, and media for a collaboration between Morita and East City Grill's executive chef, Jaycee Ferreira. Morita arrived with ingredients selected in Japan, including premium Japanese Wagyu and sake. Ferreira and his

Cape Town’s big attractions know how to draw a crowd. This Tourism Month, the invitation is to let the people who know its neighbourhoods help plan the rest of your itinerary. And we couldn't agree more. After all, it's exactly what we do at Time Out: bring our cities' unique stories to life.   This message was amplified at the launch of Tourism Month 2026, held at Bridges for Music in Langa, on Wednesday.  The choice of venue really makes the city's ambition tangible: a creative academy working with young people in the community, with Fundi Mbambani introducing us to its programmes and their impact. The academy’s programmes bring together music, creative entrepreneurship, wellbeing and work readiness, helping young creatives develop skills and access opportunities.  READ: Why you should take this Black History Tour  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Cape Town (@timeout.capetown) Mbambani also hosts experience tours, bringing a local perspective to exploring the neighbourhood. For visitors, there are practical ways to get involved. Bridges for Music’s bookable experiences include academy visits, DJ and amapiano dance workshops, and heritage tours. The organisation says visits help support its work with young people. For travellers keen to get closer to everyday Cape Town, the appeal is clear: time with the people who live, work and create here, and the chance to see the city through their eyes.  "Cape Town’s story isn’t told only fro

Don’t pack away those winter layers just yet, Cape Town! A cut-off low is expected to develop over South Africa’swestern interior on Thursday, September 3, bringing cold, wet and windy conditions to parts of the Western Cape and Northern Cape through Friday, September 4.  The South African Weather Service (SAWS) says high-lying areas could experience particularly cold conditions, with daytime maximum temperatures remaining below 10°C in places.  For Cape Town, coastal conditions are a key concern. Gale-force winds could affect the south-western and southern coastline, while waves of approximately 4.5 to 5.5 metres could put coastal activities and infrastructure at risk SAWS’s August 31 advisory includes the following yellow level 4 warnings: Disruptive rain: The Overberg and Garden Route districts on Thursday, September 3, with possible flooding of roads and settlements and major traffic disruption. Damaging winds: Parts of the Cape Winelands, Central Karoo and Little Karoo, as well as the Northern Cape’sNamakwa district, from Thursday afternoon into Friday. Temporary structures and transport routes could be affected. Damaging coastal winds and waves: Between Alexander Bay and Plettenberg Bay on Thursday and Friday, with possible disruption to ports and harbours and dangerous conditions at sea. The rainfall warning specifically covers the Overberg and Garden Route, so anyone planning a trip beyond Cape Town should keep a close eye on conditions along their route.  Residents

Air France is bringing back its seasonal direct service between Cape Town and Paris for the 2026/27 summer season, with flights operating from September 22, 2026, until March 27, 2027. The direct route will start off with three weekly flights from the Mother City to Paris-Charles de Gaulle on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.  These services will depart Cape Town shortly after midnight at 12.15am and arrive in Paris at 12.15pm the same day. It's a tricky departure time - with passengers careful to arrive at the airport the evening before the departure date shown on the ticket! From November 1, Air France will increase the route to five flights a week, operating every day except Tuesdays and Thursdays. Flights will leave Cape Town at 8.30am and land in Paris at 7.20pm. All services will be operated using the airline’s Airbus A350-900 aircraft. "Cape Town and Paris are two destinations with an incredibly strong connection, whether through tourism, business, culture or the many South Africans who travel to France each year," says Wilson Tauro, Country Manager Southern Africa at Air France-KLM. "Increasing the service to five flights a week for the majority of the season gives our customers even greater flexibility when planning their European travels." The route’s return comes as Cape Town continues to attract global attention. The Mother City placed sixth in Time Out’s ranking of the World’s Best Cities for 2026, making it the highest-ranked African city and placing it ahea

Update: 7.30am, Monday, 31 August - Airlink has issued a statement addressing concerns raised on social media about its dramatic flyby over the DHL Stadium ahead of the Springboks match against New Zealand on Saturday.  In the statement issued on Sunday, Airlink said the flyover required careful planning and rehearsal, with the aircraft travelling at approximately 150 knots, as two Airlink aircraft, one in Springbok green and the other in All Blacks black, delivered a spectacular opening to the match.  The low-altitude formation flight remained within rehearsed safety limits. It was approved by the South African Civil Aviation Authority and Air Traffic and Navigation Services, which both provided guidance, approval, and support for the flight, according to the airline. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aaron Rheins (@aaronrheins) Each aircraft was operated by three highly experienced senior captains, serving as commander, co-pilot and safety and technical officer. Airlink added that flight data recorded by both aircraft confirmed that the formation flyby remained within the altitude and speed limits approved by the SACAA and tested during rehearsals.  Amidst the reactions to the spectacle flight, many locals have taken to social media to call out the "over-reaction" to aviation safety standards in South Africa.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Schalk Bezuidenhout (@schalkiebez) View this post on Inst

Travel anywhere in the world, and a key concern, especially when it comes to a night out, is safety. From New York, Rio, Cape Town, or Johannesburg (just named the 7th best city for nightlife, btw), each of these cities comes alive in a distinct way across its dance floors, live music events, and venues.  And to experience it, is to know the destination a little bit more intimately.  For Capetonian creative Shakes Mbolekwana, though, the question of safety and how far the traditional duty of an event organiser goes has become an extension of the vibe his events create.     In an exclusive interview with Time Out Cape Town, he says his answer is the Safe Exit System, which his event Ses’fikile will pilot on 4 September.  The event's name translates from Zulu as "we have arrived". It's a declaration that feels celebratory, but deliberately collective. "The name speaks to a collective effort, and that has always been its foundation," says Mbolekwana.  Saving the night out!  Ses’fikile was selected as one of the global winners of Jägermeister’s Save The Night competition, which invited individuals and collectives to propose ideas to improve the future of nightlife. The initiative considered both safety and sustainability. Mbolekwana's concern is also rooted in lived experience. He has had a phone stolen on a night out and has seen the same thing happen to friends. He puts the problem more playfully too, "The easiest way to ruin a great night is to lose your phone and not even

Cape Town, warm up those vocal cords. The Springboks and All Blacks are heading for another heavyweight showdown this Saturday - and the gees is already travelling with the teams. Before the first whistle sounds at DHL Stadium, SIX60 frontman Matiu Walters will step onto the field to perform New Zealand’s national anthem. It follows his appearance at Ellis Park last weekend for the opening clash of the World's Greatest Rivalry tournament, where the scale of the occasion – and the sound of the South African crowd left its mark.  "It’s always an honour to be asked to perform the national anthem," Walters shares with Time Out in an exclusive interview. "In a way, you’re being asked to be the voice for your nation in that moment, and it’s not something I take lightly."  For a lifelong rugby supporter, Ellis Park was more than just another stage, and Walters admits the nerves were very real.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by All Blacks (@allblacks) "When the South African national anthem started, I pulled my in-ears out and really soaked that up," he says. "Man, it was so loud." That roar now moves south.   After last weekend’s disappointment for the Boks, Cape Town is now calling for a Mother City comeback!    SEE: Springboks vs All Blacks: More trains added to get fans to DHL Stadium Cape Town has made a fast impression The anthem appearances form part of SIX60’s first visit to South Africa, and Walters and his bandmates have wasted

The City of Gold earned its place in Time Out’s new global nightlife ranking, based on a survey of more than 24,000 city dwellers and the expertise of Time Out’s international network of local editors and city experts. Johannesburg is the highest-ranked African city on the list, finishing ahead of nightlife heavyweights including Amsterdam, Madrid, Seoul and Mexico City. Bangkok claimed the top spot, followed by Berlin and New York. Ghana's Accra came in at number 18 for its nightlife.   Why Johannesburg’s nightlife is among the world’s best  "Johannesburg’s nightlife has always thrived on reinvention. From the legendary Carfax warehouse parties of the 1990s to today’s genre-blurring dance floors, Jozi remains one of Africa’s most exciting places to stay out until sunrise," says local expert Mlili Mpondo.   "Newtown is still one of the best places to experience that energy. On Gwigwi Mrwebi Street – named after the pioneering South African jazz musician who carried local sounds beyond the country’s borders – Club A.M., AND Club, Bad Manors and Carfax sit shoulder to shoulder in one of the city’s last true nightlife precincts," says Mpondo.  Across these dance floors, DJs move effortlessly between deep house, techno, Afro-house, gqom, drum and bass and experimental sounds. For a different pace, Melville and Rosebank offer lively cocktail bars, live music and neighbourhood hangouts. Local favourites include Six Cocktail Bar on 7th Street and A Streetbar Named Desire on Bolton R

At Amura’s Four Hands Dinner, classical French precision met Ángel León’s radical vision of the sea. And it was a table-side chat with Chef Alain Roux that revealed a deep respect for craft, ingredients and the ocean behind the special menu. This dinner was never going to be an ordinary affair. For one night only, two chefs associated with some of Europe’s most celebrated kitchens came together. Chef Alain Roux is the chef-patron of The Waterside Inn in Bray, the British institution that has held three Michelin stars continuously since 1985. Chef Ángel León, meanwhile, is known as the ‘Chef of the Sea’ for his boundary-pushing approach to marine gastronomy at his restaurants in Cádiz.  That is an extraordinary amount of culinary pedigree in one kitchen. And for the hotel's executive Chef Luke Barry, it was an experience he and his local staff certainly made the most out of in terms of knowledge and skills sharing.  What has stayed with me since that night, isn't simply the calibre of the chefs though. It was their respect for the craft, the ingredients and, above all, the ocean from which so much of the evening’s inspiration had been drawn. READ: This African city has been named one of the best in the world for food in 2026 When dinner becomes theatre The menu began with a series of canapés that gave early clues to the two culinary worlds about to collide. Roux’s French classicism appeared in a truffle croque monsieur and chicken liver parfait with cherries and tarragon. León

Capetonians, more often than not, dread anything to do with the Department of Home Affairs. Those with very little time to get their essential documents done will sometimes hazard a drive to neighbouring districts perceived to be less busy than those in the banks or  branches of a busy city metro.  Now there is another option. A new department opening inside the Cape Town Civic Centre on Hertzog Boulevard, It also makes the City of Cape Town the first municipality in South Africa to host a national Home Affairs branch. The office operates strictly by appointment and is located on the second floor of the Civic Centre, next to the City’s cash office. Its central position also makes it easily accessible by public transport.  The new branch means residents can apply for essential identification and travel documents at the same location where they can pay municipal accounts and access other City services.   ‘It will now be easier and quicker to do more of life’s admin,’ said Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.  READ: SA's digital 'life admin' upgrade: MyMzansi The City handed the space over to Home Affairs in June, with the new office becoming operational less than three months later. It is also expected to ease pressure on the busy Home Affairs office in Barrack Street.   Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said the branch formed part of the department’s Home Affairs@home reform programme, which aims to bring services closer to where people live, work and travel. How to make an