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Ask the Locals City Guide: Cape Town, South Africa

Peter Greenberg Worldwide
Locations in this article:  Cape Town, South Africa

Greenpoint Stadium, Cape Town, South AfricaThe World Cup may be over, but that doesn’t mean life in Cape Town has slowed down (and yes, those vuvuzelas are still in full force during festivals and events). Peter took his own advice and traveled to South Africa after the fanfare so he could experience all the city has to offer.

To gear up for his radio show, coming to us from the Taj Hotel Cape Town, we checked in with the locals to learn about some of their favorite activities in Cape Town.

Lisa van Aswegen, Editor, Time Out Cape Town

Spend a day in Kalk Bay. A visit to this seaside village, half an hour’s drive from the center of Cape Town is perfect for spending a lazy day. There are loads of antique shops and funky fashion boutiques. End off the morning with a long seafood lunch (and bottle of ice-cold Sauvignon Blanc) at one of the restaurants overlooking the ocean. During late winter and early spring (August – October) you may even spot some whales!

For more quick getaways from Cape Town, don’t miss our Great Cape Escapes series, including: Whale-Watching in Hermanus, South Africa

Carne SA - Mmmm, meatCarne SA is a very sophisticated spot for dinner. Chef Giorgio Nava focuses on high-quality meats, prepared with pared-down Milanese flair. Modern design, slick service and a grappa trolley all add to the experience.

On a Saturday morning, take your wallet and tastebuds to the Neigbourgoods Market in gritty Woodstock. This super-trendy spot is filled with foodies from around the area tasting, eating and having fun.

You can sit at one of the long trestle tables and dig in to fresh croissants and coffee for breakfast, or lunch on gorgeous salads, curries and gourmet sandwiches. Make sure you bring loads of shopping bags as there is produce aplenty to buy, from cheeses and breads to preserves, meats and all manner of sweet things.

Enjoy an afternoon of indulgence at the Mount Nelson Hotel. This grande dame of Cape Town’s hotels offers the perfect spot for relaxation: combine a spa treatment at the Librisa Spa (set in a sexily renovated Victorian house) with the Nellie’s famous afternoon tea spread: cakes, sandwiches, petit fours, and other delicacies. On a nice day, the gardens and terrace are charming, or spend time in the plush lounge.

Zolani Mahola, lead singer, Freshlyground

Freshlyground - Radio Africa album artTake a morning walk up Lion’s Head mountain, before the sun is high in the sky. Part of Cape Town’s dramatic vista, this peak overlooks the city and Atlantic Ocean and is such a spiritual place. Getting to the top is moderate and requires some level of physical fitness, but there are chains toward the top to help your climb. It’s worth it for the spectacular views.

Lazari restaurant in Vredehoek is a great breakfast venue. Vredehoek is a suburb just beyond the city below Table Mountain. (There’s also a Lazari located in the Cape Quarter Lifestyle Shopping Centre). Inside this tiny cafe, Xhosa chefs prepare meals in plain sight. This is a popular spot, so get there early to score a seat by the window.

For tourists and locals alike, Church Street is always a good place to walk among interesting art shops and antiques, unusual jewelery and collectables.

Musically, I always like to see who is doing what, and the African Music Store at on Long Street, in the City Centre, has a lovely selection of indigenous and African music.

Lastly, a favorite experience is going to Clifton Beach for a real South African tradition: sundowners, aka sunset cocktails. A bottle of Haute Cabriere wine, friends = bliss.

And for musical accompaniment to this post, check out Shakira featuring Freshlyground with the official song from the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Waka Waka (This Time for Africa):

 

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