A day in Franschhoek
Franschhoek, Western Cape, South Africa
The ‘French Corner’ of the Cape Winelands is a bucket list destination for bacchanalian adventures.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
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Overview >Bucket list experience:
Cape Town’s best food & drink
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Last updated: 29 May, 2023
From tapas to sushi, coffee to wine, Cape Town’s international food, with an African twist, is sophisticated and superb.
Cape Town is perhaps best known for Cape Malay cuisine – curries that are fragrantly spicy rather than fiery. Being a port, fresh seafood features prominently – expect plenty of fresh local line fish, crayfish and mussels – though meat is much-loved and excellent too. In summer look out for fresh yellowtail and rock lobster.
Two world-class wine regions – Constantia and Stellenbosch – are of course on the doorstep.
What to try
Cape Malay curries made with chicken or lamb, and eaten with roti are a speciality of the city. Also try bobotie, a spicy mince dish topped with savoury baked custard. The calorie-laden Gatsby sandwich – stuffed with spiced steak, salad and chips – is a favourite with late-night revellers.
Also see Richard’s round-up of traditional South African foods to try in South Africa.
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Experience
Aegir Project Brewery
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
The craft beer revolution is in full swing in Cape Town, and the Aegir Project in laid-back Noordhoek has long led the charge. Their easy-going taproom and restaurant offer a range of local brews and fine views.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
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Experience
Chef’s Warehouse at Beau Constantia
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Constantia’s growing culinary clout is on full display here, with chef Ivor Jones’ small-plate menu offering some of the city’s most inspired, and affordable, fine dining.
Best for ages: 18+ | £50
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Constantia Wine Region
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
The picturesque Constantia Valley is a compact wine route that’s home to some of the oldest wine farms in the Cape.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
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Overview >Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Duration: -
Getting there & doing it
Bree Street in the city centre is a vibrant gourmet boulevard of wine bars, coffee shops and restaurants that’s best discovered on foot.
The extensive coastline means there’s no shortage of sea-view eateries serving up fresh seafood.
The winelands – Constantia and Stellenbosch – are peppered with outstanding restaurants serving exceptional food – in gorgeous al fresco settings inspired by Cape Dutch Architecture.
Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
Cape Town 6-day Itinerary
South Africa
Where to go and what to see in Cape Town to get the most from your trip – a 6-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Richard Holmes.
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Overview >Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
The 10 Tastings of Cape Town With Locals: Private Food Walking Tour
Cape Town
Eat your way through Cape Town's culinary scene on a private food tour. Go on a delicious journey as you try 10 of the best food items belov...
€83 | Rating 4.48 / 5 [79 ratings]
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The Cape Town Essentials Food Tour
Cape Town
This tour focuses on a variety of different traditions and food cultures in Cape Town from the Bo-Kaap and De Waterkant. Each stop is also a...
Z1,790 | Rating 5 / 5 [199 ratings]
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
One&Only Cape Town
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[0.9 miles]
Glamorous multi-faceted urban resort, centrally located in the buzzing V&A Waterfront.
Official star rating:
The Silo Hotel
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[0.9 miles]
Art, architecture and contemporary luxury combine seamlessly at one of Africa’s most striking design hotels.
Official star rating:
Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[1.9 miles]
Families and repeat visitors will love this breezy, resort-style seafront hotel with a superb range of rooms and facilities.
Official star rating:
Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[1.9 miles]
The ‘Nellie’ is the grande dame of Cape Town hotels and a much-loved local landmark, offering upscale dining and a plant-based spa.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Cape Town
Western Cape, South Africa
Vibrant, multicultural city with dramatic scenery, adrenaline adventure galore, Africa’s best art’s scene and golden beaches and outstanding gastronomy.
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Overview >Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art (MOCAA)
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[0.8 miles]
Take a deep dive into the creative spirit of Africa at the Zeitz MOCCA, a remarkable home for Africa’s leading collection of artworks from Africa and its diaspora.
Best for ages: 13+ | £10
Helicopter flights over Cape Town
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[1.5 miles]
Take to the skies for unrivalled views of Cape Town’s dramatic coastline, and to fly over the iconic Table Mountain.
Best for ages: 10+ | £80 | 15-30 mins
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Hike up the Lion’s Head
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[3.3 miles]
A stunning 5.5km (3.4m) hike up the iconic Lion’s Head, for spectacular views of the Cape’s dramatic Atlantic coastline.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 2-4 hours
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Hike up Table Mountain
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[4.5 miles]
Lace up your boots and tackle one of the myriad hiking trails going up to the summit of the iconic Table Mountain, a challenging but rewarding 2- to 3-hour scenic hike.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 2-3 hours
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Overview >Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Experience
Two Oceans Aquarium
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[0.9 miles]
In the V&A Waterfront, this world-class aquarium offers three large tanks for pelagic fish alongside dozens of smaller exhibits. The hands-on ‘Touch Pool’ is always a hit with kids.
Best for ages: 4+ | £10
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Experience
District 6 Museum
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[1.4 miles]
Delve into the lived experience of forced removals at this moving small Museum, which chronicles the diversity of District Six and its later destruction by the Apartheid government.
Best for ages: 18+ | £2
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Experience
South African Museum
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[1.4 miles]
Stop by the South African Museum to see the famous Linton Panel, one of the world’s foremost examples of rock art, extracted from a shelter in the Drakensberg Mountains. Open daily.
Best for ages: 13+ | £2
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Experience
Walk or cycle the Sea Point Promenade
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[2.9 miles]
Join locals on ‘The Prom’ for a leisurely 5km seaside ramble, cycle or skate as you enjoy the city’s best sunset views. There are pavement cafes if you need a break, and play parks for kids.
Best for ages: 6+ | Free | 1-2 hours
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