S T A Y
Airbnb - Betty's Bay
If you fancy a little break from the bustling city a weekend in Betty's Bay is the perfect escape. An easy and pretty 1 hour drive from the city is the small, peaceful town with just a couple of little shops and cafes and the beautiful Harold Porter botanical gardens. We fell in love with our home away from home which was incredibly reasonably priced and full of character. There was a pool and a large patio with an outdoor braai, (BBQ) perfect for indoor outdoor living.
Betty's Bay, airbnb.co.uk
Le Ballon Rouge Guest House - Franschhoek
Another place I would highly recommend spending a night or 2 in would be Franschhoek, an hours drive from Cape Town or a pretty hour 10 from Betty's bay. Le Ballon Rouge was a small, quaint guest house located perfectly in the heart of the town, steps from an abundance of bars, restaurants, and eclectic shops. They have parking, a lovely pool area that we were the only guest using and the prices incudes a great breakfast.
7 Reservoir Street East, 7690 Franschhoek, booking.com
S E E
Leopard's Kloof
Whilst visiting Betty's Bay don't miss the chance to hike up Leopard's Kloof and take a dip in the waterfall at the top - fair warning though, it's bitterly cold! I've written about it before so for more details check out this blog post.
Harold Porter National Botanical Garden, sanbi.org
Harold Porter National Botanical Garden, sanbi.org
Babylonstoren
One of my favourite day trips from Cape Town is to this stunning Cape Dutch farm. Their expansive gardens will keep you entertained all morning and when you have worked up up an appetite head over the the greenhouse for a lush lunch using many of their own ingredients. You can see more photographs from a previous visit here.
Klapmuts Simondium Road, babylonstoren.com
Table Mountain - On Foot
One of my favourite day trips from Cape Town is to this stunning Cape Dutch farm. Their expansive gardens will keep you entertained all morning and when you have worked up up an appetite head over the the greenhouse for a lush lunch using many of their own ingredients. You can see more photographs from a previous visit here.
Klapmuts Simondium Road, babylonstoren.com
Table Mountain - On Foot
There hasn't been a visit to Cape Town when I haven't been up Table Mountain however this year I finally challenged myself to go on foot rather than take the cable car. Hiking the mountain isn't for the faint hearted but it is manageable. Platterklip Gorge is a good route up as there is a clear path, plenty of other people and its very direct. Make sure you set off early so you don't spend too much time walking in the direct sunlight, leave valuables at home and take plenty of water. We arranged to go the day after a festival, this came with 2 pros and 2 cons - the hangover was a killer, but we sweated it off and there was cloud cover, perfect hiking conditions however not amazing for the view from the top!
Tafelberg Rd, hiketablemountain.co.za
Tafelberg Rd, hiketablemountain.co.za
Clifton 4th Beach
Located down a set of steps off Victoria Road lies Cliftons various beaches. They are all beautiful but 4th is the best for people watching - full of fitness bloggers and Instagrammers with a backdrop of some of the most wealthy properties in the city. The water is chilly but terribly picturesque!
Victoria Road, opengreenmap.org
Chapmans Peak Drive
Arguably one of the most beautiful drives in the world this cliff side road winds in and out of the mountains with a shear drop down into the Atlantic ocean below. The toll costs R45 and is of course totally worth it. There are some fantastic hikes in the mountains above the road and a cave to watch the sunset from by hopping over the fence at the main lookout point.
Chapmans Peak Drive, chapmanspeakdrive.co.za
E A T
Beintang's Cave
Everytime I visit Hermanus, this is place for lunch. Situated right on the waters edge, so much so in the summer months tables spill out onto the rocks, it is the most perfect setting for a little whale watching while sipping on crisp white wine and gorging on fresh seafood.
La Petite Ferme
La Petite Ferme is a gem that we always return to. Situated up on the hillside as you drop down into Franschhoek, this place has the most insane view and a very nice restaurant to accompany it. Read my full blog post on this not to be missed beauty here.
Franschhoek Pass Road, lapetiteferme.co.za
Dutch East
We stumbled across the under-hyped Dutch East restaurant one evening in Franschhoek when looking for somewhere not too pretentious and with a good atmosphere.
42 Huguenot Street, dutcheast.co.za
Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel
Another firm favourite for afternoon tea. Eat as many sweet treats as you can and wash it down by drinking as much tea as you can from all over the world! I've written about their incredible afternoon tea before so read this blog post for more information.
76 Orange Street, belmond.com
The Hussar Grill
I can't believe we only discovered The Hussar Grill more recently. There are several locations in South Africa but my go to is the Camps Bay. They serve literally the best steak I have ever had and I really love steak. You will need to book though as it's very popular, for good reason!
108 Camps Bay Dr, hussargrill.co.za
Cape Point Vineyards
For stunning sunset views in a picnic environment Cape Point Vineyards is the perfect meeting place for dinner with friends. Pick your cuisine from a vast array of market stalls, grab a bottle of wine and settle down on a patch of grass overlooking the vines and the sea beyond.
Silvermine Road, cpv.co.za
The Codfather
Don't let the name The Codfather put you off. It is an incredible seafood restaurant where your server takes you up to a fish counter and you select everything you would like to taste from Yellowtail tuna to Langoustines. They then bring a plate for the table according to your budget along with a selection of sides and dips. Perfect for trying new fish for a set price!
37 Camps Bay Drive, codfather.co.za
Bootlegger Kalk Bay
For an Instagrammable coffee and delicious breakfast or lunch, Bootlegger is perfect. With it's beautiful interior and creative menu including banana bread french toast it has quickly become a go to in Kalk Bay.
125 Main Road, bootlegger.co.za
The Backyard Cafe
If you are looking for a relaxing lunch in the Southern Suburbs, The Backyard Cafe is the perfect place to wind down. Tables are situated in and around the beautiful back garden of one of Restorabilia's showrooms where you can enjoy creative salads and a green smoothie or even a freak shake. Read more about my last visit here.
4 Sol Cohen Road, thebackyardcafe.info
La Belle @ The Alphen
Another firm favourite for breakfast or lunch is La Belle at The Alphen Hotel. Sit outside under the trees in the summer months with a peach bellini or inside during the cooler months with a flat white. This post tells you a little more.
The Alphen Boutique Hotel, alphen.co.za
D R I N K
Tokara
If you are looking for wine tasting with a wow factor Tokara is the perfect place in the perfect setting just outside Stellenbosch - on a clear day you can see Table Mountain! Tastings are R45 and if you have time stay for lunch at their award winning restaurant.
Helshoogte Rd, tokara.co.za
Cape to Cuba
Kalk Bays local hipster joint Cape to Cuba is one of my favourite places for a strong cocktail with views over the train line to the harbour and sand to run through your toes.
165 Main Road, capetocuba.com
Kalk Bays local hipster joint Cape to Cuba is one of my favourite places for a strong cocktail with views over the train line to the harbour and sand to run through your toes.
165 Main Road, capetocuba.com
Orchard on Long
For a healthy juice kick head to Long Street staple Orchard for anything from a cold-pressed juice to a full cleanse made with the tastiest, freshest ingredients.
211 Long St, orchardonlong.co.za
The Bungalow
Constantia Glen is one is Cape Towns lesser known wine estates which is great because it means you get to enjoy your £4 wine tasting without having to elbow your way to a table. The staff are friendly and knowledgable while the terrace opens out onto views over the vines to the mountains and down the valley below.
Constantia Main Rd, constantiaglen.com
I would love to know if you are planning a trip here or if you have any other favourite spots.
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