Join/
Travel Spotlight
It’s midday in Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, the bustling bottom of the world. The mist has just cleared and the shipping port-cum-trendy downtown hub is alive with the sound of brass bands and the call of seagulls. Here, among sidewalk cafes and boats gleaming in sun-drenched waters, the striking new Silo Hotel has just been unveiled; in September, the much-anticipated Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa opened beneath it. This news alone is enough to generate international buzz, and with the addition of several trendy restaurants and shops, it’s safe to say that the city is having—and will continue to have—a moment. Read on to discover the Cape Town attractions that are igniting the excitement.Contact Indagare for assistance planning a vacation to Cape Town.
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="620"] Chef's Warehouse, courtesy Liam Tomlin[/caption]
While visitors to Cape Town would be remiss to bypass the city’s classics (like Chef’s Warehouse, the casual restaurant serving mouthwatering small plates), a few new eateries are making waves in the dining scene. Chief among these is Shortmarket Club, the rustic café from Chef Luke Dale-Roberts of Test Kitchen. There, guests enjoy updated classics like oxtail ragu and baked aubergine along with creative desserts.
For more casual fare, visitors should head down the street to Jason Bakery, a bustling café serving outstanding pastries and sandwiches (185 Bree St). And the Silo Hotel’s fine dining restaurant has already established itself as a staple of Cape Town’s gastronomic scene: the all-day eatery offers tried-and-true favorites like excellent Sunday roast and indulgent afternoon tea; while the dinner menu features elevated seasonal fare like seafood bouillabaisse and rabbit tortellini. And those who fancy a G&T this summer are in luck: flavored gins are all the rage, and the popular Inverroche small batch distilled variety is popping up in cocktails across the city. No Reservations is a hole-in-the-wall bar beneath Chef’s Warehouse that offers many delicious, gin-based elixirs (92 Bree Street).
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="620"] Courtesy South Africa Tourism[/caption]
Beyond the the urban Cape Town attractions, the region's varied landscapes can keep adventure seekers occupied for days. Travelers are spoiled for choice here: between mountains, beaches and verdant countryside, visitors can surf, cycle, rappel, whale watch, shark dive and go wine tasting—all within the city limits. The seaside capital is also conveniently located near several regions that are destinations in their own rights, including the Cape Winelands. This bucolic valley has been known for its remarkable wines for decades; now the area is the center of a dynamic new culinary movement, with a slate of superb farm-to-table restaurants and wineries that are experimenting with innovative tasting methods. There, guests can taste some of the world's most delicious varietals and explore the storybook villages of Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl, all while enjoying the breathtaking scenery (think rose gardens, mist-engulfed mountains and lavender fields).
As an added bonus, the winelands are home to a number of sumptuous retreats such as La Residence, the exquisite château with sweeping views of the surrounding vineyards. Also within driving distance of Cape Town is Hermanus, the cliffside fishing town where Birkenhead House, the lavish and romantic beach house property, can be found.
Contact Indagare for assistance planning a vacation to Cape Town.
Published onJune 1, 2017
We only feature hotels that we can vouch for first-hand. At many of them, Indagare members receive special amenities.
Get In Touch