Richard Holmes

Instagram is full of the candy-coloured cottages of the Bo-Kaap, and you’ve likely heard the sonorous call to prayer drift across the city at sunset. But one of Cape Town’s lesser-known stories of faith comes woven with history and scattered around the Cape, hidden away amid vineyards, fynbos and seaside slopes. These are the kramats – also called mazaars – of Cape Town, which hold and protect the graves of Muslim saints, exiled to the Cape centuries ago. Taken together, they tell a textured story of landscape, community and history.   Kramats are the resting places of revered Islamic scholars and leaders – ‘auliyah’, or ‘friends of God’ – who were banished to the Cape by the Dutch East India Company (VOC) from the late-1600s. Many were influential figures in present-day Indonesia and Malaysia who resisted colonisation. Instead of imprisoning or executing them, the VOC scattered them to the edges of the fledgling colony at the Cape, banished forever from their homelands. Their simple graves later became shrines, today visited by the faithful and the curious alike. Today, the kramats are far more than a simple list of historical sites. Plotted on a map, these tombs form a loose ‘circle of saints’ encircling Cape Town. And while the VOC once saw the Cape as a place of banishment, today the 23 kramats are part of the city’s living fabric; markers of faith and history. A place where memory and history meet. The Dutch colonial rulers may have had little respect for the spiritual

After legal battles and infighting, followed by a few more years of construction, the site that was once The River Club finally opened in late 2024 as Riverlands. It’s a mixed-use development combining office, retail, and restaurant spaces, alongside a strong cultural hub celebrating the First Nations of the Cape, the people who grazed cattle and settled on the grassy plains between what are today the Black and Liesbeek Rivers. While a corporate tech headquarters dominates the skyline (and conversation) at Riverlands, it’s certainly not just a precinct for office workers and apartment residents. Instead, across the expansive site, you’ll find a host of wonderful restaurants, a thoughtful shopping experience in the mall, and a lovely riverside walk that is open to the public and completely free to access. Whether you come for a bite to eat, some cultural insights, or retail therapy, it’s a vibrant, multifaceted new addition to Cape Town. Here's how to spend your time and money down by the riverside...

With its unrivalled coastal scenery, it’d be easy to believe that Cape Town’s cocktail offering is about little more than seaside sundowners. But come nightfall, the city’s bars spring to life, with world-class mixologists tapping into a burgeoning craft spirits scene to create authentic experiences rooted in South Africa’s ‘Mother City’. If you’re exploring Cape Town and find yourself thirsty, these are the watering holes to check out. RECOMMENDED: 🍷 The best wine farms in and around Cape Town 😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🛏 The best Airbnbs in Cape Town🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town☕️ The best cafés and coffee shops in Cape Town Planning your next trip? Check out our latest travel guides, written by local experts.

Whether it’s a luxury suite a stone’s throw from the shore, or an eyrie with a view of the vibrant inner city, Cape Town has no shortage of fine hotels to offer travellers. If your pockets are deep, that is. But what if they’re not? Or what if you’d rather splash that cash on a few bucket list experiences, instead of having a butler on tap? Well, you’re in luck, as South Africa’s ‘Mother City’ is brimming with affordable hotels that offer plenty of comfort and charm, at a price that won’t make your wallet weep. From the False Bay coast to the bright lights of the Atlantic Seaboard, you won’t go wrong with one of these budget-friendly hotel beds. RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Cape Town🍝 The best restaurants in Cape Town🛏️ The best Airbnbs in Cape Town🛍 The best shops in Cape Town🏨 The best hotels in Cape Town Born and raised in the city, Richard Holmes is a travel writer based in Cape Town. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

The eastern fringes of central Cape Town – once a semi-industrial area between South Africa’s parliamentary buildings and the historic suburb of District Six – has enjoyed a resurgence over the past decade. Today the ‘East City’ – its new moniker – is filled with a host of restaurants, cafés, museums and creative businesses that make the district a drawcard day or night. Unlike some of Cape Town’s more popular thoroughfares – like the nightlife on Long, or eateries of Bree – there’s no single theme running through the East City. Instead, it’s a rough-and-tumble mix that somehow seems to work. For every hole-in-the-wall dive bar, there’s a stellar high-end restaurant. Find yourself there nice and early? A handful of coffee shops and bakeries will happily kickstart your day. Looking for a bit of culture? Bookshops, museums and galleries will fill your schedule. And come nightfall, bars and clubs rattle to life, each catering to eclectic tastes. Lace up your walking shoes and dive into Time Out’s pick of the best places to visit in Cape Town’s East City. RECOMMENDED: 🍷 The best wine farms in and around Cape Town 😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🛏 The best Airbnbs in Cape Town🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town☕️ The best cafés and coffee shops in Cape Town Born and raised in the city, Richard Holmes is a travel writer based in Cape Town. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how w

Want to know where the locals love to go? In this exclusive series on Time Out Cape Town, ‘Local Intel’ taps into some of the city’s best-connected characters to unearth the corners you simply can’t miss in the Mother City. He’s played sold-out solo shows in New York and Los Angeles, and shared the bill of BST Hyde Park with the likes of Gwen Stefani and Sam Ryder. He’s clocked up more than 40 million global streams, and has built a loyal fanbase across the globe. But Cape Town is still the city that global star Will Linley calls home. Raised in Cape Town as the youngest member of a musical family, this talented musician and songwriter grew up playing violin and viola before teaching himself piano and guitar. Inspired by pop singer-songwriters including Dean Lewis, Lewis Capaldi and Ed Sheeran, Linley’s breakthrough came via TikTok, starting an avalanche of interest that saw his music become radio fodder across South Africa and his debut EP kill all my feelings garner acclaim at home and abroad. An electric live artist, Linley has gone on to perform at P!NK’s Summer Carnival, BST Hyde Park, the Barn on the Farm Festival in Gloucester, and his debut London headline show at The Courtyard Theatre. He also played Lollapalooza 2024 in Chicago, while keeping fans happy with the release of his Magic EP, a collection of what he calls ‘sad-pop’ songs, blending raw, emotional lyrics over cheery, dancey beats. His music is the ideal soundtrack for any visit to the Mother City, so Time O

Welcome to Mother Sippy, where we shine a light on the talented winemakers, brewers, distillers and mixologists that make sure the Mother City never goes thirsty! From new wine releases to taprooms pouring perfect pints, Mother Sippy is your guide to all that’s good and great in Cape Town’s world of drinks. There are some things in life that you can always rely on. And no, I don’t mean death and taxes. A Toyota Corolla is one. The summer southeaster in Cape Town is definitely another. And in the world of wine, it’s Alto Rouge: a wine that has long been guaranteed to over-deliver on quality and complexity and impress with its affordable price point. It’s the kind of bottle you know you can take to a friend’s braai or dinner with your in-laws, and everyone will be happy. And in terms of value for money, Rouge has long been a showstopper. And by long, I mean long. In fact, 2024 marks the 100th vintage of Alto Rouge, a farm that has quietly and consistently produced some of the best red wines on the Helderberg.   The farm dates to 1919, when the farmer Hennie Malan bought a portion of the historic Groenrivier farm and established Alto. Joined by his son Manie Malan, a pioneering viticulturist and winemaker, they planted an array of red grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Cinsaut, Gamay Noir, and Pinot Noir. And Manie Malan was a man with a vision: of blending robust Cabernet Sauvignon with fruit-forward Shiraz and Cinsaut. It proved to be a smart move. He put

Welcome to Mother Sippy, where we shine a light on the talented winemakers, brewers, distillers and mixologists that make sure the Mother City never goes thirsty! From new wine releases to taprooms pouring perfect pints, Mother Sippy is your guide to all that’s good and great in Cape Town’s world of drinks. You know we love a list here at Time Out Cape Town. The 22 Best Hotels. The 45 Best Things to Do.  50 Best Restaurants. You get the idea. And since launching the Durbanville Hills’ Collectors Reserve in 2018, this award-winning Cape cellar has been giving us a run for our money with their pick of the seven most recognisable icons in Cape Town.   It all forms the heart of Durbanville Hills’ Collectors Reserve, their premium collection of single varietal wines. Single varietal? That just means it’s made from a single, specific type of grape – say, Shiraz, or Chenin Blanc – rather than a blend of different grapes. And from the grapes in the glass to the labels on the bottle, this is a collection of wines that leans heavily into a sense of place, with each of the seven single-varietal wines pegged to a Mother City landmark. There’s The Cape Mist Sauvignon Blanc, The Cape Garden Chenin Blanc, The Cableway Chardonnay, The Lighthouse Merlot, The Promenade Pinotage, The Castle of Good Hope Cabernet Sauvignon and The High Noon Shiraz. And on the label you’ll find eye-catching labels by Cape Town artist Theo Paul Vorster, whose hand-coloured linocuts bring each icon to life. Phot

From just about anywhere you stand in Cape Town, it is impossible to ignore Table Mountain. This ancient sandstone massif towers above the city, enchanting visitors with its famous summertime ‘tablecloth’ of clouds. And while many travellers do little more than ride the cableway to the summit, if you have sturdier legs and a taste for adventure you'll want to lace up your shoes and hit the trail. Whether it’s for just a few hours, or a full day out, these are the best hikes to tackle within Table Mountain National Park. RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best things to do in Cape Town 🍝 The best restaurants in Cape Town 🏖 The best beaches in Cape Town 🛍 The best shops in Cape Town Born and raised in the city, Richard Holmes is a travel writer based in Cape Town. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

‘Overtourism’. It’s more than a buzzword – in the world’s most popular destinations, it’s a problem that affects almost every aspect of local life, from the environment to the cost of renting, transport and eating out. And when a place is overwhelmed by people, it’s not only locals’ quality of life that suffers; the quality of your trip does, too. But it’s not all bad. Destinations are coming up with ways to redistribute tourism from densely crowded hotspots to lesser-visited regions. Travellers are seeking cooler climes and embracing slow travel, allowing space to discover somewhere new. And they’re still riding the ‘destination dupes’ trend, where overrun holiday destinations are swapped out for less crowded, less expensive, but just-as-good alternatives. On our newly updated list of the world’s most underrated travel destinations, you won’t find your Bangkoks or your Balis, your Amalfis or your Amsterdams. What you will find is the hidden side of Yosemite, the French Riviera’s overlooked twin, a place where penguins outnumber people, and plenty more travel inspo where that came from.Why trust us? Because we’ve been to them all. Every spot on this list was picked by one of our expert editors and globetrotting travel writers, recommended because they offer great (or quiet) alternatives to the classics – and in many cases, because they’re places that actually want tourism. In other words, travelling to any of these 33 criminally overlooked destinations is a win-win situation.

Cape Town is – let’s not be coy – the culinary capital of Africa. Whether you’re throwing on a jacket for an evening of world-class fine dining in landmark settings, or hanging with the locals in a neighbourhood mezcaleria where the queue is out the door, the Mother City is one place where you’re always spoilt for choice when it comes to eating out. What makes the city so special? Diversity. You’ll find menus that celebrate Cape ingredients and heritage, others that riff on global trends, and plenty that do both at the same time. It’s a city where casual ramen bars share the spotlight with world-class fine-dining destinations that crack global awards lists. And all at a fraction of what you’d pay overseas But with a city jam-packed with fine food, where do you start? Right here, of course, with the Time Out guide to the best restaurants in Cape Town. And no, it’s not all about expensive multi-course menus and tweezered micro-herbs. On this list you’ll find the best pizza joints, unforgettable sushi bars and – of course – the creative chefs that make Cape Town one of the world’s gourmet heavyweights. It’s a list that evolves as quickly as the city’s restaurant scene, so check back often to see what’s hot this month. Come hungry, explore widely and – our advice? – always leave space for dessert. RECOMMENDED:  🏨 The best hotels in Cape Town🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town🍷 The best wine farms in and around Cape Town🍕 The best pizza in Cape Town📍 The best

Whether it’s award-winning Chenin Blanc, elegant Shiraz (and syrah) or world-class sparkling Cap Classique, South Africa has plenty to boast about when it comes to wine. But only one grape can truly be called its own, and it’s been going strong for a century! The history of Pinotage properly begins in 1925, when Professor Abraham Izak Perold crossed noble Pinot Noir with hardy Cinsault – also known as Hermitage – to create what would become South Africa’s signature red variety. The name itself is a portmanteau: ‘Pino-‘ from Pinot Noir, and ‘-tage’ from Hermitage and was an inspired experiment, combining the elegance of Burgundy’s star grape with the resilience of a Rhône workhorse. The result? A cultivar that has become synonymous with South African red wine. But the road of Pinotage hasn’t always been smooth. The variety was once dismissed by international critics for its overt banana notes, and a bouquet that ran from merely smoky to ‘burnt clutch’. For decades, the jury was out on Pinotage as a quality wine. Happily, the story today is different. A new generation of winemakers has refined how Pinotage is made, coaxing out a new character altogether. It’s a grape that’s infinitely versatile, from juicy fruit-forward bottles for everyday drinking and elegant rosés to age-worthy wines full of complexity. If you want to taste South Africa in a glass, Pinotage is a good place to start. And from heritage estates to boutique cellars, these are the best farms and tasting rooms to

A sixth-generation family estate just outside Cape Town, Diemersdal produces cool-climate wines in the heart of the Durbanville winelands. Its charming tasting room offers curated flights and flexible options. Tasting options Standard and premium flights, plus build-your-own options. What else can I do? Visit during seasonal farm events or enjoy a casual meal at the Diemersdal Eatery.

This Simonsberg estate is celebrated for its hospitality, sustainability, and creative wine-and food experiences. Tasting options Reserve (R95), Premium, and Wine & Fynbos Cupcake pairing (daily). What else can I do? Enjoy cheese platters or seasonal culinary events. Browse the garden restaurant menu for lunch or casual meals. Stay overnight in charming vineyard cottages available on-site.

One of South Africa’s oldest wine estates, dating back to 1685, Groot Constantia blends rich history with wine tasting, heritage attractions, and a choice of dining experiences. Tasting options Standard tasting (5 wines + glass), Chocolate & Wine pairing; premium tastings occasionally available. What else can I do? Follow the Visitor’s Route through historic Manor, cellars, and museum. Lunch at Jonkershuis or Simon’s.

Renowned for world-class Pinotage and Bordeaux-style blends, Kanonkop offers tastings in a modern facility enriched with heritage. Established by the Sauer family, this estate blends tradition with artistry. Tasting options Standard and premium flights featuring flagship wines; platters available. Private tastings on arrangement. What else can I do? Browse art and historical displays in the tasting space. Collect rare releases from their cellar shop.

A family-run estate in Bottelary Hills since 1946, Kaapzicht is famous for Chenin Blanc and its Steytler Reserve range. The relaxed tasting room overlooks vineyards and hosts tastings with optional cheese or charcuterie platters. Tasting options Family Range (R100), Terroir Range (R160), Steytler Reserve (R350). What else can I do? Enjoy a platter while sipping on the serene terrace. Purchase wines, including limited vintages, at the cellar door. No on-site accommodation, but Stellenbosch offers a variety of charming options a short drive away.

Founded in 1988 by Pinotage pioneer Beyers Truter, Beyerskloof highlights the versatility of Pinotage through expressive tastings. The estate features a tasting room and Red Leaf Bistro for relaxed wine pairing. Tasting options Classic (R70), Superior (R100), Grand (R160) What else can I do? Dine at Red Leaf Bistro with vineyard views. Shop for a wide selection of Pinotage styles at the cellar door. While there’s no on-site lodging, nearby Stellenbosch has plenty of options to stay longer.

One of the oldest estates in the Stellenbosch winelands, established in 1692, Lanzerac blends winemaking with luxury hospitality in the gorgeous Jonkershoek Valley. Visitors can enjoy a modern tasting room, guided cellar tours, and a choice of restaurants. The estate also features a five-star hotel and full-service spa, perfect for guests seeking a genuinely immersive and comfortable Winelands experience. Tasting options Jonkershoek Tasting, Heritage Tasting, Wine & Chocolate pairing; daily guided cellar tours. What else can I do? Dine at Manor Kitchen, Taphuis or Craven Lounge. Unwind in the Lanzerac Spa. Stay the night in one of the elegant rooms or suites at the Lanzerac Hotel.

This compact space on Bree Street packs a flavour-punch across a menu of South Cantonese street-food with a kick. The setting may be minimalist, but the food is front and centre. Owner-chef Andrew Kai delivers punchy plates rooted in childhood memories, without much fuss. It’s the kind of place that rewards lingering at the counter, diving into bold flavours plate by plate. What’s on the menu? TOMSON brings South Cantonese favourites with bold flavours: think wonton noodle soup, sliced Sichuan pork with kimchi kick, sticky roast Cantonese duck, soft‑steamed white fish, salt‑and‑pepper prawns, Hainanese chicken rice, and simple, punchy sides like smacked cucumber and Chinese stem cabbage Is there outdoor seating? Yes. TOMSON is tiny, but it offers pavement‑bench seating that’s a winner in good weather. Inside, a few counter‑seats look directly into the open kitchen, offering a feast for the senses. How do you get there? Head to the buzz of Bree Street from St George’s Mall, Long Street, or buses stopping near Wale Street. Walk‑ins are welcome, but bookings via Dineplan are highly recommended Why go? TOMSON stands small but mighty. It’s a culinary underdog with serious flavour and personality. Few frills, all flavour, in the heart of Bree Street’s vibrant dining scene.

One of the most exciting openings in 2025 reinvents the dining experience at Ellerman House. Set in the hotel’s striking Wine Gallery, Curate is a deeply contemporary space where South Africa’s culinary heritage is reimagined through a multi-course menu from Executive Chef Kieran Whyte. What’s on the menu? Expect a refined reinterpretation of South African staples. Amagwinya (steamed bread) is paired with smoked snoek and caviar; Afrikaans melktert appears as an earthy mushroom course; bobotie is reinvented in shape and texture; and pap is transformed into a fermented dessert. Each dish celebrates the food South Africans know and love, elevated to the standard of world-class fine dining. Carefully considered wine pairings showcase rare wines and single-vineyard selections from the Ellerman cellar. Is there outdoor seating? No. Curate is set within the atmospheric Wine Gallery. How do you get there? Ride-hailing is the most convenient option, as street parking is limited. Guests not staying at the hotel should book ahead via Dineplan. Why go? Curate offers a singular fine-dining experience in Cape Town: a storytelling menu that elevates everyday South African dishes into unforgettable culinary art. Textured stone, moody lighting, and architectural drama create an immersive setting that feels both intimate and artistic.

This buzzy little spot on Sea Point’s Main Road has put premium agave spirits firmly on Cape Town’s map. Opened by brothers Gavin and Sean Binder, it’s equal parts mezcalería and Mexican-inspired eatery, drawing locals and visitors alike for vibrant plates and seriously good cocktails. By the time Friday night rolls around, the queue at the door says it all. What’s on the menu? The kitchen, led by Head Chef Dian Botes, dishes up Mexican-inspired plates made for sharing. Start with guacamole and totopos or the tangy “street corn” ribs, then move on to masa corn tacos – the Jalisco-style beef birria is a must. Empanadas, ceviche and small plates round out the menu, making it easy to linger over a spread. Is there outdoor seating? A handful of pavement tables spill onto Regent Road. Inside, the space is warm, casual, and always buzzing. How do you get there? Una Más is on Regent Road in central Sea Point. Street parking is limited, so ride-hailing is your best bet. MyCiTi buses stop nearby. Why go? With more than 200 agave spirits alongside a food menu that’s as lively as the drinks, Una Más is both a neighbourhood hangout and a destination bar. Whether you’re there for sipping mezcal from clay copitas, a round of margaritas, or a taco-filled dinner, it’s one of Cape Town’s most vibey nights out. Did you know that Cape Town’s favourite Mexican eatery is now open at the Time Out Market Cape Town?

Chef Ryan Cole – the culinary force behind award-winning Salsify at The Roundhouse – serves up a more relaxed take on fine dining at this spot on the water’s edge at the V&A Waterfront. Expect an ocean-inspired menu blended with moody, design-led interiors and postcard views of the marina and Table Mountain. What’s on the menu? The main event is COY’s seven-course ‘COY Experience’ tasting menu, which changes with the seasons and leans heavily into seafood, drawing on local ingredients and techniques. Vegetarian/vegan menus are available on request. Think tuna tartare with caramelised coconut and sugarcane, seared linefish with mussels, peri-peri and askoek [ash bread], and chargrilled squid with pearl barley and rum sauce – plus considered meat courses. The wine pairings and list are as carefully curated as the food. Also look out for their SunDAZE concept menu available in winter. Is there outdoor seating? Yes. A small waterside terrace with a handful of tables, perfect for sundowners and harbour-watching when the weather cooperates. How do you get there? Park at the V&A’s Portswood garage and walk towards the Bascule Bridge from Time Out Market. MyCiTi’s Waterfront/Breakwater stops are nearby. Why go? For a polished but unpretentious take on fine dining with a proud focus on the ‘African pantry’. COY delivers a sense of occasion without any stuffiness and offers some of the best food in Cape Town with views to match.

A firm favourite with locals looking for authentic Asian flavour. Bao Down serves up a pan-Asian collection of plates, from inventive bao buns to small plates perfect for sharing. What’s on the menu? Bao Down specialises in Asian-fusion small plates designed for sharing. Expect to order four to six plates per couple, allowing you to fully explore the menu. Signature baos – perfectly soft and pillowy –  include Korean Fried Chicken, Pork Belly, and Sweet Potato with Gochujang, all served with vibrant dressings and pickles. Beyond the baos, small plates range from beef tataki and Thai-style mussels with milk loaf buns to tuna sashimi with spicy tamarind and coconut cream. There’s a great selection of Cape wines to accompany.  Is there outdoor seating? Yes. The restaurant features a large, airy balcony that overlooks the lively Green Point strip. How do you get there? Bao Down is in Green Point’s Exhibition Building on Main Road: easy to reach by car, ride‑hail or MyCiti. The central location also makes it walkable from nearby suburbs and the V&A Waterfront. Why go? Bao Down delivers small‑plates with big flavour, served in an intimate yet stylish space. The baos are consistently good, and the small plates ever-inventive.

Sea Point – one of Time Out's World's Coolest Neighbourhoods in 2023 – is set for a sizzling hot summer. Between OKU’s planned revival of The Ritz, a boujee new apartment development in Dear Jean, and plenty of restaurant action at street level, the latest goss is that the newest addition to the Kove Collection will be open in time for summer. The Cole is a five-star boutique hotel from the Kove Collection, which also runs The Marly in nearby Camps Bay, and is due to open in December 2025. At The Cole expect 60 light-filled suites where widescreen Atlantic and mountain views take centre stage. There’s a rooftop restaurant and pool, a spa with sauna and cold plunge, and on-site retail with 24 curated brands on offer at Boutique Marly. It’s pitched as modern luxury with an easy seaside rhythm, set just steps from the ever-popular Sea Point prom and just a few minutes’ drive from the Waterfront. “Designed for both the international traveller and the local connoisseur of luxury, this vibrant social hub will blend modern luxury with the distinctive character that defines every Kove Collection property,” says Paul Kovensky, Founder and Managing Director of Kove Collection. Food and drink are also dialled up. In the lobby, Script is set to be a showpiece cocktail bar built around “experiential mixology,” while Figo, the rooftop restaurant, leans into Mediterranean tradition and seasonal flavours. Think fresh semolina pasta, wood- and charcoal-fired dishes, and big-sky sunsets. “Figo

Summer in Cape Town gets a shake-up this year with the launch of the first-ever Cape Town Cocktail Week (CTCW), a seven-day city-wide festival. For one week only, more than 25 participating bars will pour specially created CTCW signature cocktails for just R50 (if you’re wearing a festival wristband, of course) with no shortage of extra entertainment on the side. Think guest shifts from talented mixologists, pop-ups, games, masterclasses and more. “Cape Town has an incredible cocktail scene, and CTCW encourages locals and holidaymakers to explore it when the city is at its finest,” says CTCW founder Leah van Deventer, a globally recognised voice in the drinks industry and the regional Academy Chair for the World’s 50 Best Bars – representing Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands. “CTCW is not just about discounted drinks, it’s a city-wide celebration that spotlights bartenders and bars, and positions Cape Town as an international cocktail hotspot.” Unlike your typical fenced-off festival in one location, the magic of CTCW is that it takes punters to the places where Cape Town’s cocktail culture comes alive: in the bars themselves. Purchase a wristband, pick up the official map and chart your own route: from after-work sundowners to late-night nightcaps. Who is taking part in the inaugural Cape Town Cocktail Week? You can find a complete list on www.capetowncocktailweek.com, but expect a greatest-hits tour of Cape Town’s cocktail scene. On the current line-up: Cause Eff

Hot on the heels of BTS teasing a local tour, Coldplay looks set to bring their record-breaking Music of the Spheres tour to South Africa in 2027 The band’s spectacular Music of the Spheres tour launched in March 2022, and has since played 211 shows to more than 13 million fans, earning ticket sales in excess of R25-billion. Right now that makes it the second-highest-grossing tour ever. Behind, you know, Tay-Tay. And while this first ‘leg’ of the tour has wrapped up, during the final shows at London’s Wembley Stadium, Chris Martin announced an extension kicking off in 2027 that will add 138 concerts to the roster. Given that the shows earn around £5 million (R125-million) per performance, the extra dates could see Coldplay edge out Taylor Swift’s Eras tour for the record of the highest-grossing concert tour in history.  But that’s not the most exciting part. In the Wembley run Martin announced that the Music of the Spheres tour would resume “somewhere in southern Africa in about 18 months”. Given the scale of Coldplay’s stadium performances, it’s not a huge leap of logic to guess that South Africa will be the “somewhere” to welcome the band.  And it’ll be about time too! Africa is the only continent (except for Antarctica, obvs) that Coldplay didn’t visit on this latest tour, and Coldplay last performed in South Africa back in 2011, with a pair of concerts in Cape Town and Johannesburg. If that Wembley whisper turns into a full-blown announcement, expect a stampede for tic

The Capitec Franschhoek Cap Classique & Champagne Festival returns to the lawns of the Huguenot Monument for two days of bubbles, bites, and elegantly dressed crowds. This year’s festival will take place on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 November 2025. Expect a stellar pour list from South Africa’s leading Cap Classique houses alongside a curated selection of imported Champagnes. They will all be available to taste, and to buy by the glass or bottle. A lineup of gourmet food vendors will keep things tasty and local, while live music turns the lawns into a laid-back summer stage. And, of course, there’s a theme. This year, the cue for your own personal fashion statement is “Champagne White With A Pop Of Blue And A Note Of Pinot Noir Red”. Yikes! That might take some interpretation, but it certainly sets the tone for a polished garden party in one of the Cape’s prettiest wine valleys. Don’t skip the fan-favourite Best Dressed Competition: there are top-drawer prizes on offer for those who nail it. “We are thrilled to once again be part of the Franschhoek Cap Classique & Champagne Festival - a celebration of elegance, success and shared moments,” said Asha Patel, Head of Brand and Communications at Capitec. “The festival is a true highlight on the social calendar and offers the perfect stage to connect with our clients while celebrating the vibrant lifestyle that defines South Africa.” Need to know Where: Huguenot Monument, Franschhoek When: Saturday 29 November (11am – 5pm) and S

Get ready to dance the night away (if you're one of the lucky ticket-holders), as Afrikaans is Groot (AIG) comes back to Cape Town for the first time since 2018. The one-night-only event – Afrikaans is 100 Jaar Groot – takes over DHL Stadium in Green Point on Saturday 20 September 2025 to offer a landmark tribute to 100 years of Afrikaans as an official language and a salute to the language’s Cape roots. Because what better place to mark this milestone than the city where Afrikaans found its origins: the Cape! On stage, the audience can look forward to the likes of Bok Van Blerk, Emo Adams, Early B, Juanita du Plessis, Riaan Benade, Appel, Ricus Nel, Tarryn Lamb, Francois van Coke, Dodo Nyoka, Kurt Darren and many more. Expect a few mass singalongs too: when “Kaptein” drops, the whole stadium will span those seile; we’re betting on a “Toe Vind Ek Jou” goosebump moment; “Ska-Rumba” could turn the stands into a giant sokkie; Early B will bring “Ben Ten” bars; and Ricus Nel might just set pulses to “Hardeklop”. If there’s a surprise “De La Rey” chorus, don’t be shocked if the volume hits stadium level.  “We regard our Cape audience as just as important as our Pretoria audience. And we wanted to do something big for Afrikaans’s centenary celebration,” says Arnold Coleske, executive producer of Afrikaans is Groot. According to Coleske, Afrikaans is 100 Jaar Groot will be a production like the Cape hasn’t seen before. “We’re planning big things. Expect a wealth of Afrikaans singers

Hailed as one of the world’s most iconic running events – and undoubtedly one of its most beautiful – next year’s Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon (TTOM) has been confirmed for the weekend of 11-12 April 2026. After the chaos of the 2025 race – when too many runners lined up for the half-marathon route, breaking permit conditions and leading to a shortage of medals and water – Stillwater Sports has been brought on board to organise next year’s race. Stillwater brings valuable experience to the table, having run successful events including XTERRA triathlons, the AfricanX trail running event, the FNB Wine2Whales mountain bike race, and the countrywide Totalsports Women’s Race series. “The Two Oceans Marathon has a proud history, and this partnership marks a significant step forward in ensuring its future as a world-class event,” says Chris Goldschmidt, Chairman of the Board of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC. “We are confident that with Stillwater Sports’ proven expertise, alongside the continued support of Totalsports, the 2026 edition will set new benchmarks for excellence and inclusivity.” If you plan on running the 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon, entries (for the Blue Number Club at least) open today! Here are all the dates you need to know: Blue Number Club Runners Monday, 15 September: Entries open Ultra Marathon (56km) Wednesday, 17 September: Entries Open with a Ballot System Wednesday, 24 September: Ballot Closes Thursday, 25 September: Draw Takes Place Half Marat

"Just make it delicious." That is the simple philosophy of chef Alex Windebank, and when he and wife Eloise (who runs front of house, with Alex in the kitchen) open Farro in a Victorian terrace in Gardens this October, there is sure to be no shortage of ‘delicious’ on offer. Farro started life in Johannesburg and fast became an institution for foodies in the know. With a menu of modern European cooking – all flavour, a dash of elegance, little frippery – there was rarely an empty seat at their cosy Illovo eatery. Then came Covid, and yet another owner-run restaurant fell victim to lockdown. After a side step into corporate, and a brief but popular pop-up in Cape Town, in 2022 the pair – at the urging of winemaker Peter-Allan Finlayson – rebooted on Gabriëlskloof. It was an instant hit, and no end of hungry city-slickers made the trek out to the Overberg to eat there. But, no longer! As of 8 October 2025, Farro is back in Cape Town, with a cosy new locale in Gardens and a five-course chef’s menu on the cards. “With this next step of Farro, we wanted to rekindle the intimacy of our original restaurant. When we walked into this tiny, rickety, old terraced house in Gardens, we instantly fell in love with its potential,” explains Eloise. “Farro is such a personal restaurant, and this really is the culmination of the last eight years of work. This feels like us showing the heart of Farro and welcoming people into our home. Artworks have been collected from close customers and a

MI Cape Town, who walked away with the SA20 title in February this year, have unveiled a 19-man squad for the fourth season of the Betway SA20 series. Mixing global star power with Mother-City grit, MI Cape Town bagged a few steals in this week’s player auction. But first, the bad news. After three seasons in the Mother City, star Proteas batsman Dewald Brevis will be heading up the N1 to Pretoria Capitals. While we’ll miss his big hits, perhaps the price tag was just too much this time around… he sold for a record-smashing R16.5 million, breaking the record for the most expensive buy in SA20 history! “I'm always reluctant to talk about the numbers, but it is exciting to see the investment back into South African cricket,” Betway SA20 League Commissioner Graeme Smith said after the auction. “This is an investment that was never there. The franchises have come and they've invested properly. You see they're getting behind the South African players. But, the core team that powered last season’s victory remains unchanged: the likes of Rashid Khan, Trent Boult, Ryan Rickelton, George Linde, and Corbin Bosch all return to MI Cape Town, with Kagiso Rabada back as the wildcard.  Auction night showcased a mix of pedigree and local expertise: Rassie van der Dussen (R5.2m) and Reeza Hendricks strengthen the batting; Dwaine Pretorius provides all-round power; Tabraiz Shamsi joins Rashid for a left-arm wrist-spin combination; while keeper Tom Moores, Jason Smith, Jacques Snyman, Karim J

It’s not only fine wine and delicious dining that make it worth a trip to the Franschhoek Valley. On the cusp of spring and summer, this November sees the return of the Franschhoek Open Gardens Festival. Hosted in private homes and grand estates from 7-9 November 2025, locals and visitors can look forward to a three-day celebration of green thumbs and blooming landscapes. This year, the Festival invites locals and visitors to explore 10 unique gardens across the valley, ranging from much-loved village plots to sweeping farm estates framed by mountain views. Think Bagatelle de la Cotte, La Cotte Farm Garden, Farm Lorraine, Koko House, Villa Blanca and The Cow Shed, each one a living canvas shaped by its devoted caretakers. It's not just about the flowers either. You can also look forward to enjoying tea on the lawns served with homemade scones (remember, jam first, then the cream), and flutes of local Cap Classique sparkling wine to sip between strolls. You can take a little greenery home with you too, as you’ll find plants for sale and floral-inspired goods crafted by local makers. A programme of talks and garden chats adds extra inspiration and opportunities for (ahem) growing your skills, as garden designers and horticultural minds – including local expert Leon Kluge (8 November at 11am and 2pm) –  share their insights. All proceeds from the weekend go directly to Fleur de Lis Home for the Aged and Franschhoek Emergency Services. Need to Know: Franschhoek Open Gardens 2025

It’s hard to believe it’s been more than a decade since Luke Dale Roberts reinvented Cape Town’s culinary landscape with the launch of The Pot Luck Club.   Back in 2012, when he first introduced the city to the concept of small plates – not tapas, not a starter, a flavour punch somewhere in between – curious locals soon fell in love. Ever since, the city has been awash in small-plate dining, from the equally marvellous menu at Chefs Warehouse to the new approach from kitchens like Tambourine. But for many savvy diners, Pot Luck is the OG, perched atop the Biscuit Mill to serve up superb city views along with unforgettable small plates of Asian-inspired cuisine. And while all eyes are usually on the plates or the views, this summer you’ll also be lingering over the slick new look and feel of the space. Photograph: The Pot Luck Club The new aesthetic comes from the colab between Dale Roberts and interior designer Maurice Paliaga, who says the refresh is “less about reinvention and more about embellishment. We wanted to give the restaurant a touch more luxury, while maintaining everything people love about Pot Luck. Some elements were beginning to look a little tired, so this was about refreshing, strengthening and elevating the space.” “It felt like the right time to give the restaurant a lift. We’ve been going strong since 2012, and with summer ahead, it was important for me to give the restaurant some love and attention,” adds Dale Roberts. “For me, The Pot Luck Club has

As Spring arrives in Cape Town with blue skies and mountains of blommetjies, there’s great news for Cape Town’s hikers, cyclists and weekend wanderers: South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that Silvermine Gate 1 – and most of the trails in the Silvermine area – are once again open to the public. Silvermine Gate 1 is on the northern side of Ou Kaapse Weg, where the ticket office is located, and includes the popular Silvermine Dam, the Elephant’s Eye trail, and the gentle Silvermine Riverwalk. The reopening follows the reopening of Silvermine Gate 2 – on the Kalk Bay side of Ou Kaapse Weg – and parts of Tokai back in July. The closures were put in place after a fire in April 2025 ripped across 2800 hectares of fynbos in the Silvermine and Tokai sections of Table Mountain National Park, torching cars in the parking lot and decimating infrastructure (not to mention the fynbos). Since then SANParks and local community partners have put massive effort into rehabilitation and safety work. That’s all paid off, and from today (1 September 2025) some of the most popular trails have reopened. What is open in Silvermine? Along with trails above Silvermine Dam, the Elephant’s Eye trail, and the Silvermine Riverwalk, popular parts of Upper Tokai have also reopened. This includes Levels 4 and 5 (mountain bikers, IYKYK!), which had remained closed due to slippery and unstable terrain after winter rains. However, not every route is ready: the Donkey Trail linking Silvermine t

The much-loved Voorkamerfest returns to Darling on 18 and 19 October 2025, transforming this quiet little Swartland town into South Africa's most colorful cultural hub for the weekend. This year, the Voorkamerfest is hosted in partnership with Darling Brew, and their lekker taproom will form the heart of the festival.  For those who haven't been before, the Voorkamerfest is a little different to your typical theater festival: here you hop on a minibus, following one of seven colour-coded routes, and end up in three different living rooms where performers are waiting to surprise you with a whirlwind of theatre, music, dance and satire. What will you see? Well, that's a surprise! Performances are intimate, unexpected and completely unique to each journey, but this year's line-up includes more than 60 artists across 21 shows. That includes legendary satirist Pieter-Dirk Uys, who unpacks his (in)famous cast of characters, while physical theater artist Lance Florence and storytelling duo Marian Hooman and Zolie Markey push the creative boundaries. Music runs the gamut from harpist Jess King-Holford to steelpan vibes from Ensemble Tropicale, smooth jazz with DMA and a knockout set from the Memeza Trio. Classical fans are spoiled here too, with operatic trio Opera Tunity and the Strelitzia Ensemble on the program. For dance, the Waterfront Theater School brings a bit of spectacle, while hip-hop pioneers Black Noise keep things real. And of course, Darling's own solo guitarist, Glyn