If you have any plans to visit Cape Town, have a look at this guide before you go. For a printer friendly version, click on the link below. Its got our top 20 must-do's around the city as well as our insiders guide to the best restaurants, bars, hikes, beaches, sunset spots and cocktails in Cape Town. If you have anything that you think has been left out or should be in here please give us a shout at hello@pepperexperience.com.

PEPPERS CAPE TOWN TOP 20 TO-DO LIST

1. Climb to the top of the Table

The greatest way to appreciate the mountain that makes Cape Town the best city to live in is to climb it yourself. Platteklip Gorge is cruelly steep but with insane views there is no rush and it is oh so rewarding once you’ve made it to the top.

2. Sunset on Clifton

Soak up the last rays of sunlight as it sets over the sparkling Atlantic. Relax with a drink in one hand and a tasty snack in the other and enjoy the ultimate end of day treat for Cape Town locals on one of the world’s most stunning beaches.

3. Sip on Cocktails at Caprice

Joins Cape Town’s young and beautiful on the Atlantic shoreline as they come together after a long day in the office (or at a photo shoot). A place where a sneaky sunset cocktail always manages to turn into a whole lot more…

4. Scramble up Lion’s Head

At the top you have Robben Island and Table Bay to the North, Table Mountain to the south, the city’s twinkling lights to the east and the sparkling Atlantic coastline to the west. This spot is all about picture perfect views.

5. Have a braai at Silvermine

We love our meat and we love our outdoors; with a couple of cold beers on a hot summer’s day, the dam at Silvermine provides the perfect setting for a favourite local past-time.

6. Go organic at the Biscuit Mill

Nibbling on organic cheeses in between sips of organic wine; this is where Cape Town’s trendy, hungry and eco friendly hang out on a Saturday morning.

7. Swim amongst the penguins at Boulders

Like a secret Caribbean beach hidden on the shores of Cape Town. Grab a spot of sand amongst the boulders on the edge of crystal clear water and jump in to catch a wave amongst the penguins.

8. Learn to surf at Muizenberg

Everyone who has lived in Cape Town has at some staged dreamed of being a tanned, golden haired, salty skinned surfer. And we all had our first attempt at Muizenberg beach amongst other dreamers. Filled with a perfect mixture of beginners and experts and plenty of board rental options, there’s no excuse not to get stuck in.

9. Have a pizza on the lawn at Blue Peter

Watch the surf roll in with a picture perfect view of Table Mountain in the distance while downing a beer and munching on a delicious wood-fired pizza.

10. Spend a Sunday afternoon at Mzoli’s

There is truly no more enjoyable way to experience the unique and dynamic atmosphere of the Gugulethu township. Order your meat, grab some beers from the shebeen (home acting as a bar) across the road and relax and allow the vibrant township beats to ooze into your body. This is a melting pot of culture, class and lifestyles and the best part is nobody cares…

11. Wine farms

Enjoy an easy-going booze cruise and experience world class wine making in the amazing setting of the Cape Winelands.

12. Spend a day at Dias Beach Cape Point

Stand at the edge of the continent on a perfectly unspoilt beach and take in the atmosphere of nature’s pure greatness.

13. Join the seagulls at Fish on the Rocks in Hout Bay.

The simplicity and ease of this local fish shop is blown to extraordinary heights by its seaside positioning. Sitting out in the sun, watching seagulls hover and fishing boats sail past, enjoying delicious fish, calamari and chips wrapped up in old school paper bags, what more can be said.

14. V&A Waterfront

A big crowd puller, visit the aquarium, grab a bite to eat or enjoy a sunset cruise, the waterfront has a lot to offer and is a great place to grab those last minute gifts from the craft markets or even just hang out on a rainy day.

15. Have a G&T at the top of Chapmans Peak drive

No effort or activity is required, find yourself a picnic spot along this majestic, rocky coastline and just enjoy the scenery while sipping on those gin and tonics-a drink that seems to made for the perfect sunset.

16. Watch a sports match at on a big screen at Rafiki’s

The big screens in every corner, the long sunny balcony providing views over the city, awesome staff and a happy mixture of colourful people make Rafiki’s an incredible festive place to cheer for your favourites.

17. Take a train to Kalk Bay

The station literally opens onto the entrance of Brass Bell where you can enjoy a pizza and beer right on the waters edge, followed by a stroll through the antique lined streets. While you soak up this vibrant seaside suburb, keep an eye on the ocean for a sneaky glimpse of whales and dolphins.

18. Play a round of mini-golf in Seapoint

So the paint is a bit faded, but there is no better setting than this little seaside gem, where the mountain provides shelter from the wind for the most amazing afternoon sunsets.

19. Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts

Heralding the Cape summer season, jam away to a superb line-up of local and international artists in this awesome setting under the shadow of the mountain

20. Crystal Pools

Cool off in one of the crystal clear mountain pools after a scenic walk up the Steenbras River gorge before chilling out for the afternoon in Gordon’s Bay. Some super high rock jumps for the more adventurous...

PEPPERS INSIDER GUIDE

Beaches

Llandudno – world class surf when the ‘gat’ is firing, Llandudno is a great place to avoid the crowds at Clifton, although in the middle of summer finding parking can be a problem even here.

Best for: Scenic setting, Surfing

Clifton 2^nd– The benchmark by which all other Cape Town beaches will inevitably be judged, its beautiful setting and shelter from the wind makes Clifton an awesome spot to catch a sunset, and

Best for: Sunset Picnic

Big Bay – Home of the Blue Peter pub and restaurant, Big Bay has one of the best seaside views of Table Mountain

Best for: Views of Table Mountain

Noordhoek – This long stretch of pristine beach hides some of Cape Town’s best surf spots and its untouched beauty provides a perfect setting for those long walks or horse rides. The Red Herrings is also a great spot to catch a few sundowners in the evenings with the local Noordhoek crowd

Best for: Long Walks, Surfing

Dias Beach – A semi secret spot in Cape Point Nature Reserve, the mission out this way is well worth the effort to soak up the natural beauty of this untouched treasure.

Best for: Untouched

Camps Bay – Along with Clifton, probably the most famous beach in Cape Town, spend the day playing volleyball or ultimate Frisbee and cool off for a few drinks on the strip before partying into the night at Karma or Caprice.

Best for: Volleyball, Frisbee

 

Hikes

Platteklip Gorge a direct stairway to the top of the table, if you plan on catching the cable car, make sure it’s on the way down!

Lion’s Head a really cool walk at full moon where the views from the top bathed in the moonlight are really a special experience

Skeleton Gorge starting in Kirstenbosch Gardens and heading up onto the table this scenic trail is definitely worth checking out

Devil’s Peak a nice alternative to avoid the crowds on Table Mountain and a different point of view

Sunset Spots

Signal Hill is well known and a major tourist hotspot. But this does not take away from the spectacular sunsets that you will see from up here.

Chapman’s Peak Drive is another well known sunset spot. With Hout Bay and the Sentinel mountain in front of you, the sunsets from here are some of the best (and most romantic) in the city.

Camps Bay Beach with a picnic and a Frisbee to watch the sun go down before a few cocktails on the strip.

Lions Head requires slightly more work to get to, but the hike up to the top is certainly worth it, for both the views and the incredible sunsets that you witness from far above the city.

Clifton beach for the most chilled sunset spot around. A picnic and a few beers are a must for a sunset viewing from Clifton.

 

Places to Eat

Beleza. Superb budget breakfasts to prepare for afternoon cocktail specials. Corner of Kloof Nek and Burnside Road, Tamboerskloof, Tel: +27 21 426 0795

Mr Pickwicks. A unique spot which really captures what Long Street is all about with its diverse clientele and a great place to pick up a quick snack – make sure to try their milkshakes.158 Long Street, Tel: +27 21 423 3710

The Hussar Grill. This legendary steakhouse which has practically developed a cult following – you won’t find a better steak than this. Grill 170a Main Road, Greenpoint, Tel: +27 21 433 2081

Beluga. Catch their great sushi specials in this super stylish setting. Prestwich Street, Greenpoint, Tel: +27 21 418 2948

Brass Bell. Many a rowdy night this side of Cape Town has been kickstarted by the Bell’s great food and setting right on the water. Watch those wobbly legs on the slippery rocks! Waterfront, Kalk Bay, Tel: +21 21 788 5455

Hudson’s Burger Joint. Creative indoor decor and vibrant Kloof Street outside, enjoy delicious burgers with a creative touch and make sure you try out the Jack Black draught. 69A Kloof Street, Cape Town

Royale Eatery. Gourmet burgers and sweet potato chips which have earned an almost legendary status amongst Capetonians. Check out the Waiting Room bar upstairs. 273 Long Street, Cape Town

Mama Africa. Traditional African dishes prepared in a Zulu Boma, most days with live music with a local flavour. 178 Long Street, Cape Town

Buena Vista Social Cafe. Popular Cuban bar and restaurant in vibey Greenpoint with delicious food, live music and salsa dancing. 81 Main Road, Greenpoint, Tel: +27 21 433 0611

Arnolds. Really popular breakfast joint on Kloof Street, the famous Mike’s breakfast is a great way to kick start your Sunday after a big night out. 60 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town

 

Cocktail Spots

Caprice. Local hangout for the beautiful and the trendy on the Camps Bay beach front. A must-do for anyone who goes to Cape Town. 37 Victoria Road, Camps Bay

The Lookout Deck. Set right on the Hout Bay harbour, head over for a change from the hectic pace of Camps bay. Quayside, Hout Bay Harbour, Hout Bay

Baraza. A great place for a few early drinks in a more relaxed atmosphere with a great atmosphere and an awesome view over Camps Bay beach. The Promenade, Victoria Rd, Camps Bay

Alba Lounge. Perfectly positioned at the water’s edge, a relaxed but trendy atmosphere. Pierhead, V&A Waterfront

Cape to Cuba. A slice of the Caribbean on the edge of False Bay with uniquely local twist. Main Road, Kalk Bay

Wakami. Great view out over the ocean and when the whole of Cape Town is being pelted by the South Easter this little stretch somehow always manages to keep its calm. Beach Road, Greenpoint

 

Bars

Neighbourhood. Catch all the diversity of the Capetonian crowd at this popular hangout overlooking Long Street. 163 Long Street, Cape Town

Rafiki’s. Holding a spot in the heart of many a Capetonian, the delicious food and relaxed, unassuming atmosphere make this an ideal spot to make and meet friends. Big screen TV’s also make this a great spot to catch live sports. 13b Kloof Nek Road, Tamboerskloof

Julep Bar. Very popular with those in the know, a classy little joint at the end of a bin lined alley which can go from chilled out to frenetic and pumping as the night moves on. Down the lane between the Dubliner and Long Street Cafe off Long Street.

La Med. A favourite local spot to chill out after a hard days work, this awesome restaurant and bar is literally within 50m of the ocean and can get pretty rowdy after dark. Glen Country Club, Victoria Road, Clifton

Forresters Arms. This pub is an old classic on the ‘other’ side of Cape Town, draught beers and good food. 52 Newlands Avenue, Newlands.

 

Live Music Spots

Zula Soundbar. Music, theatre, dance and even poetry, this is a great spot to catch a live act. 194 Long Street, Cape Town

The Assembly. Essential pit stop for live music in the mother city. 61 Harrington Street, Cape Town

Mercury Live. A hotspot for the Cape Town alternative scene, Mercury hosts a lot of live music as well as rocking drum ‘n bass and electro parties. De Villiers Street, Zonnebloem, Cape Town

Knoxville. This super trendy lounge bar is a hangout for those in the know. It offers a range of sushi and is a great place to spend a night out. 75 Kloof Street, Cape Town

 

Clubs

Fiction. Popular alternative scene with a wide variety of DJ’s spinning tunes from Drum ‘n Bass and Hip Hop to Jazz and Nu-electro. 226 Long Street, Cape Town. Tel: +27 (0)21 424 5709

Chevelle. Trendy playground for Cape Town’s city cliques, this newly opened club has fast become a firm favourite for upmarket entertainment. 84 Harrington Street

Karma. Stylish and upmarket, come straight off the beach and enjoy cocktails, appetizers and champagne overlooking Camps Bay beach front. Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Tel: +27 21 438 7773

FTV. Trendy hotspot cocktail bar/nightclub. 114 Hout Street, Cape Town. Tel: +27 (0)21 426 6000

The Bang Bang Club. Cape Town’s most popular dance club where rowdyism meets sophistication. 70 Loop Street, Cape Town. Tel: +27 (0)21 426 2011

 

Useful Hints:

Harley’s Liqours is a Cape Town classic. It is open till late and is a good bet to grab a few drinks when all else is closed - open till 10pm on week nights and open on a Sunday. 55 Whale Street, City Bowl, Tel +27 21 424 1128

Sauls Saloon is open 24hrs and you’re bound to catch a few late night party goers chowing down after a big night out. 152 Main Road, Sea Point, Tel +27 21 434 5404