Hey there, I’m Jess ✨. On The Signature, I share reflections on beauty, routines, travel, wellness, culture, and everyday life. For those drawn to a calmer, more intentional way of living, I send a free newsletter each month on the 7th. You're welcome to join.
I just came back from yet another gorgeous trip to celebrate my husband's birthday in South Africa. At this point, I cannot physically count how often I have been to The Mother City since I first went in 2007.
If you are looking for the best places to visit in Cape Town, planning your South Africa itinerary or dreaming up romantic honeymoon ideas between the sea and the winelands, I need to come clean with you. This is not your typical listicle. It’s my personal take on things to do in Cape Town, written from the hotel I’ve stayed at more than any other in the world, the newly renovated Table Bay Hotel.
Each time I check in, I feel all the first-time thrills again. The Western Cape is one of my favourite places on the planet and now one of my husband’s too. It’s a region that pulls you in with its contrasts: dramatic coastlines, lush winelands, vibrant markets, and deeply rooted history.
During our last trips, we split our stay between two cherished places: the serene Mont Rochelle estate in Franschhoek (almost an hour away and the perfect Cape Town to Franschhoek day trip), and a few days back at Table Bay before heading home. That contrast between vineyard calm and Atlantic glamour captures everything I love about this part of the world. Let’s dive in.
Cape Town, in a nutshell 🇿🇦
- for a great wine tasting: head to Delaire Graff and Tokara estates
- for bubbles: go to Le Lude in Franschhoek and order their afternoon tea with Cap Classique sparkling wine
- for understand more of its history: pay a visit to District Six Museum in the CBD and have a coffee at Truth Coffee Roasting or, if you have time, an exquisite meal at Belly of the Beast
Start at the V&A Waterfront
This is the harbour area of Cape Town, with lots of hotels and serviced apartments (for all budgets), restaurants and shops. From the massive V&A Shopping Center to the Watershed that showcases local artisans, there is something for everyone.
Within walking distance, you can find the Oranjezicht City Farm Market, that opens on Weekends and a few Wednesday evenings. The produce is vibrant, the food is amazing and the vibe is just superb at the market. We thoroughly recommend it.
Jess
This is a very safe and walkable area where we love to stay, eat and shop. The view over the Atlantic Ocean is unparalleled.
Jess
Hike or Ride to the top of the Table Mountain
Either from the front or from one of the sides, it is impossible to miss the Table Mountain on a daily basis whilst in Cape Town. It can also help as a guiding point when you are sightseeing.
Drive along scenic Chapman's Peak and Hout Bay
The Hout Bay area is south of Cape Town, with a very picturesque harbour and fishermen's village. You can do boat tours from there, check the friendly seals and enter the famous Chapman's Peak Drive, one of the most scenic drives in the world. Stop for a photo or two!
In this area we recommend the Chefs Warehouse at Tintswalo Atlantic - this is where we celebrated my husband's birthday in 2023.
Jess
Explore Cape Point Peninsula and its ocean views
The Western Cape is most famous for being the point where two oceans - Atlantic and Indian - meet. Well, they don't really at Cape Point (the joining of oceans is more accurate going East to Cape Agulhas) but it is still magical to know you are on the most southern part of the world. Other than that, Cape Point is extremely scenic and quite a workout to the top! The whole ride through the Peninsula is a sightseeing fauna and flora experience not to miss.
Meet the most adorable penguins in Simon's Town
Whilst crossing the Peninsula, Simon's Town is a stop not to miss with its Penguin conservatory, stunning blue ocean hues and very cute laidback restaurants. You might also me enticed by the several souvenir, aloe vera and arts and crafts shops in the area. But the penguins, the penguins... is there a cutest animal on the planet?!
Stroll in Greenpoint and Sea Point
Already back in Cape Town, Greenpoint and Sea Point neighbourhoods are also very safe and pedestrian areas facing the Atlantic Ocean, very residential and boasting with street bars and restaurants. This part of town is a great sea promenade and is more affordable than Camps Bay.
Check the beaches at Clifton and Camps Bay
Being in this area is synonymous with living in the water and being comfortable around rocks, either from the Atlantic Side of the Table Mountain (the mountain indents are called The 12 Apostles) or the sea rocks that separate every beach. Clifton is very vibrant and Camps Bay is extremely posh. You will feel a Miami Beach vibe with the white and ocean hues in every façade.
Don't miss out on the CBD, Cape Town's City Centre
It's easy to go to Cape Town and visit it's natural wonder and never stroll through it's less appealing City Centre, but it is filled with history, culture and great food spots.
If I had a morning to spare, I would head to Company Garden's and visit the South African Jewish Museum. I would then grab a coffee at Truth Coffee Roasting and then head to the District Six Museum.
The District Six Museum - July 2026
If you go at night, I would head with a taxi. Do not miss out on the shows at the Artscape Theatre and then finish the night with a drink and curly fries at Neighbourhood.
Taste the Winelands in the Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl region
If you have time to get away from the city and are interested in the countryside and winelands of Western Cape, do not miss on visiting Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl.
Stellenbosch, is the epitome of Dutch Cape History and architecture, with a very safe and foot-friendly vibe. You will stumble upon many students as it is very famous for it's centennial University.
As for Franschhoek, it can be translated to "the French corner" as it is where 300 Huguenots (French Protestans) settled in 1690 and created a new life for themselves. As they were mostly from southern France, most places and wineries have a southern french name such as Provence or Motte. Other than the stunning wineries where you can stay, eat and shop for wines, you can also look out for chocolate, cheeses and local arts and crafts.
Jess
In Franschhoek, do not miss:
- the Mont Rochelle estate for the most beautiful stay
- wine tasting at the exquisite Delaire Graff and Tokara estates
- the Leeu Estates award winning restaurant La Petite Colombe, where we had one of the most memorable meals of our lives last year
- the Afternoon Tea at the Le Lude for the sights and the bubbles
- the Saturday Franschhoek market for food and crafts. We went and came back home filled with handmade candles and several unique decoration items!
- the Chefs Warehouse restaurant at the Maison Winery estate for a South African tapas feast
A bit further between Paarl and Franschhoek, you will find great wineries such as Fairview and the incredible gardens and farm experience at Babylonstoren.
Jess
Like this content and want more? You can subscribe to get a monthly edit and we can connect also on BlueSky | TikTok | Youtube | Pinterest