City Guide – Cape Town

The South African city is perfect for exploration by foot but also  has a good public and private transport system: taxis, uber, trams and busses are widely available so buy a day pass to hop on and off.

Highlights Covered in the Brand g Tours

Your Brand g city tour of Cape Town will give you an overview of the city and wonderful views of the bay. Our included full day tour of the Cape Winelands, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek  where you will participate in wine tastings and enjoy an incredible  luxury picnic lunch at the Warwick Wine Estate. Our Tour Of Cape Peninsular will show you the good hope nature reserve, Simos town and Boulders beach, home to the African penguin. Your time in Cape Town is designed for you to choose which sights you want to see including Robben Island or Table Mountain or indeed go diving with sharks.  You can book these at our   Add-On’s Section  where you will find full details and pricing.

Cape Town Highlights To Explore on Your Own

In addition to the optional tours you may also like to explore any of the cultural hot spots or just take in the waterfront, beaches or markets.

Cape Town Theatre’s, Museums and Libraries

Cape town has a number of theatres offering varied entertainment including The Fugard , The Baxter Theatre, Theatre on the Bay, Maynardville Open Air Theatre. Details of what’s on can be found HERE.

Cape town having such a wealth of history has a large number of museums to feast your cultural senses on.

District Six Museum. 

Apartheid Museum 

Robben Island Museum – Brand g Tour Option

Irma Stern Museum. 

South Africa Jewish Museum. 

South African Museum. 

South Africa National Gallery. 

Cape Town Diamond Museum. 

Gold of Africa Museum.

Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden

More attractions and details found at the following sites  HERE. 

These are just some suggestions. Feel free to consult the hotel concierge staff or other resources.  Keep in mind, hours of operations can vary.

There is no shortage of great food in Cape Town, the following is a list of recommended or award winning restaurants to try. Consult your hotel Concierge for reservations as hours may vary.

The Test Kitchen: The Old Biscuit Mill, 375 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town, ZA. Dinner | Tuesday to Saturday | 18h00 -19h30 Lunch | Friday and Saturday | 12h30 – 13h30.  T 021 447 2337 . [email protected]

The Test Kitchen is chef Luke Dale-Roberts’ magnum opus. It’s been listed as one of the best restaurants in the world, and placed second in the Mercedes-Benz Eat Out Restaurant Awards. Bookings fill up months in advance, so you’ll need to plan carefully and book ahead to stand a chance to sample the fantastic food here. The menu changes regularly but whatever you choose, it’s bound to blow you away.

Reverie Social Table: 226A Lower Main Road Observatory Observatory, Cape Town Central 7925. +27 21 447 3219

Join  Chef patron Julie Hattingh round her 18-seater table, put away your phone (request) and engage with your fellow guests as you enjoy a 5-course meal along with carefully selected wines.  social table for a night of dining, # Proudly South African

Bombay Brasserie: at the Taj Hotel, 1 Wale Street Cape Town 8001 +27 21 819 2000

Bombay Brasserie treats its guests to only the finest in Indian dining, with beautifully prepared meals made from fresh, traditional ingredients. There is an à la carte menu or a seven-course tasting menu, depending on your style. Both bring delicious curries and predominantly North Indian dishes to the table, with refined ingredients and elements such as saffron sauce making the culinary experience all the more enjoyable. You’ll find yourself daydreaming about the roasted corn and turmeric velouté, tandoor-cooked basil prawns and kingklip in spiced coconut and mango curry long after your meal has ended. Though a meal here doesn’t come too cheap, it’s well worth every penny.

La Colombe Constantia:  Silvermist Wine Estate, Main Road, Constantia, Western Cape, South Africa. +27 21 794 2390 [email protected]. n.b. 30 min drive from host hotel.

Even if you don’t partake in the wine paired options at La Colombe, the fine dining experience will leave you giddy. Placed third in the Mercedes-Benz Eat Out Restaurant Awards, the restaurant is a guaranteed delight. Forest-themed theatrics set the tone for this culinary wonderland, without ever detracting from the star of the show: the bold and unique dishes that will have you talking about this restaurant for years to come. It’s another of Cape Town’s fine dining establishments to make the global list of top restaurants. The flawless food pairs with excellent wines, in an enchanting setting overlooking the Silvermist Wine Estate. This is for those diners who want something truly unique and special.

FYN:  Speakers Corner Floor 5th 37 Parliament Street, 8001. +27 21 286 2733.

Fine dining Japanese fusion experience where discoveries are made when boundaries are crossed the lines blur between the kitchen and the dining room become one as you go on a  theatrical journey of flavour discovery.

The Pot Luck Club: Silo Top Floor, The Old Biscuit Mill, 373 – 375 Albert Road, Woodstock. + 27 21 447 0804

Luke Dale-Roberts makes the list once again with The Potluck Club, located in the Old Biscuit Mill  which is worth a visit in its own right. It takes fine dining tapas to the next level, with great views of the city and harbour. The menu is divided into flavour profiles: salty, sour, sweet, umami, and bitter. Guests select their dishes by marking them down on the paper menus, and then the chef decides on the serving order. You really can’t go wrong with any of the menu items. They also do a Sunday brunch with a set menu and bottomless bubbles.

The Shortmarket Club: 88 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town. Tuesday to Saturday Dinner Only 18h00 to 20h30. [email protected]+27 072 382 8664

Another of Luke Dale-Roberts’ award-winning offerings, together with his mentee Wesley Randles. Unlike the others, this restaurant welcomes foot traffic. This is the place to go if you want to experience some award-winning food but never got round to making your bookings weeks (or even months) in advance. Expect classic dishes like steak, duck-fat potatoes, and chocolate soufflé—with a gourmet twist, of course.

Thali: Chefs warehouse & Canteen on Bree. +27 (0)21 422 01 28 For reservations email: [email protected]

One of the newer contenders on the fine dining scene is Liam Tomlin’s Thali, which serves Indian-style tapas. The décor is worth visiting for alone, with mosaic details and copper touches. The outside courtyard is like a little oasis, while the indoor seating is moody and dimly lit. The curry-spiced oysters are sublime and unique, and the fish tacos (served in taco-style poppadoms) are fresh and flavourful. Consider ordering the set menu so you don’t miss out on anything. They don’t take bookings, but there is ample space so you shouldn’t have trouble getting a table.

The Knysna Oyster Company: 37B Dock Road V&A Waterfront, Cape Town Central 8001. +27 83 442 0953.

Specializing in fresh, cultivated, pacific oysters produced in the cool clean waters of Nelson Mandela Bay. Our fresh oysters are available all year round, direct from the farm to your fork! The oyster bar offers a variety of raw and speciality oysters in a fun and lively environment. Perfect to sample a glass of wine on the waterfront.

Being described as South Africa’s (and Africa’s) gay capital, Cape Town no doubt has a sort of je ne sais quoi quality attracting all members of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community to its pretty pink inclusive shores. In fact, South Africa’s post-apartheid constitution was the first in the world to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation. Not to mention, South Africa was also the fifth country in the world, and the first country in Africa, to legalise same-sex marriages. Today, Cape Town is one of the most popular destinations in South Africa for local and international LGBT members.

The Mother City’s ‘gay village’, with its guesthouses, pubs, clubs and steam baths is concentrated in and around the CBD, particularly in Green Point’s chic De Waterkant. It is here that the hedonists, the diverse, the multi-cultural and the multi-sexual come out to play. We scour the popular ‘gaybourhood’ to find out where exactly Cape Town’s gay and lesbian crowd hang out.

Please ensure that the venues are operational and open before attending.

Bars

Barcode:18 Cobern Street | De Waterkant | +27 (0)21 421 5305. Opening Hours: Wed – Mon: 10pm – 2am
If you haven’t already met, allow us to introduce you to Barcode, the one-of-a-kind spot where every night is a themed night. The gay man’s leather bar invites you to get up to some weekly fun with their dress-coded themed nights. Inside you’ll find sexy barmen, slings, a maze and an accessory store, not to mention – lots of naughty fun! Each night is themed with dress codes such as naked pork, underwear only, stark naked, fetish leather, rubber and uniform to all out sleazy.
Note: This is a Men’s ONLY venue

Crew Bar: 30 Napier Street Foreshore 8001 +27 73 204 3706. Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 7pm until late
Complete with gorgeous bartenders (wearing very little attire), two dance floors and some of the best tunes in the Mother City, the Crew Bar is very popular (but not exclusive) among the gay community in Cape Town. Boasting an upstairs and downstairs dance floor, party-goers can expect the latest pop and dance anthems downstairs. Whilst upstairs – which is usually only open on the weekends – the bass is dropped to give dancers a more eclectic vibe. What’s more, the De Waterkant haunt with its front and back open verandas, stylish VIP areas and balcony can be hired out for functions. Don’t forget to check out their themed events!

Alexander Bar:  76 Strand Street | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 300 1088. Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 11am – 1am, Sun: 3pm – 12am
The Alexander Bar is filled with the charm of yesteryear. The swanky spot is home to an ancient functioning rotary telephone, encouraging you to converse with people all over the bar. The best bit? You need to simply dial nine to ring the bartender! The steps leading up to the second floor of the establishment takes you to an intimate theatre showcasing various dramas, cabaret, comedy performances, acoustic sessions and much more. You are also invited to enjoy good wine, fresh martini’s and some of the best whiskies while listening to jazz, soul or world music.

Stargayzer:  Caxton Street | Parow | Cape Town | +27 (0)72 343 0494. Opening Hours: Fri – Sun: 9pm – 4am.
Shimmy on over to Stargayzer in the Northern Suburbs to see where the party is at. The Parow haunt is seen as one of Cape Town’s most iconic gay night clubs. The hotspot hosts various DJ’s, a great dance floor, a lounge area and two bars (to quench your thirsts after a good few hours of breaking it down on the dance floor) and brings together amazing people for night’s you won’t soon forget.

Beefcakes:   34 Somerset Road | Green Point | Cape Town. +27 (0) 21 425 9019. Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: 7pm – 12am
Big Bay: Monday – Friday: 5pm – 11pm | Saturday and Sunday: 12pm – 11pm.
This American 50s diner-style burger joint is a wildly entertaining eatery with a touch of madness and a lot of man-ness! Inviting anyone and everyone to experience drag dining at its finest, Beefcakes offers guests frivolous (and raucous) performances, beefy (topless) waiters and legendary (mouth-watering) burgers. On any given night, the drag-tastic restaurant has a variety of live entertainment acts, themed nights and fabulous events on offer which is in addition to their gourmet burger menu. If you are not keen on the bun and patty option (although we highly recommend you try them), there are other meal options available, including salads, chilli poppers and nachos. Whether you are there for the actual beef patties, beefy waiters or beefing awesome performances, Beefcakes will ensure that you get the “full Beefcakes experience from the plate to the stage”!
Note: Be sure to order a body shot off the torso of one of the hunky barmen or waiters!

Beaulah Bar:  28 Somerset Road | Green Point | Cape Town. +27 (0) 21 418 5244 | +27 (0) 72 557 4678. Opening Hours: Weekends and Evenings before Public Holidays: 9pm – 4am
Situated on Somerset Road in Green Point, the upmarket Beaulah Bar has a relaxed, yet vibey atmosphere. Although the bar is best known as a woman’s hotspot, Beaulah – meaning ‘beautiful’ in gay slang – has something for the whole LGBT community. Everyone is invited to sit back in the comfortable lounge area, enjoy a late afternoon game of backgammon or Scrabble, and then move on to the bar and dance floor (with a stripper pole!) for the rest of the evening (… and the following morning).
Note: Don’t forget to check out their epic happy hours and karaoke nights.

Amsterdam Action Bar:  10 – 12 Cobern Street | De Waterkant | +27 (0) 83 626 4615. Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 4pm – 2am
This men’s-only bar situated in the heart of Cape Town’s thrilling gay village combines all there is to love about its namesake, with a Mother City twist. The one-of-a-kind venue, where no rules apply and playful possibilities await around every corner, boasts an upstairs and downstairs section and has become a popular village-type pub catering to the local, national and international LGBT community. The upstairs venue, suited for the more private type events, offers guests an exclusive bar, video lounge and private cabin maze area. The downstairs bar is equipped with pool tables and a small seating area which is divided to cater for both smokers and non-smokers.

Café Manhattan:  74 Waterkant Street |De Waterkant | +27 (0) 21 421 6666. Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10am – 11pm
Café Manhattan – a member of the Madame Zingara family – is as much a restaurant as it is a watering hole. The chic eatery, with a hint of the Wild West, is the longest standing venue in the heart of De Waterkant and is a firm crowd favourite. Guests can choose to indulge in their monstrous burgers (all served with double-dip fries and onion rings) and sumptuous desserts (try their delectable choc cameral brownie), chill out on the terrace with a cocktail or have a late-night rendezvous in the bar. Whatever the occasion Café Manhattan welcomes everyone and anyone – all you need to do is just saddle up and take a ride cowboy!

Zer021 Lounge:  29 Chiappini Street | Green Point | Cape Town | +27 (0) 83 476 9461. Opening Hours: Thursday – Sunday: 6pm – 2am
According to this chic and diverse Green Point haunt it is not about sexuality, personality or equality, but rather about being part of a movement – the drag movement! Offering great service, banging tunes and an inclusive community, Zer021 Lounge aims to bring people from all walks of life together to meet each other and enjoy the drag-ier things in life. The popular entertainment lounge, bar and eatery (they have a small finger foods menu available as well) hosts a wide variety of must-see drag shows and performances showcasing a variety of artists in various genres. Spectacular performers such as Manila von Teez, Maxine Wild and Dope St Jude (to name just a few) have been known to grace their stage

Sauna

Hot House: 18 Jarvis Street | De Waterkant |+27 (0)21 418 3888. Opening Hours: Monday – Wednesday: 12pm – 2am | Thursday: 12pm –  4am | Friday and Saturday: 24hrs | Sunday: Closes at 2am
Get your pulse racing at this stylish upmarket European-style bathhouse in the heart of the gay village. Dedicated to promoting a healthy lifestyle for men in a clean environment, Hot House provides leisure facilities for males, including luxurious double volume lounges, a fireplace, bar and a sundeck with spectacular views of the Mother City. Guests can also expect to find an enormous steam room and sauna – Hot House was rated the top sauna in the country – spa baths, video lounges, maze, showers and private rooms and cabins. In addition to the mentioned services, Hot House also has an adult store filled with playful goodies you will not find anywhere else in South Africa.