One of the absolute must-see cities in South Africa is Cape Town. Offering a fantastic culinary scene, rich and diverse cultural influences, Winelands, and breathtaking natural beauty, where the ocean meets mountains in spectacular fashion.

Come along as we share our recent journey in South Africa’s Mother City:

Day 1: Cape Milner Hotel, Cape Malay Food and Bloubergstrand

We booked in at the Cape Milner Hotel a stylish and contemporary boutique hotel located in the vibrant suburb of Tamboerskloof, at the foot of Table Mountain. Situated just minutes away from Cape Town’s city center, it is perfectly located for exploring the city's attractions.

Our first foodie stop was visiting Bo-Kaap Kombuis. This restaurant is located in Cape Town’s historic Bo-Kaap neighborhood, known for offering an authentic taste of traditional Cape Malay cuisine. The menu at Bo-Kaap Kombuis features a variety of flavorful dishes that showcase the rich heritage of Cape Malay cooking. Signature dishes include bobotie, a spiced minced meat dish topped with egg custard, and denningvleis, a slow-cooked lamb dish with tamarind and spices. Guests can also enjoy traditional samoosas, curries, bredies (stews), and roti.

Cape Town's Malay community traces its origins to the 17th century, when the Dutch East India Company imported enslaved people from Southeast Asia to meet the colony's labor demands. These individuals, primarily from Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Malay Archipelago, brought their cultural and religious traditions, which have since deeply influenced Cape Town's identity.

Dessert spread at Bo-Kaap restaurant

Our next stop was visiting the beautiful beaches of Bloubergstrand. This scenic coastal suburb is located about 20 kilometers north of Cape Town's city center and is the best spot to enjoy stunning, postcard-perfect views of Table Mountain!

Views at Bloubergstrand

And of course, we had to stop for some more snacking and wine! We visited On The Rocks Blouberg Restaurant for some sundowners and light snacks.

Oysters at On the Rocks Blouberg

Day 2: Robben Island, a Belgium Lunch and the V&A Waterfront

The next morning, we took the ferry to visit Robben Island. We departed from Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, and the ferry took us across Table Bay. The visibility was not that great, as it was a rainy day, but we had some views of Table Mountain, the city skyline, and the vast Atlantic Ocean. The ferry ride lasted about 30 minutes and it builds anticipation as you approach this UNESCO World Heritage Site – Robben Island, which served as a maximum-security prison during the Apartheid era. Robben Island holds historical significance because it was where Nelson Mandela, along with other political prisoners, was imprisoned for many years during South Africa's struggle against Apartheid. Our visit to the island offered powerful insight into the harsh conditions faced by these prisoners and the Apartheid system. Definitely and interesting and must do tour!

The Ferry & Entrance to Robben Island

Our next stop was lunch at Den Anker – a renowned Belgian restaurant located at the V&A Waterfront. Specializing in Belgian cuisine, Den Anker serves a variety of traditional dishes, with a focus on fresh seafood, hearty Belgian stews, and flavorful mussel preparations. The menu also features a wide selection of Belgian beers, along with an extensive wine list.

We tried Bitterballen (deep-fried, bite-sized balls made from a rich, thick beef ragout, which is flavored with a blend of spices and served with mustard), mussels and prawns and we finished it off with a Belgium Beer. It was delicious!

Mussels & Bitterballen

After lunch, we enjoyed some strolling around at the V&A Waterfront. The V&A Waterfront is one of Cape Town’s most iconic and vibrant destinations. The waterfront has been transformed from its original use as a working harbor into a bustling hub for locals and tourists alike. It is home to a variety of attractions, including museums, galleries, theaters, and the famous Clock Tower, which stands as a reminder of the area’s rich maritime history. At the heart of the V&A Waterfront is the Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre, which boasts over 450 retail stores, ranging from high-end fashion boutiques to local crafts and souvenirs. The area is also packed with world-class restaurants, cafes, and bars, offering everything from casual meals to fine dining, often with spectacular views of the harbor. The V&A is a must-visit if you are in Cape Town!

Day 3: A visit to Oranjezicht market, Babylon Storen, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch

We started our morning with a visit to Oranjezicht market. It’s a vibrant community market that celebrates local produce, sustainability, and artisanal goods. Located at the base of Table Mountain, this has a great atmosphere, and you can enjoy fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, locally sourced meats, a variety of homemade treats, freshly baked bread, cheeses, gourmet coffees, prepared meals, and street food. It’s really the best spot to visit for food lovers!

Fresh Vegetables & Street Food

Our next stop was Babylon Storen. Babylonstoren is a stunning farm and luxury destination in the Cape Winelands, just outside of the Paarl. The property is a great reflection of sustainable farming practices, with its 8-acre garden featuring a diverse range of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers, all grown organically. We enjoyed a luxurious stroll around the gardens and picked up some goods from their shop which features a variety of items, including organic produce, fresh herbs, handmade skincare products, artisanal food products, wine from the estate’s vineyard, and stylish home goods.

Babylon Storen Winelands & Farm Shop

Close by is the Afrikaans Taal Monument. We stopped there next. This monument is a cultural landmark dedicated to the Afrikaans language and its development. It is situated on the slopes of Paarl Mountain, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It stands as a tribute to Afrikaans, one of South Africa's eleven official languages.

Afrikaans Language Monument

We then drove further on to Franschhoek. This gorgeous town is renowned for its rich history, vibrant culinary scene, and world-class wine estates. It was founded by French Huguenot refugees in the late 17th century, and till today, the village retains much of its French heritage, from the charming French-style architecture to the names of its streets and businesses, making it feel like a little corner of France in South Africa.

We did a quick visit to the Huguenot Memorial Museum – it is a key cultural landmark that celebrates the history and heritage of the French Huguenots who settled in Franschhoek. The monument outside is spectacular.

French Huguenots Monument

On our drive back to Cape Town, we made a quick stop in Stellenbosch. Founded in 1679, Stellenbosch is a charming town with tree-lined streets, beautifully preserved Cape Dutch architecture, and a strong academic presence, thanks to the Stellenbosch University located there. The university gives the town a youthful energy, with students contributing to its lively atmosphere!

We only really touched the surface with our visit to Cape Town. There is lots more to enjoy in terms of scenery, wine estates, fantastic restaurants, and museums. Whether exploring its outdoor adventures, diving into its history, or indulging in its diverse flavors, Cape Town offers something for every traveler! An absolute must-visit holiday destination.