Our 'Inside Guide' Cape Town
Delight Your Taste Bud, Foodies
Our favourite and most recommended restaurants purely for quality food regardless of price!
Having opened its doors in 1964, this grillroom is an absolute legend among locals and offers one of the best steaks in South Africa at a pretty decent price!! Although there are other branches, this is the original and its the closest to our flat so it gets the thumbs up for best restaurant close to home!
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The Hussar Grill Rondebosch
10 Main RdHaving opened its doors in 1964, this grillroom is an absolute legend among locals and offers one of the best steaks in South Africa at a pretty decent price!! Although there are other branches, this is the original and its the closest to our flat so it gets the thumbs up for best restaurant close to home!
Fine-dining with gorgeous views in a historical building. Honestly one of the best fine-dining meals we have ever had. Not one of the cheapest meals (for SA standards) and advanced booking is essential but if you are a foodie or looking for a memorable special occasion, this place ticks all boxes!
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Salsify
Round House RoadFine-dining with gorgeous views in a historical building. Honestly one of the best fine-dining meals we have ever had. Not one of the cheapest meals (for SA standards) and advanced booking is essential but if you are a foodie or looking for a memorable special occasion, this place ticks all boxes!
Fantastic Indian cuisine and dining experience. Not a place to go for a traditional curry but you won't be disappointed. Not cheap but its good value for a dining experience.
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Thali Restaurant
3 Park RdFantastic Indian cuisine and dining experience. Not a place to go for a traditional curry but you won't be disappointed. Not cheap but its good value for a dining experience.
Really great Neopolitan style pizza's. There is some competition between Pizza Shed and The Shed (off Long Street). Honestly in our opinion both are great so even if you get confused and end up at the other you won't be disappointed if a good pizza is what you are after!
Pizza Shed
231 Bree StreetReally great Neopolitan style pizza's. There is some competition between Pizza Shed and The Shed (off Long Street). Honestly in our opinion both are great so even if you get confused and end up at the other you won't be disappointed if a good pizza is what you are after!
One of the newer restaurants to have opened and made it onto our list. It competes for best pizza while also having great pastas and many other menu items to delight the discerning foodie. Highly recommend the buratta pizza or salad.
Not a particularly interesting outlook being on a busy road but the area is pretty vibey and the decor is enjoyable.
Ariel Modern Italian
90 Regent RoadOne of the newer restaurants to have opened and made it onto our list. It competes for best pizza while also having great pastas and many other menu items to delight the discerning foodie. Highly recommend the buratta pizza or salad.
Not a particularly interesting outlook being on a busy road but the area is pretty vibey and the decor is enjoyable.
Best pasta in the city.
The 'cousin's' pasta is a fun gimmick. We recommend the ravioli but there are many great options. Its pretty popular so we recommend to book despite the slightly off beat location in the city.
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The Cousins Trattoria
3b Barrack StBest pasta in the city.
The 'cousin's' pasta is a fun gimmick. We recommend the ravioli but there are many great options. Its pretty popular so we recommend to book despite the slightly off beat location in the city.
Best Greek food around hands down. We also love where it is situated on Dunkley Square. Great for lunch or dinner! Bookings recommended
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Maria's Greek Café
31 Barnet StBest Greek food around hands down. We also love where it is situated on Dunkley Square. Great for lunch or dinner! Bookings recommended
Less touristy and more local than other places but probably one of the best burgers around (according to Steve). Great tacos and other eats too, not to mention the selection of local craft beers on offer.
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Devils Peak Salt River Taproom
150 Cecil RdLess touristy and more local than other places but probably one of the best burgers around (according to Steve). Great tacos and other eats too, not to mention the selection of local craft beers on offer.
The Morning Fix
So many great coffee shops. We recommend these if you are after a cup or just want a place to work/people watch.
We also love Harvest Cafe in Muizenberg but this one is closest! Delish coffee and some of the best bagels around. Vegan friendly. Close to other spots. Pretty suburb worth seeing.
Harvest Cafe
35 Dean StreetWe also love Harvest Cafe in Muizenberg but this one is closest! Delish coffee and some of the best bagels around. Vegan friendly. Close to other spots. Pretty suburb worth seeing.
In my opinion the best freshly baked croissants if you get there before 7am as they come out of the oven. Pretty good coffee and nice juices. A place to work or people watch. Nice relaxed decor. An easy local spot popular throughout the day especially by cyclists
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Importers Coffee Specialists
28 Kildare RdIn my opinion the best freshly baked croissants if you get there before 7am as they come out of the oven. Pretty good coffee and nice juices. A place to work or people watch. Nice relaxed decor. An easy local spot popular throughout the day especially by cyclists
Cinnamon and Cardamom buns, fresh mint tea, yummy breakfasts and good coffee. Although it is open for lunch and dinner too, we love it for breakfasts. Enjoy sitting on the sunny deck area or in the modern space within a shop.
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Loading Bay
30 Hudson StCinnamon and Cardamom buns, fresh mint tea, yummy breakfasts and good coffee. Although it is open for lunch and dinner too, we love it for breakfasts. Enjoy sitting on the sunny deck area or in the modern space within a shop.
Just a great coffee if you are headed down town. Best place to go if you are planning on going to the District 6 museum or just out exploring the city.
Simple bru Coffee Co. | Harrington | Specialty coffee cafe
99 Harrington StreetJust a great coffee if you are headed down town. Best place to go if you are planning on going to the District 6 museum or just out exploring the city.
This is a proper little hidden gem. The beans are roasted on site and the building is just as much a part of the experience as the coffee.
Maybe not worth a trip to Hout Bay alone (but close). Pair with a visit to 'Ice Dream' gelato ice cream and Chapman's Peak drive or a visit to the Hout Bay Harbour/Llandudno beach.
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Houtbay Coffee
Princess StreetThis is a proper little hidden gem. The beans are roasted on site and the building is just as much a part of the experience as the coffee.
Maybe not worth a trip to Hout Bay alone (but close). Pair with a visit to 'Ice Dream' gelato ice cream and Chapman's Peak drive or a visit to the Hout Bay Harbour/Llandudno beach.
Vibey atmosphere in restored character building. We like the menu and quality of food. It's more than just a coffee shop, check it out to see what you might find!
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The Strangers Club
1 Braemar RdVibey atmosphere in restored character building. We like the menu and quality of food. It's more than just a coffee shop, check it out to see what you might find!
Top 10 Nature Attractions
The best spots to enjoy the outdoors! Although there are many, many more that we know of and can recommend... here are our top 10!
Clifton offers 4 beautiful beaches which are popular with locals and tourists. The beach is usually protected from the wind which is an added bonus
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Clifton
Clifton offers 4 beautiful beaches which are popular with locals and tourists. The beach is usually protected from the wind which is an added bonus
Acclaimed as one of the great botanical gardens of the world, Kirstenbosch is a must see. Go see the Boomslang canapy walkway, get a bit lost, take a picnic and so much more.
Don't miss the summer concerts on Sunday evenings (usually Nov-March) which is a MUST DO!!
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Kirstenbosch þjóðgarðurinn
Rhodes DriveAcclaimed as one of the great botanical gardens of the world, Kirstenbosch is a must see. Go see the Boomslang canapy walkway, get a bit lost, take a picnic and so much more.
Don't miss the summer concerts on Sunday evenings (usually Nov-March) which is a MUST DO!!
Hiking up Lions head is one of the best 'easy' hikes you can do in Cape Town offering 360 degree views from the top.
Doing the hike at full moon and taking a picnic is an experience you will never forget!!
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Lion's Head Hike
Signal Hill RoadHiking up Lions head is one of the best 'easy' hikes you can do in Cape Town offering 360 degree views from the top.
Doing the hike at full moon and taking a picnic is an experience you will never forget!!
A national monument and conservation area with a popular running track around the outside. Frequented by energetic locals, it is always a hive of activity!!
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Rondebosch Common
Milner RoadA national monument and conservation area with a popular running track around the outside. Frequented by energetic locals, it is always a hive of activity!!
Hidden away and tiny, we love it for its stunning views of Lion's head, quirky feel and the usually calm bay. A good place to SUP.
Watch out for rocks and kelp if you plan to swim (water is usually pretty freezing as it is everywhere on the Atlantic side). This is not the best spot for sundowners either but a quick walk to the Bakoven rocks solves that problem.
If there is a high tide or big swells give it a miss as there may not be any beach at all.
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Beta Beach
3 Twenty Steps StHidden away and tiny, we love it for its stunning views of Lion's head, quirky feel and the usually calm bay. A good place to SUP.
Watch out for rocks and kelp if you plan to swim (water is usually pretty freezing as it is everywhere on the Atlantic side). This is not the best spot for sundowners either but a quick walk to the Bakoven rocks solves that problem.
If there is a high tide or big swells give it a miss as there may not be any beach at all.
A beautiful trail in a forest in a city. We prefer this hike in the morning although it is usually busy all day. There are numerous trails of various lengths and difficulties. Most people take a short-ish route getting some fresh air or walking their dogs, while others trail run for miles. Just ask and usually a friendly Capetonian will show you where to go!
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Newlands Forest Hiking Trail
A beautiful trail in a forest in a city. We prefer this hike in the morning although it is usually busy all day. There are numerous trails of various lengths and difficulties. Most people take a short-ish route getting some fresh air or walking their dogs, while others trail run for miles. Just ask and usually a friendly Capetonian will show you where to go!
Multiple hikes up to the top of the famous mountain.
You can take the cable car instead or even just one way depending on the weather.
India Venster is known to be the most scenic but also one of the more difficult routes. Platteklip is usually considered the quickest and easiest. No matter which you choose it is best to go in a group (even just with one or 2 fellow hikers, take plenty of water, stay alert, use sunscreen and expect it to take at least 2 hours one way). Spend time walking around the top of the mountain too.
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Hike Table Mountain
37 Tafelberg RoadMultiple hikes up to the top of the famous mountain.
You can take the cable car instead or even just one way depending on the weather.
India Venster is known to be the most scenic but also one of the more difficult routes. Platteklip is usually considered the quickest and easiest. No matter which you choose it is best to go in a group (even just with one or 2 fellow hikers, take plenty of water, stay alert, use sunscreen and expect it to take at least 2 hours one way). Spend time walking around the top of the mountain too.
Many trails available from Constantia Nek up the back of Table Mountain. Choose to look over Hout Bay, walk up to the dam at the top or hike towards Cecelia Forest and into Kirstenbosch. Best to go with locals who know where they are going but Google will also help you out.
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Constantia Nek Hiking Trail
Constantia Nek Jeep TrackMany trails available from Constantia Nek up the back of Table Mountain. Choose to look over Hout Bay, walk up to the dam at the top or hike towards Cecelia Forest and into Kirstenbosch. Best to go with locals who know where they are going but Google will also help you out.
Best place to walk no matter the time of day. Popular place to walk the dogs or enjoy a sunset by the sea. We love it after work or on a casual weekend. Run it, bike it, walk it, roller it ... the choice is yours. Stick to the prom or choose your length. We like to park at putt-putt and head towards the pools but a walk from the light house all the way to Camps Bay is a great way to spend a sunny day.
The prom has plenty to do close by including, viewing the paragliders land in front of the Winchester Hotel, putt putt or a swim at Saunders Rock which is the go to place for those into the Wimhof method.
Sea Point Promenade, Sea Point, Cape Town, 8005, South Africa
Best place to walk no matter the time of day. Popular place to walk the dogs or enjoy a sunset by the sea. We love it after work or on a casual weekend. Run it, bike it, walk it, roller it ... the choice is yours. Stick to the prom or choose your length. We like to park at putt-putt and head towards the pools but a walk from the light house all the way to Camps Bay is a great way to spend a sunny day.
The prom has plenty to do close by including, viewing the paragliders land in front of the Winchester Hotel, putt putt or a swim at Saunders Rock which is the go to place for those into the Wimhof method.
The Touristy Stuff that Capetonians LOVE
Heading out for the vibe? Wanting to meet locals or fellow travellers?
From shopping to eating to meeting up with locals pretending to be tourists in our own city... these are a few spots we recommend.
Some are not open every day or are best enjoyed based on the season so they might depend when you will be travelling... ask us if you need more details!
Some have great food AND a great vibe others have food but we don't go for the food. Its a mish-mash but they are all worth a mention for some reason or the other.
If you don't see what you are looking for, tell us what you love doing/experiencing and we will try show you where to go!
The V&A offers great shopping, restaurants, boat cruises, home to the Cape Town aquarium and a number of other attractions
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V&A Waterfront
19 Dock RdThe V&A offers great shopping, restaurants, boat cruises, home to the Cape Town aquarium and a number of other attractions
Great place to see, smell, hear, feel and taste some of our local culture. Boat rides, seals, beach and fish and chips and more all available from here.
The Harbour Market on weekends is an extra must see!
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Hout Bay Harbour
Great place to see, smell, hear, feel and taste some of our local culture. Boat rides, seals, beach and fish and chips and more all available from here.
The Harbour Market on weekends is an extra must see!
Fresh and local produce, including delightful food stalls, on display in one convenient and super popular place. Usually only open on weekends between 9am-2pm and Wednesday evenings in the summer months.
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Oranjezicht City Farm - Markaður
Granger Bay BoulevardFresh and local produce, including delightful food stalls, on display in one convenient and super popular place. Usually only open on weekends between 9am-2pm and Wednesday evenings in the summer months.
OK so this one might not be one that all Capetonians love but maybe that is a good thing as it means you can still usually get a booking. We love it for the Leopard Bar (great drinks, sushi or even high tea) as well as their wonderful Spa facilities. It also has a fancy restaurant. And although its much cheaper staying with us this place could be a great place to splurge on a 5 star stay... :)
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12 Apostles Hotel & Spa
Victoria RoadOK so this one might not be one that all Capetonians love but maybe that is a good thing as it means you can still usually get a booking. We love it for the Leopard Bar (great drinks, sushi or even high tea) as well as their wonderful Spa facilities. It also has a fancy restaurant. And although its much cheaper staying with us this place could be a great place to splurge on a 5 star stay... :)
A trip up Table mountain on the cable car is a must do for any visitor to Cape Town. Try and do it on a clear (wind-free) day when you can make the most of the incredible views!!
If you are more into outdoor activities or on a budget, try hiking it - approximately 2hs each way - see top 10 nature spots for the best routes.
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Table Mountain Aerial Cableway
5821 Tafelberg RdA trip up Table mountain on the cable car is a must do for any visitor to Cape Town. Try and do it on a clear (wind-free) day when you can make the most of the incredible views!!
If you are more into outdoor activities or on a budget, try hiking it - approximately 2hs each way - see top 10 nature spots for the best routes.
A scenic drive that is highly recommended.
When open, this scenic drive is well worth the toll for the view. It links Hout Bay and Noordhoek and creates a great route to head to or from Simon's Town and Cape Point.
When travelling from Hout Bay you can go half way to the best viewing point without having to pay the toll fee. Saying that though it is usually worth it to do the full drive into Noordhoek and end at the Old Farm Village or go for a meal at Aegar with a Sea View and craft beer before going to Cape Point/Simons Town/Kalk Bay or Muizenberg.
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Chapmans Peak Drive
Chapmans Peak DriveA scenic drive that is highly recommended.
When open, this scenic drive is well worth the toll for the view. It links Hout Bay and Noordhoek and creates a great route to head to or from Simon's Town and Cape Point.
When travelling from Hout Bay you can go half way to the best viewing point without having to pay the toll fee. Saying that though it is usually worth it to do the full drive into Noordhoek and end at the Old Farm Village or go for a meal at Aegar with a Sea View and craft beer before going to Cape Point/Simons Town/Kalk Bay or Muizenberg.
Popular surfing beach as well as an interesting and laid-back suburb. Go shopping, enjoy a meal, rent a board and wetsuit, catch the train... your options are open here.
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Muizenberg Beach Club
165 Main RdPopular surfing beach as well as an interesting and laid-back suburb. Go shopping, enjoy a meal, rent a board and wetsuit, catch the train... your options are open here.
The (ordinary) Essentials
Where to get your essentials close to our apartment. From food to toilettries and the bits in between... this is where we usually shop.
Great for picking up groceries - A nice bakery and all the essentials!!
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Westerford Kwikspar Pharmacy
59 Campground RdGreat for picking up groceries - A nice bakery and all the essentials!!
We love Woolies for their quality especially fruit, vegetables and dairy products. They stock a selection of common brands found at other supermarket chains as well as their own in house products, many of which we love!
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Woolworths Milner Road
Klipfontein RoadWe love Woolies for their quality especially fruit, vegetables and dairy products. They stock a selection of common brands found at other supermarket chains as well as their own in house products, many of which we love!
One of the best shopping destinations in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town with more then 200 stores, cinemas, good restaurants and coffee shops
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Cavendish Square
1 Dreyer StOne of the best shopping destinations in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town with more then 200 stores, cinemas, good restaurants and coffee shops
A large supermarket known for well priced produce. Recently renovated. Not the prettiest location but actually a pretty decent shop not too far from our apartment.
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Checkers FX Rondebosch
Rosendale RoadA large supermarket known for well priced produce. Recently renovated. Not the prettiest location but actually a pretty decent shop not too far from our apartment.
Get all your toiletries here and they usually have specials. You can also try Dischem or even at the local supermarkets. Clicks is great for the variety and also the fact that you can get a range of medicines if you happen to need. Obviously over the counter meds only otherwise you still have to see a Doctor first.
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Clicks Pharmacy - Rondebosch
23 Main RdGet all your toiletries here and they usually have specials. You can also try Dischem or even at the local supermarkets. Clicks is great for the variety and also the fact that you can get a range of medicines if you happen to need. Obviously over the counter meds only otherwise you still have to see a Doctor first.
Local is Lekker*
Quintessential local spots (and sometimes favourites) far off the touristy path.
*Side-note: Lekker is an Afrikaans word that translates directly as sweet but is commonly used to mean something that is good or nice. Local is Lekker is a popular slogan you may hear or see around South Africa to indicate that products have been designed and produced locally - often inspired by African styles and or to support underprivileged communities.
Relatively safe during daylight hours. A good option of transport into the city or if you feel like an adventure to Simon's Town if you want to save cash. Only a 10-15 minute walk to the station from the apartment. Don't take any expensive equipment such as camera's, laptops or large sums of cash if you use the trains. Check before going as the trains can be unreliable and are not always on time so it might not be a great option if you are tight on time.
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Rondebosch station
Station RoadRelatively safe during daylight hours. A good option of transport into the city or if you feel like an adventure to Simon's Town if you want to save cash. Only a 10-15 minute walk to the station from the apartment. Don't take any expensive equipment such as camera's, laptops or large sums of cash if you use the trains. Check before going as the trains can be unreliable and are not always on time so it might not be a great option if you are tight on time.
A top 100 University that is popular with study abroad students. It offers great views from the famous Jammie Stairs. UCT is near to our apartment
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University of Cape Town
A top 100 University that is popular with study abroad students. It offers great views from the famous Jammie Stairs. UCT is near to our apartment
A great spot to mingle with locals over a cold beer in the main pub or find a quite spot in the restaurant. GREAT LUNCHTIME PUB SPECIALS.
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Barristers Grill & Cafe Newlands
Kildare RoadA great spot to mingle with locals over a cold beer in the main pub or find a quite spot in the restaurant. GREAT LUNCHTIME PUB SPECIALS.
One of SA's oldest pubs offering an authentic pub menu and a great selection of beers. This historical gem has a nice fireplace for cold winter nights and great outdoor area for warm sunny days. Popular place to watch sport.
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Foresters Arms
52 Newlands AveOne of SA's oldest pubs offering an authentic pub menu and a great selection of beers. This historical gem has a nice fireplace for cold winter nights and great outdoor area for warm sunny days. Popular place to watch sport.
While we know that our American friends are appauled by what we deem to be Mexican food, this local spot is perfect for a drink and the chance to meet locals. Definitely try the strawberry&lime margaritas, ice-berg, nachos and actually most things are pretty good - just don't have high hopes its real Mexican.
Walking distance from our flat!! Although we probably wouldn't walk after dark - rather Uber.
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The Fat Cactus Mowbray
47 Durban RdWhile we know that our American friends are appauled by what we deem to be Mexican food, this local spot is perfect for a drink and the chance to meet locals. Definitely try the strawberry&lime margaritas, ice-berg, nachos and actually most things are pretty good - just don't have high hopes its real Mexican.
Walking distance from our flat!! Although we probably wouldn't walk after dark - rather Uber.
Arts & Culture
Cape Town Comedy Club
Dock RoadIf you are the type to enjoy a play, comedy, musicals, dance or other arts, the Baxter theater offers regular performances. Often some quality artists performing excellent quality shows.
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Baxter Leikhús Miðstöð
Main RoadIf you are the type to enjoy a play, comedy, musicals, dance or other arts, the Baxter theater offers regular performances. Often some quality artists performing excellent quality shows.
Famous for the place where President Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for most of his 27 year jail sentence, this tour is for the history lovers. Gorgeous views while on the boat to and from the island.
To be honest it has been hit and miss for our past guests. I think its a personal preference. Depending on your length of stay you may choose to skip this one on a first visit.
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Robben Island Museum
Famous for the place where President Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for most of his 27 year jail sentence, this tour is for the history lovers. Gorgeous views while on the boat to and from the island.
To be honest it has been hit and miss for our past guests. I think its a personal preference. Depending on your length of stay you may choose to skip this one on a first visit.
A pretty educational and fascinating look at Cape Town's past and ongoing social challenges resulting from Apartheid laws.
Recommended for those interested in history or who are inclined to learn more about social injustice.
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District Six safn
25A Buitenkant StA pretty educational and fascinating look at Cape Town's past and ongoing social challenges resulting from Apartheid laws.
Recommended for those interested in history or who are inclined to learn more about social injustice.