South Africa’s Cape Town welcomes millions of tourists every year. Popular attractions like Robben Island and Table Mountain can get a little crowded during the peak of the season. However, like every popular destination, South Africa’s Mother City is home to many hidden spots where you can experience the city the way the locals do. To help you find these hidden gems, we’ve created the perfect holiday guide to Cape Town.
1 West Coast National Park
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Located just an hour drive from the center of Cape Town, the West Coast National Park is well-known for its unreal scenery, secluded beaches, and spectacular views. During the spring season, the entire park comes into full bloom and travelers on holidays can admire the beauty of all the brightly colored flowers over here. Make sure to visit the lovely Churchhaven beach on the Langebaan lagoon and pack a picnic basket for the ultimate holiday experience.
2 The Labia Theatre
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The Labia Theatre is one of the best hidden gems of the Mother City and a must-visit destination on our holiday guide to Cape Town. This place actually used to serve as a ballroom before it became a live theatre in 1949. It was 1974 when the Labia Theater hosted its first film festival and slowly transformed into an independent art cinema. Most people come here because of the old-school interior that boasts traditional ticket stubs, boxes of popcorn, and a retro bar where you can get a refreshing drink or two.
3 Woodstock
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A hipster’s paradise, Woodstock Exchange is an ideal place to spend an afternoon while vacationing in the Mother City. Make sure to check out the fabulous tea emporium and try the tasty food at Superette. You can also get your caffeine fix at the popular Starling & Hero cafe. While you are in the neighborhood, visit the Old Biscuit Mill, a cool market that comes to life on Saturdays and Sundays.
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4 Milnerton Market
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Located close to Lagoon Beach in a big parking lot, Milnerton Market is a must-visit destination for every traveler who wishes to have a local Cape Town experience. You’ll cross paths with hundreds of Capetonians who come here to shop on the weekends. This place is packed with everything from antiques and plants and it’s been around for over 20 years now. Milnerton Market is open every Saturday and Sunday, as well as on public holidays.
5 Surfing in Muizenberg
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Muizenberg is a sleepy seaside town that is well-known for its colorful wooden cabins and more importantly, for surfing! The wave riding culture in Muizenberg has been around for about 50 years and it’s still popular. This town is also home to the oldest surf shop in Africa, the famous Corner Surf. In case you wish to spend your vacation days on learning how to surf, head out to Gary’s Surf School on the Beach Road.
6 Beta Beach in Bakoven
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No holiday guide to Cape Town would be complete without mentioning the incredible Beta Beach in Bakoven. If you wish to get away from the busy beaches in Camps Bay and Clifton and get some peace and quiet, Beta Beach is the place to go. Yes, the beach is quite small and sits between large boulders, but it has a clear swimming area and it’s frequented mostly by locals who live in the neighborhood.
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7 The Fireman’s Arms
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Dating back to 1863, the Fireman’s Arms is one of the oldest pubs in the city. It’s a perfect place to watch sports alongside a cheerful crowd of locals on a gloomy Saturday afternoon. At the bar, they serve everything from a hot pub fare to a wide range of beers on tap. Make sure to greet Babelas, the resident cat of the Fireman’s Arms. Thursdays are reserved for the popular Pub Quiz Night which starts at 7 30 pm.
Looking for a great all–inclusive holiday accommodation in Cape Town? We offer excellent Cape Town accommodation options – apartments, villas and hotels you can actually afford. Browse our selection of accommodation by area and tours, or get in touch today for help with finding the perfect places to stay in Cape Town.
