Best budget Cape Town

Our Local Expert Says:

Although the most popular route up Table Mountain is Platteklip Gorge, there are numerous trails to enjoy. Of course there are also a number of ways down- hiking, the cable car, or an abseil off the mountain!

Description:

Standing guard over Cape Town, Table Mountain defines the city. For early seafarers, the Mountain signified arrival at this port of call. For the original inhabitants of the area, the Mountain was the source of myth and intrigue. For modern day Cape Tonians, Table Mountain is the heart of daily life. At 1086 meters and home to 1400 species of flora, Table Mountain is a spectacular nature reserve surrounded by a city. With hundreds of routes to ascend, the Mountain can keep an avid hiker and climber busy for years.

Our Local Expert Says:

An idyllic, hidden beach off the beaten tourist track, Llandudno is a great place to marvel at the unending beauty of Cape Town.

Description:

A small, beautiful, boulder bordered beach along the Atlantic Seaboard, Llandudno beach is a local favorite among the surfers and nature lovers. Its secluded location tends to keep Cape Town's wind away and its lack of cafes and bars keeps the Camps Bay beach scene away. The boulders on the northern side of Llandudno beach offer a fun scenic walk. Llandudno is a great place to watch the sunset over the ocean with the mountain backdrop glowing red.

Our Local Expert Says:

Kalk Bay is one of those places that you stop over at for a quick bite, then discover a great café, the interesting shop next to it, the fishermen selling fresh fish at the harbour, the cute ice cream shop and before you know it its time decide which of the restaurants with views you should do dinner at. Perfect for any leisurely vacation types.

Description:

Quaint little towns along the False Bay coast, Kalk Bay and St James surround an operating fishing harbour that lends the antique and coffee shops a tranquil view. In spring, Southern Right whales abound, often brushing against the harbour walls. Kalk Bay makes a great stop for lunch on a tour of the Cape Peninsula or a nice leisurely walking day.

Our Local Expert Says:

In summer, Camps Bay is covered in tourists and models, if this is your scene, get yourself some Sinnful ice cream (shop above Pick n Pay across Main Rd) and enjoy. Otherwise, pack some wine and enjoy a Cape Tonian "sundowner" sunset drink- though alcohol on beaches is technically illegal, sundowners on the various Atlantic beaches are popular. If its windy, head to Clifton 4th just down the road instead, this little beach rarely gets the Southeaster wind.

Description:

Camps Bay Beach is a broad stretch of palm tree-lined white sand bordering the bracing waters of the Atlantic ocean. Set at the foot of a spectacular series of mountain peaks, the Twelve Apostles, yet only 10 minutes from the city center by car, it is one of Cape Town's most popular beaches. It is not a sheltered beach, so if the wind is blowing it is advisable to head for Clifton, another breath-taking and more secluded beach just around the corner. The beachside road has a festive atmosphere with a good variety of cafes and restaurants offering great sea views.

Our Local Expert Says:

Temporary “home” to many of South Africa’s most famous anti-apartheid activists including Nelson Mandela, Robben Island served as prison, place of learning, and international symbol of apartheid governance. Today, the island is an UN World Heritage Site and has taken on the role of museum with tours led by former prisoners. Access is available by ferry from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V and A Waterfront. Book ahead to ensure availability and allocate half a day to the full trip.

Description:

One of the oldest residential areas of Cape Town, the Bo Kaap is a unique neighborhood with a strong cultural and social history. Home of a "Cape Malay" community, the neighborhood is a collection of brightly painted houses and mosques. Strolling through the streets (daytime and larger streets only) of the Bo Kaap provides a taste of a distinctly Cape Tonian community and lifestyle. If you find yourself in the area for dinner, try out Biesmielleh restaurant on Wale Street that serves delicious Cape Malay fare. A visit to the District Six Museum will offer some more insight into the history of the Cape Malay community of Cape Town.

Description:

Established in 1990, the Backpack is Cape Town's original backpackers lodge. It is a clean, spacious and well-organised hostel. There is a swimming pool, satellite TV, laundry facilities, a kitchen and a great bar area. This hostel is centrally located in Tamboerskloof, on the cusp of the City Centre - with all its distractions. Within the Backpack you'll find the Africa Travel Centre, your one-stop shop to making travel bookings for Cape Town and the entire continent.

Description:

The main attraction of Long Street Backpackers is its central location in the heart of Cape Town's nightlife - complete with 24-hour police camera surveillance. Bars, restaurants, cigar bars, lounges and much more is walking distance for hipsters and 'jollers' (South African slang for 'party people'). Established in 1993, this backpackers' lodge has a large courtyard ideal for braais (barbecues) and sun worshippers. Tours, adventure trips and car hire can be arranged here, and Internet and satellite TV are available. Check out the great bar and cool atmosphere at Long Street Backpackers.

Our Local Expert Says:

The best Asian food in town in a very local hideaway.

Description:

Tucked away in Little Mowbray, this thai restaurant serves up a variety of delicious dishes. Great food off the beaten track.

Our Local Expert Says:

Hands down the best fish and chips in the entire peninsula. Far more than your basic fried hake and chips- expect large servings, a variety of seafood, and good ol' harbor atmosphere.

Description:

Across from the fancy restaurants in the Kalk Bay Harbour, this fish and chips shop has a menu larger than many restaurants and serves only the freshest of seafood. Huge portion sizes are served to locals who value good seafood at great prices to cutlery and tablecloths. Indoor and outdoor seating right in the harbour.

Our Local Expert Says:

A burger for everyone- extensive menu with a range of toppings and numerous patty options- great vegetarian choices as well! The milkshakes are well worth it.

Description:

More varieties of burgers than you could ever hope for- twists on the old fashioned meat patty, phenomenal seafood burgers and around ten different vegetarian burgers (and were not talking the old soymince patty) to choose from. Fantastic milkshakes as well from chunky banana peanut butter to avocado and lime. Very popular bar and club upstairs in a converted city loft with private nooks, rooftop access, and a comfortable lounge area.

Description:

Tucked away in the suburbs of Tamboerskloof, the Daily Deli is one of the best neighborhood cafés around. Theres always a selection of fresh salads, light mains, and desserts available as well as a range of bread and baked goods. Sidewalk seating, a relaxed atmosphere, and enjoying the casual Cape Town life typify the Daily Deli.