Business Travel to Cape Town: Around the CTICC

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.

Description:

Cafe Caprice offers something for the eye and the stomach with great views of Camps Bay beach, beautiful people, and good food.  It's a favorite of locals who pack the venue full all weekend and many weekday evenings.  If you're looking for a place to relax while enjoying the Camps Bay vibe, Cafe Caprice is the place to be.  You may have to wait behind actors and sports stars, but a morning, lunch, or evening at Cafe Caprice will get you in the swing of Cape Town life. 

Our Local Expert Says:

If you want a hip spot for sundowners, this is the place.

Description:

La Med is best known as a summer sundowner spot, this being a great Capetonian tradition. And what better place than this to sip on something tall and alcoholic. With a beach setting second-to-none and an incredible vibe, this is one of Cape Town's best offerings. Once the sun has gone down, chat to beach starlets and surfer dudes. DJs host theme parties, and there is live music on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Food here is a cheap, wholesome blend of South African and State-side fair. There's a full bar, with beer and wine also available.

Our Local Expert Says:

Fantastic fresh seafood fishmarket style. Grab a table near the windows for views over Camps Bay

Description:

A seafood "market" restaurant- you choose the type of fish, prawns, etc and the amount you want. Everything is perfectly grilled or pan fried with side sauces, vegetables, rice, and fries. Fresh sushi available as well.  Book a table with a view and enjoy the sun setting over the Atlantic. 

Our Local Expert Says:

Interlinked with the struggle against apartheid, St George’s Cathedral is one of Cape Town’s landmark sites. Modern day Cape Tonian activists often use the Cathedral as a launching place for activities and action.

Description:

A landmark site for its role in South African history and a meeting place for modern day protests, St Georges Cathedral in the heart of Cape Town represents a time of change in South Africa. In 1986, Desmond Tutu was enthroned as the first black archbishop of South Africa. From the doors of Ste Georges Cathedral, he led numerous marches and campaigns for the formal end of apartheid.

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:

Po Na Na Souk Bar offers an inviting atmosphere for enjoying a relaxing Cape Town afternoon or evening.  Relax on cushions, chat with friends, and enjoy an array of refreshing cocktails.  Soft lighting, stone walls, wood beams, and plush cushions set the mood. 

Our Local Expert Says:

For fantastic sushi and great atmosphere this is your place. Make sure to book ahead

Description:

This little Japanese restaurant is tucked away just off Long St and is a local favorite. Minato's serves up delicious sushi and tempura created by a husband and wife team and is always in demand. Make sure to make a reservation, Minato's is always booked out.

Description:

Located in a Victorian house on trendy Kloof Street, Asoka offers a unique, comfortable, and intimate environment for social interaction and relaxing drinks.  An old olive tree enhances the ambiance created by ambient lighting and warm decor.  To top it off, the drinks and food are as delicious as the setting.

Our Local Expert Says:

There are numerous short (or long) walks you can take on Table Mountain from the top of the station. Just remember that the weather can change quickly and that, despite its proximity to the city, the Mountain should be treated with respect- take the same precautions you would in any mountain range.

Description:

The first Table Mountain cableway was opened on 4 October 1929. Since that date over eleven million people have used the service, and it's still extremely popular today. The circulating cableway provides spectacular views, offering a leisurely panorama of the city and surrounds. It's well worth the trip, but not for the nervous or vertigo-sufferers. If you're feeling adventurous, you could take the cable car to the summit and then hike down Table Mountain using one of the 550 established routes. The cableway's hours of operation are seasonal. Please check the website or call before planning your trip.

Description:

This trendy, ultra-urban bar is located in the Mount Nelson Hotel, and is the favourite hangout of the in-crowd. A fibre-optic Milky Way adorns the ceiling, so you will feel as if you are seated under the stars - and if you want the real thing, just move outside onto the bar's sprawling terrace. Either way, you will get to sample some of the finest wines, cocktails and champagne available in the city.

Description:

One of the World's top ten restaurants listed by US-based Hotels magazine, its modern African cuisine blends with trendy European and is accompanied by live contemporary jazz playing nightly. In a magnificent 1921 built room and complete with a Cape mural backdrop it has painted pillars and african decor. Cape ingredients and culinary traditions of the world are fused here. Expect spicy, fruity flavours and imaginative mixes. Tea-smoked springbok with paw-paw, apple and chili salad and Natal prawns with beaten rice batter and a sweet, mild chili jam, served on a snoek cake are examples of what is available.