QUINTESSENTIALLY | Insider | City Guides

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Cape Town and the Western Cape is an area considered to be one of the most beautiful in Africa, a city with a diverse range of attractions, sights and activities on offer. You'll find fun, adventure, a smorgasbord of attractions, friendly people and great service – all in a breathtaking geographical setting framed by mountains and two oceans. The impressive presence of Table Mountain, flanked by the legendary Devil's Peak and historical Signal Hill, stands proudly above the city. Beautiful white sandy beaches along a peaceful coastline frame the Cape Peninsula. The surrounding area extends far into the winelands, green in summer and red-gold in autumn.
Cape Town is also a city of culture, built on a history that is reflected in the architecture, cuisine, music and dance. Together with a warm summer and temperate winter climate, the Western Cape and the Mother City are an ideal holiday destination throughout the year.


GO THERE FOR

The History – Cape Town is the oldest city in South Africa, with a rich colonial history that has gifted the city with some distinctive old buildings and cultural historic sites. The 'Historical Mile' between Muizenberg and Kalk Bay will take you past Posthuys, the oldest building in South Africa as well as many other places of historical interest.

The Winelands – The Cape Winelands is the largest wine producing region in the Western Cape. With a selection of over 200 cellars to choose from, you are guaranteed to taste some of the finest wines in the world. Whether it’s the magnificent natural beauty, rich cultural heritage or world-renowned wines, the Winelands Region is synonymous with all the best that the Cape has to offer.

The Beaches – Cape Town has some of the best beaches the world has to offer, so if you're a sand-and-sea lover be sure to take some time out to relax and soak up the sun. There are many spectacular beaches around Cape Town, and some of the most beautiful are only five minutes away from the city centre. All of them have soft white sand and are set in very scenic locations.

Table Mountain – Standing proud, Table Mountain exerts a powerful and charismatic pull. The top of the mountain offers spectacular views in all directions and a bird's eye view of the city; it is a definite must-see for any visitor.


DON'T MISS

The Kirstenbosch Gardens- The Kirstenbosch Gardens cover an area of 528 hectares with 36 hectares of cultivated garden. The gardens are a celebration of South African flora - showcasing only indigenous South African plants. Fynbos, proteas, cycads and rolling lawns are intermingled with streams, ponds and well-laid out pathways for easy walking.

Robben Island – Take the Robben Island Ferry (catamaran) and experience a tour of the island and a visit to Nelson Mandela’s cell where he spent 27 years of his life.

V&A Waterfront – The mall is more than just a shopping destination; it is a Cape Town attraction not to be missed. The Waterfront boasts many activities, shops, restaurants and not to mention spectacular views. It is conveniently situated in one of Cape Town’s busiest centres.

Table Mountain Cable Car – The Table Mountain cable car provides spectacular views while rising to the summit of one of the world’s most identifiable landmarks. The phenomenal view, Table Mountain's ecology and the restaurant make visiting the sight a spectacular experience.

Cape Point – Drive along the Atlantic Seaboard to Cape Point where the Indian Ocean and Atlantic oceans meet. There you will find the National Park, penguins at Boulders Beach as well as the Two Oceans Restaurant.

High Tea at the Mount Nelson – The world famous Mount Nelson Hotel is renowned for its stately elegance and charm; High Tea has become a very popular way to spend an afternoon.


WHEN TO GO

Most tourists come during the spring and summer months; from October to March although with the warm summer (average high 25˚C/77˚F) and temperate winter climate (average low 7.8˚C/46˚F) Cape Town is an ideal holiday destination throughout the year. Similar to the Mediterranean climate, there is little extreme in temperature due to the prevailing winds. However, winters tend to be wetter and cooler owing to the northwesterly gales at that time of year. The peninsula’s shape creates microclimates so weather is very much localized, it is important to be specific when checking the weather in your destination when you are travelling in order to not avoid disappointment.

Public Holidays and Days of Interest:
1st January – New Year’s Day
21st March – Human Rights Day
Variable – Good Friday
Variable (Monday after Easter Sunday) – Family Day
27th April – Freedom Day
1st May – Worker’s Day
16th June – Youth Day
9th August – National Women’s Day
24th September – Heritage Day
Variable (End of September) – Hermanus Whale Festival
16th December – Day of Reconciliation
25th December – Christmas Day
26th December – Day of Goodwill


BASICS

Quintessentially South Africa
Fredman Towers - 4th Floor, 13 Fredman Drive, Sandton, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa
Telephone: +27 (0)11 911 4201
Email: askqsa@quintessentially.com

Country Code: +27
City Code: 21
Emergency: 10111
Electricity: 220/230V, South African 3-pin plug
Language: Afrikaans, English
Currency: South African Rand (ZAR)
Exchange Rate: GBP 1= ZAR 11.54, 1 ZAR 1 = 0.09 GBP
Time: SAST (UTC +2)
Cape Town International Airport:
General Enquiries: +27 (0)86 727 7888
http://www.acsa.co.za/


GETTING AROUND

From The Airport...
Public transport in Cape Town is not as developed as other metropolitan cities and though a great deal of it is geared towards getting people from the outer townships into the city, it is probably easiest (and safest) to hire a car to get you from the airport to your destination. Rental prices are reasonable and petrol is cheaper than in a lot of European countries.

If you don't want to drive and fancy being driven, Quintessentially can arrange a fantastic chauffeur service in your vehicle of choice

Around Town...
The city centre is compact and it is entirely possible, if you don't intend to move too far, to get around by foot. If you’d rather not walk, be warned that you are very unlikely to find a metered taxi waiting around on the street - they need to be booked in advance. You will be able to get on the minibus taxis which can be flagged down anywhere on their route but - despite being a cheap and easy option - can get uncomfortably full at times.


WHERE TO STAY

Cape Grace
West Quay Road Cape Town
One of Cape Town’s top hotels, the property’s intimate atmosphere, stylish décor and unique hospitality set it apart from its competitors. It also houses one of Cape Town’s finest restaurants and the location is unmatched.

Dock House
V & A Waterfront, Portswood Close
A unique and opulent jewel in the crown of Cape Town’s glamorous and world-famous Victoria & Alfred waterfront. It offers discerning guests exclusive accommodation and a personalised yet unobtrusive butler-style service in a world-class setting. Originally built as the Harbour Master’s private residence in the 1800’s, this grand architectural gem has been transformed into one of Cape Town’s most exclusive and elegant boutique hotels.

Birkenhead House
7th Avenue, Voelklip, Hermanus
Perched high on the Hermanus cliffs, the regal Birkenhead House and deluxe adjacent Villa, overlook the whale watching paradise of Walker Bay. Accommodating guests in the utmost luxury, this is the perfect destination for those seeking the pinnacle of seaside living.

Kensington Place
38 Kensington Crescent, (c/o Leeuwenhof and Kensington Crescents), Higgovale
This luxury hotel offers spectacular views of Table Mountain and is close to the National Park. The rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated in a contemporary style.

Grande Provence
Main Road, Franschhoek
The Owner’s Cottage at Grande Provence is a testament to period grandeur and contemporary luxury. Comprising this beautifully appointed cottage are four rooms, a deluxe suite, conservatory, lounge, swimming and spa pool area.

Cape Royale Luxury Hotel and Residence (Q Member’s Benefits)
47 Main Road - Green Point
Framed by Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Royale Luxury Hotel and Residence offers excellent service of an international standard in a setting that will delight the discerning traveller. The grand façade and entrance hall make The Cape Royale a landmark building in the city. The over-sized suites have an intimate and relaxed atmosphere, with modern designer furnishings, all with fully equipped kitchens and state-of-the-art appliances, LCD TVs and DVD players. Cape Royale in total consists of 87 residences, with one, two, three or four bedrooms, making this luxury property suitable for couples, families and groups of friends.

12 Apostles Hotel
Victoria Road Camps Bay
The stunning five star 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa is located in Camps Bay which many people call the place where the earth, sea and sky meet. This hotel is known for its beauty and excellent service and it is only a short drive to the city centre.

One & Only Cape Town
Dock road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
This luxury 5 star resort is ideally located for business travellers and families alike. Boasting a wide range of activities and services suited to all tastes, the resort also includes a day care facility for kids and an internet café for adults. For those looking to just have a great time, they offer a range of tours, excursions and water based sports to meet your needs.

The Westin Grand Arabella Quays
Convention Square Cape Town
The Arabella Sheraton Grand Hotel in Cape Town is one of the most sought after business and holiday hotels. It is situated at the gateway to the famous V&A Waterfront.

Le Franschhoek
Franschhoek
Le Franschhoek offers unequalled views of the spectacular Franschhoek Mountains and is located in the world renowned Winelands. The hotel rooms are elegantly decorated in four unique and distinctly different schemes. There are also conference facilities and a health and wellness centre.

Ellerman House and Ellerman Villa
180 Kloof Road Bantry Bay
With only 11 luxuriously styled rooms, Ellerman House is a wonderful private retreat. Views of the Atlantic Ocean and Robben Island can be seen from the balconies which are a feature of every suite.


WHERE TO EAT

La Colombe Restaurant
Constantia Uitsig
La Colombe Restaurant is widely regarded as one of the top restaurants in South Africa. This charming, award-winning restaurant serves traditional French Provençal cuisine with a distinctive Cape flavour. French-born chef, Franck Dangereux, changes the menu daily to incorporate fresh seasonal ingredients with natural sun-ripened flavours.

The Roundhouse
Camps Bay
The historic Roundhouse restaurant is nestled in a picturesque glen on the slopes of Lion’s Head. The style of cuisine at the Roundhouse is uncomplicated, contemporary European, inspired by seasonal ingredients and paired with one of the finest boutique wine collections in South Africa. South African born, PJ Vadas combines his worldly culinary skills with influences from the Cape to create an exquisite menu.

Café Chic
Gardens
This one-stop concept comprises of two bistro restaurants, premium whisky bar, cocktail lounge, Moroccan chill-out tent, patisserie corner and exclusive boutique. The menus offer French cuisine with a South African twist. Two chefs head up the Café Chic kitchen. Renald Epié, a French chef, trained in Michelin starred restaurants and is a master at skilfully merging classic French techniques with local ingredients to create complex and subtle flavours. Patisserie chef Jonathan Stanley draws upon his extensive experience in Europe to create the most delicate of pastries, tarts and cakes. Café Chic is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner from Monday to Saturday.

Nobu
V & A Waterfront
World-class master chef Nobuyuki ‘Nobu’ Matsuhisa brings his innovative blend of classically styled Japanese cuisine incorporated with fresh South African seafood and indigenous spices to create unique dishes. Upon entering Nobu, creative sushi and sashimi menus can be sampled over exclusive Hokusetsu sake, a Japanese beer or a unique shochu-based cocktail in the sake-sushi bar lounge. A metal, fan-like, staircase leads to the main dining area and sushi counter, which is framed by a textured, translucent origami light fixture that crawls along the ceiling throughout this venue.

Bistro Sixteen82
Constantia
Since its inception at the end of last year, the stylish new Bistro Sixteen82, situated on the Steenberg estate, has created a decided buzz among discerning restaurant-goers. Fast becoming a popular choice in Cape Town’s Constantia Valley, this daytime eatery combines delightfully casual, yet sophisticated cellar-door dining, with wine tasting at the adjacent Wine Tasting Lounge and Bar. It is open daily for breakfast and lunch, while snack platters are available throughout the day from the interactive Raw Food Bar. A tapas menu is also available from late afternoon through to sunset.

221 Waterfront
V & A Waterfront
221 Waterfront is an exciting, contemporary international restaurant and cocktail bar. Situated at the water's edge, 221 Waterfront is the most exclusive address on the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Multi-award winning executive chef Katerina Alexandris has designed a menu that features a fusion of food from across the globe, where each dish is designed to be the best possible display for its ingredients and quality. Popular signature dishes include prime rib with creamed horseradish and crushed potatoes and breast of duck glazed with lavender honey and peppercorns. Fish lovers can try the Pangasius baked in verjus topped with fresh asparagus and, for dessert, the nougat ice cream with berries is a must.

Signal Restaurant
V & A Waterfront
With panoramic views of Signal Hill, this restaurant provides a welcoming setting on the water's edge where guests enjoy the fresh produce and the tastes of Cape Town, not only when the noon day cannon signals lunchtime, but at any time of the day. Led by executive chef, Malika van Reenen, Signal Restaurant draws on influences from the many cultures and nations that have called upon this region during its history, namely French Huguenots, British settlers as well as Dutch and Asian traders. The menu will connect you with local farmers’ offerings and the very best combinations of the Cape's traditional and modern tastes. From Malay-spiced kingklip with butternut bobotie, to warm apple streusel tart, caramel ice cream and cinnamon anglaise, every dish has been carefully considered to deliver excellence.

Haiku
33 Church Street Cape Town
This restaurant is known for its state-of-the-art open kitchen where diners can watch their food being prepared. This is one of Cape Town’s more sophisticated restaurants, with walls and floors of beautifully polished granite.

Bungalow
Shop 2B, The Promenade, Victoria Road, Camps Bay
Just stepping off the Camps Bay pavement and entering Bungalow's relaxed, uplifting environment makes you want to kick off your shoes, let your hair down, and transport yourself to… across the road! After all, who needs to conjure up images of white beaches, palm trees and turquoise seas when you can see it all in front of you – while chatting to friends, sipping on exotic drinks and tucking into world-class cuisine?


BARS, PUBS AND NIGHTLIFE

Jade
Greenpoint
Jade groove lounge bar is the embodiment of Cape Town’s relaxed atmosphere. This stylish venue, furnished with leather sofas and chandeliers, is perfect for a laid-back night out where you can mingle with a diverse Cape Town crowd. Come and enjoy a weekly night of old school swinging jazz at Jade every Wednesday. Tones of Note productions present legends like Horace Silver, Miles Davis and Cannonball Adderley.

St Yves
Camps Bay
St Yves is one of the hottest nightclubs in Cape Town. With its breathtaking views of the Camps Bay beach and its exquisitely designed interior, St Yves is also an ideal setting for enjoying a quiet cocktail while the sun sets.

Chevelle
Cape Town CBD
Situated in the cosmopolitan Harrington Street, Chevelle is the quintessential club in Cape Town. As the latest addition to Cape Town’s bustling night-life, this chic and sophisticated venue offers the finest all round clubbing experience for locals and discerning travellers alike. Created by Cape Town’s leading club entrepreneurs, Chevelle is best described as a super club. With no expense spared in creating the four full-service bars or plush VIP areas – complete with exclusive tables and private booths – Chevelle is what Cape Town’s party scene has been waiting for.

HQ Bar
Cape Town CBD
Whether you’re after a late afternoon glass of wine by the fireplace, pre-dinner cocktails or late night drinks, the sizeable bar and lounge area is perfectly situated. An extensive cocktail list has all the classic and contemporary cocktails, along with some innovative creations of their own. Soft brown, leather sofas and suede bar stools, contrast with the bright red leather chairs in the lounge to create two different but equally inviting spaces. The stimulating wine list and casual-chic, brasserie-like atmosphere only add to the experience. Having built Caveau into the success it is today, there is no better team to offer this new concept to Cape Town.

Bascule Whiskey, Wine and Cocktail Bar
V & A Waterfront
On the water's edge of the international yacht marina on Cape Town's Waterfront, Bascule Whisky, Wine & Cocktail Bar is the perfect setting to take in the sights and sounds of the busy Waterfront surroundings. There are over 400 whiskies from around the world and an impressive selection of the finest Cape wines on offer. By day Bascule is a lively and vibrant destination, the ideal place to enjoy breakfast, a cappuccino or light lunch. By night, the space is transformed into a glamorous whisky, wine and cocktail bar, where whisky connoisseurs and social butterflies gather in equal measure to enjoy a slice of Cape Town's social energy.

Planet Bar – Mount Nelson Hotel
Mount Nelson Hotel Cape Town
Located in one of Cape Town's most renowned hotels, nothing can compare to the style and sophistication of Planet Bar. It has already played host to many of the celebrities who visit Cape Town’s shores.

Karma – Camps Bay
Camps Bay
Stylish and up market Karma Lounge is the latest addition to Cape Town’s night time scene. Situated near Cape Town’s most popular beach, it is the perfect location to stroll right off the beach and have all you need for a great night out.


WHERE TO SHOP

Fabiani (Q Member’s Benefits)
Factory Shop, St. George's Mall, Cape Town
G62 Cavendish Square, Claremont, 7708
272 V&A Waterfront, 8002
Established in 1978, Fabiani is now recognised as the leading luxury menswear retailer in Southern Africa. Expect to find exclusive brands such as Prada Sport, Etro, Fabiani, G-star, 7 For All Mankind and Puma.

Etincelle (Q Member’s Benefits)
Shop 251, Upper Level, V & A Waterfront
Seriously sexy French designer wear for women, Etincelle is a line of women's ready-to-wear, a refined style suitable both for day and evening wear. The boutique also offers new ranges of popular international denim labels.

Uwe Koetter Jewellers (Q Member’s Benefits)
4th Floor, Amway House, Foreshore
Designing and manufacturing custom jewellery pieces, they pride themselves on unique production and never duplicate the same piece. Designing both expensive and affordable pieces, their products are always attractive and durable.

Shimansky Collection (Q Member’s Benefits)
Top floor, The Clock Tower, V&A Waterfront
Shop 579, Upper level, Canal Walk, Century City
Shop 6259, Top Floor, Victoria Wharf, V & A Waterfront
Designer and manufacturer of exclusive platinum and diamond jewellery, Yair Shimansky’s designs are respected worldwide for their superb quality, cutting edge design, and superior workmanship achieved through a combination of modern laser technology and traditional hand craftsmanship. Clean and contemporary, unique and timeless - these inspirational pieces are a must.

Signature Boutique (Q Member’s Benefits)
The Mount Nelson Hotel, 76 Orange Street
This hotel boutique offers much more than the usual holiday trinkets. Signature specialises in pieces produced in South Africa, as well as ostrich and springbok skin products, clothing, swimwear and sandals. Their gift service is outstanding, helping you choose the perfect presents for those back at home.


HEALTH AND BEAUTY

Doctor Jason Gaymans (Q Member’s Benefits)
Camps Bay
Doctor Gaymans combines elements of acupuncture, chiropractic, sacro-cranial massage and trigger point therapy in his unique stress-relieving massages, which he will perform in your hotel room or home. His specialised Deep Tissue full-body massage therapy works miracles on aches and pains both old and new.

Therapy Network (Q member’s Benefits)
Cape Peninsula, South Africa
These mobile therapists are on call to visit your hotel or home to administer a variety of healing massage and beauty treatments. They also provide yoga and Pilates tuition.

The Centre Yoga Meditation (Q Member’s Benefits)
Unit 8c, 55 Somerset Road, Green Point, Cape Town 8005
The Centre offers the highest quality yoga meditation in the country, with Yoga Alliance-registered instructors on hand. Group sessions and one-on-ones are available.

Cor Yoga (Q Member’s Benefits)
A3 Jessica Court, Hall Road, Seapoint, Cape Town 8005
Cor Yoga offer highly qualified yoga instructors who will travel to your hotel or home for a class that will leave you feeling strengthened and refreshed.


WHAT TO SEE

Whales
Western Cape is a great destination for whale watching – even having its own whale watching festivals in winter and spring.

African arts, crafts and handmade curiosities
African arts and sculptures are extremely popular amongst tourists and locals alike. These can range from beautiful animal wood carvings to beaded replicas of smaller animals.