Top 6 Hidden Gems in Cape Town
Written by Logan Tait
From pristine beaches to fynbos hikes to old cobbled streets, Cape Town is a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. This vibrant city is world-renowned for its famous sights and experiences. However, there are still a few hidden gems around the ‘Mother City’ that will provide you with unforgettable stories and snaps.
Read on to find out more about our top 6 hidden gems in Cape Town.
1. Visit Battery Park
Battery Park is a unique urban park that forms the gateway to the V&A Waterfront and combines Cape Town’s central business district with the historic V&A Waterfront. The area is of archaeological importance as it pays homage to the Amsterdam Battery, built on the site in the early 1780s by Dutch settlers to protect Cape Town.
Battery Park features several public walking paths and benches to soak in tranquil views of Cape Town’s city skyline and mountains. Alongside these paths are waterwise indigenous fynbos gardens. In addition, a saltwater canal runs alongside the park, where watersports such as kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding are offered. Grab a coffee and meander around the park or break a sweat with some social sporting activity. The park features a well-equipped skateboard and scooter park, football goals, and basketball courts.
The 1.2-hectare park can be accessed from either Dock Road, Fort Road, Ebenezer Road, or Alfred Street and has ample parking.
2. Kayak in Granger Bay
Hire a kayak and explore Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard with a guided tour of the waters. Experience the unique ecosystem of the Atlantic Ocean as you encounter the active marine creatures amongst the kelp forests – catch glimpses of dolphins, whales, seals, penguins, and sunfish as you glide along crystal-clear water. With mountains as a backdrop and stunning views of the city and Green Point Stadium, this activity offers a wholly unique perspective of Cape Town.
No previous experience is required, and the kayaks are extremely stable! Of course, this activity is highly weather-dependent, and booking is essential.
3. Experience a Bo-Kaap Cultural Walking Tour
The Bo-Kaap region of Cape Town – also called the Malay Quarter – is known for its quirky multicoloured buildings, spice shops, and delicious Cape Malay cuisine. Although the area is not a hidden gem, there are some incredible and unmatched experiences to be had in this cultural hub.
Learn more about the origins of this neighbourhood and its people by going on a guided walking tour with a local guide. This provides one with an opportunity to listen to personal stories about the area that are not found in the history books and ask your nagging questions. Enjoy traditional snacks and drinks and visit historical monuments as you turn back time and see first-hand the Bo-Kaap’s famous houses that are a photographer’s dream. Everyone knows that the Bo-Kaap has the best rooibos tea and the freshest koeksisters – try it for yourself.
4. Eat at the Oranjezicht City Farm Market
The Oranjezicht City Farm Market is held every Saturday and Sunday between Haul Road and Beach Road, near the V&A Waterfront. The OZCF Market celebrates the historical Oranjezicht City Farm dating back to 1769. Today, the market encourages conscious consumption and is a plastic-free zone. Market founder Sheryl Ozinsky says, “This is a place where food is talked about almost as enthusiastically as it’s consumed.” Sit beneath tents and pergolas and enjoy refreshing sea views while eating some of South Africa’s most mouthwatering artisanal food.
The highest quality selection of raw ingredients and cooked meals are provided by highly passionate individuals that celebrate incredible handiwork. From Asian-fusion street-food to Cape Town’s freshest seafood and authentic South African dishes, the market has it all. The delicious, varied and health-conscious food on offer makes this a travelling foodie’s dream! The market is the perfect place to do your groceries as it offers a massive array of seasonal fruit, bread, cheese, organic dairy products, free-range eggs, and ethically sourced meats. There is also a lifestyle section consisting of a carefully selected collection of proudly South African clothing, décor, ceramics, vintage items, pet accessories, houseplants, and farm-to-vase flowers.
5. Walk Along Tafelberg Road
A long way past the frantic scramble of Table Mountain’s Cable Station, at the end of the road, an unassuming chain separates motor vehicles from pedestrians and marks the entrance to one of Cape Town’s best kept secrets! Here, the suburban pass of Tafelberg Road has been shut down and transformed into a walker and cyclist sanctuary. The smooth curves of the worn tar offer a stimulating but unchallenging route for adventurers hoping to take in Cape Town’s views. Cascading waterfalls fill up reservoirs and provide the perfect opportunity for a picnic in nature without having to work too hard.
The road offers lazy curves between subtle inclines and declines as it shows-off Cape Town’s urban sights amongst its iconic granite and fynbos scenes. During the initial stages of the walk, the road offers a spectacular view of Lion’s Head. Soon enough, views of the V&A Waterfront and ocean unfold and culminate in breath-taking views of the City Bowl below and sweeping vistas toward False Bay and Stellenbosch.
Although safe, it is always best to travel in a group and demonstrate good hiking practices.
6. Witness a Glistening Bakoven Sunset
Cape Town is renowned for its burning sunsets. No matter how much time one spends in the city, nightfall is a daily treat that is hard not to celebrate. A huge part of the local culture is enjoying these sunsets at the beach. Local wines and a light picnic shared with friends and family overlooking the Atlantic make this even more incredible.
Bakoven Beach, along the Atlantic Seaboard, lies at the foot of the 12 Apostle Mountains. Littered with massive granite boulders, this trendy beach provides you with the perfect viewpoint from which to enjoy the coming dusk. Ensure that you have your camera at the ready as you watch the sun drop down behind, creating the most phenomenal colours in the sky and reflected in the ocean.
Cape Town is a spectacular destination. Are you ready to explore its hidden gems? Head over to our website to begin your adventure!
