52 Cape Town Hidden Gems: Part 1

by Jared

I’m pretty much asked on a daily basis what my Cape Town hidden gems are. With a staggering +7million views on my social media profiles annually, I’ve realised people really are interested – a poll showed 60% of people had tried one of my suggestions!

Here is Part 1 of a dynamic blog post, where I added my Mother City Hidden Gems, including experiences, restaurants, free activities and a few places to spend the night – hopefully something to inspire both my fellow locals and our foreign visitors alike! When you’re done have a look at Part 2 here.

Here they are…
27. THE ALBA 


26. LLANDUDNO


25. HEMELHUIJS

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| CPT Hidden Gem #24: Hemelhuijs | Enjoy your exceptionally delicious breakfast in these creative surrounds at @hemelhuijs in Cape Town. It is the love-child of artist Jacques Erasmus, and no detail is spared. This classy eatery is minutes from my home – can’t believe I’ve never been. Thanks for introducing me @leanneclairebotha. The decor changes twice a year, so if you want to see this plan a visit soon! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀_____________________ Over 2018 I’m featuring 52 Cape Town Hidden Gems. Watch the list grow at www.jaredincpt.com ⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀_____________________ #tourguide #lovecapetown #capetownsouthafrica #lovecapetown #southafrica #capetown #proudlysa #food24 #localislekker #africa #hemelhuijs #waterkant

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24. THE GREENVINE EATERY

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| cheese, wine & a view 🥂| Three things I can’t do without & thankfully the @greenvineeatery in Constantia provides them all. If you’ve not breakfasted here or languished the afternoon away with views over the valley it’s time to visit this CPT Hidden Gem! The eatery is on the @silvermistvineyards property – one of the younger wineries in the Constantia Valley. Sunday night just be reaching 30 deg in Cape Town… make your booking, and thank me later 🙋🏼‍♂️. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀_____________________ Over 2018 I’m featuring 52 Cape Town Hidden Gems. Watch the list grow at www.jaredincpt.com ⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀_____________________ #Constantia #capetownliving #lovecapetown #southafrica #capetown #localislekker #food24 #eatout #proudlysouthafrican #winefarm #winery

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23. TIMELESS ESCAPE

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| CPT Hidden Gem 23: Timeless Escape |⁣ I think I’ve found my next Cape Town hidden Gem number 22! Next week will be my first visit to @timelessescapeza & I need 4 people to come help me out😬! It’s an interactive challenge venue where guests need to solve puzzles, follow clues and use creative thinking to literally Escape one of their 2 games rooms. I’ve heard of these before but never done one. I checked it out today & looks great for a group of friends or colleagues. ⁣ ⁣ Downstairs, the Prohibition Lounge serves bespoke cocktails with a twist: you bring your own liquor of choice and the mixologists create a drink designed just for you! A more affordable way of drinking out, plus you’ll learn how to make some new cocktails based on your fav drinks🍸!⁣ ⁣ COMPETITION⁣ NOW CLOSED Thanks to all who entered below! ⁣ ⁣ #southafrica #capetown #proudlysa #capetownliving #capetownlife #capetownguide #capetownsouthafrica #localislekker #timelessescape #za

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22. RED ROOF


21. LAPARADA CONSTANTIA NECK

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Hidden Gem #21 La Parada Constantia Set in the building of Cape Town’s oldest restaurant you’ll find the upgraded @laparadaza – with two offerings. The social Spanish styled tapas outdoors & thatched bar-style inside, then the more formal dining option in the new glass-fronted section of the restaurant. . I was here however to test the new breakfast menu. I opted for the Crispy Jamon Eggs Bendict, followed by S’mores French Toast. Surprisingly affordable, and undeniably delicious. What’s more when the weather plays along, you’re afforded gorgeous views of the mountains – encouraging you to enjoy a pre-brekkie walk at Constantia Nexk to build the hunger, or after to burn off the calories. With all this, no wonder I’m here once a month🙋🏼‍♂️! Book yr brekkie now! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀_____________________ Over 2018 I’m featuring 52 Cape Town Hidden Gems. Watch the list grow at www.jaredincpt.com ⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀_____________________ #tourguide #lovecapetown #capetownsouthafrica #lovecapetown #southafrica #capetown #proudlysa #localislekker #africa #laparada #constantia #food24 #eatout 📸 @goku_explores

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20. HIGH TEA AT THE QUEEN VIC

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| CPT Hidden Gem #20: Queen Vic High Tea | Last month I was delighted to have discovered the High Tea at the @queenvictoriahotel_cpt – not only is it a most delicious treat, but you also get to enjoy this utterly beautiful hotel, located in the heart of the Waterfront! Book your visit now at only R150 a person 🙋🏼‍♂️☕️. Thanks for joining me and for the pic @nde_uyapo. ⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀_____________________ Over 2018 I’m featuring 52 Cape Town Hidden Gems. Watch the list grow at www.jaredincpt.com ⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀_____________________ #tourguide #lovecapetown #capetownsouthafrica #lovecapetown #southafrica #capetown #proudlysa #localislekker #africa #hightea #vawaterfront

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19. CLIFTON ROCKS


18. THE STRANGERS CLUB

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| CPT Hidden Gem #18: Strangers Club | When fellow travel writer @nde_uyapo wanted to collaborate recently, he asked me to show him some of my local spots! Having just moved to Green Point, I walked past @thestrangersclubct several times before venturing in. It’s a secret little coffee spot with some scrumptiously healthy options, and you’d never know you’re meters away from the bustling Main Road in Green Point. . To read the rest of Uyapo’s blog post, visit ndeyapo.co and find out a little more about what I get up to in and around my suburb of Green Point, Cape Town. Photo cred to the talented Uyapo. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀_____________________ Over 2018 I’m featuring 52 #CapeTown Hidden Gems. Watch the list grow at www.jaredincpt.com ⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀_____________________ #travelwriter #tourguide #capetownsouthafrica #capetownliving #lovecapetown #southafrica #greenpoint #proudlysa #localislekker #capetonian #african

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17. DEN ANKER PERFECT SHARE

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CPT Hidden Gem #17: The Perfect Share @den_anker is definitely a favourite Waterfront eatery of mine – and now even more so with their ’Perfect Share’ meal offering. Three tantalizing options from R185 – R295, including two drinks and that’s for two people! And with Table Mountain views like this – it’s a must-do! . So good to see my fellow friend @gerriepret again and connect in the Mother City. He’s a TV travel host, singer and fellow explorer. We’re planning some excjting upcoming trips in the country. Details to follow🙋🏼‍♂️. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀_____________________ Over the course of 2018 I’m featuring 52 Cape Town Hidden Gems. See the full list at www.jaredincpt.com ⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀_____________________ #wowmesa #capetownmag #capetownsouthafrica #capetownliving #lovecapetown #southafrica #meetsouthafrica #livebetter #thisissouthafrica #denanker #eatout #instaeatscapetown #tablemountain

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16. HONEST CHOCOLATE 

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| Hidden Gem 15: Honest Chocolate &🍹| Surprisingly this was my first visit to @honestchocolate: a delightful inner-city chocolatier! A dazzling array of chocolate options await you, and there’s a cute little courtyard at the back. Of course the second part of this hidden gem, is at night the shop closes and you’ll find @theginbar just off the courtyard!! Don’t you just love double surprises… have you been? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀_____________________ Over 2018 I’m featuring 52 Cape Town Hidden Gems. Watch the list grow at www.jaredincpt.com ⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀_____________________ #chocolatier #ginbar #capetownmag #capetownetc #capetownliving #lovecapetown #southafrica #capetown #chocolatelover #afritravel #capetonian

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15. THE KITCHEN

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| Hidden Gem #15: dining at The Kitchen | Last night I attended the first of what will hopefully be many more special colab dinners at Karen Dudley’s ‘The Kitchen’. We we treated to flavor-bursting meals from her upcoming 3rd cookbook, and stunning wines from @backsberg. Thanks @capetownk and @simon.back for a superb evening🙋🏼‍♂️! . You’ll find The Kitchen in Woodstock, and it’s open for breakfast and lunch until 3pm. Get there early for lunch – for both a spot and the full buffet choice. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀_____________________ Over 2018 I’m featuring 52 Cape Town Hidden Gems. Watch the list grow at www.jaredincpt.com ⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀_____________________ #capetown #southafrica #eatout #thekitchen #wineanddine #foodandwine #woodstock #karendudley #backsberg #capetownlife

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14. THE BISTRO @ KLEIN CONSTANTIA

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| Hidden Gem #14: new kid in the valley | It’s no secret that I love @kleinconstantia – one of the country’s oldest wine farms – but my love affair has taken on a new level with the opening of The Bistro @ Klein Constantia: stylish country dining in a spectacular location. I had the privilege of co-hosting a lunch there and introducing some media to this special new spot – and only a 25 minute drive from the city. . ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀_____________________ Over 2018 I’m featuring 52 Cape Town Hidden Gems. Watch the list grow at www.jaredincpt.com ⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀_____________________ #bistro #capetownmag #capetownetc #capetownliving #lovecapetown #southafrica #meetsouthafrica #thisissouthafrica #capetown #loveconstantia #proudlysa #winefarm #eatout #winelands #constantia

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13. TUNING THE VINE

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| Hidden Gem #13: Tuning the Vine | Did you know that Cape Town has its own pop-up inner city wine route once a month! Hosted along Bree Street, after work you’ll find several spots for tasting thanks to @tuningthevine. Entry gets you a glass, and includes all your tastings, from R180. I’ll be at the next edition on the 9th May, & I’m giving away two pairs of tickets to join me! . *Competition now closes sorry* Winner chosen randomly, one entry per person, and potential winners must be over the age of 18, and available in Cape Town from 17h30 on the 9th May. Comp closes 12h00 1st May. Good luck! ____________________________________ 👉 Over 2018 I’m featuring 52 Cape Town Hidden Gems. Watch the list grow at www.jaredincpt.com ____________________________________ #tuningthevine #innercitywineroute #capetownmag #capetownliving #capetonian #winefarm #winelover #southafrica #capetown #capetownfood 📷 @tomfalck at @sijnnwines

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12. TABLE MOUNTAIN PASS

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| Hidden Gem #12: Cable Car Pass | When this is the view from your veranda! This lucky chap (a dassie or rock hyrax) gets to admire the views of Atlantic seaboard everyday! When last did you go up Table Mountain? . Did you know that for R646 you can get a Cable Card pass and have one free return trip every day of the year! Two trips and you’ve already paid it off 🤗. That’s a hidden gem that not everyone knows about! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀_____________________ Over 2018 I’m featuring 52 Cape Town Hidden Gems. Watch the list grow at www.jaredincpt.com ⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀_____________________ #capetownmag #capetownetc #capetownliving #lovecapetown #southafrica #meetsouthafrica #thisissouthafrica #capetown #localislekker #tablemountain #campsbay

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11. SILVERMIST VINEYARDS

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| Cape Town Hidden Gem # 11 | Many don’t know that just off Constantia Nek circle, sits Cape Town’s highest wine farm – @silvermistvineyards. As you’ll notice from the picture above you don’t get closer to the vines than this! Try their organic wines, and combine with a hearty meal from the adjacent @greenvineeatery. I spent the afternoon here with winemaker Greg – see my stories for some previews of this remarkably beautiful Mother City spot. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀_____________________ Over 2018 I’m featuring 52 Cape Town Hidden Gems. Watch the list grow at www.jaredincpt.com ⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀_____________________ #tourguide #capetownmag #capetownsouthafrica #capetownliving #lovecapetown #southafrica #meetsouthafrica #winefarm #winery #winelover #thisissouthafrica #capetown #proudlysa #localislekker

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10. CAPE SIDECAR TOURS

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| Cape Town Hidden Gem #10 | It’s nearly time for WTMA – the World Trade Market Africa, and as part of the build up I was invited to take part in some exciting activities, facilitated by @dirtybootsadventure. . . One of my favorites was exploring my city in a sidecar – a different Cape Town experience run by @capesidecaradventures. See my Insta stories from today for some clips 🙋🏼‍♂️. This experience is definitely a Mother City hidden gem. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀_____________________ Over 2018 I’m featuring 52 Cape Town Hidden Gems. Watch the list grow at www.jaredincpt.com ⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀_____________________ #tourguide #capetownmag #capetown #wtm #wtma18 #capetownsouthafrica #capetownliving #lovecapetown #southafrica #meetsouthafrica #thisissouthafrica #capetown #proudlysa #localislekker

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9. ATLANTIC OCEAN DRIVE


8. RHODES MEMORIAL 


7. CONSTANTIA GLEN

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| Cape Town Hidden Gem # 7| Did you know that @constantiaglen is open until 9pm on Friday and Saturday evenings! Perfect post work spot for tasting – and bringing in the weekend. I’d recommend the flagship tasting – four wines that are definitely among my favourite. . This was a bunch of mates last Friday evening – we managed to snap this picture before that gorgeous little rainfall came along. #loveconstantia ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀_____________________ Over 2018 I’m featuring 52 Cape Town Hidden Gems. Watch the list grow at www.jaredincpt.com ⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀_____________________ . @constantia_wine_route #capetownmag #capetownsouthafrica #lovecapetown #southafrica #meetsouthafrica #thisissouthafrica #capetown #constantia #kleinconstantia #winefarm #localislekker #constantiaglen

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6. 12 APOSTLES HIGH TEA

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| Cape Town Hidden Gem # 6| Although I’m not vegan, when I heard about the 12 Apostles Vegan High Tea offering I was intrigued. I was bowled over: I got my normal scones, chocolate treats and sandwiches without any compromise to flavour. Of course the ocean views are also a definite winner. @12apostleshotel . I booked a table for late afternoon and enjoyed the sun slowly dropping over the ocean, and on these gorgeous summer days you can also order any of your coffees or teas as a cold option! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀_____________________ Over 2018 I’m featuring 52 Cape Town Hidden Gems. Watch the list grow at www.jaredincpt.com ⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀_____________________ #capetownmag #capetownliving #lovecapetown #southafrica #veganshare #12apostles #capetown #vegans #hightea #lhwtraveler #tlpicks

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5. GROOT CONSTANTIA TOUR

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| Cape Town Hidden Gem # 5| 359 years ago to the day the first wine was produced in Cape Town! To celebrate that I’m at Groot Constantia – South Africa’s first wine farm. Here’s the good news – you can now have an informative experience of the farm for free! Now that’s a hidden gem. #loveconstantia . Download the VoiceMap app and there are three free tours at @grootconstantia, so why not visit the farm and increase your wine knowledge 🥂. Stop for a tasting after or a delicious lunch at @jonkershuisrestaurant ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀_____________________ Over 2018 I’m featuring 52 Cape Town Hidden Gems. Watch the list grow at www.jaredincpt.com ⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀_____________________ #tourguide #capetownmag #capetownsouthafrica @myvoicemap #lovecapetown #southafrica #meetsouthafrica #livebetter #thisissouthafrica #capetown #constantia #grootconstantia #winefarm #localislekker 📷 @capewino

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4. SILVERMINE NATURE RESERVE

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| Cape Town Hidden Gem #4 | Got to introduce some peeps to another favourite spot today – one of the vantage spots from the several hikes at Silvermine. It’s a short drive from the suburbs, R50 entrance, and a walker/hiker/climbers paradise. Silvermine is also an excellent way to cool down on a summers day! Take a picnic to enjoy next to the dam🙋🏼‍♂️. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀_____________________ Over 2018 I’m featuring 52 Cape Town Hidden Gems. Watch the list grow at www.jaredincpt.com ⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀_____________________ #tourguide #capetownmag #capetownsouthafrica #capetownliving #lovecapetown #southafrica #meetsouthafrica #iamatraveler #thisissouthafrica #capetown #lovemycity #silvermine #tablemountain #hiking #hiker 📷 @captive_chase_sa

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3. Cucina Labia

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| Cape Town Hidden Gem #3 | A visit to Cape Town would not be complete without visiting the Casa Labia. This magnificent 1920s mansion has sweeping ocean views, and inside you’re transported to 18th ventury Venice. There really is nothing like it. The Cucina Labia, is the in-house restaurant where chef Monché Muller will literally blow you off your feet with her menu. Watch the short clip above for a preview. . I managed to sneak in a little piano on my visit – there is a pianist on Saturdays and Sundays, which only enhances the grand elegance of the experience. Visit for their famed scones, or as in my case – a three course meal par excellence. Have you been to this remarkable spot in Cape Town? ____________________________________ 👉 Over 2018 I’m featuring 52 Cape Town Hidden Gems. Watch the list grow at www.jaredincpt.com ____________________________________ #tourguide #capetownmag #capetownsouthafrica #capetownliving #lovecapetown #winefarm #winelover #southafrica #meetsouthafrica #thisissouthafrica #muizenberg #capetown #capetownfood

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2. The Constantia Greenbelts

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| Cape Town Hidden Gem # 2| Hidden between the avenues of posh homes in Constantia, are several green belts, and they definitely earn a second place on my Hidden Gems list. These paths navigate through the forest glades and along little waterways, and are one of my favourite Cape Town free activities. Perfect for dog walking (this was us yesterday), family ambles, late afternoon jogs and there are even some demarcated bike tracks. . The most common of these green belts, and easiest place to start, is the Alphen Trail (this pic is 2km along the trail). Park at the start of Alphen Drive and explore as long as your legs will take you. End of the walk with a coffee at La Belle Bakery at the Alphen Hotel, and don’t forget the Park Runs happen on Saturday mornings, from Le Suerer Ave, 08h00. ⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀_____________________ Over 2018 I’m featuring 52 Cape Town Hidden Gems. Watch the list grow at www.jaredincpt.com ⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀_____________________ #tourguide #capetownmag #capetownsouthafrica #capetownliving #lovecapetown #southafrica #meetsouthafrica #livebetter #pugs #pugbasement #hpsafourelements #thisissouthafrica #capetown #constantia

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1. 1ON19 Dinners at the Westin
[Sadly this experience has been discontinued – but for the same incredible views check out the Heavenly Spa at the Westin]
https://www.instagram.com/p/BeKeecTHoKk

 


PS: If you’re visiting this list early on in the year and still anxious to see some suggestions, why not visit me on Instagram where you’re guaranteed to find enough suggestions from my 2017 explorations.

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south african travel journalist