Cape Town isn’t just a destination—it’s a feeling. Cradled between mountains and sea, the city pulses with contrasts: wild coastlines and chic cafés, sacred traditions and cutting-edge design, township jazz and vineyard brunches. Whether you’re chasing sunsets on Signal Hill or hunting for the best bobotie in Bo-Kaap, Cape Town serves it all with a side of soul. It’s where nature shows off, creativity flows freely, and every corner tells a different story—sometimes painful, always powerful.
This week, KHAMSA explores Cape Town with Sabine Ghossein (@sabine_ghossein on Instagram) who knows a thing or two about chasing stories. With 46 countries under her belt, she’s a born wanderer—always in search of new places, flavors, and the people behind them. But her latest chapter is the most heartwarming yet: exploring the world with her 6-month-old baby. For Sabine, adventure doesn’t end with motherhood—it evolves. She brings us her favorite Cape Town finds, from secret beach spots to wine farms, proving once and for all: wanderlust is hereditary.
Top must-visit food spots?
The Table at De Meye – Long Lazy Lunch
A serene spot on a family-owned wine estate, where lunch is served under the trees and feels like an intimate garden gathering. The menu changes weekly and is all about generous, seasonal food shared family-style.
Our Local – Breakfast Spot
A leafy, light-filled café-meets-boutique with hearty dishes and a touch of magic in every corner.
Oranjezicht City Farm Market – Fresh Juices & Healthy Bites
A Saturday morning ritual. Think cold-pressed juices, vibrant produce, and a coastal community buzz.
Babylonstoren Carne Night – Dinner Experience
An indulgent, slow-cooked farm dinner served in their old cow shed. Perfect for a cozy, fire-lit evening celebrating South African meat and hospitality
Babel at Babylonstoren – Lunch Spot
A visual and sensory feast. The menu is color-coded by produce (green, red, yellow), and everything is picked straight from the garden.
Salsify at The Roundhouse – Culinary Dining Experience
Fine dining with a sense of play. Ocean views, unexpected pairings, and local ingredients done beautifully
Must-visit cultural spots?
Zeitz MOCAA
Africa’s leading contemporary art museum, housed in a repurposed grain silo. Bold, sculptural, and thought-provoking.
Norval Foundation
A more serene counterpoint to Zeitz, with sculpture gardens and rotating exhibitions just outside the city.
Bo-Kaap
Colorful homes and Cape Malay history. Go early, walk slowly, and respect the locals—it’s more than just a photo stop.
Best places for sundowners/roof-top places?
The Bungalow
The ultimate golden hour spot. Oceanfront, open-air, and effortlessly glamorous.
Ellerman House – Sophisticated and serene.
Their private terrace feels like you’re sipping champagne inside a living gallery.
Best places for shopping?
Kloof Street
A mix of local fashion, lifestyle concept stores, and vintage finds. Perfect for those who want a piece of Cape Town’s character to take home.
Babylonstoren Online Market
Ideal for those who fall in love with the winelands and want to bring a taste of it home. They offer free delivery and carry beautifully packaged local products. Must-buys: their Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay, as well as the cold-pressed olive oil—a pantry luxury.
Best boutique hotels to stay in?
Babylonstoren
A working farm turned luxury escape, with lush gardens, holistic treatments, and design that’s grounded in nature. Perfect for couples, family or solo travelers.
Maison Estate
Sleek and minimal in all the right ways. Nestled in the wine lands, perfect for wine tasting and unwinding.
Sterrekopje
A soulful wellness retreat with daily rituals, herbal gardens, and interiors that feel hand-touched. Deeply intentional and transformative.
Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel
An iconic pink sanctuary that blends old-world glamour with timeless charm. Don’t skip the afternoon tea.
Underrated Places Worth Discovering
Melfort
A quiet wine land estate with poetic landscapes and a slower pace. The kind of place you daydream about long after you leave.
Kruid by Kraak
A deeply immersive lunch experience with a secret hidden place that differs from an experience to another. Seasonal, foraged, and storytelling-led, it’s a celebration of nature, memory, and South African terroir in every bite.
Llandudno Beach
Local, low-key, and untouched by the usual tourist crowds. Ideal for a quiet sunset or a saltwater swim.
What should you avoid?
- Over-planning – Cape Town flows best when you leave space for spontaneity.
- Only staying in Cape Town – As magnetic as the city is, don’t skip the surroundings. Make time for a few days in Franschhoek for wine and slow living, or Stellenbosch for its historic charm, beautiful vineyards, and culinary depth.
- Tourist food traps – Skip the generic eateries around the V&A Waterfront and explore nearby hidden gems instead.
- Walking alone at night – Uber is affordable and safe, and gives you peace of mind when moving around after dark.
- Avoid taking any valuables.
Additional Must-See!
No trip to Cape Town is complete without taking in the natural drama of Chapman’s Peak Drive—a breathtaking coastal route that feels like it was carved by the gods. Pair it with a stop at the Cape of Good Hope for sweeping views where the Atlantic and Indian oceans almost seem to collide.
Cape of Good Hope
If you’re craving movement, the Lion’s Head hike is a must. It’s just minutes from the city center and offers a manageable trail with panoramic city-meets-sea views at the top. Afterward, reward yourself with a lazy afternoon at Clifton Beach—four pristine coves where locals go to sunbathe, swim, and unwind.
Lion’s Head hike
Must-pack items?
- Layered Clothing – Expect four seasons in one day. Always have a light jacket on hand.
- High SPF Sunscreen – The African sun doesn’t play.
- Chic Sunglasses & a Wide-Brim Hat – For protection, but also for style.
- Comfortable Shoes – You’ll want to walk, hike, and wander.
- A Crossbody Bag – Secure, hands-free, and ideal for markets, beach strolls, Any tips and tricks to tackle the city?
