We may still be in the grips of winter, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors. Cape Town Central City is a vibrant treasure trove of hidden gems. Whether you’re looking to eat, drink, play or enjoy an afternoon of culture, downtown Cape Town is the perfect place to do it.
Says Tasso Evangelinos, CEO of Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID) do when you enter Cape Town CBD, a world-class hub that is open for business and ready to welcome you.
So where are Cape Town’s favorite celebrities hanging out?
Marc Lottering, comedian
Food, glorious food. Few things make cold weather more bearable than a hearty meal, according to legendary funnyman Marc Lottering. He says, “One of the best ways to get to know a city is through its people and of Clarke on Bree Street is a great place to cozy up and people watch while enjoying a good meal. It also has a laid-back vibe, which I’m really appreciating at the moment.”
For Lottering, the beauty of the CBD is that there’s an atmosphere for every occasion, whether you’re looking for something cool or trying to meet a room full of strangers. There is something for everyone.
Sophia Lindop, chef and cookbook author
As a longtime resident of the Cape, Sophia Lindop has an affinity for the central city and the nooks and crannies that make it special. Lindop says, “I love the CBD and often go there for a variety of reasons. I think people who don’t go to the city miss out on so much. The food options alone are reason enough to want to spend all your time there. For example, Yu in Hotel Onyx is a great space for dinner and heavenly home it’s a favorite for breakfast.” When she’s looking for something high, literally, she ditches the other to grab a Friday lunch at GiGi Rooftop Bar at Gorgeous George.
Lindop can also often be found in Cape Gallery on First Thursdays (when city center galleries stay open late on the first Thursday of every month), turning a quick browse through the National Library into a stroll through Company Gardens and a visit to St George’s Cathedral , or searching for book treasures on the famous Long Street’s Clarke’s Bookstore.
Tracey Lange, KFM radio host
As a CBD native, KFM presenter Tracey Lange has noticed that in winter it’s not just the weather that changes, but the people too. She says, “Winter in Cape Town is one of my favorite seasons as it brings a coolness to the city and the friendliness of the people in Cape Town seems to be amplified. You often witness acts of kindness while looking at the world from a quiet place.”
Some of her favorite little tips for doing this include Stairs on Bree Street and Inhaling real coffee on Buitenkant street. “I often walk around the CBD and discover charming little spots only to promptly forget their names when it comes time to recommend them. To try and fix that I will be collaborating with KMH Architects, the oldest firm architecture in SA, in a fun project that will see me take some of my followers on walking tours of my favorite parts of the CBD.More information on these tours will be released soon.
Deon Bing, radio host and surfer
For some, the city is great when the sun comes out, but for others, like Deon Bing, the city really comes alive at night – and few things make for a great evening like tequila. Bing says, “I judge a good bar by the quality of its margaritas. The secret to perfecting them is using only fresh limes and quality tequila. In this aspect, Mexican Coastal Hacienda in Bree Street has nailed it! They are genuine and make great authentic Mexican cuisine.”
For Bing, the best way to really get to know a city is to explore it after hours. “There are so many great bars and cocktail lounges, it’s hard to choose, but First Thursdays are always a good time to visit some trendy establishments. A drink at Tiger’s Milk on Long Street is where I usually start.”
Read also:
Things to do in Cape Town this weekend
Photo: Remove the spray