We may still be in the grips of winter, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay cooped up inside. The Cape Town Central City is a vibrant treasure trove of hidden gems. Whether you are looking to eat, drink, play or take in a cultural afternoon, downtown Cape Town is the perfect place to do it.
Says Tasso Evangelinos, CEO of the Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID): “With over 1 000 retail venues, the Cape Town CBD has so much to offer from destination eateries, theatres, museums, signature cocktail lounges, galleries, bookshops, coffee shops … there is no end to what you can see and do when you come into the Cape Town CBD, a world-class downtown that’s open for business and ready to welcome you.
So, just where are Cape Town’s favourite celebrities hanging out?
Marc Lottering, comedian
Food, glorious food. Few things make cold weather more bearable than a hearty meal, according to legendary funny man Marc Lottering. He says, “One of the best ways to get to know a city is through its people and Clarke’s on Bree Street is a great place to get cosy and people-watch while enjoying a good meal. It also has a cool laidback atmosphere which I am really appreciating at the moment.”
For Lottering, the beauty of the CBD is that there is a vibe for every occasion, whether you are looking for something chilled or trying to meet a room full of strangers. There is something for everyone.
Sophia Lindop, chef & cookery book author
As a long-time 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 make my way there for a variety of reasons. I think people who don’t go into town miss out on so much. The food options alone are a good enough reason to want to spend all your time there. For example, Yu at the Onyx Hotel is a great space for dinner and Hemelhuijs is a favourite for breakfast.” When she is looking for something elevated, in the literal sense, she whisks her significant other away to grab a spot of Friday lunch at GiGi Rooftop Bar at Gorgeous George.
Lindop can also often be found at the Cape Gallery on First Thursdays (when the city centre’s galleries stay open till late on the first Thursday of every month), turning a quick browse through the National Library into a stroll through the Company’s Garden and a visit to St George’s Cathedral, or sifting for bookish treasures at Long Street’s famed Clarke’s Bookshop.
Tracey Lange, KFM radio presenter
As a CBD native, KFM presenter Tracey Lange has noticed that in winter it is not just the weather that changes but the people as well. She says, “Winter in Cape Town is one of my favourite seasons as it brings a freshness to the city and the kindness of people in Cape Town seems to be amplified. You often witness acts of kindness as you watch the world from a quiet spot.”
Some of her favourite little spots to do that include The Ladder in Bree Street and Truth Coffee Roasting in Buitenkant Street. “I often walk around the CBD and discover charming little spots only to promptly forget their names when the time comes to recommend them. To try fix that I will be partnering with KMH Architects, the oldest architectural firm in SA, on a fun project that will see me take some of my followers on walking tours through my favourite parts of the CBD.” More information will be released on these tours soon.
Deon Bing, radio host and surfer
For some, the city is gorgeous when the sun is out but for others, like Deon Bing, town really comes alive at night – and few things get an evening out off to a great start like tequila. Bing says, “I judge a good bar on the quality of its margaritas. The secret to perfecting them is using only fresh limes and quality tequila. In this regard, Hacienda Coastal Mexican in Bree Street has nailed it! They are the real deal 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 difficult to pick and choose but First Thursdays is always a good time to visit some trendy establishments. A drink at Tiger’s Milk in Long Street is where I usually start.”
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