Just a 20-minute drive from Cape Town’s CBD is a gem waiting to be explored. The seaside neighbourhood of Hout Bay, more affectionately known as ‘the Republic of Hout Bay’, offers stunning natural beauty and a vibrant cultural scene.
Check out some places to visit in Hout Bay.
It’s the perfect spot for a relaxing day at the beach or an adventure-filled hike along its scenic trails, followed by a delectable meal at one of the many restaurants in the area.
Prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Cape with this list of 10 places to visit in Hout Bay:
Bay Harbour Market
At the Bay Harbour Market, creative energy and the vibrancy of Cape Town come alive in a working harbour. Here, local traders can exchange banter with customers in a space lined with eclectic art, crafts, jewellery and fashion.
In addition, visitors can give in to some delicious aromas, such as freshly baked bread, spicy seafood and citrus fruits.
- Location: 084 370 5715 | [email protected]
- Contact: 31 Harbour Road, Hout Bay
- Website: bayharbour.co.za
Kayak Adventures
Take a trip along one of Cape Town’s most iconic shorelines with a guided kayak adventure – get up close and personal with the seal sanctuary, marine life and Chapman’s Peak from the shore.
Some marine life you might encounter while kayaking includes seals, penguins, dolphins, whales and sunfish.
- Location: Hout Bay Harbour; Hout Bay Boat Yard, Hout Bay
- Contact: 082 497 8797 | [email protected]
- Website: kayakadventures.capetown
Hout Bay Gallery
This family-run contemporary art gallery focuses on painting, sculpture and fine art prints representing emerging and established South African artists.
The Hout Bay Gallery was founded in 1974 and has grown to become a significant presence on the Cape Town art scene.
- Location: 71 Victoria Avenue, Hout Bay, Cape Town
- Contact: John +27(0)72 447 8262 | Marika +27(0)82 920 7800 | [email protected]
- Website: houtbaygallery.co.za
Duiker Island Boat Trip
Drumbeat Charters has offered daily scenic cruises to adventure seekers since 1989. Surround yourself with the breathtaking scenery of Chapman’s Peak Drive and Sentinel Mountain in a vessel purposefully designed and built in Cape Town for the Cape’s sea and weather conditions.
The vessel even boasts a licenced bar and both inside and outside seating.
- Location: Hout Bay Harbour, Hout Bay, Cape Town
- Contact: 082 658 7055 | [email protected]
- Website: drumbeatcharters.co.za
Sandy Bay Shipwreck Hike
Generally considered a moderately challenging route, the Sandy Bay Shipwreck Hike (or Bos 400 Shipwreck Hike) is open year-round and beautiful to visit at any time. It is a very popular area for hiking and running.
With this hike, you can enjoy some great scenery, adventure, shipwrecks and, if you want, a swim. Remember to bring the following with you: snacks and water, a garbage bag (there are no dustbins), hiking shoes, hats and sunscreen, and a camera for the views.
In case you get lost or injured, contact SOS on 086 110 6417.
- Location: From CBD, take Kloof Nek road to Camps Bay and drive towards Hout Bay. Turn right at the Llandudno sign and follow the signs to Sandy Beach.
- Contact: 084 267 5833 | [email protected]
- Website: trailfitsa.co.za
Hout Bay Lookout
The Lookout Hout Bay boasts one of the best views in the Western Cape and some of the finest oysters in Cape Town. Carefully sourced, their oysters are freshly shucked to order. On selected nights, patrons can enjoy delicious sundowners and cocktails while listening to local live music.
- Location: Lot 65, Quayside Hout Bay Harbour, Hout Bay
- Contact: 021 790 0900 | 066 114 3032 | [email protected]
- Website: lookouthoutbay.co.za
Red Room Gallery
The Red Room Gallery is a pioneering artistic platform that showcases unique, contemporary African art. The gallery primarily focuses on African pieces created by South Africans, providing them with market access.
- Location: 62 Mount Rhodes Drive, Cape Town,
- Contact: 071 602 1908
- Website: redroom.gallery
The Chapmans Peak Restaurant
The Chapman’s Peak Restaurant has become the ‘grand old lady’ of outdoor seafood restaurants in Cape Town, having served its famous calamari and seafood for more than 25 years.
With plenty of wine and local and imported beers on tap, as well as a variety of drinks, the Chapman’s Peak Restaurant offers the best place to enjoy a sundowner. Or, enjoy the indoor fireplace with vintage wood finishes and pictures from the past for a more cosy atmosphere.
Patrons can also tour the wine cellar and choose their favourite bottle of vintage wine to accompany the delectable meals on offer.
- Location: 2 Chapmans Peak Dr, Scott Estate, Cape Town
- Contact: 021 790 1036 | [email protected]
- Website: chapmanspeakhotel.co.za
Clay Café
This one-of-a-kind destination offers visitors the chance to create their ceramic artwork while enjoying homemade, family-style food. The family-run business was founded in 1999 and, since then, has offered a child-friendly spot that features delectable meals and creative outlets.
- Location: The Clay Café, Hout Bay Main Road. Opposite Bokkemanskloof Estate, Hout Bay
- Contact: 071 685 4934 | [email protected]
- Website: claycafe.co.za
Urban Brewing Co.
Urban Brewing Co. represents a blend of old-fashioned and newfangled, drawing inspiration from the immediate environment. While steeped in traditional brewing, Urban Brewing Co. is not afraid to ‘bend a rule or two’ when it comes to creating the perfect blend of craft beer.
This spot boasts a nice selection of beers, including ales, weis beers, pilsners and stouts. Looking for some new tastes and flavours? This is the place to be.
- Location: 31 Harbour Road, Hout Bay
- Contact: 082 338 9109 | [email protected]
- Website: @urbanbrewingco / Instagram
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Picture: Bernd M. Schell / Unsplash
