Hi, I’m Adri from Tintagel Guesthouse in Gardens, Cape Town City Bowl.
Gardens IS BEST KNOWN FOR its cultural diverse history reflected in the architecture, museums, galleries and lifestyle of the locals.
GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT the famous Rose Corner Café and other Malay houses painted in bold colors in the Bo Kaap.
THE BEST sunset PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN AT the cableway station on top of Table Mountain or the Noon Gun on Signal Hill overlooking the Bay.
OTHER HAPPY SNAPS AT the Mount Nelson Hotel – a beautiful old colonial style hotel with sprawling lawns and a lovely conservatory. Treat yourself to their traditional high tea.
WHEN THE WEATHER’S GOOD, I LIKE TO hike up Lions Head – breathtaking 360 view of the 12 Apostles and surrounding beaches. Take snap shots of a variety of indigenous flora and small mountain dassies. Try a bicycle city tour with the Bike&Saddle Company.
WHEN THE WEATHER’S BAD, I LIKE TO go to the historical Labia Movie House, take your popcorn coffee or wine into the old classical cinema and enjoy. The Intimate Theatre and Little Theatre at Michaelis Campus in Orange Street showcases thought provoking productions. The Athol Fugard Theatre also has an old bioscope running classic movies in winter.
I THINK THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT IS all year around, BECAUSE there is always something to see, do, buy, eat or drink – no matter the season.
MY FAVOURITE BREAKFAST SPOT IS Cafe Sofia in Kloof Street – crazy winter specials and the cool view of Table Mountain. Arnolds in Kloof Street is also famous for its early bird specials.
FOR LUNCH, I SUGGEST Bacinis at the top of Kloof Street – great pizzas! Family owned Italian pizzeria been there for over 5 years. Melissas in Kloof Street another classic – wholesome food and decadent cakes!
MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IS Rick’s Cafe Americain in Park Road just 50 meters from Tintagel Guesthouse. Moroccan inspired menu, great tapas! Love the décor!
BEST LATE NIGHT SNACK FROM Power and The Glory in just below Rafikis in Kloofnek Road – quirky young friendly retro Afrikaans and English arty crowd of friendly people.
MY FAVOURITE hangout SPOT IS the Waiting Room which is upstairs from Royal Eaterie famous for its gourmet burgers and shakes.
FOR A NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN TRY Long Street – plenty eclectic venues with live music and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
IF YOU WANT TO MEET LOCALS, GO TO Arnolds in Kloof Street to join Happy hour, watch sport or try some venison dishes. Go to the City Hall Parade Market held every Wednesday! Bargain with the local stall traders! Meet the flower sellers in Adderley Street.
Gardens’ BEST KEPT SECRET IS the monthly Evening Moonwalk up Lions Head. There is also the underground Ghost Tour leading to the Castle of Good Hope!
FOR SOME LIVE MUSIC, I LIKE TO GO TO the City Hall and the Artscape programs for musicals, dance and classical music performances.
TO RELAX AND RESTORE MY SOUL, I LIKE TO stroll through the 17th century Company Gardens and watch local chess players at The Gardens Tea Room under some of the biggest oldest trees in the city. St Georges Cathedral at the end of the Gardens with awe inspiring interior.
IF YOU’RE FEELING ADVENTUROUS, TRY abseiling from Table Mountain with Abseil Africa – very scary and so exciting. Downhill adventures can take you paragliding off Lions Head as well.
MY FAVOURITE gift SHOP IS Heartworks in Kloof Street with the most creative and quirky handmade African inspired functional items which makes awesome gifts to take overseas.
MY FAVOURITE whale WATCHING SPOT IS on Clifton Beach rocks and Camps Bay.
IF YOU’RE HERE IN October, JOIN IN THE FUN AT shnit! – International Short Film Festival.
MY FAVOURITE GALLERY IS Iziko National Gallery – peaceful ambiance and contemporary exhibits. Church Street is well known for small art galleries.
MY FAVOURITE BUILDING IS City Hall, FOR ITS marble staircases, historic significance and it is home to the national symphony orchestra.
TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN? A FUN OUTING IS to the Iziko Natural Museum and Planetarium or the Two Oceans aquarium.
BEST CHEAP AND CHEERFUL OUTING IS watching the sunset with a good red wine on Signal Hill overlooking Sea Point and Robben Island.
WHEN MONEY’S NO OBJECT, I LIKE TO 95 Keerom Restaurant for authentic Italian cuisine in a beautiful setting. An exhilarating helicopter flip with Civair Company over Peninsula and city bowl.
THE MOST UNUSUAL THING I SEE HERE IS Table Mountain theatrically lit up at against the night sky.
MY FAVOURITE WEEKEND GETAWAY IS Paternoster, with stretched out beaches and interesting entertaining community.
WHEN I WANT TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY, I support the Recyclefirst collection company.
I Love Gardens Because I live and work here. I stay in one spot and meet people from all over the world.
Useful Gardens Links
- Gardens Attractions
- Gardens Accommodation
- Things to Do in Gardens
- Cape Town Guest Houses
- Hotels in Cape Town
- Hotels in South Africa
Desirable Digits
Table Mountain: +27 (0)21 424-8181
Mount Nelson High Tea: +27 (0)21 483-1948
Bike and Saddle Company: +27 (0)21 813-6433 or +27 (0)72 805-3452
Labia on Orange: +27 (0)21 424-5927
Fugard Theatre: +27 (0)21 461-4554
Cafe Sofia: +27 (0)21 426-0801
Arnolds: +27 (0)21 424-4344
Bacini’s: +27 (0)21 423-6668
Melissa’s: +27 (0)21 424-5540
Rick’s Cafe Americain: +27 (0)21 424-1100
Power and The Glory: +27 (0)21 422-2108
Rafiki’s: +27 (0)21 426-4731
Royale Eatery: +27 (0)21 422-4536
Castle of Good Hope: +27 (0)21 787-1249
Abseil Africa: +27 (0)21 424-4760
Downhill Adventures: +27 (0)21 422-0388
Heartworks: +27 (0)21 424-8419
Iziko Museums: +27 (0)21 481 3800
Planetarium: +27 (0)21 481-3900
Two Oceans Aquarium: +27 (0)21 418-3823
Civair: +27 (0)21 934-4488
