Cape Town is not only an iconic destination but is also at the forefront of innovation, new activities, attractions, restaurants and bars are constantly opening. Below are a few of the latest new and notable experiences in the Mother City.
TUNING THE VINE
Tuning the Vine is a hip, urban wine adventure happening in the heart of the CBD where visitors will be able to walk from one venue to the next – finding a unique wine experience at every stop along the route. The experiences include food and wine pairing, wine courses, cellar talks, live music and more. www.tuningthevine.co.za
SPASIE
Spasie is the city’s first and only underground restaurant and private event space located in the heart of Cape Town’s CBD. The restaurant hosts different top South African chefs creating culinary magic with changing themes twice a week.www.spasie.co.za
ART ROUTE CAPE TOWN
Art Route Cape Town specialise in creating custom made art tours showcasing the very best art galleries in and around Cape Town. A private art guide will accompany guests to various galleries in the city explaining the concepts and themes behind exhibited work. www.streetscene.co.za
TOWNSHIP CHORAL MUSIC TOURS
Township Choral Music Tours is the latest wonderful cultural experience offered by Coffeebeans Routes, hosted in the homes of different choir trios across the city. The night includes a dinner and a choir performance, as well as a night cap in two different choir leaders’ homes. www.coffeebeansroutes.com
THEATRE IN THE BACKYARD
Theatre in the Backyard is another brand new unique tour hosted by Coffeebeans Routes, where you get to experience a theatre production staged in a township backyard, followed by dinner with the actor and director. www.coffeebeansroutes.com
LANGA TAG Langa TAG (Township Arts Gallery Tour) is a permanent art gallery route allowing for an experience rich with history, contemporary art and local culture. It’s part of the Maboneng Township Arts Experience and this unique exhibition is hosted in 10 different homes in Langa, where visitors can enjoy art and exchange stories with the local home owners.www.maboneng.com
CAPE CAMINO
Cape Camino is a new personal pilgrimage route where you walk a scenic route along the magnificent Cape Peninsula, to think, quiet your soul and enrich yourself. You can purchase one of the existing packages which includes maps and all logistics, or design your own camino. www.camino.co.za
ELLERMAN HOUSE
Ellerman House recently underwent an estatewide refurbishment to add even more style and sophistication to its rooms, suites, and villas. The hotel’s list of wonderful offerings include panoramic views, a solar-heated pool, a spa, gym, a contemporary art gallery and an extensive wine gallery, bar, restaurant and a library. www.ellerman.co.za
WEST COAST CULTURE ROUTE
West Coast Culture Route and a new Heritage Walk in Mamre showcase the many cultural attractions and activities on this beautiful coastal stretch. Visitors can explore from the Blaauwberg Nature Reserve, Melkbosstrand, Koeberg Nature Reserve,up till Mamre, Groote Post Wine Cellar, Darling, Darling Brew, Buffelsfontein Game & Nature Reserve, West Coast National Park, Yzerfontein and the !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre. www.westcoastway.co.za
THE NEDBANK GREEN WINE ROUTE
The Nedbank Green Wine Route is the first ever route of its kind in the world, showing visitors the way to all the Green Wine Champions in Cape Town and the surrounding winelands. Think organic wines, ducks and geese foraging for snails, horse-drawn ploughs working the land, more indigenous than alien plant life, and farms with conservation educational programmes. www.greenawards.com
DRIVE-IN MOVIES AT SPIER
Drive-in movies at Spier is a new way to watch classic movies underneath the starry Cape Town night sky at the Spier Wine Farm in Stellenbosch. You can also order snack packs to share during the screening. www.spier.co.za
THEATRE AT THE ROCKWELL
Theatre at the Rockwell is a new fun, interactive theatre and dining experience featuring local entertainment like top comedians, theatre productions and musical talent. The theatre is situated within the modern Rockwell hotel in the middle of trendy De Waterkant. www.rockwell.co.za
GALILEO OPEN AIR CINEMA
Galileo Open Air Cinema is a magical movie experience of cinematic delights, set amongst breath-taking scenery under a canopy of stars at various beautiful locations in Cape Town. The venues include Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens and the V&A Waterfront amongst others. www.galileo.co.za
CITY WALKS
City walks is a new major attraction in Cape Town happening every 3rd Saturday of the month. A pedestrian route through the heart of the Cape Town CBD. A capsule experience of Cape Town’s inner city, City Walk pulls together different layers of heritage, storytelling, public art, retail and events. www.capetownbig7.co.za
GAMES CAFÉ
Games Café is the very first café in Cape Town where you can play different board games, while enjoying a drink or a meal. Don’t just think monopoly as there is a great variety of cool games for kids and adults. www.thebigbox.co.za
THE TITANIC EXHIBITION
The Titanic Exhibition will be on display at the V&A Waterfront from 27 November until March 2016 and will not only feature the brilliant artefact exhibition, but will also have a cool interactive kids’ area with maps, sandpits and play areas.www.titanicexpo.co.za
WOODSTOCK PEACE GARDEN
Woodstock Peace Garden is a tranquil green area in the middle of rustic Woodstock that provides a space where the community can grow food gardens and where people can truly engage in the community spirit. Autistic school children also use the labyrinth and garden to explore and play. www.facebook.com/Woodstock-Peace-Garden
HONEST CHOCOLATE
Honest Chocolate Café and The Gin Bar are two trendy and quirky hang-outs situated on the same premises in Wale Street. Order some banana bread, bunny chows and chocolate milk at the front café to kick off your experience and end off by partying the night away at the Gin Bar hidden at the back. www.honestchocolate.co.za insideguide.co.za/the-gin-bar
ORIGINAL T-BAG COMPANY
Original T-Bag Company makes beautiful art, boxes, trays, coasters and cards – all from recycled tea bags. It’s become a wonderful upliftment project in the community of Hout Bay, offering a unique shopping experience. www.tbagdesigns.co.za
THE HINTHUNT GAME
The Hinthunt Game is a fresh and brainy way for visitors to be entertained by playing this real life escape game. A small group of people need to solve enticing mysteries and puzzles in order to get out together. www.hinthunt.co.za
FIRST THURSDAYS
On the first Thursday of every month, explore art galleries and cultural events in Cape Town. First Thursdays was started to encourage locals and visitors to explore and experience art galleries at no charge. www.first-thursdays.co.za