Richard Holmes

From just about anywhere you stand in Cape Town, it is impossible to ignore Table Mountain. This ancient sandstone massif towers above the city, enchanting visitors with its famous summertime ‘tablecloth’ of clouds. And while many travellers do little more than ride the cableway to the summit, if you have sturdier legs and a taste for adventure you'll want to lace up your shoes and hit the trail. Whether it’s for just a few hours, or a full day out, these are the 10 best hikes to tackle within Table Mountain National Park. RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best things to do in Cape Town 🍝 The best restaurants in Cape Town 🏖 The best beaches in Cape Town 🛍 The best shops in Cape Town Born and raised in the city, Richard Holmes is a travel writer based in Cape Town. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

It’s that time again. Every year, we ask thousands of city-dwellers to tell us the coolest spots in their cities. What are the places locals love and visitors flock to? Where are the exciting new openings across food, drink and culture? Where are people going out, hanging out and having fun? For the sixth year running, the results are in. Over 12,000 people had their say in this year’s shortlist, naming the neighbourhoods in their hometowns where everyone wants to be right now. Then, we narrowed down the selection with the insight and expertise of city editors and local experts who know their cities better than anyone else. To create and rank the final list, we considered factors including community and social ventures, access to open and green space, and thriving street life. In 2023, our neighbourhoods are more global than ever before. The rise and rise in post-pandemic digital nomadism has led to an explosion of brand-new community spaces, multi-purpose culture centres and more cafés than we can count on two hands. But while most of these neighbourhoods have experienced a transformation over recent years, they remain resolutely local at heart. Slick new developments and cool cafés might bring in new crowds, but neighbourhood stalwarts – from old pubs to family greengrocers – keep it real.  The world’s coolest neighbourhoods this year are, therefore, places with big personalities. Each area’s diversity is reflected in its food, culture and festivals. Community is key: local

There’s no shortage of choice when it comes to finding a bed in Cape Town, with South Africa’s ‘Mother City’ offering everything from high-end boutique hotels at eye-watering prices to budget backpackers’ stays dishing up local intel and cheap dorm beds. Thankfully, there’s also everything in-between, with some great options that make the most of the city’s astounding natural beauty. If you’ve been dreaming of a room with a view, you’ve come to the right city, as you’ll discover in the handpicked choices of our local writers, below. RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best things to do in Cape Town😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🏄‍♀️ The best beaches in Cape Town🛍 The best markets in Cape Town🖼 The best museums and galleries in Cape Town Planning your next trip? Check out our latest travel guides, written by local experts.

While Cape Town’s much-adored Mediterranean climate also finds its way into many of the city’s kitchens, in this multicultural city you won’t struggle to find an excellent curry when the mood takes you. Whether you’re after classic Indian dishes or the local flavours of Cape Malay cuisine, you’ll find an array of eateries – ranging from the unassuming to the extravagant – dishing up well-priced and sometimes-fiery fare. Start with these ten favourites, selected by our local writer. RECOMMENDED:😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town🛍 The best markets in Cape Town🍕 The best pizza in Cape Town This article was written by Richard Holmes, a travel writer based in Cape Town. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

Voleu fer del 2023 l'any per viatjar a un lloc diferent? Aquí tenim alguns suggeriments bastant espectaculars. Hem demanat a la nostra xarxa de periodistes i editors de viatges que responguin quin és el destí turístic més ignorat del món. La llista conté des de petites illes i pobles de costa fins a enormes llacs i grans paisatges, i constitueix una gran inspiració per viatjar.Què és, exactament, allò que fa que un destí estigui infravalorat? Estem parlant de llocs que no apareixen sovint a les llistes de viatges? Llocs que no reben la seva part justa de turisme? Llocs que són joies ocultes fora de les rutes turístiques i que ofereixen excel·lents alternatives (o també tranquil·les) a llocs populars de la mateixa regió? Les destinacions d'aquesta llista pertanyen com a mínim a una d'aquestes categories. Des del veí ignorat de Bali fins a una àrea verge de bellesa natural a Zimbàbue, aquests són els llocs més infravalorats del món per viatjar aquest any. NO T'HO PERDIS: Les 10 millors destinacions per viatjar el 2023

Across its 350-plus years as a port city – and a few thousand more as the home of semi-nomadic indigenous tribes and pastoralists – the Western Cape has a rich and colourful history to discover. From the unadorned beauty of ancient rock art to the arrival of colonial settlers, and right through to the city’s vibrant art scene of today, Cape Town’s galleries and museums paint an expansive picture of the city’s complex cultural history. Here are the venues in which to start your journey, selected by two local writers. RECOMMENDED: ☕️ The best cafés and coffee shops in Cape Town📍 The best things to do in Cape Town🥣 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town🏨 The best hotels in Cape Town This article was recently updated by Richard Holmes, a travel writer based in Cape Town. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines and check out our latest travel guides written by local experts.

You may have spent your day in Cape Town sampling fabulous fish and chips, checking out safaries and strolling through museums, but after dark, Cape Town shows off its cosmopolitan character. Doors begin to open everywhere, from laid-back lounges to underground techno clubs, so if you come alive when the sun goes down, the streets of the Mother City have plenty to offer. Our local writer has rounded up the best of the city's party scene, so you know where to start and end your night out in the capital. Here are the best clubs and nightlife spots in Cape Town right now.   RECOMMENDED: 😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🍷 The best wine farms in and around Cape Town🏨 The best hotels in Cape Town🏖 The best beaches in Cape Town ☕️ The best cafés and coffee shops in Cape Town This article was written by Richard Holmes, a travel writer based in Cape Town. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

​​With the Atlantic Ocean on its doorstep, it’s no surprise that Cape Town is awash with wonderful seafood restaurants. And while there are plenty of high-end eateries creating edible art with local seafood, sometimes all you want is a good ol' portion of fish and chips. And not just any old fish and chips – a plate where the fish is fresh, the batter is crispy and the chips come swimming in vinegar. And if it’s eaten with a sea view? So much the better. Luckily, there’s no shortage of places supplying just that in the city dubbed the ‘Tavern of the Seas’. Read on for our local writer’s pick of the very best. RECOMMENDED: 🍽 The best restaurants in the Cape Winelands🏨 The best hotels in Cape Town🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town🍷 The best wine farms in and around Cape Town🍕 The best pizza in Cape Town This article was written by Richard Holmes, a travel writer based in Cape Town. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

With its unrivalled coastal scenery, it’d be easy to believe that Cape Town’s cocktail offering is about little more than seaside sundowners. But come nightfall, the city’s bars spring to life, with world-class mixologists tapping into a burgeoning craft spirits scene to create authentic experiences rooted in South Africa’s ‘Mother City’. If you’re exploring Cape Town and find yourself thirsty, these are the watering holes to check out. RECOMMENDED: 🍷 The best wine farms in and around Cape Town 😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🛏 The best Airbnbs in Cape Town🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town☕️ The best cafés and coffee shops in Cape Town Planning your next trip? Check out our latest travel guides, written by local experts.

Cape Town is often ranked amongst the world’s most affordable holiday destinations, but it still pays to keep an eye on your spending when dining out. Happily, alongside the city’s no-expense-spared fine dining destinations, you’ll find an array of affordable restaurants to make your budget stretch further. Here’s our pick of where to fill your boots, without emptying your wallet. RECOMMENDED: 😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🍸 The best bars in Cape Town🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town☕️ The best cafés and coffee shops in Cape Town This article was written by Richard Holmes, a travel writer based in Cape Town. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines and check out our latest travel guides written by local experts.

Cape Town is a global city, fusing vibrant African flair with European savoir faire, and that cosmopolitan character is on full display in the city’s shops. From the inner-city to the seaside, Cape Town’s shopping precincts and characterful suburbs offer no end of retail therapy. Not sure where to start? Try these ten must-visit stores, selected by a local writer. RECOMMENDED:☕️ The best cafés and coffee shops in Cape Town📍 The best things to do in Cape Town🥣 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town🏨 The best hotels in Cape Town This article was recently updated by Richard Holmes, a travel writer based in Cape Town. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines and check out our latest travel guides written by local experts.

Cape Town has no shortage of chic malls and glitzy boutiques if you’re looking to shop up a storm, but the heart of the city is found in its vibrant markets, hosted anywhere from open lots to cavernous hangars, from wine estates to suburban gardens. Do as locals do and use these markets for fresh produce, artisan goods, clothing and so much more. Here’s our selection of the best in town, picked by two local writers. RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best things to do in Cape Town🍽 The best restaurants in Cape Town☕️ The best cafés and coffee shops in Cape Town🏖 The best beaches in Cape Town🍕 The best pizza in Cape Town Ishay Govender and Richard Holmes are travel writers based in Cape Town. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines and check out our latest travel guides written by local experts.

As if the November 17 opening of the Time Out Market Cape Town wasn’t reason enough to visit Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, here comes another piece of good news for the 24 million visitors who pass through the precinct each year. The Victoria & Alfred Hotel – the oldest hotel in the Waterfront, set in a century-old quayside warehouse – has just unveiled a chic new look and feel for 64 of its most popular rooms and suites. And the best thing of all? The hotel is set a few steps from the Time Out Market, meaning you can pretty much roll out of bed and into the city’s most exciting new foodie destination, so you can go from well-fed to comfy bed in a matter of minutes.  You’ll certainly want somewhere for a post-indulgence nap, and the hotel’s gorgeous new rooms are ideal. Choose between views across the Waterfront’s main piazza, or (a better choice) the wonderful Mountain View suites that gaze out over the working harbour to the distant skyline of Table Mountain. But whichever room you’re in, you won’t be disappointed. The latest floor-to-ceiling refurb is the work of Francois du Plessis Interiors, which has brought in more natural tones and textures along with a sexy colour palette of Scandi-chic wood. Along with the updated look and feel comes a host of new tech too, from speedy (and free!) Wi-Fi to enormous new smart TVs for you to cast your favourite streaming service. If you can take your eyes off the view that is. And here’s a little insider tip. While the views from your r

The Mount Nelson Hotel has long been famous for its traditional Afternoon Tea; all bone-china teacups and tinkling piano in the background. But, times are a changin’. This summer, the second edition of the groundbreaking Confections X Collections is giving this genteel English tradition a proudly African shake up. Confections X Collections – CXC for short – is billed as a coming-together of creative expression. What that means is a deliciously inspiring afternoon of African fashion, presented in a salon-style show, paired with a collection of designer-inspired confectionery from the hotel’s talented pastry chef, Vicky Gurovich. CXC runs over five days in November, playing host to a roll call of leading designers from both Southern and Western Africa, each shining a spotlight on the trend towards authentic, considered, African fashion. This year’s line up includes an all-star cast that kicks off with IAMISIGO (November 8), whose work preserves the ancestral textile techniques of Nigeria, before fellow West African Adeju Thompson showcases the work of Lagos Space Programme (November 9). Internationally acclaimed winner of the 2020 LVMH Prize Sindiso Khumalo (November 10) makes an appearance too, along with Palesa Mokubung and her print-centric garments under the Mantsho (November 11) label. Closing out this year’s season is Capetonian Chu Suwannapha, dubbed the ‘Prince of Prints’ for his striking designs in his Chulaap (November 12) collection. Aside from the fine threads, the

Haven't you heard? There’s a new kid on the hotel block in Cape Town. If you’d rather be in the heart of the city than out in the ’burbs, and you want all the nightlife Cape Town has to offer right on the doorstep, then you're going to love the inner-city setup of the Pullman Cape Town City Centre. Cape Town’s newest city hotel is located in Triangle House, a seriously high skyscraper that was previously home to a Radisson Blu hotel. Set slap-bang in the heart of Cape Town’s central business district, it’s set to bring in all the clued-up corporate travellers and the holidaymakers looking to stay close to the city's best culture, food and clubbing spots.  The building reaches 104 metres, and its upper-floor rooms have some pretty impressive city and mountain views (there's both classic rooms and family suites on offer). The hotel is the first property in South Africa under the global Pullman Hotels & Resorts brand, which has more than 150 hotels worldwide. Accor bills Pullman as a business-focused brand (much like the Radisson Blu it replaced), with a particular focus on business travellers, discerning holidaymakers and digital nomads post Covid. That means you can expect all the usual mod-cons on tap from flat-screen TVs and high-speed Wi-Fi to (if you’re here for work) a choice of in-house meeting spaces. Though part of the appeal is the central location for exploring beyond the hotel, if you do want to stay in you’ll find fine dining in The Piano Room (be sure to check out

Is it the Promenade that throngs with sun-loving locals and savvy tourists at sunset? Or perhaps it’s the strip of superb restaurants that dish up everything from ramen to wood-fired pizza? Public art? You’ll be inspired by the outdoor exhibitions that pop up here. Pastries? Who doesn’t love a croissant from Coco Safar, or a patisserie at Paris Cape Town? Oh, and don’t forget the public pool, where you can swim with a sea view for just R34,50 (£1,50/$2). The truth is, there are plenty of reasons why Time Out voted Sea Point one of the 40 Coolest Neighbourhoods in the World. It’s up to you to choose your favourite. And while Time Out this week made it official, it was the votes of more than 12,000 urban aficionados and local experts that sealed the deal for Sea Point, helping it to beat out a string of other strong contenders across Cape Town. Once voters had cast the ballots for their favourite corners of the city, local experts narrowed down the shortlist to choose a winner that took into account everything from the availability of public open spaces to the culinary adventures on offer. A vibrant nightlife was crucial too, contributing to the city’s vital nighttime economy. And Sea Point is a worthy winner, coming in at number 21 on the list to narrowly beat Haut-Marais in Paris and London’s King’s Cross. It’s a cosmopolitan corner of South Africa’s ‘Mother City’, with an authentic multiculturalism that sets it apart. It’s long been home to a vibrant Jewish community – and t

If you've been wondering how to fill your Sunday mornings (and your hungry belly) in Cape Town, here's the answer: The Pot Luck Club has relaunched its insanely popular Sunday Brunch, offering a multi-course brunch menu, Bottomless Bubbles and the best Bloody Mary in town.  Those dramatic city views (if you know, you know) and Asian-inspired small plates have made Pot Luck a hit since it opened in 2012, but the Sunday Brunch offers a whole new reason to visit. Instead of the usual à la carte menu, Sunday Brunch (R950pp) features a set menu of nine or ten unique dishes you won't find on offer any other day of the week. Say goodbye to FOMO. Executive Chef Jason Kosmas said: ‘We've purposefully done this to be an entirely different Pot Luck experience. We want Sunday mornings to be something to look forward to.’ The brunch is a delicious roster of plates, all tapping into the punchy flavor-forward style that's made Pot Luck so popular. The menu begins with fresh local oysters, before rolling through brunch favorites like buttery brioche with mushroom duxelle, a seasonal salad, Asian sesame, and Kosmas' famous take on a classic Arnold Bennett omelette. After a heartier main course – usually duck – you'll get seasonal desserts and an array of petit fours. Unreal.  And you won't go thirsty either. Alongside the wine list is the popular Bottomless Bubbles offering (an extra R530pp), this year featuring Cap Classique (South Africa's champagne-style sparkling wine) from Boschendal in

It’s official. Cape Town is the best city in Africa. That’s according to the 2023 World Travel Awards, which were announced at a seriously glitzy ceremony held at the Atlantis Royal Resort in Dubai on October 16 2023. This year marked the 30th anniversary of the respected Awards (dubbed the Oscars of the travel industry), and Cape Town was celebrated as 'Africa’s Leading City Destination’, praised for its hotels, operators and even its airport. That's right: Cape Town International Airport was named Africa's Leading Airport, while the Port of Cape Town – home to a world-class cruise terminal – was awarded Africa's Leading Cruise Port 2023. Cruises have become an increasingly important tourism niche for the city known as the ‘Tavern of the Seas’, with more than 75 ships calling in Cape Town over the 2022-23 summer season. Cape Town also scored big in the best hotels category, with Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel winning Africa's Leading Design Hotel. The Silo – home to the most striking location in Cape Town – won Africa's Leading Luxury Hotel. The Atlantic Seaboard of the city cleaned up too, with One&Only Cape Town claiming the crown of Africa's Leading Luxury Resort, and Villa Two at Ellerman House hailed as Africa's Leading Luxury Hotel Villa. Not too shabby, considering these latest awards come hot on the heels of Cape Town placing fourth in the ranking of Best Big Cities around the globe in the 2023 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.  Have you heard? The Time Ou

Did someone say summer holiday? A whole one million long-haul airline seats will be available on flights into Cape Town ahead of the peak summer season (roughly November 2023 to March 2024), as South Africa’s ‘Mother City’ has seen a surge in international airline capacity.  Basically, this is solid proof of how many people want to go to Cape Town right now (and of the city’s ongoing recovery from the Covid pandemic), marking a 25 percent increase in available seats compared to the 2022/23 summer season. The boost is thanks to ongoing work by regional tourism organisations to grow air access to the city, with seven new airlines launching new routes over the past year.  Since September 2022, Cape Town has also seen three intercontinental airlines launch flights, with Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic connecting travellers with Atlanta and London. New direct services on Delta and United to Atlanta, New York and Washington have also seen a surge in American visitors, while the resumption of seasonal services by leisure-focused airlines Condor and Edelweiss are bringing in plenty of German travellers. They’ll soon be jostling for a spot on Cape Town’s best beaches with travellers from Brazil, as this month marks the launch of a long-awaited direct route to South America. On October 31, South African Airways will launch a twice-weekly service connecting Cape Town to São Paulo, making it easier than ever for the growing number of visitors from South And Latin America to reach the

What makes a great city? It might be the culture, the nightlife or the food, or maybe it's just the vibe of a place. Well, it turns out Cape Town has it all, as it's once again been named one of the best cities on the planet. More than 500,000 voters in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards have placed Cape Town fourth in the ranking of Best Big Cities around the globe. Singapore topped the list for the second year running, followed by Tokyo and Seoul, meaning an African city was the first outside of Asia to pull in the top votes.  Noting the dramatic skyline of Table Mountain, the array of hotels and the Mother City’s remarkable beaches, the Readers’ Choice Awards placed Cape Town above southern hemisphere rivals Sydney at number five, Melbourne at number nine, and comfortably ahead of fellow port city Vancouver at number eight. But Cape Town is no stranger to being hailed as the best city in the world for long-haul travel, obvs. In the 2023 Telegraph Travel Awards Cape Town was voted ‘Best Worldwide City’ for the eighth year running, and in July 2023, three South African vineyards claimed coveted titles at the World’s Best Vineyards awards. Creation Wines – located a scenic two-hour drive from Cape Town in the Hemel-en-Aarde valley – beat out global icons including Chateau d’Yquem and Penfolds to claim fourth place overall. Closer to the city, in the bucolic Constantia winelands, Klein Constantia estate came in at 32nd place, celebrated for its long history of viticu

Foodies, haul out your calendars and your permanent markers: the opening date for Time Out Market Cape Town has been revealed. Friday November 17 – at 11am, to be precise – is the day that the doors will be thrown open to Cape Town’s most exciting new food and cultural destination. Set on the quayside of the V&A Waterfront harbour precinct, Time Out Market Cape Town is the first Time Out Market in Africa, drawing on the successful formula that has seen markets launch in cities including Lisbon, New York, Chicago and Montreal. Stretched across two levels and nearly 2,800 square metres of floor space, Time Out Market Cape Town will give both locals and visitors a curated snapshot of Cape Town’s vibrant food scene under a single roof, with 13 homegrown culinary concepts on offer. While the concept is global, the foods, flavours and chefs are proudly local, providing the Cape’s up-and-coming cooks an opportunity to showcase their plates alongside some of its most lauded celebrity chefs. And the opening line-up of chefs and vendors has just been expanded with the announcement of two more outlets for the market. Stepping up from his current V&A location at the Makers Landing incubator hub is chef Hitesh Panchal. His kitchen Kapoochka will dish up a contemporary take on Indian street food with a creative focus on moreish pani puri, including savoury and sweet versions of the popular snack. And, not content with bringing his popular noodle bar Ramenhead to the Market, chef Peter Temp