A Millennial's Guide to Muizenberg, Cape Town

The main attraction in Muizenberg is undoubtedly its long, sandy beach which stretches for miles around the False Bay coastline. At Surfer’s Corner, the small waves and gentle swell of the ocean provides the perfect learning environment for novice surfers as young as four years old. In fact, many of South Africa’s top surfers learnt how to catch a wave at this very spot.

The bustling beachfront boasts a variety of restaurants, cafés, surf schools and shops where visitors can enjoy a leisurely brunch or shop for surf gear and beachwear. For those who prefer to stay out of the water, the Muizenberg to St James coastal walk offers a chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery and fresh air.

On the opposite side of the railway line, the Historical Mile along Main Road contains numerous historic buildings and grand Victorian mansions where wealthy families spent their summer holidays at the turn of the century. A few of the most well-known historic buildings include the Het Posthuys Museum, which is believed to be the second oldest building in South Africa after the Castle, as well as Rhodes Cottage, Rust en Vrede and the site of the 18th century Battle of Muizenberg.

Muizenberg is a mecca for water sports with numerous schools along the beachfront offering lessons in surfing, diving and SUP as well as equipment rental. It’s also worth knowing that water sports are not confined to the sea here. Just a few kilometers from the beach, the expansive Zandvlei Nature Reserve is a hotspot for canoeing, kitesurfing and sailing.

Muizenberg has a vibrant art community and subsequently there are several art galleries located along Main Road. One of the more notable galleries is Blue Planet Fine Art, an art house and studio that also offers workshops for children and adults in mixed media and clay.

On Hansen Road, Muizenberg Open Studios shows a selection of works by artists from the area, while Collaborate on 79 Main Road is a great place to find art, craftwork, books, accessories and even artisanal food products. Also situated on Main Road, the Masque Theatre stages a variety of musicals, films and plays by local drama societies from across the city.

On Fridays, the Bluebird Garage Food & Goods Market is a wonderful place to sample local cuisine and unwind with friends in a relaxed environment. The market is held inside an old postal plane hangar on the outskirts of the village where you will find a variety of street food, handmade goods, wine and craft beer on sale.

Muizenberg has a reputation for delicious brunches with sea views and as such there are a selection of eateries at Surfer’s Corner. Fuel up for the day on delicious coffee and scrumptious breakfast dishes while you watch the surfers in the bay.

Notable cafes include Blonde & Beard, Empire Cafe, Knead Bakery and Ta Da! Creperie and Coffee Bar. If you’ve got a hankering for fresh fish, Live Bait Restaurant and Lucky Fish & Chips have some of the best seafood in False Bay along with amazing views of the ocean.