Cape Town's Best Kept Secrets

As with any city, Cape Town has more than a few tricks up its sleeve with which to wow its visitors. If you are looking for a map of the path less trodden, look no further; in this round up of city treasures we have everything you are looking for. So whether you are searching for a brunch spot or for underground tunnels, never fear for being at a loss; the Mother City will provide.

1. Harveys at Winchester Mansions

Hotel

Harveys at Winchester Mansions

There is no more perfect way to spend a leisurely Sunday morning than lounging in tables by a courtyard fountain, enjoying live Jazz music and sumptuous food. Harveys Jazz Brunch, which is situated in the Winchester Mansions on the picturesque Seapoint promenade, provides all of this for its guests. In addition to this guests are also given a complimentary newspaper and glass of refreshing bubbly immediately upon arrival. With a delicious range of foods to choose from, including eggs or sushi, you’ll feel wholly pampered and rather like royalty at this perfect brunch spot.
Opening hours: Sunday 11.00am – 2.00pm
Winchester Mansions Hotel, 221 Beach Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town, South Africa +27 (0) 21 434 2351

Winchester Mansions - Harveys|© John Hickey-Fry/ Flickr

2. Silvermine Nature Reserve

Park

Silvermine Nature Reserve

Part of the Table Mountain National Park, Silvermine Nature Reserve is the perfect break from city life. There are vast numbers of hiking, biking and climbing trails to choose from, all of which provide a glut of astounding views. If you choose to make a day of it, bring a picnic and sit amongst the fields of indigenous wild flowers while the more adventurous amongst you explore the sandstone cave systems or swim in the Silvermine River dam. The entry point to this paradise is located at the top of Ou Kaapse Weg and costs only R30 for adults and R15 for children.
Opening hours: Mon-Sun, 7.00am, 7.00pm
Silver Mine (Nature Reserve), Ou Kaapse Weg, Westlake, Cape Town, South Africa +27 (0) 21 701 8692

3. Long Street Baths

Swimming Pool

Long Street Baths

After a stressful week of exploring everything Cape Town has to offer, Long Street Baths welcomes you into its oh-so-relaxing bathhouse. Since 1908, this palace of leisure has been developing a rich history of leaving customers on cloud nine. They offer every available treatment to help you repose, including: a swimming pool, Turkish baths, steam rooms or dry-heat facilities. With all of this at your disposal, prepare to feel utterly pampered and at ease. There is even a masseuse available upon request to ensure you have fully completed your rejuvenating treatment.
Opening hours: Mon-Sun, 7.00am – 7.00pm (Call ahead to make use of the Turkish Baths) Women only Tues 10.00am – 2.00pm
Long St, Cape Town, South Africa +27 (0) 21 422 0100

freestyle swimming|©Simply Swim UK/ Flickr

4. The Old Biscuit Mill

The Old Biscuit Mill

Beckoning to all who pass it, Cape Town introduces its visitors to the charming Old Biscuit Mill. Once a genuine mill and biscuit factory, this building is now home to a truly unbelievable number of festivals, productions and shops. Bring your friends for a stall bought meal at any of the Mill’s enticing day and night markets or model the most cutting edge trends on sale in one of the designer shops on site. In short, if you wish to become acquainted with the city’s most innovative and talented crowd, head to the Old Biscuit Mill.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri, 10.00am – 4.00pm Sat, 9.00am – 2.00pm
The Old Biscuit Mill, 375 Albert Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town 7915, South Africa +27 (0) 21 447 8194

5. Tunnel Tours with Good Hope Adventures

Tunnel Tours with Good Hope Adventures

Starting and ending at the Castle of Good Hope, this is a walking tour with a difference. The biggest difference being that it is an underground exploration of Cape Town’s history. Created in the late 1800s, the underground tunnels were built to meet the growing demand for water, reaching both up into Table Mountain’s water reserves and down to the harbour. Your tour will be carried out by a trained guide and accompanied by a medic all for R225 for adults and R175 for children. Call and book ahead then don your hardhats and head torches and prepare to get a little wet on this waterway adventure.
Good Hope Adventure: Mon-Sun, 8.00am – 8.00pm
Castle of Good Hope: Mon-Sun, 9.30am – 4.00pm
Castle of Good Hope, Darling St & Buitenkant St, Cape Town, South Africa

Good Hope Adventure bookings: +27 (0) 82 482 4006

Castle of Good Hope: +217 (0)21 787 1260

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.