South Africa

01 Feb 2025Updated last time

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10 Best Places for Weekend Getaway From Cape Town

Discover the Wonders Around Cape Town

Escape the bustle of Cape Town with the perfect weekend getaway! Just a short drive away, you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the lush Cape Winelands, find solace on the quiet, white sandy beaches, or stimulate your senses in quaint, historic towns overflowing with culture. These destinations offer an eclectic mix of adventure, relaxation, and indulgence, ensuring there is something to satisfy every traveler's appetite. Whether it's whale-watching in Hermanus, wine tasting in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, or exploring the rugged landscapes of the Cederberg Mountains, the area surrounding Cape Town is a treasure trove of natural wonders, mouthwatering cuisines, and endless outdoor activities. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the unique charm and hidden gems that lie just beyond the horizon of South Africa's Mother City.

Recommended Activities

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Stellenbosch
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Stellenbosch is famed for its beautiful vineyards, Cape Dutch architecture, and a vibrant student atmosphere courtesy of the prestigious Stellenbosch University. It's an ideal spot for wine tasting and exploring South African wine culture.
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Franschhoek
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Franschhoek is a small town known for its world-class culinary scene, with numerous top-rated restaurants. It's also home to exquisite wine estates and has a rich history reflected in its Huguenot heritage.
3
Hermanus
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Hermanus is recognized as one of the best whale-watching destinations in the world. Visitors come here for the opportunity to see these magnificent creatures from the shore or by boat. Additionally, it offers beautiful beaches and a relaxed coastal charm.
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Paternoster
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Paternoster is one of the oldest fishing villages along the West Coast of South Africa, known for its white-washed cottages, long sandy beaches, and seafood. It's a great destination for relaxation, water sports, and enjoying the local culture.
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Cederberg
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The Cederberg region offers dramatic mountain landscapes, ancient San and Khoi rock art, and a unique wilderness experience. It's perfect for hiking, star gazing, and disconnecting from the bustle of city life.
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Montagu
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Montagu is a charming village nestled between mountains, famous for its hot springs, rock climbing, and well-preserved Cape Dutch architecture. It's also a gateway to the scenic Route 62, the longest wine route in the world.
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Langebaan
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Located on the shores of the lagoon, Langebaan offers a natural paradise for bird watching, water sports, and flower spotting during spring. Its clear waters and consistent winds make it a popular destination for kite-surfing and sailing enthusiasts.
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Tulbagh
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Tulbagh is set in a beautiful basin of mountains and is known for its well-preserved architectural heritage, including a whole street of Cape Dutch houses that survived an earthquake. The area also features boutique wineries and lovely countryside landscapes.
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Greyton
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Greyton is a picturesque village that seems like a step back in time with its quaint thatched cottages, leafy lanes, and peaceful rural atmosphere. It's ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and horse riding or just for a laid-back weekend amidst nature.
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Gansbaai
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Gansbaai is internationally renowned for its dense population of Great White Sharks, offering exceptional opportunities for shark cage diving and marine wildlife viewing. Beyond that, it boasts beautiful beaches and is a great spot for hiking and exploring the fynbos landscapes.

Restaurants

The Test Kitchen
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The Test Kitchen
An innovative dining experience featuring a multi-course menu crafted by acclaimed chef Luke Dale-Roberts, located in an industrial-chic setting.
Truth Coffee Roasting
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Truth Coffee Roasting
A steampunk-inspired café in Cape Town known for its high-quality coffee and unique atmosphere.
Die Strandloper
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Die Strandloper
An open-air beachfront restaurant offering a casual dining experience with fresh seafood and local dishes cooked over open fires.
The Pot Luck Club
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The Pot Luck Club
Situated in a trendy area of Cape Town, this restaurant offers small sharing plates with global flavors and panoramic city views.
Carnivore Restaurant
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Carnivore Restaurant
Experience a feast of various game meats in a rustic setting, perfect for those looking to try something different.
The Greenhouse
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The Greenhouse
An upscale restaurant focusing on South African ingredients with a modern twist, nestled in the beautiful Constantia Valley.
Café D'Vine
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Café D'Vine
An quirky spot in the Swartland region that offers an organic farm-to-table dining experience amid vineyards and farmland.
Gaaitjie
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Gaaitjie
Located in Paternoster, this charming eatery housed in a historic fisherman's cottage serves up local West Coast cuisine with stunning sea views.

Hotels

The Silo Hotel
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The Silo Hotel
An architectural marvel in a transformed historic grain silo, offering guests a unique blend of luxury and industrial design with panoramic views of Cape Town.
Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve
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Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve
Stay in cave suites or traditional huts in this nature reserve located in the Cederberg Mountains, where you can immerse yourself in the wilderness and ancient rock art.
Tintswalo Atlantic
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Tintswalo Atlantic
An exclusive lodge nestled at the base of Chapman's Peak, offering guests oceanfront accommodations with stunning views and a sense of serene isolation.
The Grand Daddy Hotel
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The Grand Daddy Hotel
Unique for its rooftop Airstream trailer park, this quirky hotel offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of Cape Town's city center.
Gondwana Game Reserve
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Gondwana Game Reserve
Experience luxury safari lodging in this malaria-free game reserve where Big Five sightings are complemented by authentic African design and conservation efforts.
Bosjes
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Bosjes
This pastoral retreat with its avant-garde chapel design provides a unique contemporary stay in the rural scenery of the Breede Valley.

Local Events & Happenings

James Blunt: The Who We Used To Be Tour
James Blunt: The Who We Used To Be Tour
The event will take place at Grand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town.
Grand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town (35.64 mi)
12 Sep 2024
Visit Website
Atlantic Starr Live
Atlantic Starr Live
The event will take place at Grand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town.
Grand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town (35.64 mi)
28 Sep 2024
Visit Website

The Magic of Rob Lake
The Magic of Rob Lake
The event will take place at Grand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town.
Grand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town (35.64 mi)
5 Oct 2024
Visit Website
Jim Jefferies: Give ‘Em What They Want Tour
Jim Jefferies: Give ‘Em What They Want Tour
The event will take place at Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town.
Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town (35.64 mi)
21 Nov 2024
Visit Website
Kool & The Gang - special guest Al Mckay's Earth,Wind &Fire Experience
Kool & The Gang - special guest Al Mckay's Earth,Wind &Fire Experience
The event will take place at Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town.
Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town (35.64 mi)
28 Nov 2024
Visit Website
Cigarettes After Sex
Cigarettes After Sex
The event will take place at Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town.
Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town (35.64 mi)
5 Mar 2025
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Calabash South Africa 2025 | Robbie Williams
Calabash South Africa 2025 | Robbie Williams
The event will take place at DHL Stadium in Cape Town.
DHL Stadium in Cape Town (42.05 mi)
22 Jan 2025
Visit Website