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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

    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

    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.
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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

    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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  • 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 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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  • 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 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 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 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.
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Restaurants

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    The Test Kitchen

    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.
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    Truth Coffee Roasting

    Truth Coffee Roasting

    A steampunk-inspired café in Cape Town known for its high-quality coffee and unique atmosphere.
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    Die Strandloper

    Die Strandloper

    An open-air beachfront restaurant offering a casual dining experience with fresh seafood and local dishes cooked over open fires.
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    The Pot Luck Club

    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.
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    Carnivore Restaurant

    Carnivore Restaurant

    Experience a feast of various game meats in a rustic setting, perfect for those looking to try something different.
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    The Greenhouse

    The Greenhouse

    An upscale restaurant focusing on South African ingredients with a modern twist, nestled in the beautiful Constantia Valley.
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    Café D'Vine

    Café D'Vine

    An quirky spot in the Swartland region that offers an organic farm-to-table dining experience amid vineyards and farmland.
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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.
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Hotels

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    The Silo Hotel

    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.
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    Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve

    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.
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    Tintswalo Atlantic

    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.
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    The Grand Daddy Hotel

    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.
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    Gondwana Game Reserve

    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.
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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.
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Local Events & Happenings

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    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.
    Map IconGrand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town (35.64 mi)
    Calendar Icon12 Sep 2024
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    Atlantic Starr Live

    Atlantic Starr Live

    The event will take place at Grand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town.
    Map IconGrand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town (35.64 mi)
    Calendar Icon28 Sep 2024
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    The Magic of Rob Lake

    The Magic of Rob Lake

    The event will take place at Grand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town.
    Map IconGrand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town (35.64 mi)
    Calendar Icon5 Oct 2024
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    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.
    Map IconGrand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town (35.64 mi)
    Calendar Icon21 Nov 2024
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    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.
    Map IconGrand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town (35.64 mi)
    Calendar Icon28 Nov 2024
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    Cigarettes After Sex

    Cigarettes After Sex

    The event will take place at Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town.
    Map IconGrand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town (35.64 mi)
    Calendar Icon5 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.
    Map IconDHL Stadium in Cape Town (42.05 mi)
    Calendar Icon22 Jan 2025
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Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    Hi all, looking for some weekend getaway recommendations for early January. Ideally my girlfriend and I would love to go stay in a self catering cottage on a farm or nature re...

    Weekend getaway ideas in and around cape town?

    Hi all, looking for some weekend getaway recommendations for early January. Ideally my girlfriend and I would love to go stay in a self catering cottage on a farm or nature re...

    /r/capetown
  • Reddit Icon

    Looking for recommendations for a weekend getaway for 2, within about 1 hour 30 minutes from Cape Town . 3 year anniversary coming up in August and my girlfriend and I are loo...

    Looking for recommendations for a weekend getaway for 2 ...

    Looking for recommendations for a weekend getaway for 2, within about 1 hour 30 minutes from Cape Town . 3 year anniversary coming up in August and my girlfriend and I are loo...

    /r/capetown
  • Reddit Icon

    25 votes, 10 comments. 66K subscribers in the capetown community. A subreddit for everyone from Cape Town, South Africa.

    Best Weekend Getaways Near Cape Town

    25 votes, 10 comments. 66K subscribers in the capetown community. A subreddit for everyone from Cape Town, South Africa.

    /r/capetown
  • Reddit Icon

    Hi guys! I hope you are having an amazing day whenever it is that you see this. My girlfriend and I are planning on going on a nice getaway whether that is a cruise, camping/g...

    Getaways in/and/from around Cape Town/Western Cape for a couple

    Hi guys! I hope you are having an amazing day whenever it is that you see this. My girlfriend and I are planning on going on a nice getaway whether that is a cruise, camping/g...

    /r/capetown
  • Reddit Icon

    6 Day Garden Route Itinerary Recommendations Hello everyone! ... Day 1: Sunday, February 4th - Cape Town to Hermanus. Departure: Leave Cape Town late afternoon. Drive: Cape To...

    6 Day Garden Route Itinerary Recommendations

    6 Day Garden Route Itinerary Recommendations Hello everyone! ... Day 1: Sunday, February 4th - Cape Town to Hermanus. Departure: Leave Cape Town late afternoon. Drive: Cape To...

    /r/capetown
  • Reddit Icon

    Cape Town is literally the #1 destination in the country when it comes to holidays like Easter so unfortunately you're going to struggle with the whole "last minute" thing. Ho...

    Cape Town Getaway Suggestions

    Cape Town is literally the #1 destination in the country when it comes to holidays like Easter so unfortunately you're going to struggle with the whole "last minute" thing. Ho...

    /r/capetown

Music for Your Journey

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    TOTO - Africa

    TOTO - Africa

    An iconic song that pays tribute to the rich and diverse landscapes of the continent, setting the mood for your African adventure.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Kurt Darren - Kaptein

    Kurt Darren - Kaptein

    A catchy Afrikaans pop song that encapsulates the spirit of travelling and adventure, perfect for cruising the open roads of the Western Cape.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Miriam Makeba - Pata Pata - Stereo Version

    Miriam Makeba - Pata Pata - Stereo Version

    This upbeat and danceable song is a timeless South African classic that brings a joyful vibe to any road trip.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Master KG - Jerusalema (feat. Nomcebo Zikode)

    Master KG - Jerusalema (feat. Nomcebo Zikode)

    A global hit that started in South Africa and inspires a sense of unity and rhythm, ideal for energizing your journey.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Shakira - Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) [The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup (TM) Song]

    Shakira - Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) [The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup (TM) Song]

    An infectious song that was the anthem for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, reflecting the country's vibrant energy.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Shakira - Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) [The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup (TM) Song]
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    Paul Simon - Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes

    Paul Simon - Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes

    A song that deeply resonates with the sounds of Southern Africa, incorporating local choral influences and lively melodies.
    Listen on Spotify
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    The Tokens - The Lion Sleeps Tonight (Wimoweh)

    The Tokens - The Lion Sleeps Tonight (Wimoweh)

    An unforgettable tune that echoes the spirit of the African wild, making it a fun addition to your travel playlist.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    Sun-El Musician - Bamthathile

    Sun-El Musician - Bamthathile

    A soulful house track that captures the essence of modern South African music with traditional influences.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Jimmy Buffett - Great Heart

    Jimmy Buffett - Great Heart

    An inspiring song that embodies the spirit of exploration and the beauty of the African heartland.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Dollar Brand - Mannenberg

    Dollar Brand - Mannenberg

    A legendary South African jazz piece that reflects the country's cultural heritage and is sure to add depth to your travel experience.
    Listen on Spotify
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