The other side of Hout Bay

Everyone goes to Clifton and Camps Bay – and the area is really crowded. So instead, go to the other side of Camps Bay. Barely anyone there! You can do the spectacular drive to beautiful Chapman’s Peak. Or take the train to Simon’s Town, a quaint old naval town with a pretty harbour and antique shops. It’s close to Kalk Bay and Boulders beach, where there is a colony of a couple of thousand penguins.

Nadia Ahmed

Five-star cocktails at the Cape Grace Hotel

Photograph: hickey.fry.com/flickr

This hotel is one of the world’s finest, and is on the V&A Waterfront. Visit the Bascule Bar for bargain cocktails which, thanks to the favourable exchange rate, are only £3 or £4 (you would be paying £25 for cocktails in an equivalent hotel in London). Sit outside overlooking the yachts and the gorgeous view of Table Mountain. Waiters will bring you complimentary nibbles and, on cooler evenings, fleecy blankets, which of course will persuade you to indulge in another cocktail, and another …

capegrace.com

ID5251973

Veggie bites on a budget

In a meat-loving city, the best haven for veggies is Nooka Cafe, which does high-quality and healthy snacks and drinks, at a reasonable price.

Nigel Scollin

Defying expectations at Jarryds, SeaPoint

I love it when I’m proved wrong. My initial impressions about Jarryds were that it was a quaint yet bolshy upstart space, frequented by über-hipsters, serving vastly overpriced humdrum fare in a “trendy” space. But I was wrong. From the instant I was greeted with a genuine smile by owner Jarryd, I felt at home. The service was exemplary: attentive not OTT, succinct not fussy and clear not muddled. And the food! I had the Avo Smash – avo/feta/vine tomatoes/salmon/mascarpone and bacon (my addition) on sourdough. The freshness, the textures, the contrasts, the bacon! Oh … and the coffee. Delicious. I had three cups. The place was packed to the rafters, with normal people.

James Robert Hogan Costello

Company Gardens and Business District – a good detour

Photograph: Alamy

While Table Mountain and the Waterfront are must-dos in Cape Town, it’s worth also taking a stroll through the Company Gardens and the old part of the Business District, too. The reward is you get to see great architecture, as well as the peaceful landscaped heart of the city. There is a great little guesthouse nearby: the Nine Flowers has beautiful comfortable rooms, at a good price (doubles from £42) and a nice breakfast, too. Just a few doors down the road is the Gusto cafe for the best flat white we had in the city.

Richard McCrohan

Breakfast in Woodstock, Cape Town

Saucisse Boutique Deli

Head to Cape Town’s hipster neighbourhood of Woodstock for breakfast and coffee before a day exploring the city. Head to the Old Biscuit Mill, a village of shops, cafes and restaurants showcasing South African products. Order breakfast at Saucisse Boutique Deli and they’ll bring you a coffee from the Espresso Lab Microroasters next door. The food is delicious, and it’s a great spot for people watching.

meganevans7