Best Restaurants Near Cape Town International Airport — Eat Like a Local
Cape Town guide: real food walking/short-cab from airport. Real, specific, no fluff.
Arrival and Getting Around
After landing at Cape Town International Airport, you'll be ready to explore this vibrant city. The airport is well-connected to the city center, with several options to suit your needs.
For a quick and affordable transfer, you can take the MyCiti bus. The bus journey takes around 30 minutes, and you can catch it from the airport's central terminal. The bus fare is approximately R45 (around $2.50 USD) and you can pay with cash or card.
Alternatively, you can grab a taxi from the airport's designated taxi rank. The journey takes around 20-30 minutes depending on traffic, and the fare will be around R250-300 (around $15-20 USD). Be sure to use a reputable taxi service like Uber or Bolt to avoid any issues.
For a more personalized experience, you can book a private transfer or shuttle service in advance. This can be a good option if you're traveling in a group or have a lot of luggage.
Neighborhoods to Explore
Cape Town is a city of diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and charm. Here are some of the top neighborhoods to explore:
- Bo-Kaap: This historic neighborhood is known for its colorful houses, delicious Cape Malay cuisine, and vibrant street art.
- Long Street: This lively neighborhood is home to a mix of bars, clubs, and restaurants, and is a great place to experience Cape Town's nightlife.
- Green Point: This upscale neighborhood is known for its trendy bars, restaurants, and shops, and is a great place to stay if you want to be close to the city center.
- Woodstock: This up-and-coming neighborhood is known for its street art, independent shops, and trendy restaurants.
- Clifton: This affluent neighborhood is known for its stunning beaches, upscale homes, and trendy restaurants.
Eating Out
Cape Town is a foodie's paradise, with a wide range of delicious and authentic options to suit every taste and budget. Here are some of the top restaurants to try:
- The Test Kitchen: This award-winning restaurant is known for its innovative and delicious cuisine, and is a great place to try some of Cape Town's best dishes.
- The Shortmarket Club: This trendy restaurant is known for its seasonal menu and extensive wine list, and is a great place to try some of Cape Town's best small plates.
- Bo-Kaap Kitchen: This casual restaurant is known for its delicious Cape Malay cuisine, and is a great place to try some of Cape Town's best street food.
- The Neighbourgoods Market: This bustling market is a great place to try some of Cape Town's best food, from artisanal cheeses to fresh seafood.
What to Avoid
While Cape Town is a generally safe city, there are some areas to avoid, especially at night. Here are some areas to steer clear of:
- Khayelitsha: This township is known for its high crime rates, and is best avoided, especially at night.
- Gugulethu: This township is also known for its high crime rates, and is best avoided, especially at night.
- Some areas of Nyanga: This township has a high crime rate, and some areas are best avoided, especially at night.
It's also worth noting that some areas of Cape Town can be quite hilly, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and take regular breaks to avoid exhaustion.
Getting Around
Once you're in the city, getting around is relatively easy. Here are some of the top transportation options:
- MyCiti bus: This bus system is a great way to get around the city, with routes that cover most neighborhoods.
- Taxi: Taxis are widely available, but be sure to use a reputable service like Uber or Bolt to avoid any issues.
- Uber: This ride-sharing service is widely available, and is a great way to get around the city.
- Bike: Cape Town has a bike-share system, and is a great way to get some exercise and see the city.
Final Tips
Here are some final tips to help you make the most of your trip to Cape Town:
- Be sure to try some of Cape Town's best cuisine, from Cape Malay to seafood.
- Take a trip to Table Mountain, one of the city's most iconic landmarks.
- Explore the city's many neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and charm.
- Be sure to stay safe, especially at night, and avoid areas with high crime rates.
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