Must try experiences in Cape Town’s city centre.

1. Origin Coffee Roasters Barista Academy – Learn all about the cool art of coffee making from the best in the coffee business

Origin Coffee

Are you looking to live out your dreams of becoming a Barista or even just to learn more about coffee? Then this is most definitely an experience for you. Especially if you consider yourself to be a head-over-heels coffee lover at heart. Not only does this unique experience give you the opportunity to learn all about the cool art of coffee making, but do it at one of the most highly acclaimed Cape Town coffee locations. Situated in the trendy neighbourhood of De Waterkant, Origin Coffee Roasters is widely known as the godfather of speciality coffee in South Africa. This is due to it being one of South Africa’s first artisan coffee roasters. They’ve taken their coffee love affair to a whole new level and sharing their passion and knowledge with fellow coffee lovers by means of their amazing Barista Coffee Academy. In the last 12 years, the Origin Coffee Barista Academy has successfully trained over 4000 professional baristas who now pour coffee across South Africa and beyond. Pretty impressive right?

But just before you think there is no way that can possibly be you – you couldn’t be more wrong! Origin Coffee’s fully equipped Barista Academy offers a range of courses throughout the month. Thereby ensuring there’s something for everyone to master and enjoy! From the Professional Barista Course, Condensed Pro Course and Home Barista Course to the Latte Art Course, Cupping Sessions and Coffee Consulting Course – Origin Coffee Roasters makes it possible for EVERYONE to join in on the coffee roasting fun and games. So, whether you’re a super skilled coffee pro, die-hard coffee fanatic or a humble coffee-loving beginner, a visit to the Origin Barista Academy to start your journey in mastering the art of coffee making, is undoubtedly one of the top experiences you absolutely must try in the Cape Town city centre. Who knows, you might just be the next Origin Coffee Roaster Barista star to take the global coffee world by storm!

Location: 28 Hudson St, De Waterkant, Cape Town

Contact details: 021 421 1000 | info@originroasting.co.za

2. Cape Town Gin Company Tasting Room – The ultimate inner-city gin tasting experience!

Guided Culinary Tour

This one is dedicated to all the die-hard gin lovers out there! If you’re looking for the ultimate gin tasting experience in Cape Town’s city centre, a visit to the Cape Town Gin Company Tasting Room should be at the top of your bucket list! Gin has fast become somewhat of culture in Cape Town. With a thriving and thrilling gin scene emerging in recent years. But, don’t expect this to be your ordinary, same-old gin tasting experience. Oh no, the Cape Town Gin Company have put their own local twist on classic gin to produce three gins that represent the true essence of Cape Town. The Cape Town Classic Dry Gin, Cape Town Rooibos Red Gin and the Cape Town The Pink Lady Gin – The perfect mix of the classic, natural and creative. At the Cape Town Gin Company, every gin’s journey begins with the distillation of a classic dry gin before adding unique botanicals indigenous to the Western Cape

*Did you know that 9300 of the 30 000 Fynbos species is actually indigenous and entirely unique to the Western Cape?

Thereby creating gins of exceptional smoothness, quality and character boasting deep and intense flavour profiles. Resulting in a truly unique and immersive local gin tasting experience that will undoubtedly knock your gin-loving socks right off. It’s, therefore, safe to say that a stop at the Cape Town Gin Company for a local gin tasting experience is an absolute must when exploring the city centre. You can either walk right in (and hope they’re not fully booked) or make a booking over email. Happy gin tasting gin lovers!

Location: 100 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town

Contact details: info@capetowngincompany.co.za

3. Going on a Cape Town Culinary Tour – Get inspired beyond the tourist handbook & explore the city of Cape Town & its food culture like a R

Are you looking for something unique and exciting to re-ignite your sense of adventure and satisfy the inner foodie in you? Then going on the ultimate Cape Town walking food and culture tour with Cape Town Culinary Tours should be at the top of your bucket list! If an authentic local experience is what you’re after, it’s time to chuck the tourist handbook out of the window and disregard all the tourist recommended hotspots. You didn’t travel to one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in the world (as well as one of the most exciting culinary capitals) to experience the same old sightseeing agenda and suggested restaurant hotlist. When exploring a new city, especially a city as vibrant, diverse and multi-cultural as Cape Town, nothing beats immersing yourself in the local food culture, tasting authentic local dishes you never knew existed and exploring the vibrant communities and diverse cultures that have shaped the city.

In addition to a delicious taste adventure through the lively streets of the inner city and stopping at some of its best kept culinary secrets and hidden gems, you also get to explore some of the city’s most influential neighborhoods like Bo-Kaap, De Waterkant, Green Point, and the Waterfront like a REAL local would! On these exciting food and culture tours, you will also dive deeper into the Mother City’s diverse melting pot of people, cultures, and traditions. As well as learn more about the history and backgrounds that have all had a major impact on the city we know and love. All with a knowledgeable and street-savvy food-loving local guide by your side. It truly is so much more than just a food tour! Not to mention its TONS of fun too!

Tour options: Cape Town Essentials Food Tour | Cape Town Food & Drink Safari Tour

Contact details: hello@capetownculinarytours.com | 087 550 8662

Website: www.capetownculinarytours.com

4. Senegalese Breakfast & Coffee Ceremony at Khadim’s Coffee Shop – One of the most unique coffee experiences in Cape Town

A visit to Khadim’s Coffee Shop is undoubtedly one of our tops, and definitely one of our favorite, experiences you absolutely must try. There is no denying that Cape Town has no shortage of incredible coffee shops and cool cafes. But there are a few inner-city hidden gems that take it to a whole new level and exceed all your expectations. And Khadim’s Coffee Shop is without a doubt one of the Mother City’s best kept culinary and coffee secrets. Offering visitors an authentic Senegalese coffee Touba presentation and tasting with coffee tracing back to the cultural roots of Touba, Khadim’s Coffee Shop provides an immersive local experience. But what exactly can you expect when enjoying a Senegalese breakfast and coffee ceremony at Khadim’s?

Not only will you be able to witness the traditional way in which the beans are ground and coffee is brewed first-hand, but enjoy a hot glass of specialty Café Touba during a very special traditional Café Touba presentation. What makes this experience so unique, is owed to the sacredness of the ceremony itself as well as the fact that Café Touba does not resemble any mainstream coffee. Thereby making it an authentic experience in every way. Paired with a delicious Senegalese style breakfast, it’s unlike anything else you’ll find in Cape Town’s city center. As Khadim is so passionate about sharing his culture with as many people as possible, you’ll have the incredible opportunity to learn all about his cultural background from Senegal, the West African way of life, traditional African cuisine and the unique ingredients used in the coffee.

Location: 68 Church St, Cape Town City Centre

Contact details: 065 868 0072

5. Beluga Whisky tasting – The ultimate city centre tasting experience for Whiskey lovers!

As Mark Twain once said, too much of anything is bad, but too much good whisky is never enough. And Beluga’s incredible Whisky Tasting Experience certainly celebrates this warm, amber-tinted spirit in every way it can.  Plus, it welcomes whisky lovers from all walks of life, and even if you’re not a die-hard whisky fanatic you’re invited to come along for the indulgent Whisky ride! From Irish Whisky, Blended Whisky and Blended Malt Whisky to American Whiskey, Japanese Whisky, Taiwanese Whisky and South African Whisky, Beluga’s vast and exceptional Whisky selection will blow you away. Undoubtedly making their Exclusive Whisky Tasting Experiences one of the best in the Cape Town city centre. Beluga offers guests the choice between a Self-Tutored Tasting of three of their exclusive whiskies or an Exclusive Whisky Experience with one of their connoisseurs, which includes 6 exclusive Whiskies. Thereby giving Whisky lovers the opportunity to taste a myriad of whiskies from unique locations, with different year aged casks and diverse flavour profiles. But that’s not all you can expect to enjoy! All tastings also include luxury chocolates specifically chosen to enhance your tasting experience. Now that’s just sweetened the deal, hasn’t it?

In addition to an incredible inner-city Whisky tasting, Beluga’s location is every bit as unique and authentic as it’s culinary and tasting experiences. Nestled in The Foundry, a century-old art-deco setting that resembles a trendy New York style loft, a visit to Beluga is an absolute must on any trip to Cape Town. Not to mention that they’re easily known as one of the best dining and seafood spots in an old Foundry courtyard, absolutely beautiful.

Location: 70 Prestwich St, De Waterkant, Cape Town

Contact details: 021 418 2948 | You can either choose to do a walk-in tasting or book a private tasting ahead of time for an exclusive experience.

6. Experience the best inner-city wine tasting experience at Frogitt & Vonkel

Wine tasting

Calling all wine lovers, this one is especially for you! Being head-over-heels wine lovers ourselves, we absolutely had to include one of our favourite inner-city wine bars to our list of top experiences you must try in the city centre. Because what would the ultimate Cape Town city centre adventure be without some incredible wine to celebrate it? Although the Western Cape is home to a variety of top-tier Wine Estates and amazing Wine Routes, a cool and captivating wine bar scene has been sweeping the city. Offering local and international wine lovers something unique to enjoy on their trip to the Mother City. And one of our favourite wine bars and tasting experiences is definitely Frogitt and Vonkel! While Frogitt and Vonkel might be the new kid on the wine bar block, only opening their doors in 2018, it certainly didn’t take long to establish themselves as one of the most sought-after inner-city wine tasting experiences. Situated in a 220-year-old heritage building in the bustling Bree Street, Frogitt and Vonkel feature a carefully curated list of over 30 wines. Which includes top-selling local South African wines as well as an exciting variety of imported wines. All of which can be enjoyed by the bottle or glass. Their vibrant, welcoming and laid-back atmosphere makes it the perfect place to sit back, relax and enjoy a really good bottle of wine with friend and family. Let’s be honest, it really doesn’t get any better than that!

If you fancy something to eat to pair with your wine, they also offer guests delicious cheese and charcuterie boards and snacks. But, if you’re looking for something a little more filling and substantial to properly line your stomach, Chef Matt Manning’s first restaurant Grub & Vine is situated within the same building.

Location: 103 Bree Street, Cape Town

Contact details: winebar@frogitt.co.za | 087 898 2206

7. Visit the V&A Food Market – One of the most vibrant markets in the city centre!

Meeting Point restaurant on Food Safari tour

If you’re looking for the ultimate city-centre market experience, this is it! A visit to the vibrant V&A Food Market is definitely one of our favourite things to do in the inner city. And we know you’ll absolutely love it too! Known as the leading artisan retail store and street food experience in Cape Town, this lively Waterfront market has fast become the place to be for local and international food lovers, hustling execs, laid-back weekenders and travellers looking for something exciting to do in the Cape Town city centre. Boasting the same cool vibe, electric energy and hustle and bustle atmosphere as the V&A Waterfront itself, the V&A Food Market will definitely surprise you with just how much it has to offer. So, you better prepare yourself for a whole lot of goodness to come your way! Showcasing over 40 tenants with the finest local products, there truly is something for everyone to enjoy. With so many mouth-wateringly delicious options to choose from, the only thing you’ll have trouble with is deciding what to try first. So, the best advice we can give you is to just let your food inhibitions run wild and free and succumb to each and every one of your cravings. Because we sure do!

The V&A Food Market offers visitors both indoor seating as well as outdoor quayside hangout spots that are not only perfect for a beautiful day out but sundowners and sunset watching too. Not to mention the incredible V&A Waterfront view that surrounds you. There truly is no better combination! So, browse all the incredible and delicious stalls, grab a few of your favourites (don’t worry you can always go back for more) and grab a spot outside and enjoy a beautiful day or night out in the lively city centre.

Location: The Old Power Station, Building 19, Dock Road, Pier Head, V&A Waterfront

Trading hours: Summer (November – April): Sunday – Thursday: 10am – 8pm |Friday & Saturday: 10am – 9pm

Contact details: info@waterfrontmarket.co.za | 021 418 1605

Have a drink at the Cause Effect Cocktail Kitchen – The coolest cocktail spot in Cape Town!

At Cause Effect you will try the best cocktails.

Cause & Effect Cocktail Kitchen has made quite a name for itself as one of the most sought-after speciality cocktail bars in Cape Town. So, how could we not include it on our list of top experiences you must try in the city centre? And this is by far one of the coolest ones! Essentially Cause Effect Cocktail Kitchen & Cape Brandy Bar is a specialist drinks bar serving experiential cocktails and vintage drinks. It is also the closest thing to a New York Apothèke Cocktail Bar you’ll find in the Mother City. And the fact that they claimed the title of best cocktail bar and best bar team of 2018 in South Africa, certainly means you’re in for one incredible experience you won’t soon forget! When it boils down to the drinks, Cause & Effect has a variety of Craft Beers and wine on offer, but it truly is the sensational cocktails that steal the show. Boasting an extensive & exciting cocktail menu, it’s their dedication to molecular pizzazz and unique approach to cocktail making that keeps people hooked & coming back for more. Prepare to be wowed, because you’re in for quite a show filled with some thrill and a dash of magical flair! So just sit back and take it all in!

In addition to enjoying a creative cocktail concoction that will have you savouring every sip, Cause & Effect also has a Sweeps Bar where you can actually put your skills to the test and make your own alcohol. How cool is that? But that’s not all they have going on! If you’re looking to enjoy the ultimate Cocktail & Food Pairing experience in the city centre, a visit to Cause & Effect should definitely be on your bucket list!

Location: 280 Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town

Contact details: 021 422 0266 | info@causeandeffect.co.za | You have to pre-book for the Cocktail & Food Pairing Experience