Plnty's City Guides: Cape Town
From an insider, through the Plnty lens
This guide is part of Plnty’s global City Guide series — written by friends on the ground, mothers who know what actually works with kids. Think of them as tried-and-tested picks for seeing the world with little ones, and finding fresh inspiration wherever you go next.
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Cape Town is the kind of place that spoils you for anywhere else. A city where mountains, beaches, and vineyards all sit within a 30-minute drive.
It’s as full of life as it is of beauty: world-class restaurants, cafés, wine farms, and design-led spaces that somehow still feel relaxed. And whether you’re solo, travelling with friends, or have a baby strapped to your chest, Cape Town welcomes you.
Whatever you pick from the list below, at least one day start your morning with a hike, spend lunch overlooking the ocean, and end the day on the beach: watching a sunset that gives AI vibes.
What To Do
Lion’s Head Contour Path – For me, the ultimate Lion’s Head hike: breathtaking views and very doable with kids or a baby in a carrier.
Promenade Walk – From Mouille Point Lighthouse to Camps Bay (about 6 km one way). Ocean views, playground stops, and endless whale watching if you’re lucky!
Two Oceans Aquarium – Penguins, sharks, kelp forests, and hands-on exhibits that kids adore.
Alphen Greenbelt / Klaasenbosch Forest - Stunning nature, kids can run free.
Rent Bikes at Sea Point Pool – Cycle the promenade to Green Point Park for a picnic and playtime in the most diverse and interesting park where all plants are indigenous.
Oranjezicht City Farm Market – Fresh produce, artisanal food, and Cape Town’s best people-watching. Saturdays & Sundays year-round; Wednesday evenings in summer.
Beach Day – Clifton 1–4 for turquoise water, Glen or Beta for calmer coves, or Llandudno for untamed beauty.
Noordhoek Beach Walk or Horseback Ride – An 8 km stretch of wild white sand framed by mountains.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens – Picnic on the lawns, stroll the canopy walkway, and let the kids run free (open air concerts every Sunday during summer!).
Chapman’s Peak Drive – A cinematic coastal road, best at golden hour.
Walking Tours by Natural Wanders – Constantia, Franschhoek or the Mountain-to-Sea Story Walk: meet the wild, weird and wonderful people and places of the Cape through inspiring stories in beautiful places.
Breakfast / Coffee / Matcha
Pauline’s – Elegant coffee bars in Sea Point, Green Point, and Kloof Street.
Rosetta Roasters – Minimalist space serving some of the city’s best coffee.
Mulberry & Prince - Cute spot and the most insane pancakes with blueberry coulis.
Arthur’s Mini Super – Casual, fun breakfast or bagel run.
Jason’s Bakery - best croissants in town, expect queues on weekends.
New York Bagels – Authentic bagels and lox in a cheerful café.
Kleinsky’s – Delicious bagels and art you can buy off the wall.
The Strangers Club – Bali-inspired courtyard café and boutique.
Giovanni’s – The OG deli and coffee bar with irresistible sandwiches.
Naked Coffee – Sleek and modern, with serious espresso.
Nourish’d – Smoothies, bowls, and feel-good breakfasts.
Café Noah – Stylish hangout with great coffee and fresh (Dutch) pastries.
Burnt Studios Clubhouse - Bright, welcoming coffee bar in Green Point that motivates you to work out more.
Ceremony’s Matcha Bar – The best matcha in town: on beach road, the perfect refuel for a date with other mamas on the promenade. See you there (often) 🍵
Lunch
Loading Bay – Iconic café with Copenhagen-feels and excellent coffee.
Hemelhuijs - A serene escape in the middle of the city, with ever-changing floral interiors and a menu that makes simple ingredients feel elevated.
Labotessa Hotel – Boutique luxury in the city centre with refined dishes and beautiful interiors.
La Perla – Sea Point institution serving Italian classics with ocean views.
KIKI’s – Delicious and unique Greek dishes in a stunning setting. Great for date night, but the lunch service is kid friendly!
Easy peasy places:
Maggy Lou’s - Easy going vibe, delicious chicken sandwich.
The General Store – Seasonal salads and sandwiches; a quick, stylish stop.
Arthur’s Mini Super – Playful deli-café with standout sandwiches (try the sardines on toast).
Clarke’s – All-day diner famous for its buttermilk-fried chicken burger.
The Blue Café – Neighbourhood gem in Tamboerskloof for slow, easy lunches on the sidewalk (incredible mountain views!).
Max Bagels – Great New York-style bagels; doubles as Leo’s wine bar at night.
Dinner
Ouzeri – Vibrant Cypriot-Greek cooking with spectacular twists.
Planet Bar at The Mount Nelson - Old-school glamour meets Cape Town charm. Think velvet chairs, glossy marble, and the kind of service that makes you want to linger (have their steak!).
The Athletic Club & Social – Multi-floor space for cocktails, tapas, dinner and often live music downstairs.
Il Leone – Classic Italian with hearty pasta; easy early dinners with kids.
Between Us – Seasonal plates and a warm glow at night (order the chocolate nemesis, thank me later).
Villa 47 – Italian-inspired dining over three floors (Pasta Pomodorino with burrata is a must).
Thali – Exquisite Indian tapas in a lush courtyard.
Salon CPT – Luke Dale Roberts’ intimate, experimental fine dining.
Easy peasy places:
Clarke’s – Same as lunch: laid-back, consistent, and easy with kids.
Bao Down – Bold Asian street food; perfect date night (whatever you do, have dessert!)
Three Wise Monkeys – Ramen, sushi, and Japanese bites.
Maria’s Greek – Cute outdoor setup with soulful Greek dishes.
Arthur’s Mini Super – Casual, fun, and great for quick newborn-friendly dinners.
Una Más – Fresh, modern Mexican with atmosphere.
Bodega Ramen – Comforting ramen bowls in the city centre.
The Nines – Rooftop dining with sweeping sea views; go at golden hour.
Mano’s – The OG family restaurant in Green Point.
Le Pickle - A burger joint with personality: smashed patties, perfect buns and a playful vibe that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Out of Town
The Table at De Meye – Long, lazy lunches under the trees; farm-to-table at its best.
Le Lude (Franschhoek) – French-inspired cuisine in a dreamlike Orangerie.
Good to Gather at Rozendal – Seasonal farm-to-table menu in a rustic, welcoming setting (weekends only).
Babel & Greenhouse at Babylonstoren – Iconic gardens, gourmet food, spa, farm shop — stay overnight if you can.
Chefs Warehouse at Beau Constantia – Tapas with vineyard views.
The Conservatory (Cellars-Hohenort) – Elegant garden restaurant in Constantia.
Noble Hill at Cosecca – Latin-inspired dishes with panoramic views.
Olympia Café (Kalk Bay) – Coastal charm, rustic pastries, and ocean air.
Hermanus - Great day trip, if you’re lucky you’ll see tons of whales.
West Coast National Park - Beautiful piece of nature, incredible hikes and particularly impressive during flower season (late August + September).
After reading this guide, you’re thinking about trading the Tube for Table Mountain?
You’re not alone.
Whether it’s for work, love, or simply better weather, Cape Town continues to draw families from around the world — lured by its natural beauty, slower rhythm, and strong flat white culture.
But the admin of getting here?
That’s a different story.
We spoke with Megan and Anke, founders of Lee & Truter Attorneys, who specialise in helping families navigate the legal realities behind the dream. From visas and remote work rules to the human moments that make their jobs worth it, this is your essential read before making the move to the Mother City.
You’ve helped so many families move to South Africa, some for work, some for love, some for the ocean. What’s the most common thing people say once they’ve settled here?
“Easily the best compliment we get from clients is hearing that, above the beautiful mountains, the delicious food, and the stunning ocean, they love the people of South Africa. Our clients also comment on the diversity of South Africa, whether it’s the various landscapes across the country, the arts, culinary, and culture scene, or the plethora of outdoor activities.
Of course, we genuinely enjoy talking about all the amazing things to do in and around Cape Town. We both grew up here and truly love the Mother City, so we’re always happy to share our personal recommendations!
These fun queries are usually followed by the less romantic, but necessary, questions about things like tax, business, and general life admin. Luckily, we’ve built a healthy and reliable referral network to help you navigate these details too.”
Let’s start with the basics: If someone’s sitting in London, New York or Amsterdam right now, daydreaming of mountain views and Pinotage, what’s the first step to making the move a real thing?
“You’ve guessed it—it’s time to get in touch with an immigration attorney.
We often meet clients who have already taken big steps to build a life here in South Africa, maybe by launching a business, buying a house, or signing a lease, all before they’ve had a chance to fully explore the available immigration options.
A quick chat with an expert right at the beginning is a small step that makes a huge difference. It means you’ll walk in knowing exactly what to expect, from realistic timelines to how your immigration choices might impact your exciting plans for work, business, or relocating permanently.
Finally, a fair warning that the immigration landscape is rife with bad actors. We highly recommend families exercise caution when seeking assistance. To safeguard against detrimental advice, make sure you are using a reputable immigration agency, preferably a dedicated law firm with the capacity for litigation. You can verify the credentials of a legal practitioner or law firm by checking the Legal Practice Council (LPC).”
South Africa isn’t always an easy system to navigate (speaking from experience). What’s one thing most people think they understand about immigration law here, but totally don’t?
“A common misconception we see is that immigration to South Africa ‘should be easy’ or that the laws are not strictly enforced.
Significant strides have been made by the Department of Home Affairs to tighten immigration management and modernise its systems, aiming for secure and efficient processes. However, the immigration system is still facing bureaucratic barriers and significant backlogs and as a result it may be difficult to navigate on your own.
We urge prospective applicants not to rely on what is written online as accurate or up to date. For example, published processing times are frequently delayed, inconsistent, and often unpredictable.
To figure out the best path and separate what’s true from what’s just a rumour, we recommend getting in touch with a reputable immigration expert to assist you and your family.”
Between remote work, dual citizenships, and digital nomads, family structures look different now. How is the law keeping up (or not keeping up)?
“Under the guidance of the latest Minister of Home Affairs, the immigration framework is making strides to accommodate modern mobility, though it remains a work in progress. In 2024, we saw the introduction of the remote work visa, a three-year visa for professionals working for foreign entities, acknowledging the shift to remote work. The remote work visa is new and there is room for growth – for example, the earning threshold is relatively high, and some ambiguity remains on how accessible this option will be for self-employed individuals with fluctuations in income.
We’ve also seen some positive steps to protect the rights to family unity for foreign parents of South African children. The Constitutional Court ruled that foreign parents should be allowed to apply for the right to work, even if a spousal relationship with the citizen or permanent resident ends. This protects the constitutional rights of the child and the parent’s right to family life.
While we these recent developments still have some implementation challenges, we are encouraged by South Africa’s commitment to keep evolving to keep up with global migration needs.
Immigration laws in South Africa have always been commendable for their inclusivity, and recognise and equally protect diverse family structures.”
What kinds of visas or legal setups make the most sense for families who want flexibility, not necessarily a forever move, but a few grounded years?
“The South African immigration framework offers a range of options tailored to various needs, from remote work and retired person’s visas to several different work visas. Happily, most of these categories also allow dependants to join their family members in South Africa.
South Africa also offers categories that will allow for an extended stay, but not necessarily a direct pathway to permanent residence, such as study, volunteer, remote work visas, amongst others. The key principle here is that the visa category should follow the true purpose of your visit.
We genuinely look forward to meeting with clients to discuss their specific goals and aims for their time in South Africa—we always aim to dig deep and find every available opportunity that will perfectly fit each client’s lifestyle and long-term objectives.”
On a human level, what’s your favourite part of helping someone relocate? The paperwork’s one thing, but what moments make you think “this is why we do it”?
“Above all else, the human element of our work is what keeps us going. We have the privilege of meeting people from all over the world and from all different walks of life. Interacting with our clients on something so personal to them gives us such insight into different personalities and allows us to build strong connections on a daily basis.
Of course, any successful outcome gives us a thrill, and we are happy that we get to celebrate the wins with our clients.”
You’ve both built careers in a field that can be seen as serious and high-stakes. How do you bring warmth, empathy, or even humour into your work?
“We met in law school and cemented our friendship while doing part-time work for a ticket sales company. We often credit those years in the service industry for teaching us how to work with people and rolling with the punches.
After graduation, we were fortunate to both land jobs at a pro bono legal clinic for refugees and asylum-seekers. The clients we met there fundamentally shaped our careers and defined how we approach “lawyering.” We gained strength from our clients and learned to laugh even during tough moments. We learned to prioritise not only providing expert advice, but also how a client felt when they left our office.
In 2024, we decided to take the leap and start a firm together. We knew these foundational lessons would be the cornerstone of our business model, to provide expertise delivered with genuine care. We enjoy working with people, and we enjoy working with each other, and we believe that translates when we meet our clients.”
What do you wish more expat families knew about living here, beyond the usual “Cape Town’s beautiful” (which, let’s be honest, it is)?
“Beyond the incredible scenery, expat families should be mindful of the lived reality of the locals. South Africans, like the rest of the word, are also struggling with a cost of living and housing crisis. The single most crucial point of awareness is the massive economic disparity. If you earn in a strong foreign currency, help out by tipping extra generously to truly support local families!
We would encourage expat families to learn about the history of South Africa, dive deeper into the multitude of cultures in the country, and experiences places that are off the beaten track.”
If South Africa were a person, how would you describe her personality to someone thinking about moving here?
“She is a vibrant, multilingual polyglot who loves to talk and connect. She has a remarkable, almost defiant resilience and an uncanny ability to keep laughing. She’s been through incredible struggles, and that history has forged a spirit of immense courage and resourcefulness.
She embodies Ubuntu, her grounding philosophy meaning “I am because we are.” In short, South Africa is an energetic, friendly, beautiful, and profoundly complicated friend who will challenge you and reward you in equal measure.”
You work with clients from all over the world. What do you think makes South Africa and Cape Town in particular such a magnetic place to land right now?
“One of the biggest pull factors to South Africa, and Cape Town in particular, is the quality of life that expat families have here. Above that, it is a place where diversity is accepted and encouraged, fostering a welcoming community and offering countless opportunities for personal growth, education, and entrepreneurship.”
You can get in touch with Megan & Anke here: Lee & Truter Attorneys
The Mother City is ready for you! See you soon —
x Julia
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Love this!!! For families and those just wanting to get the BEST OUT OF THE CITY - This guide is lushhhhh 🌸