Want to know where the locals love to go? In this exclusive series on Time Out Cape Town, ‘Local Intel’ taps into some of the city’s best-connected characters to unearth the corners you simply can’t miss in the Mother City.
Born-and-raised in the Mother City, Jamie-Lee Domburg is one of South Africa’s best-loved media personalities. She’s helped Mzansi wake up with a smile as a presenter on SABC 3’s Expresso breakfast show, MC’d gatherings large and small, and today whisks Capetonians happily home as part of the afternoon drive team on popular Cape radio station Heart FM.
Always bubbling with positivity and energy, Domburg has travelled the world for work and pleasure, but when she’s at home in Cape Town she’s happiest spending time outdoors, and with her family.
'Being a Cape Town local I like going to places where there’s not a lot of traffic and noise and I can get away from the bustle,' says Jamie-Lee, a keen fitness enthusiast who’s often seen hiking and running the trails of Table Mountain.
From the best sunrise spot in Cape Town to her favourite vegan market, here’s Jamie-Le Domburg’s ‘little black book’ for making the most of Cape Town.
MORE CELEBS SHARE THEIR LOCAL SECRETS
I love Dalebrook tidal pool, and the whole area around Kalk Bay is such a cool strip. I’m not throwing shade on the Sea Point side, but if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle Dalebrook is perfect. And what I love is that when you’re going for a sunrise dip you can order a coffee while you’re in the water; and it gets delivered from the coffee shop across the road!
Main Rd, Kalk Bay
[Psst: also check out our complete guide to Cape Town's tidal pools!]
I love night markets, and the Oranjezicht City Farm Market has a wonderful night market on a Wednesday evening. It’s a great way to reset in the middle of the week, and take a break. I’ll love the freshly baked sourdough.
I’m not vegan, but the Vegan Goods Market is one of my favourite places in Cape Town. It’s held on the first Sunday of every month at the Range in Tokai. All of the produce is vegan, and there are a lot of wonderful small businesses coming together. It’s great for the entire family and they have a great outdoor space for kids to play. It’s a nice little community market that people love to go to.
Spaanschemat River road, Tokai
This is about a 25-minute walk up from the parking at Kloof Nek (near the Table Mountain cableway) and offers such wonderful sunset views. It’s only a short walk, but it’s steep, so take it slowly.
[Feeling active? Lace up your boots for the Best Day Hikes in Cape Town]
If you want a cold – cold! – dip Saunders Rock is the place. It’s so pretty, especially at sunset, and there are always lots of locals here. Take your suntan lotion, take your sunbed, take a book to read, and go.
I travelled a lot in my early-20s, so I have a lot of friends who live overseas. When they come to Cape Town the Time Out Market Cape Town is the best place to take them. There’s so much diversity, of local dishes and also international food. Definitely a favourite place of mine.
Dock Road, V&A Waterfront
This is another favourite secret spot of mine, a bit further down the peninsula. It’s never overcrowded and is such a great space. As a Capetonian, I always think about parking, and Miller’s Point always has easy access! There’s a wonderful beach and tidal pool with a slide.
This is another great spot for enjoying the sunrise, and I don’t think anyone’s as friendly as people out exercising early in the morning! This is a lovely walkway that goes from Surfer’s Corner all the way past the colourful huts of St. James, right next to the sea.
Park at Surfer's Corner, Muizenberg
Ooh, I love Clay Café. It’s great for both parents and kids to go out and do something creative. My son absolutely loves going there. But you mustn’t forget to go and collect your stuff afterwards! The Hout Bay one is more kid-friendly, while Clay Café in the City is best for meeting friends over a drink.
Main Rd, Hout Bay
The best pizza I’ve ever had was at Urban Playground in Maitland. It’s a bit hidden, but so worth finding. They also offer behind-the-scenes tours – you have to book – and you get to hang out with the chefs. Many come from underprivileged backgrounds, so it’s amazing to hear their stories and see how excited people are to be there. The service and food are both great.
Cnr Coronation Road & Van Wyk Street, Maitland
Speaking of Hout Bay, I love this corner of Cape Town. It’s such a great space to spend time. You can never go wrong with a good fish and chips, and Fish On The Rocks has the best fish ever!
1 Harbour Rd, Hout Bay
We are so spoilt for choice for things kids can do in the city. One of my favourites for young kids is the Freedom Adventure Park. There’s one in Canal Walk, and one in Tokai. That’s always fun to do.
333 Main Rd, Tokai / 490 Century Boulevard, Century City
About two years ago I decided to try and only shop local. It’s often more expensive, but I love the fact that we’re paying it forward and growing our local economy. A few of my favourite designers sell their creations at the Old Biscuit Mill: people like Naeelah Jumat from Socioculture, and Jody and Justin from Deuce. A visit here is a great way to see the talent of our local designers, and the weekends they have some great local music and it’s always such a vibe.
375 Albert Road, Woodstock
I love doing the salsa evenings at Mojo Market on a Sunday evening. It’s a vibe. It’s a little party with a lot of people, and it’s also a great way to meet people. In the festive season, it was so busy! They also have a karaoke night now, and it gets so competitive! You definitely want to go with some friends and a support team, because people take it seriously! They even come with dance moves and choreography!
This easy peak near Fish Hoek honestly has one of the best sunrise views of the city you’ve ever seen. I can’t put it into words! Lion’s Head is a great spot for sunrise, but it’s always so busy. If you love the outdoors, try going to Elsies Peak instead.
Park at Outspan Road, Glencairn
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