Local Intel: Geordin Hill-Lewis

There are not many places in the world where, inside the bounds of a major metropolitan city, you can find near-total isolation in a wild natural setting. Better yet, where you can share a beach with ostrich and bontebok, while swimming in crystal clear waters. Then I like to head down to the very tip of the Point – that bony finger of rock stretched out into the South Atlantic – and see the massive waves that seafarers faced rounding this Cape hundreds of years ago. The Cape Point reserve is a treasure, and a place I love to spend time.

[Yes! Buffels is also on the Time Out pick of the Best Beaches in Cape Town]

A popular and relatively easy walking route along the Western base of Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostles. What makes it magic is the pristine fynbos – one of the few places where you will not encounter any alien vegetation – essentially the mountain much as it was before anyone else was here. What a thought! You will see dozens of bird species, Pincushions, Proteas and more.

[We agree! It's on our list of the Best Day Hikes in Cape Town]

This valley is another quite unique feature of our city. I have not visited any other city before (another one may exist, but I haven’t seen it yet) where inside the city, and actually very close to the centre, you can find a thriving, historic wine valley. Here you will find incredible wines, fantastic food, and beautiful vistas. Some of my favourites are Beau Constantia, Constantia Glen, Klein Constantia and Buitenverwachting.

I’ve recently been introduced to a wonderful group of people who play social beach volleyball on Clifton 1st beach every Tuesday evening. It started out as a couple of friends. It is now often several hundred people, locals and tourists, young and old – you name it. It’s great fun. Check them out on Instagram and head down to give it a try and meet lots of new people.

Deluxe refuses to sell any food. They only sell coffee and still or sparkling water. That’s it. I’ve pleaded with them over the years to sell something to eat for breakfast. A croissant, a muffin, anything? But they only care for coffee, and they’re unapologetic about it. In the end, I’ve come to love that. I’ve stopped here for coffee nearly every single morning for years now. The coffee is always superb, and the staff and regular cast of early-morning characters have become friends.

A little beach town quite hidden from the rest of the city, but still inside city limits. Noordhoek has an old-world village feel – with a village green, little pubs and folksy art galleries. It also has a superb wine estate, great coffee, restaurants and ice cream shops (try Kristen’s!), and a crystal white beach stretching for more than five kilometres.

[Time Out rates Noordhoek as one of the Best Things to do in Cape Town too!]

Not quite in Cape Town, but in the neighbouring beautiful wine region of Stellenbosch. The Fat Butcheris, I think, my favourite restaurant that isn’t fine dining (see La Colombe below). As the name suggests, it is a steak restaurant – an exceptional one. It has a small menu of superb cuts cooked to perfection, and served simply. They have other things on the menu too, but their approach seems to be that if after eating one of their steaks you still have space for anything else, they’ve failed. Suits me!

Serial winner of the best restaurant in South Africa, and very deservingly so. La Colombe is simply superb. If you can get a booking, please treat yourself, you will not be disappointed. Although there are no official rankings, I suspect it is also the best restaurant on the African continent. It certainly is in my mind. It’s tough to get a booking, and pretty expensive. During winter months they have a winter special which offers a slightly paired down menu at a much more achievable price – which is usually how my wife and I are able to enjoy it.

Changing tack completely, you cannot come to Cape Town without trying our most famous and local fast food meal: the gatsby. Think of it like a Philly cheesesteak or a po-boy, but way, way, bigger and, frankly, way, way better! Filled with spicy masala steak, chips, sauce, egg, and some obligatory shredded lettuce, there is no way to eat it neatly or politely. And there is no way you will be able to finish it – one should serve at least two or three of you. But it is just delicious, and must be tried (In my case, tried often). Don’t hold back! There are many places that sell this. I’ve suggested three of the best. Another one of my regular favourites – Wembley Road House – sells a hybrid sandwich version, which is also fantastic and worth trying.

Every Sunday during the summer months, Bree Street is closed to traffic. The street fills up with people playing games, skateboarding, reading, or just walking with their kids and friends. The restaurants spill onto the pavement, and when the weather is nice (which is often), this is a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

You will see a trend emerging – Capetonians love the outdoors, especially when the weather is fine. At Green Point Urban Park you will see hundreds of people jogging, picnicking, playing games, walking with their kids, or relaxing in the shade. The perfect place to end your visit, reflect on what a good time you’ve had, and start planning your trip back here as soon as you can!

Fritz Sonnenberg Rd, Green Point

One of the quieter museums in town, but with a truly exceptional and poignant exhibit very thoughtfully curated. The exhibit covers the life and times of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who used his position as Anglican Archbishop to rail against apartheid and bring international infamy to the injustice happening in South Africa at the time. I regard it as a 'must see' for anyone interested in Cape Town and South Africa’s political history, which still plays such a powerful role in our present.

The Old Granary Building, Buitenkant St, District Six