Come experience some of Cape Town's most delicious quarters, from Bo-kaap to De Waterkant.
Quick Facts
- Experience a variety of South Africa's most iconic culinary delights, from flavourful dishes to locally crafted drinks. Come hungry!
- Tours start at specific, selectable times and run for approximately 4 hours.
- Family-friendly, but each guest over the age of 3 requires their own ticket.
- Price includes 15% VAT (Sales Tax). Restaurant gratuities and taxes are included too. Gratuities for your guide are always appreciated.
- We highly recommend bringing your camera—there’s so much worth capturing!
- The tour concludes a 15-minute walk from the V&A Waterfront, though we recommend using local transport options such as Uber for added convenience.
- Group sizes are limited to a maximum of 12 guests, with a minimum of 2 guests required for the tour to operate.
- Gluten-friendly, vegetarian, and non-alcoholic options are available. Please specify your preferences when booking.
- The Cape Town Essentials Tour runs Monday to Saturday, rain or shine.
What Our Customers Say About Us
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A great food tour with an expert guide - We had such a great experience with Justin as our guide. We booked this for the start of our trip to Cape Town so we could ‘get our bearings’ so to speak and get expert advice on places to visit (and avoid) for great food and drinks. We also wanted to experience great African cuisine and wines and learn more about the history, the people and the culture the area. Justin did not disappoint with his expert knowledge and engaging style. We learnt so much and it got our trip off to the ideal start
November 19, 2022 -
We had a fantastic experience with our tour guide, Justin. He was super amazing. His knowledge about the cuisine, culture, architecture and infrastructure was amazing.
It was so much fun, way more than we had anticipated.
We also enjoyed the fact that they made sure we had a customized experience, and they were so sweet to make it a special couple experience.
It was also lovely how we walked through to all the spots, something we would not ordinarily have done without Justin’s guidance in a new place.
They went over and beyond our expectations! Keep up the great work!
January 19, 2023 -
Exceptional food tour! - Justin was a fantastic tour guide. He was easy to talk to and he quickly brought our small group together for a great day. Starting off with a coffee tour was an incredible surprise and very educational. Overall the quality of the food and beverages was top notch and the conversation fascinating.
This is a must do if you visit Cape Town.
January 3, 2023 -
This was our first time doing a food tour and I must say we loved every minute. The tour started at at Origins coffee roasting shop, I learned so much about coffee and got to taste fresh coffee beans and had a delicious Pasteis de Nata.
Our second stop was at the cutest African restaurant called Cafe Charles where we had bobotie with rice and some tasty bubbly, it was so delicious. Our tour guide Justin gave us an amazing download on the history of Capetown. Our third stop was at an Irish pub called The Fireman’s Arms we had a flight of beer and a nice meal there. Again everything was delicious and Justin provided more history on the Cape. Our last stop was at this place called Misfits By The Ideas where we tasted a flight of Inverroche gin and had a delicious variety of ice creams to top off the day. Before we parted ways Justin gave everyone a seasoning pack and recipe for bobotie. Not sure when I’ll be brave enough to try cooking it, but it was definitely a nice and thoughtful add to the trip.
If you are debating about booking, don’t hesitate, just book it, you won’t be disappointed. Justin and his team will make your day!
February 4, 2023 -
So much fun! - We are in agreement with all the other reviews .Justin is AWESOME!!! It was just us with him and he made us feel like I stand friends! We had so much fun and had an awesome afternoon learning some Capetown and SA history while learning about the food and wine of this amazing country. Take the half day to spend with Justin.you won’t regret it!
Also the communication with Elsje was very friendly and welcoming.
December 18, 2022 -
Perhaps the best way to get to know Cape Town! - Wow! This operation rocks. They have something for everybody. From coffee, to bobotie, to koesisters, to wine. Oh, and there's a good dose of culture and history thrown in too. Justin has been our guide twice and he is a wealth of great information. Do yourself a favor and take this amazing tour.
January 29, 2023 -
Great experience and tour.
We had a fantastic day, highly recommended. Alongside the food and drink that we fully enjoyed, the tour around the neighbourhood and the history that Justin shared with us made this a memorable occasion and one of the highlights of our holiday. Justin was a great guide and nothing was too much trouble. We booked this tour through Trailfinders and we will also share our recommendation with them. Thanks Justin!
February 17, 2023
What to Expect
Immerse yourself in Cape Town’s rich history and vibrant culinary scene on the Cape Town Essentials Tour. This experience takes you on a captivating journey through time, from the 1600s to the present day, exploring how centuries of cultural exchange, international trade, and resilience have shaped the city’s unique flavours and traditions.
Stroll through the colourful, postcard-perfect streets of Bo-Kaap, where every building tells a story. Indulge in local delicacies like golden koeksisters, savour the comforting spices of Cape Malay bobotie, or let your taste buds dance over hearty favourites like bunny chow, pap, and chakalaka. Sip on rooibos tea, enjoy locally crafted beverages—both alcoholic and non-alcoholic—and prepare for a flavour explosion that captures the essence of Cape Town.
But this isn’t just about the food. With a passionate local foodie expert who knows every shortcut, side street, and secret recipe, you’ll uncover unforgettable stories, chat with local vendors, marvel at historic architecture, discover hidden gems, and taste dishes passed down through generations. From tales of the 17th-century spice routes to the indelible scars of slavery and apartheid, every stop on this tour offers a deeper connection to Cape Town’s soul—one bite at a time.
This experience is family-friendly and thoughtfully accommodates a variety of dietary preferences, including vegetarian and non-alcoholic options, ensuring every guest gets a taste of Cape Town’s story.
Don’t miss the chance to embark on an unforgettable adventure—book your spot on the Cape Town Essentials Tour today and let us introduce you to the most mouthwatering and meaningful parts of the city.
We can’t wait to share Cape Town’s magic with you!
FAQ
Yes, all tickets must be purchased in advance. To maximize your chances of getting the day, time, and number of tickets you prefer, please book well in advance as spots fill up quickly. Tickets can be purchased using any major credit card and you will receive instant confirmation upon booking. Cash and/or walk-up traffic the day of the tours are not accepted.
Our experiences are held rain or shine. In the event of blustery weather, we will be able to go inside many of the establishments on the tour. However, we advise to check the weather conditions for your days event and dress appropriately. If we believe the weather will significantly jeopardize the quality of your experience, we will offer you plenty of notice in the event of a cancellation.
Absolutely not! Our tours combine architectural commentary, historical facts, local culture and culinary insight into a unique experience. Imagine walking through Cape Town eating our local artisans most delicious foods while learning the neighborhoods from real locals. Let us show you how easy it is to fall in love with Cape Town!
Yes! While our tours are offered daily in English, we also offer tours in Afrikaans by request. Please contact our team for more details.
We do our best to accommodate your dietary and allergy needs. As long as we are given advance notice at the time you book your experience, we can arrange for alternative tastings as best we can. At this time, we are unable to accommodate vegetarian and gluten-free diets. You are absolutely more than welcome to join us on the tour, just keep in mind that there may be some tastings that you may have to avoid. Should you have any questions, please reach out to our operations team directly.
We understand that plans can change and therefor, we offer a 100% refund up to 14 days prior to your tour date, minus any credit card processing fees already paid. Should you need to cancel within 14 days, but at least 48 hours from your tour, we can offer a date exchange to any date int he future. Cancellations within 48 hours are subject to a 100% cancellation fee as our our vendor partners have already begun preparing your experience.