Cape Town residents are slowly proving that escape doesn’t require distance.
All you need is just a little shift in setting, without driving too far out of the city – a hidden bar, a quiet café, a rooftop, or a hotel lobby can all offer the same thing: a moment that feels removed from everything else.
These urban escapes are becoming the closest thing to getting away - without ever leaving.
Here are a few “mini escapes” you can take within the CBD.
The hidden escape: The Gin Bar, CBD
Hidden in plain sight on Wale Street in the CBD. The “Secret Gin Bar”, located in a charming Mediterranean-style courtyard, was one of the country's only authentic speakeasies, with a password required to enter. You may expect a cosy, personalised "hidden gem" that prioritises quality over quantity. The bar offers an excellent collection of local and foreign gins, resulting in a refined yet relaxing vibe in the heart of the CBD.
The slow escape: Ground Art Caffè, The Waterkant
Ground Art Caffe, located in Cape Town's cosy and vibrant De Waterkant neighbourhood, boasts all-day natural light, breathtaking views of Table Mountain, and free wi-fi, making it the ideal place to enjoy Cape Town's best coffee, healthy food, exquisite art, and a peaceful place to catch up on work away from the office.
Here is a fusion of the artistic endeavours of a barista, a chef, and an art curator, with coffee, food, and art treated with equal respect and attention to detail.
The staycation escape, ANEW Hotel, Green Point
A 4-star destination close to some of Cape Town’s most popular hotspots, the ANEW Hotel in Green Point is the perfect ‘sense of escape’ in the city.
Not only are guests spoilt with magnificent views, but also 76 expertly designed and environmentally conscious rooms, the perfect accommodation option for those wishing to enjoy a ‘mini escape’ while still being able to explore the vibrant mother city.
Take in the iconic views of Signal Hill and the Atlantic Ocean while enjoying a drink at the rooftop lounge and entertainment area. The rooftop boasts a striking glass-walled pool that overlooks Green Point.
Guests can also enjoy a free daily shuttle service to and from the V&A Waterfront when staying over.
In the Mother City, escape doesn’t always mean leaving; it can also mean looking at the same city differently.
Find Cape Towner on TikTok @thecapetowner and Instagram @ccmonlineza