What’s Going On in Glencairn
June 12, 2025
Your Guide to Glencairn: Eat, Explore & Experience
Why Glencairn Will Steal Your Heart
Just 4 km north of Simon’s Town, the small seaside village of Glencairn is one of the Cape Peninsula’s best-kept secrets. With its mountainside homes overlooking False Bay, a pristine family beach, tidal pool, and wetlands teeming with wildlife, Glencairn is the perfect balance between nature and coastal living.
Central to the Cape Point Route, it’s just 10 minutes from the penguins at Boulders Beach, 2 km from Harbour Bay Shopping Centre, and a short drive to Cape Point. But with such beauty at your doorstep, you may never want to leave!
Getting Around
- Train – Glencairn has its own train stop at the south end of the suburb, with stunning sea views along the route into Cape Town.
- Golden Arrow Bus & Minibus Taxis – Public transport connects Glencairn to surrounding towns.
- Uber & Ride-Sharing – Convenient for day trips or evenings out.
- Google Maps – Use apps for navigation and real-time updates. Locals are friendly and often happy to share directions.
Please Note:
As in all coastal towns, keep belongings secure and avoid walking alone late at night.
Where to Eat
- Hotel Glencairn –
Built in 1904, this landmark is loved for its hearty burgers, craft beers, and relaxed atmosphere. Downstairs you’ll also find a vegan café, quirky bar, and waste-free grocer with fresh bread and organic produce.
- Dixie’s Restaurant –
A family-run favorite for over 40 years, serving generous portions of seafood, steaks, and pub classics. Known for its welcoming vibe and ocean views.
- Harbour Bay (2 km away) – Offers a variety of restaurants from casual dining to sushi and fine seafood.
Coffee Shops & Cafés
- Hotel Glencairn Vegan Café – Fresh, wholesome options with excellent coffee.
- Nearby Simon’s Town & Kalk Bay –
Within minutes, you’ll find artisan bakeries and coffee shops perfect for a morning flat white.
What to Do & Explore
- Glencairn Beach & Tidal Pool – A long sandy beach perfect for swimming, surfing, kayaking, and snorkeling. The refurbished tidal pool is safe for kids and great for long swims.
- Whale Watching – From July to November, Southern Right Whales grace False Bay. Dolphins and seals are often spotted year-round.
- Glencairn Wetland – A conservation area ideal for birdwatching, family walks, and spotting Cape clawless otters, mongooses, and buck.
- Scuba Diving – Explore the wreck of the Glencairn Barge, a popular dive site surrounded by fascinating reefs.
- Scratch Patch & Cave Golf (nearby) –
A fun family outing where kids (and adults) can collect polished gemstones or enjoy mini-golf in a cave setting.
Nightlife & Sundowners
- Hotel Glencairn Bar – A relaxed spot for locals and travelers alike, with craft beers and live music events.
- Dixie’s – A go-to for sundowners overlooking False Bay.
- Simon’s Town & Kalk Bay – Just minutes away, offering wine bars, pubs, and live entertainment.
Hidden Gems (Insider Tips)
- The Wetland Trails – Quiet, scenic paths perfect for sunset walks and birdwatching.
- Locals’ Tip: The tidal pool at high tide is magical — bring goggles to spot fish and sea life.
- Nearby Quarry Dive Site – A local favorite for diving enthusiasts.
Day Trips & Nearby Adventures
- Cape Point Nature Reserve – Just a short drive, with hiking trails, wildlife, and the iconic lighthouse.
- Boulders Beach – Meet the African penguin colony, only 10 minutes away.
- Kalk Bay – A quirky fishing village with art galleries, vintage shops, and world-class restaurants.
- Chapman’s Peak Drive –
One of the most scenic drives in the world, connecting Noordhoek to Hout Bay.
Practical Info
- Grocery Stores – Nearby Harbour Bay Shopping Centre has Pick n Pay and Woolworths.
- Pharmacies & ATMs – Available at Harbour Bay and Fish Hoek.
- Wi-Fi Spots – Most cafés and restaurants in the area offer free Wi-Fi.
- Beach Safety –
Swim only when lifeguards are on duty, and always stay within the designated swimming areas.
Your Home by the Bay Awaits
Glencairn is the kind of place that lingers in your memory — from tidal pool swims and mountain hikes to whale watching and family dinners overlooking False Bay. Whether you’re here for relaxation, adventure, or simply to soak up the coastal charm, this hidden gem offers everything you need.
And when you’re ready to relax, your holiday home in Glencairn is waiting — a cozy, scenic retreat just steps away from all the beauty the Cape Peninsula has to offer.
A Warm Welcome to Green Point Green Point sits between the bustling V&A Waterfront and the iconic Table Mountain, making it one of Cape Town’s most vibrant neighborhoods. From landscaped parks and leafy streets to trendy restaurants and boutique shops, it’s the perfect mix of city energy and coastal charm. Often considered a hidden gem, Green Point gives visitors a taste of local life while keeping you close to the city’s main attractions. Locals love it for its walkable streets, stunning sunset views, and relaxed yet lively vibe—giving travelers insider access to the best of Cape Town. Getting Around Green Point Green Point is compact and walking-friendly, making it easy to explore on foot. Bike paths and pedestrian lanes make it simple to stroll between cafés, parks, and shops. For longer trips, Uber and other ride-sharing services are widely available, and car rentals are a convenient option if you plan to explore Cape Town’s outskirts. Street parking is available, though it can fill up quickly during peak hours, so be sure to check for pay-and-display zones or secure parking facilities. Staying with MUi STAYS puts you just minutes from all the neighborhood highlights. Where to Eat Breakfast & Brunch The Power & The Glory – Trendy café known for hearty breakfasts and fresh pastries. Must-try: avo toast with poached eggs. Jason Bakery – Artisanal breads and inventive brunch dishes in a cozy setting. Must-try: croissant sandwich with smoked salmon. Lunch & Casual Bites Tashas – A lively, modern eatery perfect for light lunches and salads. Must-try: quinoa bowl with seasonal toppings. V&A Food Market – Variety of street food and local delicacies; ideal for trying a little bit of everything. Dinner & Special Occasions Belthazar Steak & Seafood – Classic, upscale steakhouse with panoramic harbor views. Must-try: fresh Cape seafood platter. Sevruga – Elegant seafood and sushi restaurant, perfect for a romantic evening or celebration. Best Coffee Shops & Cafés Bootlegger Coffee Company – Popular spot for locals, perfect for work or people-watching. Try the flat white with a slice of banana bread. Deluxe Coffeeworks – Small, cozy café with artisanal pastries and specialty coffee blends. What to Do & Explore Green Point Urban Park – A landscaped park with walking paths, playgrounds, and a biodiversity garden. Perfect for families and outdoor workouts. Cape Town Stadium – Attend sports matches, concerts, or simply admire the architecture. V&A Waterfront – Shop, dine, or take a boat tour. A short stroll away and packed with experiences for all ages. Green Point Lighthouse & Promenade – Scenic coastal walk with breathtaking sunset views. Family-Friendly Options Playgrounds and green spaces within the Urban Park. Family-friendly eateries and ice cream shops. Unique Local Experiences Sunset yoga sessions at the park or along the promenade. Weekend markets and live music at nearby venues. Nightlife & Sundowners Asoka – Cocktail bar with a chic interior and vibrant vibe. The Village Idiot – Casual pub with local craft beers and friendly atmosphere. Sundowners at the Promenade – Grab a drink and watch the sunset over the Atlantic, a favorite with locals. Hidden Gems (Insider Tips) Explore the side streets for quirky art galleries and boutiques. Small cafés tucked away behind Green Point Main Road offer a quiet respite from the buzz. Catch a free sunset concert at the Urban Park during summer weekends. Day Trips & Nearby Adventures Drive to Sea Point or Camps Bay for coastal hikes and scenic beach walks. Short trip to Signal Hill for panoramic views of the city and harbor. Explore the Cape Town CBD for museums, historic streets, and cultural experiences. Practical Info Grocery Stores & Essentials – Pick n Pay and Woolworths within walking distance. Safety Tips – Stay aware of your surroundings at night; use well-lit routes and secure parking. Wi-Fi & Remote Work Spots – Many cafés and coworking spaces offer reliable Wi-Fi. Ready for Your Stay? Whether you’re here to stroll the promenade, shop at the Waterfront, enjoy a vibrant night out, or simply relax in lush green spaces, Green Point has it all. When you’re ready to unwind, your MUi STAYS home is just around the corner—your perfect base for a memorable Cape Town adventure.
A Little Seaside Gem The quaint village of St James, just 26 km south of Cape Town, sits tucked between the mountains and the sea on the False Bay coastline. Famous for its brightly painted Victorian-style bathing boxes, tidal pool, and dramatic mountain backdrop, this is one of the Cape Peninsula’s most picturesque and historic spots. Once a fashionable seaside resort during the Victorian era, today St James still retains its charm, with heritage homes, sweeping ocean views, and a vibrant community spirit. Things to Do in St James St James Tidal Pool – A large, protected pool loved by families for safe swimming and tidal exploring. Danger Beach – A more adventurous surf spot with deep local roots. Beach Huts – Snap the iconic colourful bathing boxes for one of Cape Town’s most Instagram-worthy shots. Rock Pools & Shell Collecting – Perfect for kids and the young at heart. Walk to Kalk Bay – Stroll along cobbled streets to antique shops, galleries, and boutique cafés. Boyes Drive Lookout – Drive above St James for sweeping views of False Bay, with whale and shark sightings in season. Cultural Stops – Explore Rhodes’ Cottage or discover the fascinating stories behind St James Church, built in 1858 for Filipino fishermen. Where to Eat & Drink Pizza Shed, St James 56 Main Road, St James Known for its incredible Neapolitan “Canotto” style pizza, with airy crusts and dough that ferments for 72 hours before baking in a wood-fired oven. Sit down for the full experience and enjoy some of the best pizza in Cape Town. Folk Café, St James Old Post Office, 54 Main Road, St James A community hub with seasonal, ethical, and freshly made food. From plant-based meals to Cape wines, craft beer, and seriously good coffee, Folk Café offers both a restaurant and deli experience. Families love the kids’ play area and cozy fireplace, while digital nomads appreciate the reliable Wi-Fi (even during load shedding). Nearby in Kalk Bay A short walk away, Kalk Bay offers an eclectic food scene—from fresh seafood at Harbour House to artisanal ice cream, tapas bars, and quirky bakeries. Explore the Area St James may be small—just 200m wide by 2 km long—but it’s surrounded by incredible experiences: Kalk Bay Harbour – Watch the fishing boats come in or browse the markets. Boulders Beach (Simon’s Town) – Meet the African penguins in their natural habitat. Cape Point Nature Reserve – A must-do day trip further along the peninsula. When to Visit St James is an all-year-round destination. The east-facing beach is sheltered from the Cape’s strong westerly winds, making it a great swimming spot even when other beaches are blustery. Summer is the most popular season, but winter brings whale watching opportunities from Boyes Drive. Ready to Explore St James? Whether you’re dipping into the tidal pool, snapping photos of the colourful beach huts, or enjoying world-class pizza by the sea, St James offers a unique slice of Cape Peninsula life. And when you’re ready to rest, our MUi STAYS properties in Muizenberg and the surrounding areas are just minutes away—making it easy to explore, unwind, and experience the best of Cape Town’s coastline.
