What’s Going On in Simon’s Town
June 12, 2025
Your Guide to Simon’s Town: Eat, Explore & Experience
Experience Simon’s Town, the Heart of False Bay
Welcome to Simon’s Town, a historic seaside village just 35km from Cape Town. Nestled on the shores of False Bay, Simon’s Town is home to the South African Navy, a rich maritime heritage, and of course, the famous colony of African Penguins at Boulders Beach. Whether you’re here for adventure, history, or a relaxed coastal getaway, Simon’s Town offers a unique blend of charm, nature, and unforgettable experiences.
Getting Around
Train –
Simon’s Town Station connects directly to Cape Town along one of the most scenic railway lines in the world.
Golden Arrow Bus & Minibus Taxis – Regular connections to surrounding towns.
Uber & Ride-Sharing – Convenient for flexible exploring.
Hakuna Matuktuk – A fun tuk-tuk service with Wi-Fi that’s perfect for short scenic rides.
Pro Tip:
Use Google Maps for real-time updates, and remember to keep belongings secure, especially at night.
Where to Eat
- Saveur Restaurant – Contemporary European-style dining with ocean views. Don’t miss the West Coast mussels or a hearty breakfast.
- Black Marlin – A destination restaurant famous for seafood platters, Cape Rock lobster, and a stellar wine list.
- The Peckish Penguin – A casual spot for homemade smash burgers (including vegan options). Great for a quick bite.
Coffee Shops & Cafés
- Monocle & Mermaid – Cozy café with a strong coffee culture and pastries, perfect for a morning start.
- Seaforth Restaurant Café Section – Beachfront spot ideal for a cappuccino with a view.
- Sweetest Thing – Known for delicious pastries and baked treats (the lemon meringue is a favorite!).
What to Do & Explore
- Boulders Beach – Spend the day with penguins in their natural habitat (keep a 5m distance).
- Scratch Patch & Cave Golf – Fun for families—dig for polished gemstones and enjoy a quirky underground mini-golf course.
- South African Naval Museum – Explore naval history, from ship bridges to diving equipment. Free entry.
- SAS Assegaai Submarine Museum – Step aboard a real submarine and hear stories from navy veterans.
- Warrior Toy Museum – 4,000 model cars, dolls, teddy bears, and working train sets.
Nightlife & Sundowners
- Seaforth Beach at Sunset – A relaxed local favorite.
- Harbourview Restaurant Bar – Sip cocktails while watching the boats.
- False Bay Yacht Club –
Join for sundowners with one of the best coastal views.
Hidden Gems (Insider Tips)
- Just Nuisance Grave & Statue – Climb Barnard Street steps to visit the famous navy dog’s grave and enjoy panoramic views.
- Whale View Manor Day Spa – Indulge in a tranquil seaside spa treatment.
- Simon’s Town Ghost Walk –
Discover the haunted history of this old naval town.
Day Trips & Nearby Adventures
- Cape Point – Just a short drive away; take the funicular to the lighthouse for epic views.
- Swartkop Hike – A beautiful fynbos hike with sweeping views of False Bay.
- The Great African Sea Forests – Snorkel or dive where My Octopus Teacher was filmed.
- Kalk Bay – A quirky fishing village nearby, perfect for antiques, art, and fresh fish ‘n chips.
- Wine Estates of Constantia –
South Africa’s oldest wine route is only 30 minutes away.
Practical Info
- Grocery Stores – Pick n Pay in the town center for essentials.
- Pharmacies & ATMs – Found along St. George’s Street.
- Wi-Fi & Work Spots – Many cafés (like Monocle & Mermaid) welcome remote workers.
- Safety Tip:
Avoid walking alone at night and keep valuables close when traveling.
Come Stay, Explore & Relax
Simon’s Town is where nature meets history, where you can sip coffee by the harbour in the morning, kayak with penguins at midday, and enjoy fresh seafood as the sun sets. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a long holiday, Simon’s Town has everything you need for a memorable stay.
At the end of each adventure, you’ll have a cozy home waiting for you. So unpack, unwind, and make Simon’s Town your base for exploring the best of the Cape.
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.
