Taj - Cape Town

Friday Live Pianist Mike Perry

Relax to the soothing sounds of our pianist Mike Perry, in our lobby lounge every Friday from 6pm till 23.00. Mike is an accomplished pianist with a longstanding career in the music industry that stretches from the early 70’s. He has toured the globe playing at numerous corporate events as well as being the dedicated hotel [...]

Midweek Music at Twankey

Take a single serving of Rock & Roll. Mix in a cup and a half of smooth soulful Jazz and allow it simmer on a warm plate of pure Pop and you get Sarah Jane and Angelo Thomas. That is how the dynamic new duo for Twankey has been described. With influences such as Amy Winehouse, John Mayer, Adele, James Morrison, [...]

Grande Opening: August

Further to opening our doors in March this year, we thought that we would save our Grand Debut till the World Cup excitement had passed, and thus had our grande soirée in late August. As only Taj can, the evening was opulent, the Cape Town weather played along, the guests were fabulous and dressed glamorously for the occasion, and our Mumbai [...]

Romantic Activities in Cape Town

Cape Town is a wonderful destination for couples beginning a new relationship or for anyone looking to rekindle old romances. Cape Town’s gorgeous scenery and well-developed tourist industry mean that the city offers all the most popular romantic activities, as well as some you’d never expect. Romantic boat trips It’s hard to top a sunset cruise in [...]

The Madame Zingara Love Magic Tour

Everyone who has seen Madame Zingara’s Love Magic Tour agrees on one thing: it’s a whole lot of fun. The show is on in Cape Town until the end of August, so this is your last chance catch it before it moves back to Johannesburg. Madame Zingara combines circus skills with burlesque and vaudeville to create [...]

Cirque du Soleil is coming to Cape Town

Cirque du Soleil, the groundbreaking circus company, is coming to South Africa for the first time. Cirque du Soleil will bring the spectacular Saltimbanco show to Johannesburg and Cape Town in 2011. Saltimbanco has stunned audiences around the world with the unsurpassed acrobatic skill of its international cast. The first clown in space Cirque du Soleil was [...]

The Franschhoek Bastille Day Festival 2010

Bastille Day commemorates the storming of the Bastille Fortress in Paris in 1789. It was a turning point in the French Revolution against Royal tyranny, and continues to be celebrated as a symbol of the power of society to overcome oppression. Celebrate in true French style in Franschhoek, South Africa’s own idyllic little corner of France. [...]

Mandela Day 2010

Mandela Day is an opportunity to celebrate the life of one of the world’s great statesmen. Mandela committed his life to serving the community, which is why Mandela Day is designed to be more than just a symbolic gesture. Participants are encouraged to do their bit to help make a real change. 18 July, Nelson Mandela’s [...]

The Ubuntu Festival

The Ubuntu Festival, taking place around St George’s Mall in Cape Town, aims to harness the energy and spirit of the World Cup to bring Capetonians together in a fun and meaningful way. Ubuntu is a philosophy of togetherness, and the festival promises to epitomise African warmth and hospitality. This year’s Ubuntu Festival offers a jam-packed [...]

Cape Town Book Fair

The Cape Town Book Fair, which runs from 30 July to 2 August, is the largest book trade event on the African continent. Held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, it offers everything that is innovative and exciting in the literary world, from valuable services and knowledge to a variety of products and networking [...]

Vodacom Funny Festival 2010

The Vodacom Funny Festival, Cape Town’s premier comedy festival and the only comedy event to be awarded the Cape of Great Events insignia, is the perfect way to shake off that winter chill. Playing at the Baxter Theatre for five weeks from 7 June to 11 July 2010, the acclaimed production features the very best of [...]

Cape Town Road Closures during the World Cup

The City of Cape Town has promised to keep road closures to a minimum during the World Cup and these will be limited to event days only. However, it should be noted that some roads will be pedestrian-only zones, while access to others will only be for vehicles with the necessary security clearance and event [...]

Where to watch the World Cup in Cape Town

If you don’t have a ticket to catch a game at the Cape Town Stadium, don’t despair! Cape Town has no shortage of fun, festive places to watch Africa’s first World Cup, but to experience the best party atmosphere, the obvious choice will be the official Fan Fest Park at the Grand Parade in the [...]

A Brief History of the Makaraba

In our Monday post we highlighted the Makaraba – the very South African football supporters fan hat. Today we’d like to touch on a little of its incredibly interesting history, including its very colourful origin. – The word Makaraba means miner’s hard hat and originally fans would take these undecorated hard hats to matches. They used them [...]

Robben Island Tours

Robben Island is a World Heritage Site and museum in Table Bay, a mere 7 kilometres off the coast of Cape Town. Former South African president, Nelson Mandela, was imprisoned on this island for 27 years during the apartheid era. For centuries it was a place where political prisoners were held. Today it is an icon [...]

The Makaraba

If you’re anything like us you’ve no doubt noticed the amazing fan helmets that every cool football supporter seems to be wearing. – These traditional fan helmets, known as Makaraba, are used to show support and they reflect one of the most vibrant and positive aspects of South African soccer culture – the absolute support, love and [...]

Ferris-Wheel at the V&A Waterfront

When you drive into Cape Town you can’t help but notice the giant ferris-wheel in the V&A Waterfront. This wheel, officially known as The Wheel of Excellence but nicknamed The Giant Wheel of Fun, offers visitors and locals a unique sightseeing experience. – The Wheel of Excellence boast 36 fully enclosed luxury cabins. Each of these cabins [...]

Markets in Cape Town

Cape Town offers an array of craft markets, which sell goods for discerning buyers and bargain-hunters alike. Escape shopping centre madness and enjoy outdoor browsing and the vibrant atmosphere of market culture. Green Market Square Located in Cape Town’s city centre, it is one of South Africa’s longest running markets. Take a stroll along the cobbled square [...]

Spoil dad this Father’s Day at Mint

Father’s Day is happening on 20 June 2010, so why not treat your dad to a decadent meal at Mint? We’ve created a menu especially for dad, and at just R240 per head, you can enjoy a sumptuous meal in an exquisitely elegant setting. Mint, an all-day dining restaurant located at the exclusive Taj Cape Town [...]

Getting to the Cape Town Stadium on World Cup Match Days

With World Cup 2010 officially starting this Friday the question, everyone seems to be asking, is: “What is the best way to get to the Cape Town stadium to watch the World Cup 2010 games?” We, at the Taj Cape Town, thought we’d put together all the information we have in one easy to find and [...]

Stellenbosch Wine Festival

The Stellenbosch Wine Festival is taking place from 1 to 5 July 2010. This year the wine event is happening a month earlier than usual to give World Cup soccer fans the opportunity to enjoy the festivities and experience the Cape Winelands finest offerings. Visitors can park their cars at allocated park-and-ride stations. From there, a [...]

Demystifying the Cigar – Part 1

At the Taj Cape Town we have, among other things, an excellent cigar selection. We do, however, understand that not everyone is a cigar connoisseur. Bearing this in mind we’ve put together a series of educational – but certainly not boring – cigar posts. The first of these posts covers basic cigar terminology focusing on the various [...]

Cape Town World Cup Events

The 2010 World Cup is a few days away and Cape Town is abuzz with soccer fever! The Mother City has a full programme of events to keep soccer fans entertained during the World Cup. Highlights Food and wine lovers can enjoy the Stellenbosch Wine Festival, taking place from 1 to 5 July. For a good dose [...]

Cape Town Stadium Tours

With less than 10 days to go until the Soccer World Cup kick-off, locals and tourists are flocking to the Cape Town Stadium for guided tours and a sneak preview of the impressive arena. The iconic landmark is set to host 8 World Cup matches, including a semi-final. Explore the Cape Town Stadium Tour members can expect [...]

Twankey Launch

The Twankey at Taj Cape Town launched in style over two evenings in April 2010. The launch parties were filled with stunning seafood and cocktail snacks, wonderful South African wines, champagne, Guinness, great entertainment and plenty of fun.

The Best Bars in Cape Town

We are in the process of putting together our list of the best bars for Friday after-work-drinks in Cape Town. Yes, before you even ask the obvious, The Twankey will be included. – In preparing this Bars that Cook list we got to thinking that, instead of us just telling you about our favourite Cape Town bars, [...]

Pamper yourself at the Taj Cape Town Spa

The Taj Cape Town is home to the luxurious Jiva Spa. You deserve to be pampered, so treat yourself to Jiva Spa experiences, based on the healing wisdom of Ayurveda and authentic Indian wellness treatments. Be indulged and rejuvenated in the soothing and stylish setting of Africa’s first Jiva Spa. Taj Cape Town’s Jiva Spa offers blissful [...]

Neighbourgoods Market

Food fans and connoisseurs alike simply must get to the neighbourgoods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock, open every Saturday from 09:00 to 14:00. The award-winning market features over 100 speciality traders offering a fine selection of artisan foods, organic produce, boutique wines, gourmet products and local farm produce. A day at the market (image [...]

The Best 10km in Cape Town

If you have dined at this week’s featured restaurant, Nobu, you’ll probably need to invest in a little exercise. With this gorgeous weather we are presently experiencing we suggest you take yourself out for a run or a walk. Last week we shared our best 4km route and this week we’d like to share our favourite [...]

Cape Town Restaurant Spotlight – Nobu

Nobu, located at the One & Only Cape Town (just 7 minutes drive from the Taj Cape Town), offers diners an exceptional dining experience. Nobu’s food is best described as new-style Japanese and, while that may seem cold, we can assure you that it is anything but. In fact Nobu manages to be consistently delicious. Dining at [...]

Best 4km Run in Cape Town

Cape Town is a beautiful city with so much to offer both locals and visitors. A really great way to experience Cape Town, and its gorgeous scenery, is to run or – if you prefer – walk. With some help from the Atlantic Athletics Club we’ve put together three of our favourite Cape Town running/walking routes. [...]

Taj Cape Town Restaurants Now Taking World Cup 2010 Bookings!

Everyone, at the Taj Cape Town, is incredibly excited for the beginning of what promises to be an exceptional World Cup. We want to ensure that everyone who’d like to experience the Taj Cape Town restaurant offerings, over the 2010 World Cup, has the opportunity to do so. For this reason we are now taking bookings [...]

The Taj Cape Town at Indaba 2010

We will be attending Indaba, Africa’s top travel show, from the 8th – 11th of May 2010. This is the first year the Taj Cape Town will be appearing at Indaba because this time last year we were still a building site. – It is truly amazing what can be accomplished in one short year when enough hard [...]

Taj Cape Town Opening

The Taj Cape Town Open Days were held from 18 – 21 January 2010, and gave members of the public and the media the opportunity to explore the hotel – a destination in itself! With their special Taj “passports” in hand, guests gained entry to some of the hotel’s most exclusive areas, including the Presidential [...]

Mint Mother’s Day Special

Celebrate Mothers’ Day at Mint! Located at the exclusive Taj Cape Town hotel, Mint is an all-day dining restaurant that offers innovative local and international fare. The Mother’s Day special includes a delightful three course menu, complemented by warm Indian hospitality. Mint Mother’s Day menu Treat Mom to a dining experience with a difference. The menu [...]

Adderley Street Flower Market

The Adderley Street flower market adds a splash of colour to the historical city centre. For the last 100 years, the flower market has sold an inexpensive selection of fresh blossoms to the people of Cape Town. The flower sellers and market have become a must-see attraction for visitors to the city. View the large assortment [...]

The Franschhoek Literary Festival 2010

On the 14th, 15th and 16th of May 2010 Franschhoek – located 50 minutes from the Taj Cape Town – will host the Franschhoek Literary Festival. The annual Franschhoek Literary Festival offers a selection of talks by authors (or panels of authors) ranging from discussions about writing techniques to more controversial politically inspired debates. It’s a [...]

Best burgers in Cape Town

Cape Town has a few excellent hamburgers but if you don’t know about them they’re easy to miss. At the Taj Cape Town we have a collection of burger aficionados and they have very kindly offered to share their best-kept burger secrets. http://www.flickr.com/photos/warrenski/ / CC BY-SA 2.0 According to our hamburger experts the four best burgers in [...]

The Cape Quarter Lifestyle Mall

Cape Town’s newest shopping precinct The Cape Quarter lifestyle shopping mall is situated in the heart of trendy De Waterkant in Cape Town. This charming shopping hub is your one-stop destination for fashion, beauty, food, restaurants, art, curios, books, furniture and interior décor in the city. The Cape Quarter Lifestyle Mall (image by FoxyCoxy – http://www.flickr.com/photos/28609870@N08/4291555070/) Cape Town’s [...]

Cape Times V & A Waterfront Wine Affair

An unforgettable food and wine experience! The annual Cape Times V&A Waterfront Wine Affair is taking place from 4 to 7 May 2010. A state-of-the-art marquee on the roof of the Breakwater parking garage serves as the venue for this well loved food and wine festival. The Cape’s top wine estates, producers and boutique wineries will [...]

South African Restaurants in the World Top 50

Two Cape Town Restaurants – The Tasting Room @ Le Quartier Français and La Colombe – have once again featured in the S.Pellegrino World Top 50 Restaurants. The Tasting Room placed 31st overall and La Colombe placed an incredible 12th overall with La Colombe being awarded the title of best restaurant in Africa and the [...]

Art shows in Cape Town during April and May 2010

Cape Town has a very vibrant cultural side to it. It’s easy, at first glance, to overlook this … the mountain and other gorgeous scenery are incredibly difficult to see past. But, if you take some time, you’ll discover the artistic side of Cape Town. There are excellent large and small galleries dotted throughout the Cape [...]

Spier Contemporary 2010

The biennale Spier Contemporary is taking place at the Cape Town City Hall from 14 March to 14 May 2010. The event is the largest visual and performing arts exhibition in South Africa. View and purchase art at the exhibition A nationwide selection process narrowed down the field from 2,700 hopeful entrants to the final 100 artists, [...]

The Pink Flamingo Cinema

One of the best things about Cape Town is the array of different city adventures on offer. Whether you’re planning an event, a birthday party, an anniversary or something else there is always a wow-experience just waiting to be discovered. A while ago we experienced the Pink Flamingo Cinema, on top of the Grand Daddy Hotel [...]

Jiva Spa Treatments

The first Jiva Spa in Africa opened in December 2009, introducing the ancient Indian healing techniques of Ayurveda. The luxurious spa operates from the Taj Hotel in Cape Town and offers an assortment of revitalising spa experiences and treatments. Spa treatment (image by stock.xchng - http://www.sxc.hu/) Natural and holistic spa treatments Jiva Spa’s treatments are based on the philosophy that [...]

Become a tourist in your own city – chapter two

Have you ever noticed how we drive from point to point without taking in the stuff in-between? Well we’ve noticed that we often manage to travel around Cape Town without realizing how amazing the places we pass are. Or how, if we walked instead of driving, we’d not only save fuel, reduce our carbon footprint [...]

Coffee in Cape Town

Have you noticed how every time you turn around another artisan roaster/coffee shop has popped up? Just how many artisan coffee shops – charging at least R20 for a flat white – can Cape Town support? We’ve noticed that coffee roasting and hotels seem to be the two most popular, or at least fastest growing, sections [...]

Fantastic Review of the Twankey

Jamie Who – that excellent online reviewer of all things food related – has written an excellent review of his Twankey seafood, champagne and oyster bar experience. We enjoyed reading Jamie’s review so much that we just had to share it with you. If you’d like to read Jamie Who’s review of the Twankey please click [...]

Taj Events Calendar and Facebook Fan Page

Taj Cape Town has launched an informative events diary on its Facebook fan page to bring a valuable entertainment resource to its fans - both to those who live in Cape Town, as well as those travelling to the Mother City. This events diary is a resource that keeps Taj Cape Town fans up to date [...]

2010 World Cup Progress Report

The new pedestrian skyway, over the always-busy Buitengracht Street, is nearing completion. What this means is that – as a pedestrian – you’ll soon be able to walk to Greenpoint, the new Cape Town Stadium and even Sea Point from the city centre. http://www.flickr.com/photos/warrenski/ / CC BY-SA 2.0 The new pedestrian skyway means no longer having to [...]