The perfect restaurant setting with a Cuban flair - Cape To Cuba
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Kalk Bay is definately worth visiting. After reading this informative article you will know what not to miss, where to eat, and how far Kalk Bay is from most of the popular attractions in Cape Town.

Kalk Bay is an acquired taste! I remember visiting it the first time a few years ago and thinking, “The people are weird.” By ‘weird,’ I mean eccentric, quirky, and vibrant people, from thoroughbred Afrikaners to Hippies and Rastafarians. Today, Kalk Bay is one of my favourite places in Cape Town because it is very different from anything you will experience in this magnificent country.

The town’s vibe is not only characteristic of the people but also of the Victorian buildings, designer boutiques, luxurious interior shops, and traditional restaurants that have a strange mix of opposing vibes. With slow and relaxed on the side and vibey and loud (a charming kind of loud) on the other. It is difficult to understand how this ‘bohemian’ fishing village with a small, natural harbour is part of metropolitan Cape Town. Yet, Kalkies (as the locals know it) is the trendiest seaside village by far.

Kalkies represents a colourful mix of the South African lifestyle. This dreamy town has a picturesque harbour, sometimes explored by Orcas, Southern Right Whales, and seals, and a regular-running commuter train. Look out for Sailor (a resident seal), who is a master at entertaining guests at Kalk Bay harbour.

Street views of Kalk Bay
Street views of Kalk Bay

10 Must-do-things in Kalk Bay

  • Take a train ride from the Kalk Bay platform in town (or pose for photos on the platform).
  • Buy the catch of the day (fresh fish and other seafood) directly from fishermen in the harbour.
  • Enjoy fish and chips on the harbour.
  • Shop for a bohemian item (see our list below).
  • Explore Kalk Bay caves.
  • Take a water taxi to Simon’s Town.
  • Take a dip in Dalebrook tidal pool.
  • Enjoy homemade ice cream at Ice Café made from natural ingredients (no eggs or gelatine)
  • Support the local art scene by visiting the contemporary arts and crafts gallery.
  • Watch a show at the 78-seater theatre with an onsite restaurant. Kalk Bay Theatre is located inside the heritage-protected Dutch Reformed Church on Main Road.
Crayfish on a place at a restaurant on the railway lines in Kalk Bay - Cape To Cuba
Crayfish on a place at a restaurant on the railway lines in Kalk Bay - Cape To Cuba

Kalk Bay train to Cape Town

It takes about an hour to travel from Kalk Bay to Cap Town or vice versa. A train runs every half hour and costs R 8 or €0.42. You can find the train routes and fares here

The train route from Kalk Bay to Cape Town with the most scenic views
The train route from Kalk Bay to Cape Town with the most scenic views

Where to eat breakfast in Kalk Bay

  • Sirocco is our favourite restaurant for breakfast. It is a modern, classy outdoor café serving freshly baked pastries and hearty breakfasts. Sirocco is famous for its three-egg omelettes, eggs benedict and salmon croissants.
  • Ohana Café serves a lovely breakfast next to the railway line. The food and vibe are old school yet interesting.
  • Lekker is in Kalk Bay’s ‘shopping’ lane. It has a Mugg-and-Bean vibe and serves delicious meals.

Where to eat lunch or dinner in Kalk Bay

It is really difficult to eat somewhere where you will have a bad experience. Most of the restaurants are well-established. Patrons come as far as Melkbosstrand to visit their favourite restaurants. Here is a list of our favourites places in Kalk Bay:
  • Kalky’s is legendary in Kalk Bay. It is a must-visit for the freshest fish and chips. The restaurant is known for serving the best snoek and chips, calamari, kingklip and prawns. This cosy cabin-like harbour restaurant has an unpretentious and relaxed vibe. If you are lucky, you may get a front seat at the harbour performance. Enjoy watching seals and other sea animals having a whale of a time.
  • Cape to Cuba is an eclectic railway-side restaurant that features Cuban culture. The restaurant was started many years ago by a husband-and-wife duo. Today, mom and son are running this tight ship. The interior décor is outrageous and captivating, with even a statement-making swing in the centre of the room. Moreover, the food is great, the vibe is exciting, and the cocktails are exceptional. Even their cigars are outlandish and over-the-top.
  • The Brass Bell is one of the most iconic places in Kalk Bay. Walk underneath the subway (train lines) next to Kalk Bay station, and you will see the signs to the restaurant. Although the food can be hit-and-miss at times, it is still worth going for the stunning ocean view.
  • Satori is a cosy Italian restaurant, also in the shopping side-walk lane (opposite Brass Bell).
The interior of Cape To Cuba restaurant in Kalk Bay near Cape Town. Kalkbaai in der False Bay
The interior of Cape To Cuba restaurant in Kalk Bay near Cape Town
Views from a window seat in the Brass Bell Restaurant The restaurant overlooks the tidal pool and Kalk Bay habour. Kalkbaai in der False Bay
Views from a window seat in the Brass Bell Restaurant The restaurant overlooks the tidal pool and Kalk Bay habour

Where to have drinks or coffee in Kalk Bay

  • Harbour House Restaurant in Kalk Bay is a classy and elegant dining and drinks experience. Sip on a glass of premium local wine while admiring the 360-degree picturesque mountain and ocean views. The restaurant is at Kalk Bay Harbour. Bookings can be made through DinePlan
  • Hemingways Cocktail Bar at Cape to Cuba is simply awesome, with the most extensive cocktail menu I have ever seen! Here, you can enjoy live music (cover charge) and salsa dancing in a modern yet colourful setting overlooking Kalk Bay harbour. The bar has a menu that is different from Cape to Cuba (the main restaurant), with tapa-style dishes. Don’t miss their Happy Hour from 4 to 8 pm. The bar closes at 2 am.
  • Kalk Bay Expresso is housed inside a restored Blue Train carriage. Indoor and outdoor seating is available.
Hemingway Cocktail Bar Kalk Bay.Kalkbaai
Hemingway Cocktail Bar Kalk Bay

Where to shop in Kalk Bay

  • Casa Boho is the place to shop in Kalk Bay. Here, you can find stunning bed throws, ceramics, linens, carpets, and other high-quality items. You can also purchase items from their online store.
  • Oh So Boho is a trendy shop for anything from clothing to home decorations and jewellery. Be the envy of your friends with one of their unique  
  • Kalk Bay Co-op is a great place to go if you are looking for designer clothing, jewellery, Moroccan imports and home decorations. Each item in their shop is tastefully curated for a unique shopping experience. They also have an online shop.
  • GypsyTrading sells exquisite bohemian garments, home decoration and accessories. They also have a wonderful online store.
The location of Casa Boho in Kalk Bay. Kalkbaai in der False Bay
The location of Casa Boho in Kalk Bay
Papagao shop- front in Kalk Bay
Papagao shop- front in Kalk Bay

Must visit places near Kalk Bay

  • Boomslang Caves: Go to Boyes Drive. There is an Echo Valley sign. The trail is about 4km long and takes about two hours. Besides getting the best views of False Bay, little ones will enjoy crawling their way through the mountains. There are cool caves for adventurous travellers to explore. Awol Tours offers guided hiking tours to many of the Cape Town trails.
  • Boulders Beach Penguins:  No trip to this side of Cape Town is complete without a visit to the penguins. Wildcard holders go in for free. Have a form of identification ready at the access gates. They do ask for identification, as the entrance fees are different for locals and foreigners.

How to get to Kalk Bay

Kalk Bay lies on the False Bay side of the Cape Peninsula. It is within easy reach of the best places in Cape Town, such as Simon’s Town, Muizenberg, and Hout Bay.

How far is Cape Town from Kalk Bay

Cape Town is only 30,7 km or 35 minutes’ drive from Kalk Bay. If you are looking for a fun experience for the whole family, take the train to Cape Town and back.

Bloubergstrand Beach, Cape Town, Kapstadt
Bloubergstrand with the iconic view of Table Mountain

How far is Simon’s Town (Boulders Beach) from Kalk Bay

Simon’s town is an easy 16km drive from Kalk Bay. Instead of driving there, why don’t you take the train to Simon’s Town for an extra adventure? Here, you can get up close to the African penguins. Read our related article to find the best spots to view them. There are several organised tours to Boulders Beach.
Simon's Town, street views, South Africa
Street views of Simon's Town

How far is Hout Bay from Kalk Bay?

Hout Bay lies at the start of Chapman’s Peak Drive. The Hout Bay harbour is the 9th most visited tourist attraction in Cape Town. One of the best things to do in Hout Bay is the Seal Island Colony 40-minute boat trip. Witness thousands of Cape Fur Seals in their natural habitat. The boat trip is a great way to get breathtaking views of Chapman’s Peak Drive and Sentinel Mountain. Trips depart daily but are weather-dependent. You do not need to make a booking out of season, but high season may require a booking ahead of time.

Mariners Warf in Hout Bay
Mariners Warf in Hout Bay
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How far is Muizenberg from Kalk Bay?

Muizenberg is about 16km from Kalk Bay. It is the place with the colourful dressing cabins on the beach, which you often see on postcards of South Africa.

Muizenberg, South Africa, Südafrika, Strandkabinen
The famous dressing cabins on Muizenberg beach
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map of Cape Town suburbs and city areas
Map of Cape Town suburbs and city areas Source: Capetown.travel

Hotels in Kalk Bay

Kalk Bay is a charming, yet small coastal village, with limited accommodation options. However, the quaint cottage, Nine on Windsor, enjoys a prime location in the heart of the town. Visitors can also find a selection of vacation rentals and Airbnb properties, such as the Kalk Bay Harbour Retreat.

For a comprehensive list of hotels in Cape Town, including recommendations in the city’s safest neighborhoods, refer to our article “Where to stay in Cape Town: Find the safest suburbs

Conclusion

Kalk Bay is the best local village in which to experience true South African hospitality. The vibe is very different from Cape Town’s. We highly recommend visiting Kalk Bay and the many great towns along the route.

Please give us feedback on this travel blog

Did you find the information you were looking for? Please leave a comment below. Your comments ensure that we give you relevant information to make your trip more enjoyable. 

Your travel buddies, Bernie and Petra

1 Comment

  1. I love this article. I did not know about the Boomslang Caves. They sound fabulous, and I would love to go and experience it in person.

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About the Author

As a freelance travel journalist and seasoned business professional, Bernie van der Linde has made it her mission to explore the world's most unique and luxurious destinations. With a PhD in business studies from the University of South Africa, Bernie has channeled her passion for travel, web design, and writing into founding the travel blog Travel Buddies Lifestyle. Here, she shares her adventures alongside her best friend and travel business partner, Petra, who seamlessly translate and compile articles relevant to their German and European audience.

Bernie's love for exploring new places has taken her to some of the world's most exotic locations. Whether gazing out at the glittering skyline of Dubai or enjoying the tranquillity of a private beach in Mauritius, Bernie is always looking for unique experiences that will inspire and entice her readers to travel.

Through her thoughtful writing and unparalleled passion for travel, Bernie van der Linde has made a name for herself in the world of travel writing. Her knack for uncovering hidden gems and sharing her experiences with her readers has made her a trusted source of inspiration for those looking to explore the world in style.

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