If I could choose one place to live in Cape Town, it would be Kalk Bay. I want to be by the sea. I want to walk in the mountains. I want good food. I want so watch the sunrise. I want music. The little fishing village on the Cape Peninsula offers all of that. So even if you don’t move there, you should definitely visit this sweet spot on the peninsula.

When you get on the Simon’s Town train line at Cape Town Station it almost feels you’re going on holiday. The train rattles through Woodstock, Rondebosch, the Southern Suburbs and finally meets the ocean in Muizenberg. Once you smell the sea breeze it is hard not to pop your head out of the window to watch the surfers and the fishermen scattered along the catwalk. After passing through St. James you will see body boarders playing at Kalk Bay Reef and the Brass Bell restaurant tucked between the railway station and the ocean.

Jump off the train and step into the relaxed vibe of a fishing village that has been upgraded with an eclectic mix of restaurants, antique shops, bric-a-brac and fashion boutiques.  This laidback village has something to offer for everyone. I once read in a surfing guide that Kalk Bay was a great place to take your girlfriend because she could shop while you surf. Off course girls who want to shop, hike, swim or surf can dump theirs boys ate the pub as well. You just can’t be sad in Kalk Bay.

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10 Great Things to do in Kalk Bay

  1. Swim in a Tidal Pool: It’s like swimming in the sea, just calmer and without the sharks. There are a few pools scattered around the bay. I suggest you try them all and then pick your favourite.
  2. Coffee and croissant at C’est la vie: This tiny bakery is tucked behind the Aardvark Gallery and makes the best croissants and coffee. Pure bliss can be so simple.
  3. Surf the Reef: If you know how to surf that is. Kalk Bay Reef is one of the steepest and most challenging waves in Cape Town. The Brass Bell and Excuse my French give a pretty good view of the surfers if you’re not feeling up for it.
  4. Lunch at Olympia Café: This local favourite has an unpretentious and rustic feel but is always packed. Why? Because the food is so good.
  5. Whale watching: Come spring time Kalk Bay is one of the best spots to watch the Southern right whale. You will see them breaching right in front of the harbour wall, so keep your camera ready.
  6. Kalk Bay caves: Walk up towards Echo Valley from Boyes Drive. After a steep ascent a path will branch off towards Boomslang Cave. Take head torches and remember your steps, it gets pretty dark. On the other side you will re-emerge into sunlight and look over Fish Hoek. Are you scared of bats?
  7. Fish and Chips at Lucky Fish: There are many good seafood places in Kalk Bay, but if you love classic fish and chips; this is it.
  8. Shopping: Take a stroll down main road and get lost among antique furniture, old books and records, clothing from around the world, art galleries and lots of things that are cute and funny.
  9. Ice Cream: There is now some competition, but the Ice Café opposite the train station is still the place to go. I had raspberry-rosewater with toasted almond the other day and I still dream about it.
  10. Beer at the Brass Bell: The Brass Bell is situated almost in the sea. Cold beer, live music, hearty food and splendid views make this an ideal place to end the day. Don’t forget to do a little dance when you walk past the street musicians on your way out.

Of course there are more than 10 nice things to do in Kalk Bay. If you know of one, please post it in the comment section!