Two and a half weeks later, four very different corners of the country, and an excellent list of where to find the best caipirinhas, we’ve fallen in love with this very special country. From the buzz of Ipanema to Paraty’s cobblestones and cachaça, the river archipelagos of the Amazon and a clifftop in Bahia, here’s how Brazil treated us…

Rio de Janeiro

After Johnny’s epic arrival following 24 days at sea, Rio de Janeiro was the perfect place to kick off our Brazilian adventure. Everything you imagine to be true about the city, is. The colours really are brighter, the people are friendlier, the caipirinha’s stronger, and the talcum-powder sands of Copacabana Beach are even more picture-perfect in the flesh.

We stayed at the Ipanema Inn, right in the centre of Ipanema, and the iconic neighbourhood is a handy base for exploring. In our time in the city we squeezed in Christ the Redeemer, hiked to the waterfalls in Tijuca forest, explored historic Santa Teresa and the city centre (plus tea and cake at Confeitaria Colombo!), and took the cable car to the top of Sugarloaf at sunset. In the evening, we were steps away from some of the city’s best restaurants – seafood, sushi, Brazilian, churrasco… you name it, we ate it!

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Paraty

From Rio, we drove 3.5 hours south (ish) along the Atlantic forest-hugged Costa Verde coast, to the laidback (and UNESCO-listed) village of Paraty. It was the surprise highlight of our trip and we spent hours wandering around the cobbles, peering into shops and sampling local delicacies. Gabriela cachaça, a liqueur infused with cinnamon, cloves and ginger, is the region’s specialty and visiting the distilleries dotted along the stunning coastline is particularly special.

Back at Pousada Literaria (one of the best boutique hotels we’ve ever stayed in), it was all about the R&R and we wandered between the pool and the spa – and then next door to Quintal dal Lestras for Brazilian gastronomy at its best, and, of course, a Jorge Amado cocktail.

Pousada Literária de Paraty

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The Amazon

Arriving in the Anavilhanas National Park in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon just as the sun was beginning to set was a moment neither of us will forget in a hurry. It’s one of the largest river archipelagos in the world, spanning around 350,000 hectares and 400 islands, and the jungle is thick, pristine and full of multicoloured flora and fauna. We drove to Anavilhanas Lodge and were welcomed with freshly-squeezed cupuaçu juice, before settling into the tree-house dining room for grilled pirarucu fish and live samba.

Our days in the Amazon were centred around discovering the vast archipelago and all its inhabitants. We spotted pink dolphins on a morning boat cruise and swam in the channels before breakfast, strolled past trees bigger than ten-storey buildings, kayaked along the river, watched innumerable butterflies and birds, and hung out with sloths and caimans on a night safari. We had booked a sea plane to take us back down to Manaus, and seeing the river system from above was mind-blowing, as was the meeting of the Rio Negro and Rio Amazonia just outside the city.

Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge

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Trancoso

After a Friday night in buzzy São Paulo, we flew to Bahia and the bohemian beach town of Trancoso on Brazil’s northeast coast. Perched on a sublime clifftop overlooking the white sand and crashing waves below, it’s a fishing village at heart and days are long, languid and as relaxed (or not) as you like. At night, the central Quadrado comes alive with elegant restaurants and bars – and we couldn’t think of a better place to end our trip.

If two and a half weeks taught us anything, it’s that Brazil is worth twice the time! We’re already plotting our return. If you’d like to follow in our footsteps, take a look at our full itinerary here, ready to view, tweak to your own pace, or hand over to one of our specialists to build into something entirely your own. We’d love to plan it with you!

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“My first stop was, of course, the vibrant and iconic Rio de Janeiro. A short hike through lush Atlantic Forest led us to Pedra Bonito – one of the city’s most breathtaking viewpoints. From the summit, we could see all the way along the coast to the Pedra da Gavea mountain and Christ the Redeemer. Next up, we explored Tijuca National Park – the world’s largest urban rainforest – which was founded in 1808 and features over 6,000 species of plants.”

“Staying at the very stylish Janeiro Hotel was a real highlight with its position right on Leblon Beach and uniquely eco-friendly ethos. From here, it was easy to go on a scenic cycling tour, before exploring the rest of the city. We took a short train ride to the top of Corcovado Mountain, the base for Christ the Redeemer, which revealed staggering panoramas of the city. After delving into the city sights, we rode the cable car up Sugar Loaf then wrapped things up with dinner and caipirinhas at a local boteco.

“Only accessible by boat or ferry, I could have easily spent a couple of weeks on Ilha Grande. Its laidback atmosphere and glorious beaches make this one special place. Next up was Paraty, where we wandered amongst the cobblestone streets and colonial mansions, hearing all about the city’s history”.

“After a scenic boat ride, we spent the next day trekking through the Joatinga Reserve to reach one of the stunning Brazilian fjords, Saco do Mamanguá. We followed a challenging trail (actually one of the most popular hikes in Paraty’s surrounds) through the forest to the peak of Pão de Açúcar – an ascent of around 446 metres. On the way back, we stopped for swims and a delicious caicara lunch. A well-deserved reward!”

“Following a brief interlude in Brasilia, it was onwards to Chapada Das Vedeiros where we set off for the Couros Waterfalls. We snapped pictures from every angle, and swam in the plunging cascades and natural pools. The area possesses a truly unique and mystical energy, radiating from the underground quartz layer – which does wonders for your chakra alignment. It was a fitting end to what was one of my all-time favourite trips.”

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“It felt like stepping into multiple worlds in one trip. My stay kicked off in dynamic and iconic Tokyo, where I stayed at the Park Hotel – undoubtedly one of the most colourful and vibrant hotels I’ve ever visited. The lobby is on the 25th floor so you’re already looking out over the unbelievable Tokyo skyline from the moment you arrive. The hotel itself is filled with art, from rotating installations in the lobby to an entire floor where every room is decorated by a different Japanese artist!”

“The Park Hotel’s location was perfect too with direct access to the subway. Tokyo is like entering a living contrast. Neon-soaked nights in Shinjuku, quiet corners in Asakusa, old wooden houses tucked between skyscrapers, and steaming bowls of amazing Japanese food in tiny neighbourhood izakayas. I did a variety of tours including a visit to the Tokyo Skytree – where you can see the city stretching out forever, learned about sumo at Ryogoku and got lost in the digital dreamscape of TeamLab Planets.”

“I also had the chance to explore Asakusa and Tokyo’s more traditional side. Sensoji Temple is full of colour and life, and Nakamise Street is lined with stalls selling snacks and souvenirs that the temple has offered for centuries. We took a water bus down the river, with great skyline views, before heading into Hamarikyu Gardens for matcha in a teahouse in the middle of the lake. We also explored the Tsukiji Fish Market, a perfect stop for the freshest sushi lunch and took part in crossing the road at Shibuya Crossing!”

“After three nights in Tokyo, I took the Romancecar train to Hakone. And suddenly, everything slowed down. I stayed at Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu, which might be the most peaceful place I’ve ever been. My room had its own private open-air onsen, where I relaxed and looked out at the beautiful Autumn foliage (one of the many perks of visiting Japan in November).”

“Hakone was full of highlights. I had a day to explore on my own and went on a boat cruise across Lake Ashi where I saw the Hakone shrine. On a good day, you can see Mount Fuji, but unfortunately it was too cloudy when I was there. I also took the ropeway over Owakudani Valley where the earth literally steams around you – here I sampled one of their famous black eggs too! I then visited the Open-Air Museum with incredible sculptures against a mountain backdrop and a wonderful Picasso exhibition. I ended my day out with time in my private onsen…”

“Next, I travelled by the aptly-named bullet train to Kyoto, Japan’s beautiful bygone capital, which is pure magic. Everywhere you turn there are temples, shrines, tiny streets lined with old wooden houses, and lantern lit lanes in Gion where you might see a geisha slipping by – I was lucky enough to see one of them on my last night!

“I explored the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of vermillion torii gates. It was magical walking through that area and a dream come true for me. The next day, I had a Samurai experience, which consisted of wearing traditional Samurai clothing, learning real sword forms, wielding an actual katana to slice a goza mat, and finishing with zen meditation.”

“Kyoto’s food scene was another huge highlight. I spent time wandering Nishiki Market, sampling snacks and tiny treats between the stalls. I spent the rest of the day touring Kyoto, where we visited Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion (which really does glow in the sunlight!), Ryoanji’s meditative and mystery-filled rock garden, and Kitano Tenmangu Temple.”

“I also took a day trip to Nara, where you can wander among over a thousand friendly deer that bow for treats. Todaiji Temple is amazing too. The scale of it, and the giant Buddha inside, is really special to see. Kasuga Taisha Shrine, with its endless lanterns, felt like wandering through a sacred, softly glowing forest.”

“My favourite day in Kyoto might have been heading west to Arashiyama. The Bamboo Grove swaying high above us, seeing the famous Japanese snow monkeys, the serene Tenryuji Temple, and cycling through the rural landscape was incredible. The day ended with a private tea ceremony, learning about every graceful movement that goes into preparing matcha. It was such a unique and fascinating experience. Here I learned the phrase, Ichi-go ichi-e, a profound Japanese concept meaning ‘one time, one meeting’.”

“From Kyoto, I caught the bullet train again, this time heading west to Hiroshima. My hotel was a short walk from the Peace Memorial Park and visiting the museum was deeply moving. It’s the sort of experience that stays with you, offering both sorrow and hope. Hiroshima Castle, beautifully reconstructed, added another layer to the city’s story of resilience.”

“The next day was a day trip across to Miyajima, which felt like stepping into a postcard. The floating torii gate truly is as beautiful as everyone says, especially when the tide is high. I explored Itsukushima Shrine, walked through maple-filled parks, took the ropeway up Mount Misen for incredible views and visited Daisho-in Temple. I tried the famous maple-leaf-shaped cakes too, which are delicious!”

“Finally, I was transferred to Hiroshima Airport for my journey home, feeling so grateful! Everything about Japan exceeded my expectations and I already want to return to explore more of the country!”

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“Southern Tanzania left me speechless – a truly off-the-beaten-track destination, I had never felt so tapped into complete wilderness. After a brief interlude in Dar es Salaam, a buzzing city rich in history, warmth and delicious food, we departed at dawn for Ruaha. My first taste of the south came in the form of Usangu Expedition Camp and, after an incredibly scenic drive, we arrived to the heartwarming, soulful songs of the staff. I totally wanted to join in!”

“The food was exceptional throughout the entire trip but Usangu really spoiled us with creative dishes like chilled watermelon soup. Our bellies were stuffed and I regretted nothing! That evening, we set up camera traps and later reviewed the footage on a big screen. After missing wild dogs on our game drive, there they were, thrillingly close, followed by a leopard – my absolute favourite. The night ended with a live cooking experience…perfection!”

“The following day was action-packed but my ultimate highlight was using the camp’s night camera tablet, which shows nocturnal creatures in amazing clarity. If you normally dislike night drives because you can’t see clearly – this is the way to go. Our last night at Usangu ended with stargazing with zero light pollution and the air filled with the calls of hyenas and lions roaring.”

“Our next stop was the amazing Jabali Ridge, perched on a hill and offering the most spectacular views of Ruaha. Every guide we met was a truly authentic soul and full of knowledge, making every activity feel unique and special. After our walking safari got rained out (making for a great adventure!), we departed on a game drive, meandering amongst stunning baobab trees, and huge herds of elephant and buffalo, before soaking up one of the most gorgeous sunsets I’ve ever seen. After dinner at Kokoko Camp (delicious), we witnessed a leopard kill and watched as the youngster hid his catch. It left us completely stunned.”

“Next, we were off to Roho Ya Selous (via an incredibly scenic flight) and met with a menu of activities from cruises and fishing on the river to walking safaris. Immediately whisked onto the water, we saw scores of hippos and crocodiles, elephants and buffalos. You truly feel like the only people in the entire park. We celebrated another phenomenal day with dancing, singing and reminiscing around the fire, before I fell asleep to the sounds of munching right next to my tent.”

“The next morning, it was time for a proper walking safari. Our wonderful guide, David, knew every scent and call, and not long after hearing our pleas to see leopard and wild dogs, he suddenly whispered, “Leopard, leopard, leopard”. We dared not look it in the eye but crept closer, completely in awe. I have no photo of the first leopard I’ve ever seen on a walking safari, but the memory is glued in my mind.”

“Another first for me, we went catch-and-release fishing on the Rufiji River. After nearly snagging a fish, there came a series of errors (I even caught a tree!), but then I felt a hard tug and knew I had a fish. Everyone cheered as I pulled and pulled, before reeling in a weighty catfish. After another fantastic drive, we stopped in a stunning spot for sunset G&Ts – the perfect end to what couldn’t have been a better day.”

“On our way to the airstrip, we all chorused, “Okay David, now we need those wild dogs,” and he just said, “I know a guy”. About an hour later, an excited call came through from the guide ahead of us – they had found a pack of five young males! We spent the rest of the drive in complete awe of all we had seen.”

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“After flying halfway across the world, we got our breath back in Buenos Aires, before heading down to our first stop: El Chalten, the hiking mecca of Argentine Patagonia. On our very first morning, we conquered the Laguna de los Tres hike, a 22-kilometre, 9-hour round trip that included 1,000 metres of elevation gain. It was a rare wind-free, blue-sky day, which we enjoyed to the fullest, navigating forests, rivers and steep, zig-zagging trails to get above the snowline.”

“The view of glimmering Fitz Roy mountain and its surrounding glaciers was breathtaking (and certainly worth the 2 days it had taken to get there from Cape Town). Our fabulous guide, Julie, really brought the place to life with her knowledge of the history, flora and geological formations. Honestly, to do this trail without an expert local guide would be doing it a total disservice.”

“Next up was the bustling little town of El Calafate, just the place to be if you want to get up, close and personal with a roaring glacier. We met our guide early in the morning to get suited and booted before hopping into a kayak and paddling towards the Perito Moreno Glacier. To be in such proximity to this force of nature, which is close to 20,000 years old, was awe inspiring to say the least.”

“The glacier is one of the most dynamic in Patagonia due to its regular calving and we were gobsmacked to witness this dramatic scene as huge chunks of ice splashed into the water just a few hundred metres from where we were kayaking. We spent the afternoon exploring the boardwalks of Los Glaciares National Park, really getting a look at Perito Moreno from every angle.”

“We journeyed on, this time crossing into Chilean Patagonia and making a beeline for Torres del Paine National Park. We spent nearly a week in 3 different areas of the park, so we could really explore to the fullest, and every time we gazed upon the same mountain range, the view looked different in some way. You could never get bored here!”

“Our first day was spent on an endlessly scenic drive through the park, welcomed by local guanaco (a member of the llama and alpaca family). Our first home-away-from-home was Kau Rio Serrano, where we enjoyed an evening by the fire, sipping on calafate sours – a local re-imagining of the pisco sour, and staring at those mountains.”

“Our base for tackling the iconic Grey Trek was Patagonia Camp, which is truly one for the books with luxury yurts, delicious cocktails and the best food of the trip. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t on our side and the journey to the Grey Glacier was extremely windy. With hail being blown into our faces at 70kmh, let’s just say it was an experience and leave it at that! A word of advice: you really do experience all seasons in one here, so come prepared to change plans at the last minute and give yourself enough days to move activities around to match the weather.”

“The final stop was Estancia Cerro Guido, which offers an entirely unique experience. A traditional working farm, guests are able to get involved in the daily running of things – and we enjoyed a veggie garden tour and riding out with a real-life Gaucho. Hearing all his stories was enlightening – if ever there were a job purely driven by passion and tradition, the life of a Gaucho is it! We also went on scenic hikes and e-biked through the valleys in the shadow of Torres del Paine.”

“The major reason for visiting Estancia Cerro Guido is to track the rare and elusive puma, something that had been on my bucket list for a very long time. This estancia is known as one of the best places to track and find puma in South America, thanks to the incredible conservation work they have been doing to ensure the species and land they walk upon is protected for years to come.”

“We spent a wonderful morning with the trackers and, after several hours, we were lucky enough to find a large male puma. We kept our distance and watched as he moved around his territory completely unaffected by our presence. After 40 minutes we said our goodbyes and left him to continue his hunt for something to eat. I know so many people that have come in search of a puma and not been so fortunate, so I fully appreciate what a privilege this was.”

“I went out with the trackers again in the afternoon and spent over 5 hours checking camera traps and searching for tracks. This time, luck wasn’t on our side but it only made the events of that morning all the more special. After watching the sunset, we headed back to the lodge where I slipped into a comfy bed and readied myself for the long journey home after the most remarkable trip. How lucky am I to call this work and that I got to share it all with my Dad!”

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“After climbing hundreds of steps, which really made me question the state of my knees, we reached the top of Sigiriya Rock – just in time to watch the sunrise. It was truly incredible to see its ancient rock fortress up-close and take in the views of endless emerald forests below.”

“I stayed at the serene Sigiriya Water Garden, which boasts its own spectacular view of the Rock, which you can enjoy whilst strolling around the pretty, water-logged grounds. Enjoying a dip in my private plunge pool as peacocks called in the distance was amazing.”

“We then made our way to the sacred city of Kandy, a pristine lakeside town where you can visit the famous Temple of the Tooth, explore the Royal Botanic Gardens and stroll along the water’s edge.”

“I found paradise in the form of Adigar’s Manor, where I was welcomed with spirited music and dancing. Filled with vintage memorabilia, the house is set in lush gardens where deer wander past as meals are served on the veranda – all authentically Sri Lankan, of course.

“After an eventful train journey, I arrived by boat at Ceylon Tea Trails, which overlooks the stunning lake laid out before you. The food, service and scenery are massive highlights as well as my visit to the Dunkeld Tea Factory. The tour was fascinating, teaching us all about tea auctions, tea brokers and the lives of the tea picking ladies.”

“Throughout my trip, there was an abundance of ridiculously beautiful pools and, perched high above the lake, this one was no different.”

“Then, it was time to to the dreamy South Coast, where I enjoyed many beautiful sunsets (as well as the bell at my hotel that read, “Push for champagne”). I also partook in a fantastic walking tour with a local who has lived in Galle Fort his entire life. In addition to the rich history of this lovely fort town, one can browse around the many stores and restaurants to purchase a few last minute curios.”

“Before my flight home, there was time to do a little sightseeing in Colombo, where I saw the eye-popping Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque. Amazing!”

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From our base at Sindabezi, we watched the cascades of Victoria Falls from a natural rock pool at the edge of Livingstone Island, boated down the Zambezi River and toasted a day well spent around the fire, hippos grunting in the distance. And waking to those idyllic views from bed? Priceless.

The following day, we were whisked up river to Tongabezi Lodge, where we took a ride in an electric and completely silent dhow, before enjoying a private floating dinner on the Zambezi.

The next leg of our journey took us soaring over the Lower Zambezi and, after a short boat ride, we had arrived at the beautiful Sausage Tree Camp. We were treated to one of their legendary lunches, set under gazebos with our feet in the cooling water of the Zambezi River. As we trundled through a grove of winterthorn trees, we spied four young lion cubs, and spent a magical time in their presence. In true Sausage Tree style, we were surprised with a bush dinner to round off an already perfect day.

I rode shotgun on our next small plane flight, enjoying spectacular vistas as we flew towards northern Kafue. Inspired by the design of a weaver’s nest, Chisa Busanga’s inventive and whimsical rooms were an absolute highlight. Not to be outdone though, our game drives across the famed Busanga Plains rewarded us with sightings of over 25 lions.

Set right on the Kafue River (with an infinity pool from which to gaze upon it), Ila Safari Lodge was next and it did not disappoint. With a sundowner boat ride to end the day and breakfast prepared over the fire to start the next, we were in safari heaven.

Overlooking the glimmering Luangwa River, Shawa Luangwa Camp was next on our itinerary. Here, in the land of the walking safari, we enjoyed our own epic journey with the famous Jacob Shawa – one of Zambia’s top guides who hand-picked the camp’s location.

Our final stop was Likoma Island on the indigo waters of Lake Malawi. In fact, my room was on its very own private island, where I enjoyed glorious views and a soul-stirring atmosphere. Exploring Likoma Island by e-bike and really getting to know its people was a joy, and a rather special way to end my trip.

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“Starting out in Hoi An, the trip began with exploring the city’s historic quarters before I enjoyed an evening of seriously incredible food and made a lantern to take home. One of my absolute favourite days was spent farming and fishing in Tra Nhieu Village. It doesn’t get more authentic, learning from and working alongside the people that actually live this life, then sharing a meal together. It totally wasn’t part of the itinerary, but I even got the chance to have a go in one of the basket boats – I spun around as fast as I could, to many hoots and cheers from the riverbank.”

Hoi An

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“We journeyed on towards Hue via the super scenic Hai Van Pass (there were plenty of stops for photos) where I was treated to a boat ride down the Perfume River and lantern-making class. Throughout the entire trip, the guides were really in-tune with my interests. We explored the Imperial City and heard about fascinating pre-western history, watched bronze-makers in action and even met a Princess from the House of Nguyen. I’m a huge fan of the monk and poet, Thich Nhat Hanh, and it was pretty epic to visit the very place where he got his start.”

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“It was onwards to Hanoi, where I was whisked around the city on a vespa food tour. I really got to see all the city has to offer, from museums to pagodas to water puppet shows. One of my absolute favourite moments was meeting war veteran, Nguyen Hong My, where we heard all about his life, and stories of forgiveness and healing.”

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“Next, Thailand beckoned and we kicked things off in Chiang Mai where I joined a Lanna family for a unique and very tasty cooking experience. I also got to visit an elephant sanctuary, where elephants who have been used commercially for generations are sent to live out their days in peace. I spent time with two elephants and their keepers, wandering through the forest and bathing them – of course, I got royally splashed too.”

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“My adventure came to an end in Bangkok, where I stayed at the Riva Surya in a fantastic location for walking around the city. I went on one of the best food tours of the trip, all Michelin-starred and delicious. Every outing was tailored just for me, whether it was visiting a floating market or finding a basketball court, where I joined locals in a game.”

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ZEITZ MOCAA

Cape Town’s skyline wouldn’t be the same without the monumental concrete grain silos at the Waterfront – and inside them is the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA), the largest museum of its kind on the continent. Designed by Thomas Heatherwick, the building is a work of art in itself, the honeycomb windows spilling light into enormous, cathedral-like spaces. Across the nine floors, you’ll find everything from Mary Sibande’s larger-than-life figures to Athi-Patra Ruga’s vibrant tapestries. There’s also a range of rotating international exhibitions that keep things fresh and the rooftop sculpture garden is a highlight, framing Table Mountain in ways you’ve never seen before.

Grab a bite to eat: Stay put – the Silo Hotel’s Granary Restaurant is excellent and serves a variety of bites, whilst the rooftop bar and restaurant has panoramic views across the harbour and Table Mountain.

Norval Foundation

At the foot of the Steenberg mountains, the Norval Foundation is part gallery, part sculpture garden and part conservation project – and definitely worth a visit. With beautiful indoor and outdoor installations, it’s all about slowing down, breathing in the crisp mountain air and letting your creativity flow… Inside, sleek, light-filled spaces showcase rotating exhibitions of the classic – William Kentridge’s charcoal animations are a standout – to the contemporary, while outside, you’ll find colossal bronze sculptures by Angus Taylor peering out from the fynbos. Plus, the Foundation’s commitment to education and accessibility makes the whole experience even more meaningful.

Grab a bite to eat: The on-site restaurant, Grub & Vine, serves fabulous seasonal plates alongside a sensational view of the gardens, or pop next door to Steenberg Farm for wine and tapas at Bistro Sixteen82.

Goodman Gallery

With roots stretching back to the 1960s and the anti-apartheid era, Goodman Gallery has nurtured some of the continent’s most important voices from photographers to political artists. Cape Town’s outpost, housed in a former convent in Green Point, mixes well-known names like William Kentridge and Lisa Brice with rising stars from across the continent and beyond. It’s also where some of the country’s most controversial exhibitions have played out (think Brett Murray’s Hail to the Thief), so don’t expect to walk away unmoved.

Grab a bite to eat: Head next door to Cucina, the gallery’s Italian-inspired café, for a plate of homemade pasta or a glass of wine.

WHATIFTHEWORLD

If you’re looking for the cool kids of Cape Town’s art scene, WHATIFTHEWORLD is where you’ll find them. Housed in a classic heritage building in the city centre, the gallery has a reputation for supporting – and catapulting into the limelight – some of South Africa’s most exciting young stars. In recent years, both Athi-Patra Ruga’s fantastical textiles and Kudzanai Chiurai’s impecabble collages have graced the walls, but whatever is on show, you’re guaranteed something that’s bold, witty and always thought-provoking.

Grab a bite to eat: Wander up to Bree Street, either to Sea Breeze for oysters and a glass of bubbles in the sunshine, or Between Us for a casual bite.

Everard Read

The Cape Town branch of South Africa’s oldest commercial gallery is as polished and slick as you might expect. Everard Read first opened in Johannesburg in 1913, and its Waterfront space (established in 1996) is now an icon of the city’s art circuit. Inside, you’ll find everything from glossy contemporary canvases to bold sculptures, all curated with collectors firmly in mind. But it’s not all hush-hush seriousness – pop across to the CIRCA space next door or amble through the sculpture garden and you’ll see why this century-old gallery still feels fresh.

Grab a bite to eat: You’re right by the Time Out Market at the Waterfront, where Cape Town’s best chefs and street food traders share one buzzing space with plenty of options.

Blank Projects

Tucked into exactly the type of industrial building you might expect to find in Woodstock, Blank Projects is less about pretty pictures and more about ideas. The gallery focuses on emerging and mid-career artists, with exhibitions that showcase art, politics and social commentary. Expect installations that make you think and conceptual works that surprise you – and don’t surprised if you see the gallery’s name at an art fair near you in the future!

Coffee stop nearby: Try one of Woodstock’s many cafés for a cup of the good stuff – Espresso Lab is a favourite for serious coffee lovers.

SMAC Gallery

Sleek, minimal and achingly cool, SMAC (Stellenbosch Modern and Contemporary) showcases South African and African contemporary art with an international edge. With its white walls, ceilings and floors, the art (literally) shines, whether it’s a bold canvas, sculptural installation or a black and white photograph. SMAC really does have a knack for putting together exhibitions that feel relevant and exciting and often artists who are making waves in Europe and the US are spotlighted. If you’re keen to see what’s hot in African art right now, this is the place.

Grab a bite or drink: Try Ouzeri for Mediterranean flavours, then round off the evening with a cocktail at the Secret Gin Bar.

Southern Guild

Less gallery and more wonderland of imagination and creativity, Southern Guild is a place with serious ambition. Here, design meets art in spectacular fashion: ceramic thrones by Andile Dyalvane, fantastical seating pods by Porky Hefer, and collectible furniture that looks as though it belongs in a dreamscape. It’s bold, beautiful, and proudly African, representing the continent’s leading artists and designers at international fairs from Paris to Miami – and even if you’re not shopping for a one-of-a-kind chair, a visit here will leave you buzzing with inspiration.

Grab a bite to eat: You’re right at the V&A Waterfront, so take your pick – Willoughby’s for sushi, Harbour House for seafood with a view, or cocktails at one of the waterside bars.

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The V&A Waterfront

If you’re starting at the Waterfront, steel yourself: you’ll need a strong will and failing that, a larger suitcase… We suggest beginning at The Silo Shop. Tucked inside The Silo Hotel, its pillow-y windows an icon of the city’s night skyline, the curated edit of local art books and accessories is as chic as the hotel itself.

Just around the corner, the Southern Guild Gallery is one of the most important names in South African design. Expect collectible pieces by the likes of Andile Dyalvane, Dokter and Misses, and Wiid Design and in the shop, ceramic vases, sculptural bowls and lighting that doubles as art. Don’t skip the Zeitz MOCAA shop either; located on the ground floor, just below the gigantic concrete tubes of the old grain silo, it’s stocked with coffee-table books you’ll actually want to carry home.

And then there’s the Watershed, a market-style space bursting with the best of South African talent. Inside, it’s a beautiful melee of textiles, furniture, ceramics and gifts from Wonki Ware’s famously wonky tableware to throws by African Jacquard and pretty prints from local illustrators. If there’s time, pop next door to AAFRICAA and ogle the magazine-worthy interiors and collectible African design pieces. If it doesn’t make you want to re-decorate every room in your house, you’re not looking hard enough!

CBD

Make your way up to cool-as-a-cucumber Kloof and Bree Streets, where the interiors shops are sandwiched between chic boutiques and cafés. On Kloof, LIM sets the tone with its sleek, clean lines and Scandi-meets-Africa vibe, while Pezula Interiors (Buiten Street) is all about layered, elegant living with a modern edge. For something different, head up the hill to Chandler House in Bo-Kaap, Michael Chandler’s jewel-box of a shop, and shop the hand-painted ceramics and heritage-inspired prints that spill from the shelves.

From Bo-Kaap, follow the hill back down to Houtlander in Heritage House. Once a collective space, it’s now entirely dedicated to Houtlander’s award-winning wooden furniture, crafted to last and always with a little design twist (their spindle bench is particularly iconic). The showroom is cleverly staged like a living space, so you can imagine each piece in your own home. And just around the corner is Mungo’s (relatively) new home in the CBD that showcases their stunning – and proudly South African – textiles. Shop everything from handwoven throws to towels and linens, all made on their restored antique looms in Plettenberg Bay.

De Waterkant

This colourful, cobbled quarter isn’t just about pretty houses and coffee stops (although it has an excellent line in those, too) – it’s also home to some of Cape Town’s most stylish interiors stores. Pedersen + Lennard have their showroom on Napier Street, tucked inside a beautifully restored heritage building where the high ceilings, raw brick walls and shards of sunlight show off the drool-worthy pieces to perfection. Alongside the contemporary furniture, the space also hosts rotating art pieces curated by Source Artistry, so you might find yourself picking up anything from a striking canvas to a new dining table.

A few doors away, Anatomy Design brings a little Joburg cool to Cape Town with a space that’s all about clean lines and craftsmanship – and if you’ve still got some energy, pop into Weylandts. This South African interiors giant does scale like no one else – think vast sofas, oversized tables and statement lighting (for the beach house in Camps Bay, of course…).

Atlantic Seaboard

Down by the coast, Sea Point and Green Point have plenty to tempt. First up is The Strangers Club, a café-boutique hybrid founded and stocked by two brothers who source their treasures from around the world. Today, you’ll find a cleverly-curated mix of globally inspired décor, fashion, and homeware in a shaded and very pretty garden setting. Grab a coffee, peruse the shelves, and maybe linger for some brunch afterwards.

Then, brave the traffic on Main Road and make your way to The Blink Shop for colour, character and fun in ceramic form (it’s the Sea Point stockist of Wonki Ware), whilst next door, Nosso is straight from the beaches of Brazil and unapologetically bold, bright and brilliant. Rounds things off with a visit to Mash Boutique and cleanse your design palette amid the sleek ceramics and muted furniture and lifestyle goods.

Constantia & Wynberg

A short drive south will take you into leafy Constantia and Wynberg, home to some of the grande dames of the South African interiors scene. First up, and perhaps the biggest name of all, Cécile & Boyd is a must. They are the design firm behind some of the country’s most incredible safari lodges and the Constantia store is full of the same magic: think stunning objets and sumptuous fabrics, furniture and pieces.

Nearby, the sprawling Block & Chisel flagship store is furniture nirvana: antiques, modern pieces, chandeliers the size of small cars, and every accessory you never knew you needed (or wanted!). For textiles, St Leger & Viney is a temple of high-end fabrics and wallpapers, while Hertex offers a slightly more accessible but equally irresistible edit with rows and rows of textiles in every texture and shade, plus a fab homeware range to peruse, too.

Cape Town

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Choose a destination, pick your properties and we'll do the rest

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The post An insider’s guide to Cape Town’s interiors & homeware stores appeared first on Timbuktu.