Bishopscourt is one of the most beautiful areas of Cape Town. Known for its spectacular mountain views, expansive properties, and leafy surroundings, Bishopscourt is the ultimate base for your Cape Town holiday.
Orientation & Getting Around
Getting Around:
- Walking: Enjoy peaceful walks through its network of greenbelts – ideal for morning strolls or jogs.
- Driving: Constantia is best explored in your own or hired car, giving you the freedom to visit nearby attractions such as Kirstenbosch Gardens, Kalk Bay, Muizenberg, and the Cape Peninsula at your own pace.
- Uber: If you don’t have a car, Uber operates reliably throughout the area, and
- Uber Black is the best option for comfortable local travel. Cape Concierge can also arrange a private driver if preferred.
- Private Drivers: We are partnered with LTC Luxury Travel & Adventures who offer airport transfers, wine tastings, or full-day itineraries. Caleb: +27 79 444 9481 | ltctravelandtours@gmail.com
Everyday Essentials
Food & Provisions
Woolworths Food | Constantia Village
Your go-to for premium groceries, fresh produce, and ready-made meals – perfect for stocking your villa kitchen. Located within Constantia Village with easy parking directly outside.
Constantia Village, Main Road | 021 794 3520 | Daily, 8am–7pm
Pick n Pay | Constantia Village
A full-service supermarket offering everyday essentials, fresh produce, and a good wine and spirits section. Conveniently located in Constantia Village.
Constantia Village, Main Road | 021 794 2120 | Mon–Sat 8am–7pm, Sun 8am–6pm
Checkers Hyper | Constantia Emporium
A modern supermarket with an extensive range of groceries, fresh bakery, and quality deli and butcher counters.
Constantia Emporium, Ladies Mile Road | 021 794 7600 | Daily, 8am–8pm
Chardonnay Deli
A farm-style deli and café offering artisanal baked goods, gourmet pantry items, and light meals (breakfast and lunch) in a relaxed garden setting.
87 Constantia Main Road | 021 795 0606 | Daily, 7:30am–5pm
Hartlief Deli | High Constantia Centre
A European-style deli with premium cured meats, cheeses, and freshly baked goods.
High Constantia Centre, Constantia Main Road | 021 795 2725 | Mon–Sat 8am–5pm, Sun 8am–4pm
Constantia Wine Route
Whether you prefer heritage, modern flair, or mountain views, Constantia’s wine route offers something for every palate.
Groot Constantia: South Africa’s oldest wine estate with historic cellars, a museum, and tastings beneath oak trees.
Beau Constantia: Boutique hillside estate with breathtaking views and the acclaimed Chef’s Warehouse restaurant. Recommended for a long lunch / dinner.
Klein Constantia: Producer of the world-renowned Vin de Constance dessert wine, set on a beautiful heritage farm. Excellent wine tasting and lunch at the Bistro’s outdoor terrace is also recommended.
Buitenverwachting: Elegant tastings and fine dining in a tranquil Cape Dutch setting.
Constantia Glen: Chic tasting lounge offering relaxed platters and panoramic views. Also a lovely relaxed lunch spot.
Steenberg: A luxury wine and lifestyle estate featuring Tryn and Bistro 1682 restaurants.
Tip: Many estates require bookings – book these directly on their website or our concierge team can arrange tastings, transfers, or private tours.
Markets
Chardonnay Deli Market: Weekend pop-up market at this much-loved local café featuring artisanal breads, pastries, and seasonal produce.
Saturdays, 9am–2pm.
Oranjezicht City Farm Market: A short drive from Constantia at Granger Bay, offering Cape Town’s best farm produce, flowers, and street food.
Friday evenings 4pm–8pm, Saturdays & Sundays 9am–2pm.
Tip: Arrive early for parking and to enjoy the freshest local produce before the crowds.
Boutiques & Local Shopping
Within Constantia Village and Constantia Emporium, you’ll find a selection of quality boutiques, art galleries, and lifestyle stores – ideal for leisurely browsing between wine tastings or lunches.
- Poetry: Elegant women’s clothing, linen, and accessories with a contemporary South African flair.
- The Heritage Shop: Curated local crafts, ceramics, and textiles — perfect for unique take-home pieces.
- Cape Island: Luxurious home fragrances and candles inspired by the Cape coastline.
- Old Khaki: Relaxed, coastal-inspired menswear and weekend essentials.
- Exclusive Books: A peaceful spot to browse travel, art, and design titles with coffee in hand.
Culture & Art
Numerous local attractions offer a fusion of history, design, and contemporary art, showcasing Constantia’s rich artistic and cultural legacy.
Norval Foundation: Surrounded by sculpture gardens and mountain views, this premier centre for contemporary African art offers an inspiring cultural experience.
Groot Constantia Museum: South Africa’s oldest wine estate, providing insight into Cape life and winemaking traditions dating back to the 17th century.
RED! The Gallery: A modern art gallery in Steenberg Village featuring works by leading South African artists.
Everard Read | V&A Waterfront: Cape Town’s most prominent gallery for modern and contemporary African art.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden: Renowned for its open-air summer concerts and seasonal art exhibitions set against breathtaking mountain scenery.
Dining
Signature Experiences
- La Colombe: Consistently ranked among the world’s best, offering refined tasting menus and panoramic valley views.
- Beyond at Buitenverwachting: Contemporary fine dining that celebrates seasonal ingredients and estate wines.
- Chefs Warehouse | Beau Constantia: Award-winning small-plate dining with spectacular mountain and vineyard views.
- Tryn at Steenberg: Modern, elegant dining in a serene wine estate setting.
Elegant & Relaxed
- The Conservatory | The Cellars-Hohenort: Classic Cape dining surrounded by lush gardens and mountain views.
- Jonkershuis | Groot Constantia: Traditional Cape cuisine in a historic wine estate setting.
- La Belle Bistro: Lovely outdoor setting for breakfast or lunch at the Alphen hotel.
- Babel: Sophisticated but low key restaurant in the Alphen Estates old Cape Dutch home. A favourite for dinner.
- Bistro Sixteen82 | Steenberg: Contemporary bistro with vibrant tapas and estate
Casual & Family-Friendly
- The Blockhouse Kitchen | Constantia Uitsig: Laid-back family dining with fresh seasonal dishes and a relaxed outdoor terrace beside the children’s bike park. Includes children’s play area.
- Jonkershuis | Groot Constantia: Classic Cape-style comfort food with views across the vineyards; ideal for long lunches or early dinners.
- Chardonnay Deli: Warm and welcoming café atmosphere, perfect for breakfast, coffee, or light lunches with friends.
- Simon’s | Groot Constantia: Spacious terrace restaurant offering casual fare and picnics under the trees.
Several Constantia estates, including Groot Constantia, Buitenverwachting, and Steenberg also offer gourmet picnic hampers to enjoy beneath the oaks or among the vines – a relaxed and scenic way to spend the afternoon.
After Dinner: For a relaxed evening drink, head to Jonkershuis Bar at Groot Constantia or Tryn Lounge at Steenberg – both offer a warm atmosphere for a nightcap surrounded by vineyards.
Wellness & Relaxation
- Steenberg Spa: Luxurious treatments and wellness rituals in a tranquil vineyard setting.
- The Fresh Wellness Spa | The Cellars-Hohenort: Garden-inspired therapies and personalised treatments in peaceful surroundings.
- Stillness Manor Spa: Hidden gem offering massages, facials, and holistic relaxation.
Outdoors & Experiences
Bishopscourt is ideal for those who enjoy nature, fresh air, and gentle adventure.
Hiking & Nature Walks
- Constantia Greenbelt Trails: Peaceful walking paths winding through rivers, forests, and vineyards – ideal for all ages and fitness levels.
- Constantia Nek Trails: Convenient and multiple trails offered for all lengths of hike.
- Silvermine Nature Reserve: Beautiful mountain trails with panoramic views, picnic areas, and a reservoir for summer swims.
- Kirstenbosch Garden Walks: Gentle forested trails and the famous canopy walkway at the base of Table Mountain.
Family-Friendly Activities
- Constantia Uitsig Bike Park: A family favourite with safe jump lines, ramps, and trails for all skill levels — bikes and helmets available for hire.
- Groot Constantia: Kids can roam the lawns, spot the ducks at the dam, or enjoy a chocolate-and-wine (grape juice) tasting while parents sample estate wines.
- Kirstenbosch Gardens: Perfect for picnics, open lawns, and exploring the canopy walkway; in summer, bring a blanket for the evening concerts.
- Imhoff Farm | Kommetjie: A fun half-day outing with camel rides, horse paddocks, a petting zoo, and plenty of space to run and play.
Tip: Arrive early at the Bike Park before it gets busy, and pack a picnic for Kirstenbosch to enjoy after your walk through the gardens.
Coastal Experiences
- Kalk Bay Tidal Pool (15–18 mins): A favourite spot for an early cold-water swim, with calm, protected water. Walk into Kalk Bay afterward for cafés, bakeries, and boutique browsing.
- St James & Muizenberg (15–20 mins): Great for relaxed swimming, tidal-pool dips, and colourful beach-hut photos. Muizenberg also offers gentle waves perfect for beginner and longboard surfing.
- Fish Hoek Beach (20–22 mins): One of the safest swimming beaches on the peninsula, ideal for families. A long promenade makes it perfect for morning walks and easy beach days.
- Simons Town & Boulders Beach (25–30 mins): Home to the famous African penguin colony and sheltered turquoise coves. Explore Simons Town’s harbour, seaside cafés, and scenic boardwalks.
Practical Information
Pharmacies & Medical
- Constantia Pharmacy
Constantia Village | 021 794 3713 | Daily, 8am–6pm
- Clicks Pharmacy
Constantia Emporium | 021 794 8200 | Daily, 8am–8pm
- Doctor: Alphen House Practice
Constantia Main Road | 021 794 5789
- Mediclinic Constantiaberg
Burnham Road | 24-hour private hospital and emergency care | 021 799 2911
Emergency Contacts
- All Emergencies (mobile): 112
- Ambulance: 10177
- Fire & Rescue: 107
- Police (Diep River): 021 710 7300
Local Tips from Cape Concierge
- Wine Tastings: Visit estates early for quieter tastings and cooler weather.
- Picnics: Pre-book Buitenverwachting or Steenberg for weekend picnics.
- Spas: Midweek appointments are calmer and easier to secure.
- Walks: Start early, take water, and enjoy the shade of the greenbelts.
We hope you fall in love with Bishopscourt as much as we have.
For reservations, private experiences, or in-villa arrangements – from chefs and spa treatments to transport and tours – our Cape Concierge team is always happy to assist.
Cape Concierge Office Contact: +27 (0)797827268 | zaanley@capeconcierge.co.za