10 top places to spot celebrities in Cape Town

A selection of the best places to spot celebrities in Cape Town and surrounds

Every woman has, at some point in their lives, fantasized about being rescued from the chilling clutches of an iceberg by Leonardo DiCaprio, but wondered how on earth she'd get him to notice her. Every man has, at some point in their lives, wanted to shake Samuel L Jackson by the hand and say: 'hey bru, you are one cool... bru' or wanted to find out whether Sir Ian McKellan talks like Gandalf all the time. 

You'd be one step closer to this actually happening if you were in the same room as them, right?

Cape Town is a fabulous city that attracts only the most fabulous singers, actors and foreign celebrities. We've been stalking them all to give you the low down on where to spot them.

The Mount Nelson Hotel and Spa
Some stars go way beyond the upper echelons of A-list celebrity - so much so that they are known simply by their first names:  Sean Penn, Oprah, Elton and Tiger. In the Mount Nelson’s lush garden estate overlooking Table Mountain, you might be fortunate enough to snuggle under Robbie's duvet, or drink from Charlize's Martini glass.
76 Orange Street | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 483 1000

The Grand
Actors John Cleese and Adrien Brody have certified The Grand’s lobster as 'wonderful and cheap'. Expect Parisian chic, crimson reds, antique candle sticks and red velvet chairs. You might encounter Sir Ian McKellan plonking the keys of their grand piano.
35 Victoria Road | Camps Bay | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 438 4253

Cafe Caprice
Zac Efron has been spotted sipping on a Granadilla Lolly, mourning the High School Musical days, and Leonardo DiCaprio even clawed his way out of the Atlantic ocean when he heard about this little Ibiza on Cape Town's 'it strip'. World famous DJ Dorfmeister once took to the decks in this glorious sundowner bar.
37 Victoria Road | Camps Bay | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 438 8315

Backsberg Vineyard
Backsberg Vineyards is home to wine and brandy tasting rooms, a fine dining restaurant, and was chosen as one of the top 100 wineries of the year by Wine and Spirits Magazine in New York. It's no wonder that the estate caught the eye of Ivanka Trump, offspring of Donald and Ivana, during her honeymoon visit to South Africa. "Just visited the Backsberg Vineyards,” she tweeted, "a terrific afternoon". Read more about wine tasting at Backsberg Vineyard.
Off R44 | Klapmuts | Paarl | +27 (0)21 875 5141

Beluga
Beluga is an intimate restaurant where one can indulge in fine dining, sushi and cocktails. The restaurant has attracted the likes of Bill Clinton, Samuel L Jackson and Kevin Spacey – Chelsey Davy even celebrated her 21st birthday in their private wine cellar.  
The Foundry | Prestwich Street | Green Point | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 418 2948

Shimansky Showroom
Shimansky are South Africa's 'Platinum Kings' and boast an internationally patented diamond cut, which has attracted A-list following. Lionel Ritchie, Christina Aguilera, James Blunt and Nelson Mandela are amongst the famous faces known to have worn or bought Shimansky's jewellery. You could be shopping for your girlfriend's engagement ring beside famous American day-time talk show host Ricki Lake. Read more about celebrities spotted wearing Shimansky.
Top Floor | Clock Tower | V&A Waterfront| Cape Town | +27 (0)21 421 2788

Aquila
Paris Hilton and Benji Madden (along with the rest of band, Good Charlotte), once stayed in the exclusive honeymoon suite and visited the reserves cheetah sanctuary. Rihanna, One Republic, Prince Harry, Katie Holmes, Mick Jager and soccer player Clarence Seedorf have also been down with the Zebras at the luxury game reserve. Read more about an overnight safari at Aquila Private Game Reserve.
Touwsrivier | Ceres | +27 (0)21 431 8400

The Side Show (now closed: new club opening soon)
For a night filled with debauchery and other-worldly charm, head out to capital of counterculture, The Side Show. Formerly known as The Fez, this iconic venue has maintained its Moroccan appeal, with wine-coloured cushions and velvet draping. The club is divided into different areas, and plays host to a VVIP room, where you can be certain to rub shoulders with the who’s-who and other socialites. 
11 Mechau Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 419 7000

Baia
Socialite Paris Hilton really got around during the 2010 FIFA World Cup and Cape Town's paparazzi must have had a field day. She was also spotted dining at sophisticated seafood restaurant Baia – an experience she reportedly enjoyed very much. It's no wonder considering the panoramic harbour view and cocktail bar.
Victoria Wharf | V&A Waterfront | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 421 0935

Tiger Tiger
This state-of-the-art club has opened its doors to many a TV and sports star, including Graeme Smith, Michael Classens and British royal, Prince Harry. Tiger Tiger offers sophisticated seating, candle lights and pumping commercial house.
103 Main Road | Claremont | Stadium on Main | Upper Ground Level | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 683 2220

Cape Town's renowned for celebritities to be able to be themselves and not get harassed. Let's keep it that way together. 

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Wondering where the best gay hangouts are or the best jazz bars? Be sure to read our Best of Cape Town section.

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Keen to learn more about the Mother City’s own celebrities? Then visit our 10 Questions section where we find out more about well-known and up-and-coming Capetonians. 

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Use our events section for an up-to-date overview of happenings in Cape Town. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter and if you have a smartphone, add m.capetownmagazine.com to your home screen for quick access on the go!

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