In July 2018 Forbes Magazine named Kalk Bay one of the 12 coolest neighborhoods around the world. And we must say that after a visit to this quirky fishing village we definitely understand why Forbes named it so. Kalk Bay has become one of our favorite neighborhoods. This small seaside town is home to various shops, lovely cafés, beautiful street art, stunning views, and two tidal pools. You can easily spend a day exploring the vibrant Main Road of this cute little fishing village. With its eclectic mix of historic buildings, cobbled streets, and charming harbor Kalk Bay is a must-visit when in Cape Town. Here are some of the best things to explore when visiting the quirky fishing village Kalk Bay.
Shopping at Main Road
The Main Road in Kalk Bay is home to some incredible antique shops, art, and bookstores, as well as other shops with a bohemian and modern sense to them. You can easily spend a few hours wandering the streets of Kalk Bay and stopping in every shop on your way. It is the perfect place to find a more unique souvenir from your travels in Cape Town.
Kalk Bay Harbor
Kalk bay has a charming harbor area where you find several fishing boats, as well as a fish market. Using some time to admire the fishermen bringing in their catch of the day is one of the fun things to do in Kalk Bay. The harbor is also home to sea lions which you might be able to see playing in the water or begging for some grub at the fish market. If you are visiting between August and November, you might also be lucky enough to spot a southern right whale. They tend to swim right by the harbor wall. Kalk Bay is therefore a great place to see the whales close by.
Food & drinks in Kalk Bay
As mentioned earlier, there are numerous cafes to be found in Kalk Bay. We have gathered some of our favorites for you to visit in Kalk Bay.
Olympia Bakery and café: This small bakery makes some of the best baked goods in Cape Town. Here you can find everything from croissants and Danish pastry to sourdough loaves. The bakery also has a café where you can enjoy some delicious meals during the day.
Kalky’s: Most people visit Kalk Bay for the famous fish & chips at Kalky’s. It is definitely our favorite in Kalk Bay as the atmosphere is very local and you eat your food with a beautiful view of the small town.
Ohana Café: This vegan-friendly café is situated right on the edge of the coast. They serve some delicious meals and baked goods, which you can enjoy while looking out at the ocean.
The Ice Café: This place sells some of the best ice creams we have ever tasted. It is made from an Italian recipe that goes back three generations. A visit to Kalk Bay is not complete without a scoop of ice cream from the Ice Café!
Kalk Bay tidal pools
Kalk Bay is also home to 2 tidal pools: Dalebrook Tidal Pool and Wooley’s Tidal Pool. These are the perfect places to cool off after a hot day wandering the streets of Kalk Bay. Dalebrook Tidal Pool is definitely more crowded but a bit closer to the city center. Whereas, if you are looking for a quieter spot you should head over to Wooley’s Tidal Pool.
Best time to visit Kalk Bay
The best time to visit Kalk Bay is definitely on the weekend if you want to experience the bustling life of the town. The streets can be a bit more crowded on the weekend, however, it is also what makes the atmosphere of the small town so great. If you opt for a visit during the week, you will find fewer people and a more sleepy town. But there really isn’t a bad time to visit this quirky fishing village known as Kalk Bay.
