From its jagged coastline to smoky mountain backdrops and dance floors that feel like home, the Mother City holds space for both intensity and softness. It’s no surprise that Talia Zaken thrives here, an artist who bends genre lines and reshapes expectations with every set. Her sound is a trip: psychedelic, tribal, emotionally charged, and always in motion.
This edition of All Day, All Night is curated by Talia, whose roots in Cape Town run deep. From festival stages under African skies to dimly lit clubs that pulse with underground sounds. And on top of that, with her event series Senses, she’s carved out a more intimate world within rave culture: a space to feel, move, and come undone. Now, she opens her city to us: a soulful guide to the places that feed her creativity, energy, and community.
One Park
A true listening room. Weekly vinyl sessions and thoughtful curation. Great for a glass of wine with friends. One Park is for people who actually listen. The sound is warm, the selections are intentional, and the room encourages conversation without killing the music. A rare space in Cape Town where music leads the mood, not the other way around.
📍1 Park Rd, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Mødular
Cape Town’s underground anchor. A no-nonsense club that’s hosted a long line of local and international artists and still leads the scene’s underground space.
Big respect to their team for investing in proper safety protocols and security to protect their community.
📍 Riebeek St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Red Telephone Collective
A festival build crew with real vision, responsible for some of the most distinctive festival stages and installations in Cape Town, not just décor but full-on world-building. Their work turns dancefloors into immersive environments that feel alive, intentional, and bold. Every structure tells a story, and every installation adds depth to the experience. Pure creative muscle behind some of the city’s most memorable moments.
Bridges for Music
A school and non-profit academy shaping the city’s next generation of music artists. Empowering young talent from underserved communities, they provide real skills, mentorship, and industry access. Bridges for Music is one of the most meaningful forces in Cape Town’s cultural ecosystem. A vital platform that creates access, opportunity, and long-term impact in our industry.
📍 Washington St, Langa, Cape Town, 7455, South Africa
Blondie
A favourite for lunch, dinner, or a late drink. Unpretentious, consistently good food, nostalgic tunes, and a crowd that actually feels like Cape Town. Blondie is comfort without compromise. Easy food, strong drinks, and a soundtrack that feels familiar in the best way.
📍 71 Kloof St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Float Apparel
A lifestyle brand that’s carved out its own lane, blending fashion, music and youth culture. Their pieces are quality, instantly recognisable and have a strong identity. They also throw events that reflect their community. Float understands culture beyond clothing. Their drops feel intentional, their visuals hit, and their events bring the right people together.
📍137 Bree St, CBD, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Smac Gallery
A sharp contemporary space championing some of South Africa’s most compelling artists. Always a reliable place to reset your eye and spark new ideas. Whether you’re deeply into art or just curious, it’s a space that invites reflection and keeps the conversation moving forward.
📍 25 Church St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
Our Local
A warm, greenhouse-like, breakfast and lunch spot with genuinely good food and fairy energy. Our Local feels like a gentle reset. Sunlight, plants, and plates that actually care about flavour. It’s the kind of place that makes mornings softer and afternoons longer. Perfect for slow starts and easy conversations.
📍117 Kloof St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Hesheng
A hidden gem. An unassuming, small, authentic Chinese spot that delivers some of the city’s best food. Great dinner spot. Hesheng is one of those places you gatekeep but also want everyone to experience. Honest cooking, big flavours, and a reminder that the best meals often come from the simplest rooms.
📍 269 Main Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town, 8060, South Africa
Lower Main Road, Observatory
A street packed with eclectic thrift shops and second-hand gems, perfect for digging up unexpected pieces. I have found some of my favourite timeless pieces here.
📍 Lower Main Road, Cape Town, South Africa
And That’s a Wrap on Cape Town Hidden Gems!
Cape Town is a place of contrasts softened by rhythm and wild nature mirrored in its people. And no one channels that duality like Talia Zaken.
We love talking about good music, great parties and amazing city recommendations. If you’re also looking to have an unforgettable experience like XCEED always does, keep reading!
All Day, All Night: Amsterdam – Hidden Gems & Local Spots by Dam Swindle
Amsterdam legends Dam Swindle share their essential local spots for clubbing, records, food, and coffee, perfect for your ADE trip.
Here’s how to eat, drink, and party in Amsterdam—no basic recs allowed.
