Guidebook for Knysna
Food Scene
Best spot in Knysna for breakfast/brunch/lunch or just a coffee overlooking the The Heads. Watch the boats sail past, consistently great service, food and quality coffee!
197 locals recommend
East Head Café
25 George Rex DrBest spot in Knysna for breakfast/brunch/lunch or just a coffee overlooking the The Heads. Watch the boats sail past, consistently great service, food and quality coffee!
Between a cafe and full scale restaurant. Artisan Swiss baker, this venue in a must for breakfast or lunch, it is legendary. Re-built after the Knysna fires, it offers indoor and outdoor seating on Thesen Island. No bookings taken.
151 locals recommend
île de païn - lunch & breakfast restaurant & artisan bakery
Long StreetBetween a cafe and full scale restaurant. Artisan Swiss baker, this venue in a must for breakfast or lunch, it is legendary. Re-built after the Knysna fires, it offers indoor and outdoor seating on Thesen Island. No bookings taken.
It's around the corner, without necessitating a drive into town, and infamous for their live music evenings on Fridays and Sunday afternoons.
36 locals recommend
Blend Country Restaurant & Pub
18 George Rex DrIt's around the corner, without necessitating a drive into town, and infamous for their live music evenings on Fridays and Sunday afternoons.
Great position by the water on Thesen Island. Project Bar upstairs is famous for its cocktails. Varied menu including sushi.
71 locals recommend
Sirocco Restaurant
Long StreetGreat position by the water on Thesen Island. Project Bar upstairs is famous for its cocktails. Varied menu including sushi.
Sightseeing
Knysna is known for "the Heads" East and West, which provide the entry place into the lagoon from the Indian Ocean. Stunning views over ocean and lagoon with occasional spotting of sea life mammals.
143 locals recommend
The Heads
1 View PointKnysna is known for "the Heads" East and West, which provide the entry place into the lagoon from the Indian Ocean. Stunning views over ocean and lagoon with occasional spotting of sea life mammals.
Parks & Nature
Driving up through Rheenendal to access the park provides options of hiking trails through the forest, a lovely cool hideaway on our hottest days. The easiest is a 5km hike with a waterfall at the end. Take snacks and water!
34 locals recommend
Goukamma Nature Reserve
Driving up through Rheenendal to access the park provides options of hiking trails through the forest, a lovely cool hideaway on our hottest days. The easiest is a 5km hike with a waterfall at the end. Take snacks and water!
Arts & Culture
Thesen House
Various art displays at different times of the year
Old Gaol
7 Main RdLocal museum with exhibits from early Knysna
Shopping
There are a couple of classy boutique clothing stores at the bottom end of Grey Street close to the coffee shop. Two on Toast, Heart and Soul and Eye Love, are worth a visit.
Gray Street
Gray StreetThere are a couple of classy boutique clothing stores at the bottom end of Grey Street close to the coffee shop. Two on Toast, Heart and Soul and Eye Love, are worth a visit.
Woolworth for quality food store, and clothing, plus essentials. Clothing stores and beauty salon "Hello Gorgeous" situated upstairs at the Mall, together with travel agency.
74 locals recommend
Knysna Mall
42 Main RdWoolworth for quality food store, and clothing, plus essentials. Clothing stores and beauty salon "Hello Gorgeous" situated upstairs at the Mall, together with travel agency.
This is an extensive market, with mostly organic Farmers Food market to one side (including vegan food stall) , many food stalls and farmers produce, plus two other large sections with arts, crafts, gifts and homewares.
185 locals recommend
Wild Oats Community Farmers Market
N2This is an extensive market, with mostly organic Farmers Food market to one side (including vegan food stall) , many food stalls and farmers produce, plus two other large sections with arts, crafts, gifts and homewares.
Essentials
Groceries and much more, with convenient large car park right outside. Includes smoothie bar and Seattle coffee takeaway outlet.
19 locals recommend
Food Lover's Market Knysna
Groceries and much more, with convenient large car park right outside. Includes smoothie bar and Seattle coffee takeaway outlet.
A large well-supplied store, including sought-after imported goods, and a bottle store adjoining.
31 locals recommend
Knysna Spar
42 Mulberry GardensA large well-supplied store, including sought-after imported goods, and a bottle store adjoining.
Entertainment & Activities
A beautiful park where you can be close-up with the elephants, there is a restaurant there.
184 locals recommend
Knysna Elephant Park
A beautiful park where you can be close-up with the elephants, there is a restaurant there.