23 December 2024

Philadelphia, Cape Town Photography

Vernon Chalmers, Tourist Photography Philadelphia, Cape Town

Canon EOS 6D Mark II and Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM Lens

Entrance to Philadelphia, Cape Town Copyright Vernon Chalmers
Philadelphia, Cape Town, Philadelphia Town Entrance

An impromptu drive on a crisp December Monday morning took us to the small, rustic and tourist-friendly town of Philadelphia, (approximately 37 km's via the N7 towards Malmesbury), from Cape Town, for some tourist / street photography.

The Philadelphia village was established in 1836 from a parish of the Dutch Reformed Church. Various signages on notice boards and old buildings are daily reminders of the proud heritage of this quaint original settlement. Today the town is still relatively small with impeccably tidiness across the residential and trading areas.  

Philadelphia provided us with another opportunity to use the nimble Canon EOS 6D Mark II paired with the Canon EF 24-70mm f/4 IS USM lens and the ever-green Canon EOS 6D paired with the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens. Both bodies / lens pairings performed exceptionally well, So much optical creativity and Canon technology embedded inside... 

The majority of shops in Philadelphia are closed on a Monday and the town was therefore mostly deserted of locals and / or tourists. Only a few shops here and there were open for browsing. The Pepper Tree Art Stable and Coffee shop served us fresh roasted coffee and a few slices of a decadent lemon meringue pie. Compliments to the baker...!

Philadelphia is definitely worth another visit. It is also possible from here, through the countryside to drive to Wellington, Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. (see Philadelphia Map below) 

All Images Copyright Vernon Chalmers Photography : Vernon Chalmers Copyright Policy

Philadelphia Town Cape Town Map Copyright Vernon Chalmers
'Tour our Town' Philadelphia, Cape Town : Town Map

Philadelphia Cape Town NG Kerk Copyright Vernon Chalmers
NG Kerk / Dutch Reformed Church Philadelphia, Cape Town

Philadelphia NG Kerk Cape Town Outside Copyright Vernon Chalmers
NG Kerk / Dutch Reformed Church Philadelphia, Cape Town

Philadelphia Cape Town NG Kerk Sign Board Copyright Vernon Chalmers
Philadelphia, Cape Town NG Kerk / Dutch Reformed Church Signage (Since 1863)

Philadelphia Town Tractor Copyright Vernon Chalmers
Philadelphia, Cape Town Vintage Farmer Tractor

Philadelphia Garden Goblins Cape Town Copyright Vernon Chalmers
Philadelphia, Cape Town Garden Goblins 

Philadelphia Cape Town Magic Minerals Shop Copyright Vernon Chalmers
Philadelphia, Cape Town Magic Minerals Shop Signage

Philadelphia  Inside Magic Minerals Shop Copyright Vernon Chalmers
Inside Magic Minerals Shop, Philadelphia, Cape Town

Magic Minerals Dragon Head Philadelphia, Cape Town Copyright Vernon Chalmers
Magic Minerals Dragon Head, Philadelphia, Cape Town

Philadelphia Cape Town Pink Daisies Copyright Vernon Chalmers
Pink Daisy Flowers, Philadelphia, Cape Town (Auto-ISO 5000)

Philadelphia Cape Town Pepper Tree Art Stable and Coffee Shop Copyright Vernon Chalmers
Pepper Tree Art Stable and Coffee Shop, Philadelphia, Cape Town

Photo of Paining Philadelphia Cape Town Pepper Tree Art Stable and Coffee Shop Copyright Vernon Chalmers
Photo of Painting Philadelphia Cape Town, Pepper Tree Art Stable and Coffee Shop

Philadelphia Cape Town Peppertree Books Copyright Vernon Chalmers
Pepper Tree Art Stable and Coffee Shop Books, Philadelphia, Cape Town

More About Philadelphia, Cape Town

"Philadelphia is a charming rural village located about 38 km north of Cape Town in the Western Cape province of South Africa. It's known for its historic buildings, scenic countryside, and friendly community.

It's wonderful how such a quaint village can offer so many activities and attractions. From savouring delicious home-cooked meals at Peppertree Art Stable & Coffee Shop to experiencing the thrill of microlight flights, there's something for everyone.

Here are some highlights of what you can do and see in Philadelphia:

  • Peppertree Art Stable & Coffee Shop: Enjoy fine home-cooked cuisine under a large pepper tree in a country-style setting.
  • Capaia Wines: Visit for wine tasting and enjoy the scenic vineyards.
  • Mountain View Horse Trails: Go on horseback rides through the Cape Town farmlands.
  • De Malle Meul: A great spot for Sunday lunch with a large buffet spread.
  • Self-Drive Cape Town to Wellington: Take a scenic drive through beautiful countryside.
  • Microlight Introduction Flights: Experience the thrill of soaring over land and sea in a microlight. 


Philadelphia is a perfect destination for those looking to experience the tranquility of rural life while still being close to the amenities of Cape Town." (Source: Microsoft Copilot)

Philadelphia, Cape Town, Google Map / Directions

N7 Towards Malmesbury From Cape Town (+- 38 Km's from Cape Town)

 Camera / Lens for Philadelphia, Cape Town Photography (Vernon Chalmers Images)
  • Canon EOS 6D Mark II (Full-Frame)
  • Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM lens
  • Lexar Professional 64GB UHS-I 160MB/S /1066x Speed

Exposure / Focus Settings for Philadelphia, Cape Town Photography
  • Autofocus On
  • Aperture Priority (Av) Mode
  • Apertures (f/4 - f/11) 
  • Auto ISO (100 - 5000)
  • Shutter Speeds (Various)
  • Image Stabilisation On
  • Handheld

Philadelphia, Cape Town Photography, Image Post-Processing
Lightroom Classic (Ver 13.5) - Minor Adjustments /  RAW to JPEG Conversion

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Canon EOS 6D Mark II and Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM Lens : Canon USA
Canon EOS 6D Mark II and Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM Lens : Canon USA

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