Things to Do While on Holiday in Cape Town

The Mother City is a stern parent during the Winter time with her blowing winds and icy attitude. During the Summer, the warm and friendly parent comes out to play.

The city of Cape Town lies at the foot of Table Mountain, the flat-topped mountain hugged by the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. The geography of the Cape gives rise to spectacular coastlines and scenery. One can expect sandy white beaches, rocky outcrops, cliff faces and calm waters. And that’s just the coast!

The more mountainous areas boast perennial streams, lakes and forest reserves. On the outskirts of the city is the famous wine region, which is home to a variety of cultivars. A laid back, eclectic and thriving city lies in the midst of all this natural beauty. It’s no surprise that Cape Town has become one of the most globally searched for cities in the world. Even TripAdvisor has nominated Cape Town as one of the best destinations to visit.

With so many accolades under the Mother City’s belt, we think it’s about high time you paid the city of many wonders a visit.

The majority of areas within greater Cape Town are all within an hour’s drive of one another.

Your holiday to Cape Town will just depend on your journey,  but here’s our definitive list of things to do while on holiday in Cape Town.

Cape Town Central and Surrounds : Culture, Colour and History

The centre of Cape Town and its surrounds bustle with activity. It’s a cultural melting pot and hive of restaurants, museums and a slice of South African history. Don’t give this area a miss – especially not the authentic and true Capetonian area of Bo Kaap.

Here’s your list of not-to-miss things to do in Cape Town Central and Surrounds:

• Bo Kaap is one the most locally vibrant areas in Cape Town. It is also historically significant with a museum documenting the struggles of South Africa’s past. Rows of brightly coloured houses adorn the cobbled streets of an area previously known as the Malay Quarter (many of the residents are descendants of slaves from Malaysia, Indonesia and various African countries). We suggest you try Biesmiellah’s for an authentic sampling of Cape Malay food . Try a traditional samoosa!
• Robben Island is a prison island and is only a short boat ride away from the VA Waterfront area. Former revolutionist and president Nelson Mandela spent 27 years imprisoned in a small cell before being released.
• District Six Museum is worth a visit. It was originally established as a community of freed slaves, merchants, artisans, labourers and immigrants. The community was vibrant and strong. Under the Apartheid regime it was declared a “white area” and people were forced to relocate, which in turn destroyed this lively community. The museum is a dedicated to the memories of the past.
• Woodstock is an up-and-coming area filled with eateries, cafes and a food market culture. It’s hipster mixed with local attitude. The Biscuit Mill is a MUST for foodies and lovers of locally brewed beers. The streets surrounding the area have become a canvas for graffiti artists to make their mark.
• The Company Gardens houses the National Gallery, the Planetarium and the museum. There are plenty of scenic and leafy areas ideal for strolls.
• Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is acclaimed as one of the great botanic gardens of the world and often hosts concerts during the Summer. It’s a great place to walk around, picnic and get to know the indigenous flora of South Africa.
• Make sure you get up to the top of Table Mountain. Catch a cable car up Table Mountain, hike along the top and enjoy the bird-eye views of Cape Town.

 

The Atlantic Seaboard : Wealth, Scenic Views and Palm Trees

The Atlantic Seaboard, dubbed the St Tropez of Cape Town, certainly lives up to its namesake. The palm-fringed beach of Camps Bay is home to powerful, crisp blue waters and a white sandy beach. Cocktail bars line the shore and plenty of people who need to be seen flock to this area.

The 4 beaches of Clifton are a sight to behold. Azure waters with bright, white sand and scatterlings of boulders provide the ideal place to pose. Yachts sail quietly past the beaches and drumming sessions happen at night. Villas overlook the coastline and sunsets are legendary.

This most certainly is not an area to be missed. Take a winding drive from Green Point past the coastline all the way to humble Hout Bay at the foot of Chapman’s Peak. This drive hugs the Atlantic beach coastline and gives rise to some spectacular views.

We recommend the following:

• A meandering drive over Chapman’s Peak, voted as one the most scenic drive in the world.
• Catch an evening sunset cruise on a yacht around Clifton or play a game of volleyball on one of the beaches. Camp’s Bay beach is the place for cocktails, going out and catching a tan.
• Don’t miss the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. It’s a hub of activity located in an area around a yacht marina. You can visit the golf and rugby museum, the art displays, shop for African curios, stroll on the pier, watch the yachts, visit the Two Oceans Aquarium and devour traditional foods at the indoor food market.
• If you’re up for a sporting adventure you can always hike up Lion’s Head when it’s full moon. This is a favourite past time of locals. Take up the adrenaline a notch or two and try a bit of hang gliding!
• Cocktails in the Cape are a must. An evening of cocktails must be experienced at any one of the Atlantic Seaboard cocktail bars.

 

The Southern Peninsula : Laid Back, Surfing and Swim with Penguins

If you’re self-driving then we recommend driving from the Atlantic Seaboard over Chapman’s Peak Drive which will take you into Noordhoek. From there your exploring of the southern peninsula can begin. The southern peninsula is a laid back region of Cape Town, dotted with seaside villages. This side of the mountain, locals are very keen on water sports!

• The area of Cape Point Nature Reserve is a geographical marvel. This is where the two oceans intersect. The cascading cliffs will leave you speechless. There are sand dunes, fynbos and a curious mix of wildlife. A complete coastal wildlife spectacle – be sure to look out for whales!
• Boulder’s Beach in Simon’s Town is a protected bay with warm waters ideal for swimming. The small jackass penguins weave in between you as you wallow in the bay. If swimming’s not your thing, take a walk on the boardwalk where you’ll see huge protected penguin colonies waddling alongside of you.
• Kalk Bay is a place where locals hang out. It’s peppered with art galleries and beach bars centralised around a working harbour. It’s bohemian and arty; and surfers chase the huge wave close to the harbour wall. Laden with seafood restaurants, coffee bars and arts and crafts, it’s not a place to be missed.
• The more adventurous types should try their hand at surfing on Muizenberg beach, which has a gentle waves. Trail runners and mountain bikers will love the Silvermine Nature Reserve. Simon’s Town has plenty of dive schools and small bays for snorkelling. You can also go shark cage diving from Simon’s Town. The equine folk should definitely do a horse riding tour on Noordhoek Beach.

The Winelands : Vineyards, Food and Wine

Looming mountains watch over the quiet vineyards and dramatic scenery. The Cape Winelands cannot be left off your list. Pinotage, Muscadel, Shiraz, Chardonnay and Hanepoot are just a few of the varieties to expect. Even if you don’t enjoy wine, the absolute bliss of the wine valleys will leave you wanting more.

• The Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, located in Stellenbosch, is ideal for hiking and fly fishing.
• Babylonstoren is an old Cape Dutch working farm with rows of vegetables, fruit and herbs. Paths wind through the gardens and down to the stream. Spend your lunch time dining on fresh, healthy meals with fresh produce picked from the gardens.
• Stellenbosch is a bustling University town filled with Cape Dutch architecture and historical buildings. There are over 140 tasting rooms and wine routes from which to choose. There’s Delheim which is fantastic for picnics, walks and wine tasting. Other renown farms to try include: Simonsig, Blaauwklippen, Lanzerac and Kanonkop.
• Franschhoek has French origins and one can expect an array of fine dining restaurants, quaint French inspired shops, lavender fields and vineyards surrounded by towering mountains. Franschhoek is the food and wine capital of South Africa!
• If you have the time, visit the Durbanville, Somerset West, Groot Constantia (southern suburbs) and Paarl area for more wine farms.
• Don’t miss Fairview Wine and Cheese tasting. There’s plenty of goats cheeses to pair with your wine.
• The historical “Oom Samie se Winkel” in Stellenbosch is housed in an old Victorian house and is a real old school general store worth a browse.
• The Spice Route in Paarl is a contemporary collection of artisan eateries, wine tasting, craft beer, biltong makers and art galleries.
• Do your own wine blending at Middlevlei Farm in Somerset West. This includes a lesson, cellar tour and an award for the winning blend.
• Try something different and enjoy a wine safari at Jordan wines, indulge in luxury accommodation and sample the wines.
• Try chocolate and wine pairing at Waterford Estate in Stellenbosch.