Jun
14

Things to do in Cape Town

June 14, 2019
Sebastian De Romijn

Discover our local guide Sebastian’s top 5 things to do in his home town from hiking and biking to eating and drinking:

Hike Table Mountain

Views of Cape Town from Table Mountain

Spine-tingling views of Cape Town await at the top of Cable Mountain. Photo credit: WikiCommons

During the summer months (November to March) the best time to hike Table Mountain is before 0630hrs – if you start much later, you’ll probably find it way too hot to handle!  In exchange for your early start (and 1.5 to 2-hour hike!) you’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable view of the V&A Waterfront, Robben Island, Twelve Apostles, Mitchell’s Plain and the Cape Flats – bring your camera!  If you’re lucky (and set off early enough!) you might even get to enjoy the spectacular view all to yourself.

More of a night owl than an early bird? We get it!  Luckily late risers won’t miss out on the incredible panoramic views on offer – so enjoy a lay in and leisurely brunch before heading to Table Mountain around 1300hrs. Added bonus –  the cable car is usually open between 0830hrs-1800hrs!

Don’t forget, the weather on Table Mountain can be changeable, no matter what time of the year (or day!) you visit – so be sure to check the website just before you set off.

Cycle your way around the Promenade

Head to the Sea Point pavilion and hire a bike from Up Cycles drop-and-go bicycle rental.  From here, there’s direct access to the Promenade, the safest place to ride a bike in Cape Town. It’s flat, wide and traffic-free with lots to do along the way – as well as the many restaurants and cafés, you’ll pass quirky art installations, outdoor gyms, mini golf, kids playgrounds and even a maze! Make your way to the red-and-white striped Green Point Lighthouse and over the road to Green Point Urban Park for awesome views of the Cape Town Stadium, Signal Hill and Lion’s Head.

Discover the charming False Bay area

Urban Adventures tour group exploring Muizenberg

See the colourful bathhouses of Muizenberg. Photo credit: Cape Town Urban Adventures

Hop off the train at the charming town of Muizenberg and visit one of the best surfing beaches in the country, and depending on the season, you may even spot a Great White shark!  Weather permitting, walk along the coast to the trendy harbour town of Kalk Bay; if the sun’s not shining then just hop back on the train and check out a few of the other local towns along the way.

Indulge in a traditional mixed seafood lunch or delicious beach picnic then finish with a farewell drink at the Brass Bell, a warm and welcoming pub in beautiful Kalk Bay, which is loved by visitors and locals alike.

Stroll the V&A Waterfront

Visit one of Africa’s most visited destinations, the V&A Waterfront. Perched on the edge of a natural working harbour with views of the ocean, city bowl and Table Mountain, it offers history, culture and a cosmopolitan array of leisure, shopping and entertainment.  This huge complex is split into districts with attractions including a huge food market, shopping mall, big wheel and aquarium.  With something for everyone, this is the perfect place to hang out with family and friends!

The Constantia Wine Route

Get acquainted with some of the best South African wine as you stroll the Constanzia Wine Route

Visit the leafy suburb of Constantia for an epic wine tasting journey! The unmissable Constantia Wine Route offers breath-taking views, beautiful vineyards and some of the most spectacular wines outside of Europe.  With magic and beauty in abundance, a visit to this world class attraction will give you the chance to sample award-winning wines in an unbelievable location.  The Groot Constantia estate offers a Visitors Route where you can explore South African art, culture and history alongside world-class cuisine and exceptional wines – if that’s not a perfect pairing, we don’t know what is!