Activities / Attractions / Western Cape

Things to Do in Cape Town by a Capetonian

Updated Friday, 26 May 2017

As a born and bred Capetonian and since it is almost time for holidays I thought I would suggest my own list of activities that I think everyone would enjoy while theyโ€™re in Cape Town. So if you plan to be in Cape Town during the holidays (or at any other time of the year) give some of these a try – Things to Do in Cape Town by a Capetonian.

Top of my list would be a visit to Table Mountain. As one of Cape Townโ€™s prominent features and also nature’s GPS for the city (whenever I am lost my dadโ€™s words come back to me โ€œwhich side of the mountain are you looking atโ€ and then itโ€™s easy enough to find my way).

There are numerous ways of getting to the top of the mountain, take walk up the steep Platteklip Gorge, or start in the Kirstenbosch Gardens and make your way up Skeletonโ€™s Gorge or walk along the contour path if youโ€™re feeling energetic …

Or you can take the cable car to the top … it revolves, itโ€™s great and itโ€™s the non-strenuous way to get to the top. What I enjoy doing is hiking up to the top, workingย  my way up to Maclears Beacon (the highest point on the mountain) and then taking the cable car down. (If you are walking up then just be aware of the weather, it can change very quickly, so donโ€™t forget a warm wind proof jacket).

Muizenberg

The second thing on my list would be to make you way to one of Cape Townโ€™s fabulous beaches. Muizenberg is a great place to learn how to surf and Gary and his team from Garyโ€™s surf school can help you do this.

Or you can head over to the Atlantic Seaboard to either Camps Bay, Llandudno or Clifton where it is easy to spend a lazy day catching some sun. When the sun starts to go down you can hop over to one of the trendy bars in the area for some cocktails and dinner and good times with friends.

Gather your friends and get ready for a night out on the town – I will definitely be spending a few nights on Long Street. There are so many clubs, pubs and bars where you can meet new people and have a lot of fun. And donโ€™t forget that Cape Town has been voted by Lonely Planet as one of the worldโ€™s top 10 party destinations.

But what you need to remember if youโ€™re planning on having a few drinks is to make use of a taxi service. Iโ€™d recommend Rikkis or if youโ€™d like to be driven in your own car Scoota Express has the answer (2017 update – get an รœber!).

Long Street

If youโ€™re feeling a little bit culture hungry then why not head into one of the many art galleries and museums in the city. My favourites are the Iziko museums. Visit the SA National gallery, the Planetarium, Slave Lodge, the Bo-Kaap museum and many more. It will certainly give you a new perspective on the city.

And if youโ€™re someone who enjoys good food, as I am, then try out one of Cape Townโ€™s fabulous restaurants. There are so many to choose from and you will find something for everyone, from fabulous seafood, to classic pizzas and gourmet meals, itโ€™s a feast on everyoneโ€™s table.

Christmas Markets in Cape Town

And while youโ€™re out exploring why not take a trip to one of the fantastic vineyards. Two of my favourites to visit because they offer great food and delicious wine are Constantia Uitsig (with the River Cafe and La Colombe being 2 of my favourite places to eat) and Groot Constantia (the restaurant Simonโ€™s is also a fantastic space and great for watching sports events).

I will most definitely be spending my holidays enjoying these activities.

What will you be doing? Let us know, weโ€™d love to hear from you!

Other Suggestions not to miss:

V&A Waterfront (shopping, dining out, harbour cruises and more)
Kayaking on the Atlantic Seaboard
Township Tours (Try Mozolis Restaurant for a great party!)
Penguins at Boulders Beach
Hundreds more … see things to do in Cape Town

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