10 'must-do' Cape Town things
Crystal Epsin from Cape Town Magazine guides us through the perfect way to spend your stay
Cape Town has often been referred to as the continent of Cape Town by those amazed by its unique climate and its tendency to have scorching hot days when other South African cities are experiencing less-than-perfect ones.
There’s no better place to holiday in summer than Cape Town. Whether you hail from the Mother City or are travelling here for holidays, here are the 10 things you simply have to do while on holiday in Cape Town this summer:
1. SIP COCKTAILS ON THE BEACH OR HAVE SUNDOWNERS ON THE BEACHFRONT
There’s no better way to get into summer holiday mode than sipping cocktails on or near the beach. For a chilled sunset experience, head down to the many sundowners spots on Camps Bay beach front or for arguably the best sunset views in Cape Town, head to Blue Peter in Bloubergstrand. Sip cocktails on the beach or have sundowners on the beach front.
2. ENJOY THE NIGHTLIFE
There’s so much do in Cape Town when the lights go out. Enjoy intimate theatre shows, big budget theatre productions, nightclubs, bistro’s, world class restaurants and much much more. With so much after dark fun to be had don’t let us catch you holed up inside on summer nights! Take your pick of the hottest clubs in Cape Town from our popular To Do Night Section.
3. DINE AL-FRESCO
Being on holiday is all about throwing caution to the wind and being carefree. What better way is there to be free than to eat outdoors. Why not escape from the table and try something a little different for breakfast, lunch, and even dinner.
Pack a picnic and have lunch on the beach or in the park. Many places like Groote Constantia’s, Simon’s, Rotisserie 360 in Bree Street or Dial-a-picnic provide readymade picnic baskets.
4. LAZE ON THE BEACHES IN CAPE TOWN
Cape Town is one of the best sun, sand and sea destinations in the world. No matter what your mood, you’ll find the beach to suit you along the Cape Town coastline. Whether you’re looking for peace and serenity, bikini-clad beauties or sports and plenty of action, you are sure to find it on our shores. The top five? Clifton, Camps Bay, Llandudno, St James, Blouberg.
5. SPEND AN AFTERNOON IN THE WINELANDS
Whether you are a wine connoisseur or you just enjoy the ritual of sipping on a glass of wine while engaging in good conversation, you’ll enjoy being a wino for a day in Cape Town’s wine capital. Lounge outside at quaint cafes, dine amidst the oak barrels or venture into the formal tasting rooms for more educational tasting sessions.
6. GET ACTIVE
Cape Town has been blessed with some of the most breathtaking natural landmarks in the world. We don’t need to tell you about the beauty of Table Mountain, the spectacular hiking trails all around Cape Town or the wonders of the Cape coastline. Spend an afternoon or two – or three – exploring the beauty of Cape Town the way god intended – on your own two feet!
7. GRAB SOME CULTURE
The many cultures in Cape Town are not be overlooked. Make sure you check out the history behind Cape Town today by spending some time in the many museums and National Monuments around Cape Town.
8. ATTEND A CINEMA WITH A DIFFERENCE
The Grand Daddy’s Pink Flamingo Cinema officially opened to the public on 22 October 2009. Celebrating the silver screen in a silver setting – right beneath the night sky - the cinema is set in the middle of seven vintage Airstream trailers, reinvented as hotel rooms by local artists.
The cinema is cooled in summer, making it a perfect warm summer night experience. The 35-seater cinema showcases contemporary classics screens films twice a week on Sunday and Thursday nights at 19:30.
9. MARKET TO MARKET
Shop up a storm in Cape Town’s many markets. Cape Town’s markets are perfect for finding souvenirs of your trip and gifts for family and friends. For African treasures, visit the legendary Green Market Square in Cape Town’s City Centre.
For a more laid-back market experience, try the Sunday Hout Bay Market which showcases many of Cape Town’s talented artists and craftsmen. Other markets include The Kirstenbosch Gardens Craft Market, The Saturday Neighbourgoods Organic Market at the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock and the Saturday Willowbridge Slow Market.
10. LEARN HOW TO KITESURF
You can’t ignore the call of the waves when you’re on holiday in Cape Town. There’s no better way to enjoy summer than to learn a great new way to unwind. There are many surf schools and kite surfing schools around Cape Town that offer lessons at reasonable prices.
Cape Town has often been referred to as the continent of Cape Town by those amazed by its unique climate and its tendency to have scorching hot days when other South African cities are experiencing less-than-perfect ones.
There’s no better place to holiday in summer than Cape Town. Whether you hail from the Mother City or are travelling here for holidays, here are the 10 things you simply have to do while on holiday in Cape Town this summer:
1. SIP COCKTAILS ON THE BEACH OR HAVE SUNDOWNERS ON THE BEACHFRONT
There’s no better way to get into summer holiday mode than sipping cocktails on or near the beach. For a chilled sunset experience, head down to the many sundowners spots on Camps Bay beach front or for arguably the best sunset views in Cape Town, head to Blue Peter in Bloubergstrand. Sip cocktails on the beach or have sundowners on the beach front.
2. ENJOY THE NIGHTLIFE
There’s so much do in Cape Town when the lights go out. Enjoy intimate theatre shows, big budget theatre productions, nightclubs, bistro’s, world class restaurants and much much more. With so much after dark fun to be had don’t let us catch you holed up inside on summer nights! Take your pick of the hottest clubs in Cape Town from our popular To Do Night Section.
3. DINE AL-FRESCO
Being on holiday is all about throwing caution to the wind and being carefree. What better way is there to be free than to eat outdoors. Why not escape from the table and try something a little different for breakfast, lunch, and even dinner.
Pack a picnic and have lunch on the beach or in the park. Many places like Groote Constantia’s, Simon’s, Rotisserie 360 in Bree Street or Dial-a-picnic provide readymade picnic baskets.
4. LAZE ON THE BEACHES IN CAPE TOWN
Cape Town is one of the best sun, sand and sea destinations in the world. No matter what your mood, you’ll find the beach to suit you along the Cape Town coastline. Whether you’re looking for peace and serenity, bikini-clad beauties or sports and plenty of action, you are sure to find it on our shores. The top five? Clifton, Camps Bay, Llandudno, St James, Blouberg.
5. SPEND AN AFTERNOON IN THE WINELANDS
Whether you are a wine connoisseur or you just enjoy the ritual of sipping on a glass of wine while engaging in good conversation, you’ll enjoy being a wino for a day in Cape Town’s wine capital. Lounge outside at quaint cafes, dine amidst the oak barrels or venture into the formal tasting rooms for more educational tasting sessions.
6. GET ACTIVE
Cape Town has been blessed with some of the most breathtaking natural landmarks in the world. We don’t need to tell you about the beauty of Table Mountain, the spectacular hiking trails all around Cape Town or the wonders of the Cape coastline. Spend an afternoon or two – or three – exploring the beauty of Cape Town the way god intended – on your own two feet!
7. GRAB SOME CULTURE
The many cultures in Cape Town are not be overlooked. Make sure you check out the history behind Cape Town today by spending some time in the many museums and National Monuments around Cape Town.
8. ATTEND A CINEMA WITH A DIFFERENCE
The Grand Daddy’s Pink Flamingo Cinema officially opened to the public on 22 October 2009. Celebrating the silver screen in a silver setting – right beneath the night sky - the cinema is set in the middle of seven vintage Airstream trailers, reinvented as hotel rooms by local artists.
The cinema is cooled in summer, making it a perfect warm summer night experience. The 35-seater cinema showcases contemporary classics screens films twice a week on Sunday and Thursday nights at 19:30.
9. MARKET TO MARKET
Shop up a storm in Cape Town’s many markets. Cape Town’s markets are perfect for finding souvenirs of your trip and gifts for family and friends. For African treasures, visit the legendary Green Market Square in Cape Town’s City Centre.
For a more laid-back market experience, try the Sunday Hout Bay Market which showcases many of Cape Town’s talented artists and craftsmen. Other markets include The Kirstenbosch Gardens Craft Market, The Saturday Neighbourgoods Organic Market at the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock and the Saturday Willowbridge Slow Market.
10. LEARN HOW TO KITESURF
You can’t ignore the call of the waves when you’re on holiday in Cape Town. There’s no better way to enjoy summer than to learn a great new way to unwind. There are many surf schools and kite surfing schools around Cape Town that offer lessons at reasonable prices.