The sun is out, the skies are blue and Cape Town hotels are stuffed to capacity with holidaymakers that out in full force to make the best of this well-deserved reprieve from the icy grip of winter. So, you’ve booked your ticket, secured your rental vehicle, accommodation and packed your SPF 30, now what? Wandering aimlessly around the city will only be amusing for about 30 seconds, especially if you have your brood on tow. Here are a few suggestions of Cape Town things to do:
1. Maynardville Open Air Theatre: This singular open air theatre has been in operation since 1956 when two Cape Town actresses realised the venue’s potential and involved officials form the Regents Park Open-air Theatre in London. Ask any South African resident that completed their schooling in the Western Cape and they will fondly recount the hushed evenings of Shakespearean splendour they got to enjoy as part of their English curriculum. The theatre regularly features Shakespearean productions and also showcases pieces by the Cape Town Ballet. Bookings are done through Computicket (the preferred concert booking agent in South Africa). Visit their website to see what they have on offer during your stay in a Cape Town Hotel.
2. Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts: Another favourite summertime Cape Town activity is the sunset concerts at the Kirstenbosch National Botanic Garden, combined with a visit to one of South Africa’s premier horticultural destinations that boasts top-notch entertainment. The concerts run from November to April and include some of South Africa’s most prominent artists, including the likes of the international band Seether and local heroes AKing and Plush. Pack a picnic basket, gather up the family and park off on the grassy slopes for an evening of musical entertainment in one of the most scenic spots in the Western Cape. Make sure to arrive early, the shows are incredibly popular and if you leave it too late all the best spots will be taken!
3. Boulders Beach Penguin Colony: Cape Town’s beaches are world renowned, but if you would like your beach outings to involve more than tanning, splashing and ogling, you might enjoy an excursion to Boulders Beach. Home to a growing colony of the vulnerable African Penguin, the beach has been fitted with wooden walkways from which to view the handsome fellows and also boasts an information centre. Make a day of it and spend some time in the quaint little settlement of Simon’s Town or head out to Cape Point.
4. The Old Biscuit Mill ‘Neighbourgoods’ market: You simply cannot call a visit to Cape Town complete if you haven’t been to the Old Biscuit Mill market. The market, housed in a rambling old Victorian warehouse and courtyard in the bustling neighbourhood of Woodstock in Cape Town, was founded in 2006 as a weekly platform for local farmers, organic merchants, micro enterprises and fine food purveyors to showcase their wares. Today visitors have their pick of over 100 speciality traders. If organic vegetables don’t exactly get your heart racing, don’t worry, there is plenty of art work and design merchandise to peruse and yearn for. The market is held every Saturday morning. One thing though, leave your Cape Town hotel early for this outing – things tend to get crowded pretty fast.
5. Long Street: This outing calls for sturdy shoes, patience and a sense of adventure. Be warned, chances are you will be offered various illegal substances and you traipse up Long Street. The hassle is worth it however. The buildings along this particular Cape Town street vary from early art deco palaces to large, square structures covered in the most amazing artwork. A myriad of dusty antique stores litter the side walks and given enough time you are almost guaranteed to walk away with an absolute steal. Fashionistas will be happy to learn that there are also various off-beat boutiques along the way where you can find all manner of quirky clothes and accessories. Stop along the way for a bite at a sleek diner or trendy ethnic eatery. Try Café Royale for the best burgers in town or go veg and join the crew at Lola’s for a vegetarian feast bar none.
There seems to be a misconception among visitors that Cape Town activities are restricted to rides in the Cable Car, dreary outings to Robben Island and drives along Chapman’s Peak. If you only plan to visit the Mother City for a few days it would probably be best to go the tourist route and cover the mandatory sights, but if you have the luxury of having some more time at your disposal there is so much more to experience. We hope this list will serve as a good starting point for finding unique Cape Town things to do. Lekker kuier (‘enjoy your visit’)!
Author Resource:-
Johara is a travel writer that has penned numerous articles about Cape Town things to do and is now promoting a full-length guide on Cape Town activities.
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