Museums and galleries

Photo Credit : www.architectmagazine.com With the exciting new addition of the Zeitz Mocaa, the Cape Town art scene is more alive than ever and a visit to this contemporary art museum is an absolute must. If you love experiencing the history of a city through the fascinating hallways of museums then Cape Town is your city. With a rich history, Cape Town has been the canvas for the coming-together of so many cultures and what a better way to see its growth than through these museums. Whether it’s the District Six Museum, Iziko South African Museum and Jewish Museum in the Gardens or the Simons town Navy Museum there is quite literally something for everyone.

Beaches

Cape Town has an impressive selection of beaches all along it’s peninsula. Along the Atlantic Seaboard Clifton and Camps Bay are some of the favourite beaches to soak up the sun and if you’re brave enough to take a dip in the icy but beautifully turquoise clear waters. For a more family friendly and relaxed atmosphere the False Bay coast is a great option starting at the Surfers paradise that is Muizenberg all the way to Simonstown that our famous penguins of Boulders call home. So get ready for sunny skies and long days lazing on white sands.  

Photo Credit : Abspires40 (flickr)  

Adventure

Ever been paragliding off a mountain? Hiking with nothing but the light of the moon to guide you? Or gone swimming with sharks? Cape Town is packed full of adventure and wild activities for all the adrenaline junkies out there. On top of the countless activities in and around the city, the Western Cape is also home to the world’s highest bridge bungee jump at Bloukrans Bridge which is definitely a bucket list item for thrill seeking travellers. 

Photo Credit : leyla.a-flickr

Great Food

The cultural diversity in Cape Town makes it a food lover’s dream with everything from Cape Malay Cuisine to traditional Xhosa dishes to 5 star dining experiences and a variety of unique restaurants and hidden gems there’s something for all tastes.  For an immersive experience in the heart of Gugulethu, Mzoli’s is a relaxed open air restaurant where you get to choose your meat and watch it being cooked right there and then, surrounded by live music and people from all over the world and from all walks of life it is an experience you’ll never forget. The iconic Bo-Kaap is the hub of Malay culture in Cape Town and the Bo-kaap Kombuis is the perfect spot to get your taste of traditional Cape Malay cuisine with everything from spicy samosas to delicious curries and bredie. For fine dining La Colombe in Constantia is consistently recognised for its world-class cuisine with a French flair and of course Luke Dale Robert’s Test Kitchen is a treat for the senses.

Wine farms

Photo Credit : Paul-Scott-flickr With the Cape’s history as a wine-growing region, wine tasting is an absolute must. Spoilt for choice there are a few different wine routes to discover however the largest is in the Cape Winelands, stretching from Stellenbosch to Franschoek with so many beautifully scenic farms scattered along the route it is really worth a day trip to enjoy this beautiful part of the Cape. A smaller wine route also exists in the southern suburbs in Constantia with farms like Constantia glen and Eagles Nest which are just as wonderful. Whichever rote you decide on there are numerous tours available that can take you around so you can enjoy the fruit of the Cape guilt-free.

Markets

Local Markets are fast and furiously becoming a favourite weekend hang out for Capetonians and with organic fresh produce and a stunning variety of locally made crafts it’s easy to see why. Whether you’re looking to catch a bite to eat with friends, source a handcrafted gift or learn more about holistic wellness there is a market for every day of the week. 

Photo Credit : sarahhsia-flickr The Market at The Range in Tokai or Blue Bird Garage Market in Muizenberg are perfect for Friday evenings while The Hout Bay Market and Root 44 Market in Stellenbosch are the perfect Saturday/Sunday hangout.

The Great Outdoors

The natural beauty of the city is difficult to comprehend until you’re actually immersed within it and what better way to experience this than with an array of outdoor activities like hiking trails, nature reserves, Kirstenbosch Botanical gardens, boat trips at the V & A Waterfront and of course a visit to Table Mountain, one of the 7 Wonders of Nature. There’s no better place to get out into the fresh air.

Photo Credit : Alexandra-E-Rust-flickr

The Nightlife

Whether you’re looking to leave all your cares on the dancefloor, quench your thirst with a cocktail or two or maybe just relax with some live music Cape Town is definitely not short of things to do once the sun goes down. In the centre of Town is Long Street which comes alive at night with a variety of clubs, bars and restaurants for every age. On the Atlantic Seaboard the Camps Bay stretch is perfect for sundowners overlooking the sea. Observatory is another vibrant student suburb to enjoy a drink or two and make friends with the locals.

The Music Scene

In terms of venues, the Mother City has it all, from speakeasy-style jazz clubs and grungy dive bars to swish lounges and large-scale concert halls. And best of all you can find all of this right in the CBD. Dizzy’ in Camps Bay is a local legend that is well known for its vibey Friday Nights that set the tone for the weekend. The Artscape Theatre is the centre of performing arts in Cape Town and has an array of world-class shows on offer. As home to the International Jazz Festival every year the jazz scene is alive and kicking and jazz-lovers will have to make a stop by popular spots like The Piano Bar, The Crypt Jazz restaurant and Asoka.

The Weather

Photo Credit : Gilbert-Sopakuwa-flickr Although notorious for it unpredictable weather Cape Town Summers bring flocks of tourists to its shore and with clear blue skies, sunshine and long warm days it’s obvious why. Summer Season begins in November and lasts till the end of February with December and January being a favourite time for tourists. Temperatures average at about 25 degrees Celsius so be prepped with lots of sunscreen and hats but enjoy the wonderful African sunshine.