Autumn a favourite time of the year in Cape Town. Aside from the mild drop in temperature, it is the season where the blustery summer South Easter has bid us adieu and you are spoilt with spectacular sunsets and still evenings. By this time, the buzz of the busy December/January period has long faded away as we slowly get closer to cold winter nights spent indoors.
But until then, there are loads of activities in and around greater Cape Town for locals and clever tourists who are in the know about when to visit. Here are five of the best autumn activities in Cape Town.
1. Stroll up Bree Street
Bree Street is currently at the pinnacle of Cape Town’s art and food culture. From art galleries to unique burger bars, this popular stretch is only growing in popularity for Capetonians and tourists alike. Every first Thursday of the month art galleries, restaurants and shops stay open until well after dark for First Thursdays, a night for all to explore the street in a safe environment.
Where Bree Street, CBD
Contact n/a
2. Enjoy a sunset at the Red Herring
A Noordhoek icon famed for its stunning sunset views and pizza, the Red Herring is a laid-back, family-friendly restaurant that boasts an impressive deck area – a perfect place to watch the sun dip into the Atlantic ocean on a still autumn evening. Live music and a family-friendly atmosphere make for an ideal Sunday afternoon visit.
Where Corner Beach and Pine Roads, Noodhoek
Contact +27 21 789 1783, www.theredherring.co.za
3. Watch a film at The Labia
This 65-year-old cinema in the City Bowl has charm and warmth in spades. Currently in the midst of refurbishment, it still screens mainstream films as well as art house cinema in four time slots per day. At R45 a ticket, it’s a popular, money-saving choice for couples and groups of friends, with movie and dinner specials for two offered weekly. Plus you can take your glass of vino or alcoholic slushi into the theatre with you.
Where 68 Orange Street, Gardens
Contact +27 21 424 5927, www.thelabia.co.za
4. Mushroom foraging at Delheim Estate
The cool mornings and warm afternoons around this time of year are favourable for the growth of delicious, edible mushrooms in our city’s pine forests. Delheim wine estate in Stellenbosch offers a wonderful guided meander through its pine forests to forage for wild mushrooms. A ticket includes a choice of an exclusive mushroom foraging basket or a Delheim bottle of wine and two glasses to take home, an insightful lecture on mushroom identification, a forest forage, as well as the mushroom-themed three-course lunch and a glass of estate wine.
Where Knorhoek Road, Stellenbosch
Contact +27 21 888 4600, www.delheim.com
5. Ride the Promenade
Their aren’t many better ways to savour an autumn evening in Cape Town than by strolling on the Sea Point Promenade. On a bicycle it’s even better. Up Cycles operates from here, renting out bikes to those wanting to have evening fun on the cycle-friendly stretch – the exercise is a bonus! An hour on a bike costs R50 and they are available daily until sunset.
Where Sea Point Pavilion, Beach Road, Three Anchor Bay
Contact +27 76 135 2223, www.upcycles.co.za
Photography Courtesy
