Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the Western Cape. As much as it boasts many tourist attractions it also makes us, the locals very proud to live here. From historical museums to First Thursdays with a range of food trucks, our city speaks so much culture because ‘local is lekker’.
Cape Town is a city any tourist can visit more than once and discover something new every time. As for locals, we like to try new routes and discover new locations.
Cape Town Etc’s Leigh-Ann Londt takes a look at some must-visit locations in true Capetonian fashion.
Kalk Bay is one of our top seaside locations. It offers amazing fish and slap chips, a scenic walk along the beach and mainstay eateries like Kalkies, Cape to Cuba and gift shops with a fantastic view.
The Franschhoek wine valley offers spectacular views from the famous double-decker wine tram that takes you through each wine farm in Franschhoek, tasting the best wine the country has to offer. The Huguenot Museum is also an attraction for visitors interested in the history of Franschhoek.
Cycle along the promenade in Sea Point. By simply renting a bike from Up Cycles, it enables you to explore Cape Town or Camps Bay for refreshments and a bite to eat.
Between Llandudno and Camp’s Bay hides Oudekraal and is the ideal location for a family braai with a view of the beach between massive boulders.
If you are looking for amazing fast food, visit Wembley Roadhouse in Athlone. From hotdogs and samoosa’s to milkshakes and coffee, you will be licking your fingers with a satisfied tummy.
Try a Gatsby (a foot-long sandwich) from Aneesa’s. Get it full of slap chips, sauce and any meat of your choice. They are situated in Wynberg but can also be found at other locations around the city.
The District Six museum situated in town and is one of many museums that carries a lot of South Africa’s apartheid history. It is an ideal place for tourists or for those simply wanting to teach their kids about how much pride and history South Africa actually has.
Robben Island is an island easily spotted from the Blouberg area, Sea Point and Greenpoint. It is the location where former president Nelson Mandela spent part of his twenty-seven-year prison sentence.
The Two Oceans Aquarium based in the V&A Waterfront is always quite an attraction tourists and locals who want to see our sea life. From penguins to sharks, this is definitely the place to come and see.
For those who are adrenaline junkies, tandem-paragliding is the one for you. It is situated either at the end of Signal Hill drive or Lions Head depending on the wind. You glide for +- 40 km / hour to Sea Point’s promenade.
Did you know you can abseil down our beautiful Table Mountain? It is 1000 metres above sea level, making it the world’s highest commercial abseil. Do not let this scare you though, remain motivated and think of the fantastic view of the Mother City as you rope your way down the mountain.
Inside the Constantia Nek forest is a treetop obstacle course. It has ziplines, cargo nets and fun elevated platforms. You can find this fun activity at 1 Hout Bay Main Road, Constantia Nek, Cape Town.
Explore the West Coast National Park where it has a long stretch of nature and beaches, Kraalbaai and Preekstoel. Upon arrival the game rangers give you a pamphlet with a few animals on it for you to mark off what you see as you drive through the park to get to the beach sites. Yes, I said it. You are not only surrounded by nature, but by our beautiful animals too, from snakes, tortoises, springbok, giraffes etc. Visitors can further enjoy kitesurfing, waterskiing to fish, kayaking, swimming and the list goes on.
Past Simon’s Town you will find views from the cliffs of Cape Point. Fynbos, baboons, and ostriches are all part of the views. One can go on a tour for the history of the lighthouse and its coast and be sure to take a trip on the Flying Dutchman Funicular while you’re there. For a bite to eat, visit the Two Oceans Restaurant, and the gift shop.
Be sure to visit the colourful houses of the Bo-Kaap. Food is life! Try a Bo-Kaap Cooking Tour and learn how to make roti, Cape Malay curry, and samoosas. You’ll also find fresh koesisters (a doughnut covered in syrup and desiccated coconut) at Rose Corner Cafe.
Go for a lovely dip at Silvermine and bring a delicious picnic basket along. It is also a starting point for hiking paths like Elephant’s Eye Cave, Silvermine Ridge and Sentinel View and the reserve is dog friendly.
Visit Eastern Food Bazaar in town where you can expect a menu that takes you on a trip to Turkey, India and China.
Picture: Pexels
