1. Stretch your legs at the promenade
In need of some exercise or sea breeze? Get the best of both at the Sea Point promenade – try the free outdoor gym or take a scenic stroll to the lighthouse.
2. Hike to a mystical waterfall
Hiking to Cecilia Waterfall is a priceless experience. There are many routes to choose from: through Cecilia Forest, Newlands Forest or Constantia Nek. These routes differ in duration and difficulty, but all lead to the breathtaking water gushing over hanging ferns and green mosses.
3. Enjoy the architecture
There is plenty to see in central Cape Town if architecture is your passion. Top of most lists are the iconic houses of the Bo-Kaap, whose residents are used to having their colourful homes photographed. A short walk away are the art deco facades edging Greenmarket Square, which is always buzzing with activity thanks to the craft market held daily.
4. Visit parliament
South Africa’s recent political history is as fascinating as it is tumultuous, and the free tour of parliament sheds light on some of these local stories as well as offering insight into how the country’s parliamentary system operates.
5. Explore Green Point Urban Park
Great for a picnic, walk, run or simply soaking up the sun. There is an outdoor gym, a play park and an adventure park. You can also learn about various plant species as you explore the area.
6. Go hiking
There are some magnificent free hiking spots in and around Cape Town. Lion’s Head is one of the more popular ones and, although it can get slightly strenuous, it rewards you with an amazing view at the top. Platteklip Gorge takes you to the top of Table Mountain and you can either head left towards Kirstenbosch or right to the Cable Station. Newlands Forest is leafy and most of the way is shaded by trees. This is a shorter hike and there’s a pretty stream along the way if you want to cool down.
7. Swim in the Tidal pool
Tidal pools are rocky pools built along our coastline that provide a safe, family-friendly place to swim and play. But did you know these man-made pools along Cape Town’s coast are also the perfect environments for a whole host of strange and wonderful plants and creatures? Take a pair of goggles and a snorkel along, and you might see octopi, sea slugs, anemones, sea hares, cuttlefish, or iridescent seaweed.
8. Beach days
With the spectacular backdrop of the Cape Fold Mountain range, the Cape Town’s beaches are some of the most scenic in the world. There are a lot of beaches to choose from since the Indian Ocean and Atlantic Ocean borders the coastal city. Here is a look at some of the best beaches you can visit during your stay in our beautiful city.
9. Muizenburg moonlight meander
In Cape Town, we make the most of the full moon. The Muizenberg Moonlight Meander happens at 6pm on the Saturday closest to the full moon and brings together family, friends and loved ones for a leisurely stroll along the beach by moonlight.
10. Take a tour of street art in Woodstock
Have you ever visited an ‘open air gallery’? If not, then you must take a trip to the awesomely hip Woodstock suburb. Walk around and you’ll see various murals on buildings, walls and even fences, but get there quickly because the nature of street art means that it’s always changing. You might see a beautiful art piece one day and then gone the next, so don’t forget your camera. Most of the artwork is either done via proposal or commission and always with permission from the owners of the buildings on which the artwork is to be created.