The Mother City – Sun, Surf and Street Art

By Sibongile Mafu

One of the attractions in a long weekend getaway to the city is that everything is nearby, and the Cape Town lifestyle provides everything a visitor could want. The action happens on the ground, from food and drink experiences to arts and culture, all accessible from your hotel.

As local radio presenter and travel enthusiast Sibongile Mafu discovered, the locals know best when it comes to enjoying city life to the fullest. Find out what she discovered while exploring the charming suburbs of the city:

“When you travel, people say you need to experience the place you’re visiting like the people who live there. Don’t see yourself as a tourist.

It’s sound advice because some of the best places are tucked away, known only to locals. If you’re dreaming of a long weekend away in Cape Town, I can assure you, Capetonians have got you covered.

Where to get cultured

Art is one the reasons Cape Town has so much heart. There are a number of world-class galleries waiting to be explored. Some will lure you in with a glass of red which is always welcome, but another attraction is the street art scene.

The Woodstock Art Walk is a must-do. This 90-minute tour takes you on a journey through rugged Woodstock, where artists from South Africa and around the world have left pieces of themselves behind. You’ll be in awe of the art installations and graffiti and left chuckling at some of the stories told by your guide, Juma, who knows the area inside out.

Where to play

Cape Town is a surfer’s dream, and the spot that has locals coming back for more is Muizenberg Beach. This family-friendly, surfer-friendly spot is the ideal location for beginners and pros alike to get a bit wet. Do not be afraid if you’ve never held a surfboard in your life, Roxy Surf School at the Surf Emporium has incredible surfing instructors and all the gear you need to get started. All you need is sunblock, a big towel and an adventurous spirit.

Where to eat

“Pizza is love”, they say; the best-kept secret in Cape Town is Ferdinando’s Pizza in Observatory. This authentic-to-the-core pizza spot is owned by an eccentric young couple set on making the best pizza in the cosiest, quirkiest setting. It’s quite a experience. Italians love it, which is also a good sign. Special mention to Ferdinando, the couple’s dog, the inspiration for the restaurant’s name.

Do you know the saying Must Love Dogs? In Cape Town, it’s Must Love Seafood. Just a few short kilometers from our surfing spot in Muizenberg is Kalk Bay. Kalk Bay is seafood central. This is where you can not only buy fantastic fresh fish, but also indulge in some great food at amazing restaurants. One of them is Live Bait, right on the water. This restaurant boasts enviable views and mouth-watering seafood platters for you to indulge in. Prawns and mussels will spill from your plate as you’ll delightfully wash it all down with bubbly. It doesn’t get much better.

Where to drink

Beer is never in short supply in the Mother City. But a place that makes the experience of drinking and tasting it so much more worthwhile is Woodstock Brewery. They offer a short and sweet tour of their brewery so you know just how this golden liquid is made, as well as a tasting so you can try some options and pick your favourite. You’ll be tempted to take home a case or two once you’re done.”