It’s your day off. Why spend it lazing around, when you can get out into your own city and do something awesome? Find your new favourite food. Go somewhere totally different. Do something daring. Discover all the hidden gems tucked away in your very own neighbourhood. When it comes to the amazing Mother City, you never have to travel too far to experience something exciting.
Check out our list of fantastic things do in Cape Town on your next day off. What’s more, with our great range of Protea Hotels in and around the city, you can make a night of it too!
SWEAT IT OUT SOMEWHERE SCENIC
Head to the V&A Waterfront for a 2.2km or 5km running route along Granger Bay and Cape Town Stadium. Keep an eye out for dolphins and seals along the way!
Green Point Urban Park is another great option for some exhilarating outdoor excise near the stadium. Run along lush pathways and pump some iron at the outdoor gym, then reward yourself with a healthy picnic in the garden. Another seaside option is the stunning Muizenberg Catwalk, a 3km stretch starting from Muizenberg and winding all the way up to St James. Don’t forget to cool off with a refreshing dip in the waves.
Fancy some above-sea-level action? Starting at the Silvermine Nature Reserve, take a gentle hike through indigenous fynbos up to the cave that gives Elephant’s Eye its name. Silvermine is also perfect for mountain biking and rock climbing along its many other trails.
HAVE A CULINARY MOMENT
Breezy Breakfasts
Get your day off to a good start with a tasty breakfast at Batavia Café in the heart of the Bo-Kaap. Those with a sweet tooth will want to head over to Observatory where the Queen of Tarts Bakery serves up freshly baked Parisian patisseries. Continuing the Parisian theme is enchanting C’est la Vie. Located in the quaint village of Kalk Bay, this artsy café was voted one of the top 10 coffee spots in Cape Town by Elle Magazine.
Scrumptious Lunches
In the mood for some sushi? Swing by the Sushi Box pop-up shop at Beau Constantia boutique wine farm for a tantalising sushi and wine pairing. The Lookout Deck Restaurant in Hout Bay is also a great place to indulge your love of excellent seafood while lounging on the deck overlooking the lively harbour and Chapman’s Peak.
Delectable Dinners
Wander over to The Avenue in historic Harfield Village where Chef Tony serves up the most succulent steaks and burgers in town.
Something Sweet
Treat yourself to some late-afternoon refreshments at High Tea, a tranquil little coffee garden tucked away in the Southern Suburbs. Here you’ll find a selection of lovingly crafted cakes, savoury muffins and Florentines, complemented by freshly brewed Kamili coffee and exotic teas. The Velvet Cake Co. offers an irresistible array of handmade cakes, quiches and muffins for any occasion. Ice cream fans need look no further than The Creamery for an honest-to-goodness, made-from-scratch, not-your-average ice cream experience.
HEAD TO THE OCEAN
Hit the water on a guided kayaking adventure with Kaskazi Kayaks. Or test your balance with some stand-up paddling boarding through the beautiful V&A Waterfront Canals offered by SUP Cape Town. Brush up on your surfing skills at the Muizenberg Surf Emporium where professional surf coaches show you all the tips and tricks to ace the waves or head out for a swim in Cape Town’s best kept secret Dalebrook Tidal Pool in Kalkbay.Hire a bike from Up Cycles and whizz through the city. Or take a scenic jog along Sea Point Promenade to Camps Bay. Head out to the lush Northern Suburbs for challenging mountain bike rides through wine farms and verdant forests. The options are endless!
YOUR NEXT BEST INSTAGRAM PIC IS RIGHT OVER HERE
Looking for some Instagram inspiration? Hop in your car and take a scenic drive along gorgeous mountain passes, lush winelands, ocean vistas and city skylines. You’re bound to find more photo opportunities than you can shake a selfie stick at. Capture the sunrise in all its glory on Signal Hill. Take the winding road along Chapman’s Peak for some impressive sea views. Take a group photo with some waddling penguins at Boulders Beach. Or snap an iconic pic of Table Mountain on the shores of Bloubergstrand. For some spectacular views of the City Bowl and Table Bay, drive, walk or cycle along Tafelberg Road on a clear day. Next, head to the lush vineyards of Franschhoek for some artsy shots of chardonnay, chocolate shops and leafy landscapes.
EXPLORE A NEIGHBOURHOOD THROUGH A TOURIST’S EYES
Out and about in Woodstock
When it comes to artsy markets, Woodstock is where it all goes down. Discover some of the city’s most innovative designers, artists, photographers and foodies. From night and day markets and fascinating workshops to organic eateries and fantastic festivals, inspiration is around every corner. Catch a show at the Theatre in the District. Wander down Roodebloem Road with its many boutique shops, cafés and family-friendly hang outs. Then quench your thirst with a crisp craft beer at the famous Woodstock Brewery.
Go all out in Obs
Lovingly referred to by locals as Obs, Observatory is a bohemian wonderland located in the Southern Suburbs. Discover shabby chic restaurants, laid-back bars, live music and plenty of local art. Most of the action takes place in and around Lower Main Road, so that’s a good place to start your exploring. Enjoy a home-away-from-home breakfast at cosy Florentine. For lunch and dinner, try the nautically themed Hello Sailor Bistro for some vibey rock ‘n roll bistro and fantastic food.
In the mood for something really different? Head to the Circus School where contortionists and fire jumpers will wow you with their skills. You can even try out the trapeze if you dare. Be sure not to leave before stopping by the South African Astronomical Observatory, where every second and fourth Saturday of the month you can take a peek at all the wonders of the cosmos.
Discover stunning Stellenbosch
Have a fun family day out at Polkadraai Farm where you can pick your own strawberries and eat them fresh off the stalk. Kick it up a notch at Pete’s Adventure Farm where you can get active with everything from quad biking and horse riding to game drives and archery. Mad for markets? You’ll certainly find your fill in Stellenbosch! The Root44 Market comes alive every Saturday and Sunday with great food, live tunes and a vibey atmosphere. Take it easy at the Slow Market on Saturdays where you’ll find incredible culinary delights including organic treats from local suppliers, craft beer and loads of cool things to splurge on. The Blaauwklippen Family Market is on every Sunday and promises a relaxing family day surrounded by beautiful scenery, live music, tasty treats and pony rides for the kids. For some late-night market action, head to Woodmill Lifestyle Market on the last Friday of every month where artisanal snacks, live music and vintage fashion stalls set the scene.
Last but certainly not least, is the iconic Oom Samie Se Winkel. Dating all the way back to 1904, this eclectic farm stall is jam packed all sorts of edible and eccentric goodies.
Authentic experiences in colourful Bo-Kaap
Discover all the Cape Malay culinary secrets with a cooking tour in the Bo-Kaap on the slopes of Signal Hill. For the very best in traditional Cape Malay cuisine in Cape Town, visit the Bo-Kaap Kombuis with the warm and welcoming Yusuf and Nazli as your hosts. Get a glimpse of the past with a trip to the fascinating Bo-Kaap Museum. For traditional dishes, vibrant handcrafts and a cool cultural experience, swing by the Bo-Kaap Food and Craft Market.