Cape Town
Sun City
March 30, 2022
The 10 best things to do in Cape Town
Table Mountain
A trip up this iconic landmark is absolutely worth your time. The more energetic may prefer to hike, but nobody’s judging if you plump for the cable car.The views are simply spectacular (though be warned that cloud cover – known locally as the tablecloth – can swoop in very suddenly and obscure the panorama completely). There’s also a short circular walking route you can follow while you’re up there.
Robben Island
Nelson Mandela served most of his 27-year sentence in the prison here, along with hundreds of other political detainees. It’s now a Unesco world heritage site. The Robben Island Prison Museum is a site of major – if horrific – historical importance. Just shy of 7km from the Cape Town coast, visitors are welcome on pre-booked tours. Former inmates provide part of the tours, offering direct insight into what it was really like during the struggle against apartheid.
Neighbourgoods Market
An achingly trendy and wildly popular Saturday food market in Woodstock’s Biscuit Mill development, now home to dozens of independent businesses. It’s peak gentrification, but there’s no ignoring the quality of what’s on sale. The sheer variety of influences on South Africa’s cuisine is showcased at Neighbourgoods. Expect to snack your way through everything from biltong to Black Forest gâteau via fresh juices, coffee and craft beer.
Kirstenbosch
Some 1,300 acres of botanical garden sloping down from Table Mountain through Cape Town’s leafy southern suburbs. The Tree Canopy Walkway (also known as ‘the Boomslang’, or tree snake) provides an elevated spot perfect for bird-watching and selfie-snapping. Don’t miss the protea garden, dedicated to South Africa’s national flower. There aren’t many places to sit back and soak up some sunshine in Cape Town’s city centre – and certainly none quite this lush. Check the events schedule before you go if you want to catch a trail run, craft market or the Summer Sunset concert series.
Monkeybiz
A non-profit shop set up by South African artists that provides work for local women working in traditional beadwork. Their bold creations – everything from tiny worry dolls to life-size porcupines – are totally spectacular. The beaded sculptures are always outlandish (don’t be surprised if the zebras are rainbow-striped) and made with considerable skill. Buy souvenirs to take home knowing you’ve helped hundreds of women support their families and gain some independence
Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art
The largest collection of contemporary African art on the continent features works from all over the diaspora. London-based architect Thomas Heatherwick outdid himself in converting an abandoned grain silo into 80 galleries.The works speak for themselves. Check out the Afro-futurist goggles by Cyrus Kabiru, anti-patriarchal needlework by Ghada Amer, oil portrait by Kehinde Wiley, and cowhide sculptures by Nandipha Mntambo.
Boulders Beach
A sandy stretch of shoreline on the Cape Peninsula with rocky outcrops and wild waves. Not so good for lounging on or swimming in, but makes for a wonderful coastal walk. The main draw is the colony of wild African penguins. Didn’t you hear? There are penguins. They waddle, they swim, they squawk at each other, they smell a bit weird. And they’re here in their hundreds.
Norval Foundation
An understated art museum showcasing a private family collection in a beautiful setting deep in the southern suburbs. Art lovers will appreciate the permanent and temporary exhibitions, which have so far set the bar high by featuring some of South Africa’s best-known artists. The outdoor sculpture garden, set below the mountains, makes for an excellent aimless ramble.
Publik
A chic but very approachable bar that stocks an Aladdin’s cellar of unusual wines, mostly low-intervention. The food menu of seasonal small plates makes it doubly hard to leave. The Western Cape’s wines are plentiful, affordable and among the world’s best, so you’d be a fool not to make the most of being so near the vineyards. Also, Publik is a great place from which to experience the classily cool district of Tamboerskloof.
Long Street
Browsing the dinky cafés, boutiques and vintage shops on Long Street is a classic way to spend an afternoon in Cape Town. Its row of pretty Victorian buildings brings together traditional African crafts, spiritual trinkets and trendy bars in a way that makes it a great introduction to the city as it is right now. Souvenirs aren’t all you’ll stuff your suitcase with after browsing the treasures available along the Long Street Antique Arcade and the vintage clothes at Mungo and Jemima.
Source: https://www.timeout.com/cape-town/things-to-do/best-things-to-do-in-cape-town
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