Whether you’re a Cape Town local or from out of town, there are probably a number of things that you still don’t know about the Mother City. With a mix of cultures and history, this city has so much to offer and so much to explore. Briony Brookes of Cape Town Tourism shares her ideas on how you can really get to know the best that Cape Town has to offer.
Do a walking tour
Walking tours are an excellent way to experience the “vibe” of a city such as Cape Town. It’s also a fun way to learn about facts and trivia that you might not have previously known because reputable guides are so clued up on even the hidden facts of Cape Town. There are tours available across all neighbourhoods of Cape Town, so you don’t have to stick to the city centre or tourist hot spots.
Walk and Talk Tours offers historical walking tours through the city, while AWOL Tours offers a variety of different tour types. There are also free walking tours that you can do, while Aunty Nita’s Tours offers tours in and around the Cape Flats, taking the road less travelled to really get to know the people of Cape Town.
Enjoy a cooking class or food tour
It’s easy to just eat at the well-known restaurants and hangouts when you live in or visit a city such as Cape Town. But when you’re in a city like this one that’s a melting pot of different cultures, you really should make an effort to eat a wider variety of the food that’s on offer. Find some local food tours that allow you to experience a variety of truly Capetonian foods and flavours and, if you find one or more than you are keen on replicating in your own time, there’s probably a cooking class that will show you how to do just that.
Hang out in different suburbs
Especially if you’re a local, you will probably find that you are hanging out at the same spots on a regular basis. But there are so many other areas, neighbourhoods and hangouts to explore! Cape Town Tourism has a number of different video guides that give useful insights into what to do in various neighbourhoods that won’t break the bank. These pocket-friendly activities show you how to get the best out of an area for only R150 per person for the entire day!
Drive around
It’s easy to Uber everywhere for sure, but Cape Town has so many scenic routes and roads, that you absolutely have to take some time to do these. Many of these routes offer amazing views of the ocean or farms, so you will have those Insta-worthy moments to make use of too.
Visit some of the top attractions
Did you know that many locals don’t even visit their top attractions? It’s probably because people often say that tourist attractions are exactly that – attractions for tourists – but this really isn’t the case. Cape Town’s top attractions are there to be explored by everyone and many offer discounts to South Africans if you have your ID on you. So, definitely head to the top of Table Mountain, visit Kirstenbosch, shop at the V&A Waterfront, braai at Cape Point, picnic on local wine farms, and more.
Cape Town is a destination for everyone to enjoy – whether you’re a resident or from out of town. For more on what to see and do, you can download the latest Cape Town Tourism Visitors’ Guide for more information on the city.
Pictures: Supplied
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