Livin’ La Vida Local!
Keeping up with the Capetownians
For an awesome city experience packed with African warmth and culture, you can’t beat Cape Town! For newbies to the continent and seasoned safari-goers alike, Cape Town is a destination that you’ve got to see to believe, and a must-stop on your journey.
Surrounded by natural beauty, steeped in rich history and fuelled by wine, you could easily spend weeks here restaurant hopping, climbing mountains and paddling with penguins, but if you’re short on time, you’re going to want to get stuck straight in to the best bits, and we’ve got you covered.
Here’s our round up of our top 5 must-sees in Cape Town that only the locals know about. Trust us, you don’t want to miss a thing…
Work up a sweat over an evening paddle then hit up Bao Down
If you want to see the city from a different angle and take in those famous coastal Instagram-worthy views, you’ve got to get out on the water!
An evening kayaking trip is perfect for beginners and water-sports enthusiasts alike and our favourite way of seeing the beauty of Table Mountain, Lions Head and that sweeping coastline in a more adventurous way.
Head out late afternoon with a guide and look out for playful dolphins, seals splashing around and Southern Right whales on their epic migration to and from the Antarctic. As the evening draws in, watch the city lights sparkle as the sun sets and paddle back to dry land for a fabulous dinner at one of our favourite lesser-known spots, Bao Down.
Super local and fun, head here to tuck into mouth-watering Chinese dumplings stuffed with yumminess and steamed to perfection.
The restaurant has no liquor licence, so feel free to bring your favourite bottle of local wine with no corkage charge.
Bao Down - Little fluffy buns filled with joy!
2. Hike through Newlands Forest and sip a Black Label beer at “Forries”
Grab your hiking boots! Loved by locals, the green, peaceful space of Newlands Forest is what’s left of the indigenous forest that hugs the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, and a gorgeous slice of tranquillity in contrast to the busting city streets and busier hiking trails.
Back in the day, the forest served as part of the migratory path of the Khoi people, but today it’s where locals meet to walk their dogs, take a woodland stroll or speed off to trail-run the winding paths of the mountainside.
Take a picnic lunch with you to enjoy along the journey and kick back under the shade of the tall trees whist mountain streams trickle by.
Newlands Forest - If you know, you know.
Now, which way to the pub? After working up a sweat, make sure to stop into Foresters Arms; or “Forries”, as it’s known by its regulars. One of the oldest pubs in South Africa and world renowned for its impressive array of beers on tap, Forries serves up the best brews in town direct from Newlands Brewery straight to your glass.
Choose your poison and relax in their gorgeous beer garden or grab a seat by the cozy fire. Our go-to tipple is an ice-cold pint of Black Label to wet the whistle after a long hike!
Keep ‘em coming!
3. Spend a Sunday afternoon at a concert at Kirstenbosch Gardens – don’t forget to bring a picnic!
The ONLY place to be on a Sunday evening, Kirstenbosch’s Summer Sunset Concerts are the best way to kick back after a lively weekend and listen to some awesome local musicians. The artists vary from folky duos to traditional South African drums and lively ska with full brass bands - everyone will have their feet tappin’.
Kirstenbosch is a dreamy backdrop for their open-air concerts, acclaimed as one of the greatest botanical gardens in the world. On a Sunday afternoon it’s buzzing with locals and those-in-the-know lazing on the lawns enjoying their picnics, basking in the last of the day’s sun and grooving to the music.
Be sure to pack some biltong and to-die-for Mullineux Chardonnay – you’re bound to make plenty of new friends!
4. Shop for local designs at Merchants on Long
Merchants on Long is an amazing hidden gem in the heart of the city. Known as the original concept store, it’s a super unique local treasure trove for cutting-edge African fashion and accessories from across the continent. If you’re looking for bold patterns, interesting fabrics, and statement accessories that you won’t find back home, then Merchants on Long is the place for you.
Get your hands on beaded bracelets, stock up on handmade scented candles or feel your way through piles of beautifully woven mohair blankets – Merchants on Long have carefully curated their selection of vibrant emerging designers and long-established powerhouse brands of Africa, only showcasing the very best in fashion as well as strong sustainability and ethical commitments.
Make sure you check this place out to get your hands on those up-and-coming designer pieces before your friends back home!
It’s called fashion, sweetie.
5. Eat your way around Oranjezicht Farmers Market
Oranjezicht Market, located on the edge of the ocean at Granger Bay, is a one-stop-shop for all things fresh, artisan and community focused. Known to insiders as OZCF, locals flock here on weekend mornings and Wednesday evenings to explore the buzzy market under an awning of tents and pergolas to do their weekly shop or simply eat their way around.
Not your average trip to the grocery store, enjoy a sensory-sensation of smells, colors and merchants chatting to customers as you admire the goods on offer – seasonal fruit and veg, fresh bread, organic dairy products, free-range eggs, raw honey, handmade muesli and ethically sourced meats and seafoods will all get your mouth watering.
Head to the lifestyle section to get your shopping fix of local designer clothing, ceramics, one-off vintage pieces and even pet accessories for your furry friends back home! It’s a great place for the whole family, or you can keep it grown up and groove with a cocktail to live music whilst you shop.
Shop ‘til you drop
Cheerleading for community farming and keeping the artisanal culture of Cape Town thriving, market founder Sheryl Ozinsky said, “This is a place where food is talked about almost as enthusiastically as it’s consumed” – shopping never felt so good!
Be sure to arrive with an appetite so you can sample all the yummy local delicacies. Our favorite is the local “boerie”, or boerewors – a totally delicious and iconic South African sausage – you can’t say you’ve experienced Cape Town without trying one. Yum!
So I guess our secrets are out - our top 5 things to do in Cape Town that will have you livin’ like a local in no time.
We can’t wait to craft your extraordinary African adventure to Cape Town and beyond! Contact us directly at jambo@thandekatravel.com to start the conversation.
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Team Thandeka x