THE ULTIMATE FESTIVE SEASON BUCKET LIST
The holidays are here so we’ve compiled our pick of Cape Town’s must-do things this summer season. Grab your friends and family and make the most of your holidays!
SUNSET CONCERT
The iconic Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset concerts are back with a star-studded line-up that’s sure to get you dancing. With Table Mountain as the stage backdrop, the warm summer air, and great music from bands like Mango Groove, Goldfish, Judith Sephuma and Spoegwolf, it’s the perfect way to spend the day. The concerts run until April 2023 and for the full line-up, visit Facebook: @KirstenboschSummerSunsetConcerts
ROOFTOP DINING
Are you looking for an out-of-this-world rooftop experience? Make a reservation at The Kove Collection’s The Nines in Sea Point for 270° views over upper Sea Point and the Atlantic Ocean. Based on the ninth floor of the Station House, you’ll find a cocktail lounge serving classic drinks such as Moscow Mules, Pisco Sours and Palomas, as well as original creations, and upmarket dining in their rooftop restaurant. thenines.co.za
HIKE TO A CAVE
If you look up at the Mountain from the Southern Suburbs, you’ll see that it’s shaped like an elephant’s head – and the Elephant’s Eye cave is perfectly located where the eye would be. This leisurely hike starts at Silvermine Dam and winds up the mountain past indigenous fynbos. It’s relatively easy, with a little bit of uphill at the beginning and end as you hike towards the cave, with incredible views.
COASTAL DINING
Looking for a fine dining experience? Visit Urchin Restaurant at The Hyatt Regency Cape Town, headed up by Chef Gerard van Staden, to try his elevated take on locally sourced and sustainable fresh fish and seafood. Guests can order the tasting menu or a la carte, with each dish of his signature menu inspired by travels up and down the nation’s coast as well as across Africa, Asia and Europe. urchinrestaurant.co.za
CHERRY ON TOP
What better way to get into the festive spirit by spending the day picking cherries at Klondyke Cherry Farm? Situated 30km from Ceres (about 2 hours from Cape Town) you can pick-your-own during the short cherry season, and relax in the shade with a picnic to recuperate. Or why not make a weekend of it and stay over in one of the three self-catering cottages or campsite? cherryfarm.co.za
CHASE WATERFALLS
For all the nature-lovers, Woodstock Cave should already be on your bucket list! After some good rainfall, the tiny waterfall at Woodstock Cave on the slopes of Table Mountain transforms into a curtain of water, with rainbows and all. The cave itself has an epic view of the area of Woodstock and its surroundings. It’s a relatively easy and family-friendly hike, so be sure to pack a picnic and enjoy the view while you’re up there.
MUSIC FESTIVAL
Head to the Black River Park Sports Complex in Observatory this New Year’s Eve for the Secrets of Summer Outdoor Music Festival! The multi-genre music experience will comprise multiple dance floors, VIP Areas, and four international acts, who will be supported by 30 of SA’s leading acts and performers. @SecretsOfSummer
GET ARTSY
Based on Church Street in the heart of Cape Town, you’ll find the Cape Gallery. It’s flanked by colourful Georgian and Dutch facades, behind which you’ll find some of the oldest galleries, antique shops, and auction houses in the city. This makes the whole area a must-visit for the artistically-inclined – but we’d particularly recommend the Cape Gallery which exhibits fine art that is rooted in the South African tradition. capegallery.co.za
CRUISE INTO THE SUNSET
Watch the sun sink into the glistening Atlantic Ocean from the deck of an elegant ship, with a glass of local sparkling wine in hand and the warm summer breeze in your hair. You’ll be able to take in all the views the city has to offer as you cruise around the coastline and relax on the deck – and you might also spot dolphins on your trip! sunsetcruisecapetown.co.za
VISIT A FOOD MARKET
Held every Saturday and Sunday at Granger Bay, the Oranjezicht City Farm Market is a community farmers-style market for independent local farmers and artisanal food producers. Do your weekly food shopping or tuck into breakfast and lunch from a wide variety of excellent stalls, including Sepial’s Kitchen and Kleinsky’s Deli. An added bonus? Well-behaved dogs are welcome! ozcf.co.za
TAKE A HISTORIC STROLL
Want to get to know the city better? Guided city walks are the best way to do it! These free tours depart twice a day from Church Square on Parliament Street at 11:00 and 16:20, lasting about 1½ hours. The tour dives deep into the history of Cape Town – and even longstanding Capetonians will get to learn a thing or two about the city they live in. walkcapetown.com
FIRST THURSDAY
First Thursdays were started in Cape Town in 2012 – inspired by similar initiatives in other cities around the world, the monthly event takes place on the first Thursday of every month and injects delightful urban energy into the city centre after hours. You’ll see the inner city come alive as art galleries, restaurants and bars stay open late, allowing you to browse and walk around the city streets in the evening with other locals and visitors. first-thursdays.co.za
SUNRISE SWIM
The Sea Point pool is one of Cape Town’s most beautiful public pools and is set right on the Sea Point beachfront with a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean and a spectacular coastal outlook. Why not kick off your day with a few laps? It has something for everyone – a 50mr Olympic size swimming pool, two kiddies splash pools, and a deep diving pool with springboard.
GO TIDAL
Spend the holidays down at the breathtaking Dalebrook Tidal Pool situated between St James and Kalk Bay. It’s safe to swim in and great for the kids, with changing rooms and showers. There are also many lovely cafes situated not too far from the tidal pool for a yummy post-swim breakfast – and you can even order your coffee from Dalebrook Café from the pool area itself if you’re there in the morning!
GO FOR A RUN
A bonus activity for the festive season bucket list is a late afternoon run through Green Point Park. The beautiful urban park has plenty of running tracks through landscaped gardens and is located just a stone’s throw from the CBD, with Table Mountain and the Green Point Stadium providing a gorgeous backdrop. greenpointpark.co.za
