A Weekend In Cape Town

Perched on the southern tip of Africa, touching two oceans and backed by the iconic Table Mountain, Cape Town is a city so captivating it will keep you coming back for more.From its prehistoric beginnings through its colonial history and to the modern day, Cape Town is a city that continues to evolve while still staying true to its roots.It is an African city with a distinctly European feel and a population as diverse and rich as the continent itself. The Mother City is a swirling kaleidoscope of cultures including; Xhosa, Dutch, Malaysian and Indian. This vibrant, multi-ethnic tapestry give the city its unique character, a wealth of dining options and a population that says 'welcome' in many different languages!Cape Town's location and history have combined to create a destination that has something for every traveller. The dramatic natural features on the land and in the sea provide incredible vistas available no where else in the world. The unique cultural mix of the city is borne of a complicated past which has evolved into an atmosphere of contentment and harmony. Ask any Capetonian if they would live anywhere else, and the answer will always be a resounding, ‘No.’Life seems a little easier, a little better and a whole lot cooler in Cape Town. And isn’t that exactly how it should feel on holiday?In all honesty, a weekend is not nearly enough time to explore Cape Town. You would need a week at least to take in the varied treasures of the city. These include, Robben Island, Boulders Beach and Table Mountain, the stunning surrounding seaside towns and the local nooks and crannies that give Cape Town it’s charm. So when you only have two days to work with, we show you how to soak up every last glorious minute in the Mother City. And those 48-hours will be such a tease, you will promise yourself that you will return. Yes, Cape Town just has that affect over you.

Here’s how to spend a weekend in Cape Town

Saturday in the City Bowl

6:00 Sunrise walk along the Sea Point promenadeRide and Shine! It’s time to lace up those joggers and join the parade of Capetonians who start their mornings on the Sea Point promenade. It’s a wonderful way to immerse yourself in Cape Town's outdoorsy culture while enjoying the sunrise and sea breeze. Lush grassy lawns, playgrounds, public artworks and sea pools adorn the wide promenade. The coast here is rocky so an early morning dip is off the table, but if you want to swim later, check out the saltwater pools at Sea Point Pavilion.For more information about the Sea Point Promenade click here.8:00 Coffee at Truth CoffeeTruth Coffee puts the steam in steam punk, and your cappuccino too. This is not your average coffee shop, not even close. The interior is all heavy metal, but less 1980 and more 1880. The Victorian decor is dark, industrial and lovely. And you will either be transported back through time or living out that steam punk fantasy you never knew you had. The baristas continue the steam punk theme with their period attire, bringing the effect full circle. If you are impressed by Truth’s design then you better sit down when you enjoy their coffee. Only the finest artisan beans are put through Truth’s massive cold-presses and espresso machines. Then they are carefully handled by the knowledgeable and passionate staff, who make each cup a work of art. If you’re feeling adventurous try the ‘Battle Brew.’ This indulgent coffee is an Americano blended with butter and MCT oil. And if you’re feeling peckish, or starving for that matter, Truth’s bistro-inspired menu serves up tasty breakfasts and lunch.Address: 36 Buitenkant St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000For photos and more information on Truth Coffee click here.9:00 Old Biscuit Mill MarketEvery Saturday the Neighbourgoods Market takes over the factory-like playground of the Old Biscuit Mill. The market lasts until 2 but getting an early start means you won’t get swallowed by the crowds that descend around 11. Local artisans sell everything from leather goods, silver jewellery, screen-printed t-shirts, paintings and decor. Every week different Cape Town fashion designers display and sell their collections in the empty studio spaces, while serving bubbly to sweeten the shopping experience. These trendy pop-up shops showcase how African designers are taking traditional prints and incorporating them into sleek, contemporary designs that embody the spirit of modern African culture. Fresh, innovative and bold. Those themes run through the whole of the market, and it doesn't take long to realise that Cape Town has wealth of creative and talented young residents. Along with your wallet, be sure to bring your appetite to the Old Biscuit Mill. In addition to fantastic shopping, there is an overwhelming maze of food vendors. Even the most experienced and self-professed foodie will be impressed. Pulled pork BBQ, got it. Flat bread pizzas with fig, prosciutto and goat cheese, done. Prego rolls, Indian curries, succulent shawarmas, fresh sushi rolls, it’s all here. The hardest part is choosing just one, so bring some friends to share in the spoils.After grabbing some gourmet grub, find a seat by the live band and soak up that relaxed Capetonian atmosphere.Address: 375 Albert Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town, 7915For photos and more information about this awesome market click here.13:00 Robben island TourRobben Island was an isolated prison used to hold political prisoners during the Apartheid era in South Africa. It was here that Nelson Mandela served 18 of his 27-year prison sentence. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Robben Island serves as a reminder of that dark stain on the country’s history. But more importantly, it is a testament to the strength and will of Mandela, the man who would become the father of the nation. The 3.5 hour tour sets off from the Nelson Mandela Gateway in the V&A Waterfront. Visitors taken to the island via a 30-minute ferry ride and are then given a guided bus tour to all of the island’s historical sites. The tour ends with a viewing of Mandela’s cell. All the guides are former political prisoners that served time on Robben Island. Their unique perspective and vast knowledge of the island’s multi-layered 500-year-old history makes for an incredibly thought-provoking experience.Cost: Adults R300, Children (under 18) R160For more information on Robben Island clickhere.17:00 Cable Car Ride up Table MountainNo visit to Cape Town would be complete without a trip to the top of the formidable Table Mountain. Visitors have the option of hiking or taking a cable car to the summit, both are memorable experiences. The cable car is recommend for families with young children and mature visitors.Table Mountain is a World Heritage Site and a rich biosphere home to 2,200 endemic specie of flora. Visitors are free to wander along the mountain trails where there are many outstanding photo opportunities and sweeping panoramic views of Cape Town, False Bay and Camps Bay. There is a restaurant, a snack shop, a souvenir store and restrooms at the top as well.Quick Tips:

• Buying your tickets online will save you time upon arrival. The queues can become incredibly long during peak holiday season.
• Table Mountain is notoriously windy and conditions are very different between the bottom and the top of the mountain. Therefore bringing a warm jacket, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and sunglasses is advisable. Also, ladies are discouraged from wearing short skirts or dresses, trust us!

Cable Car Cost: Return-Adults R240, Children R115Address: Tafelberg Rd, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001, South AfricaFor more information on Table Mountain click here. 20:00 Dinner at the Gold RestaurantThe Gold Restaurant describes itself as ‘Opulent African Cuisine’ and absolutely lives up to this description. Located in the stylish neighbourhood of Green Point, the Gold Restaurant delivers sumptuous Pan-African cuisine and live entertainment set against a bold backdrop of rich African decor. Diners are welcomed by the rhythmic beats of a djembe drum circle and Mali Puppets who sing and dance in time with the drumming. Gold’s 14-course tasting menu is an appetising education on African cuisine and culture. The Gold Restaurant’s culinary reach extends beyond South African fare and pays homage to the whole continent. The rich and mouth-watering menu includes tangy peri-peri chicken wings from Mozambique, Cape Malay seafood curry, fragrant Cameroon coconut rice and spiced minced lamb and ostrich from Zambia. There are also vegetarian options available as well.Address: 15 Bennett St, Cape Town, 8005, South AfricaFor more information on Gold Restaurant click here.22:00 Night Out on Long StreetNight has settled over the Mother City and if you have the energy, it’s time to explore Cape Town’s electric nightlife. Long Street is the heart of the action, and boasts some of the city’s hottest bars and clubs. From hipster hangouts to pulsating dance clubs, you will find the perfect libation station to suit your style.For a full lowdown of Long Street’s awesome offerings clickhere.

Sunday Exploring Outside of Cape Town

Photo Credit: Erica Regia8:00 Stroll through Kirstenbosch National Botanical GardensSet along the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden is one of the grandest botanical gardens in the world. The garden is 36 hectares, large enough to explore for several hours. We recommend packing a picnic breakfast and eating under a shady tree. Kirstenbosch’s unique location within the Cape Floral Kingdom means that you’ll encounter native plants and flowers not seen anywhere else in the world. Not a bad start to a Sunday morning.Address: Rhodes Dr, Newlands, Cape Town, 7735, South AfricaFor more information on the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens clickhere:12:00 Lunch at TheBrass BellWe’re not afraid to say it; The Brass Bell is the total package. Sitting on the very edge of the ocean, the waves lap up against the indoor seating area and fill the restaurant's very own tidal pool. You will be hard-pressed to find a better atmosphere or prettier views anywhere else. To top off the stunning oceanfront scenery, the kitchen churns out only the most carefully crafted dishes including; Asian pork belly, portabella and butternut lasagne and a variety mouth-watering pizzas. And for seafood lovers it doesn't get any better. The Brass Bells offers fresh oysters, succulent tiger prawns, mussels and hearty seafood platters that make a lasting impression. The Brass Bell is the ideal place to bring family and friends for an afternoon lunch. It's here where you can soak up the sun, swim and most importantly, relish a dining experience as unique and unpretentious as Cape Town itself.Address: Kalk Bay, Cape Town, South AfricaFor photos and more information on The Brass Bell clickhere.14:00Kalk BayAfter enjoying the best of Brass Bell, it’s time to stroll along Kalk Bay’s Main Road. Securely nestled between the mountains and the sea, is the charming little fishing village of Kalk Bay. The town's gorgeous front row views of False Bay make you wonder how expensive property here is. Starting at the Brass Bell head south and you’ll have over a dozen boutiques, antique, art and jewellery shops to browse. Most of the stores only sell South African designers and artists. So not only will you be supporting local talent, but whatever you purchase will be a unique reminder of your visit.16:00 Boulders BeachLocated in Simon’s Town is the famous Boulders Beach. Boulders is a protected area reserved for its adorable residents, African penguins. Giant granite boulders shelter the beach and give it its namesake. African penguins are endangered and Boulders Beach is one of the few colonies left in the world. It’s also the only place in the world where paying visitors can swim with them in their natural habitat. While you don’t have to pay to see the penguins, as they are visible from the park’s boardwalks, getting closer will cost you. The penguin viewing station and direct beach access cost a small fee, which goes to the park's conservation efforts.Cost: Adults R65, Children R35.Address: ?Kleintuin Rd, Simon's Town, South AfricaFor more information on Boulders Beach click here. 16:30 Sunset and Dinner at Spier Wine FarmAs the weekend comes to a close, take this time to relax and reflect on all you’ve seen, smelled, and tasted; and how Cape Town has touched you. And what better way to do this than over a glass of delicious Cape wine in a verdant Stellenbosch vineyard? Spier is one of the area’s oldest and most respected wine estates. Spier is also a 4-Star Hotel with sweeping views of the Helderberg Mountains. The wine farm is renowned for its sustainable production, ethical practices and award-winning wines. Spier’s gastronomic gift to the world is Eight Restaurant, a farm-to-table eating experience that’s bold, balanced and above all, delicious. Reserve a table outside for out-of-this-world views while you enjoy your last dinner in Cape Town. You deserve it, and remember you’ll be back.Address: R310 Stellenbosch 7600, South AfricaFor more information on Spier Wine Farm click here.