Weekend In Cape Town

I have been longing to go to Cape Town for as long as I can remember.  Post Covid lockdown, I was presented the opportunity, and took it with so much enthusiasm.  If you are lucky enough to find yourself with a weekend in Cape Town, here are my tips on how to do that!

Food

Test Kitchen

Test Kitchen is an eclectic dining experience that begins with the setting and ends with an amazing tasting menu that you delightfully get to work yourself through.  Make sure to check out the cocktails. Finally got to try some Kudu!

Thali

Thali is a beautiful restored Victorian building, with a wonderfully designed interior. You are smacked in the face the second you enter with the beautiful aromas migrating from the kitchen. Again, another tasting menu that requires someone to share with. Massive platters are brought to your periodically that have an array of Indian delights.  There is some heat to these flavor (LOVE). 

Olympia Café

I almost do not want to include this spot as I feel I was passed a secret, but amazing spot, that I want to help preserve the authenticity of.  Olympia Café is a cute, seaside eatery that captures the charm of this coastal town. Truly, some of the best seafood I have had to date- must get the muscles. 

Activities

Lions Head

In my opinion get here as early as you can, for two reasons.  You get to watch the sunrise AND hiking in the heat/ African sun is a challenge.  From my experience it is an easy to moderate hike that should take around 4 hours depending on how much you linger at the top. 

Table Mountain

Take the cable cars and instead spend your time exploring the top.  The elevation on Table Mountain is much higher that Lions Head and if you are trying to pack a lot into your weekend the cable cars are a massive time saver, plus they give you an awesome view!  Also, please note, the weather at the top can be MUCH colder than what you are experiences at the base, just a warning I wish I had.    

Vineyards

Needless to say, the South African wine country is one of the most appealing in the world.  Amazing weather, sweeping views, and not to mention some gorgeous wines.  If you are here, get to one (at least).  My recommendation, which was also recommended to me, is Constantia Glen.  Located in Cape Town, the vineyard is gorgeous with great views, the building itself is beautiful, the food is fresh and tasty and most importantly the wine is fabulous. 

False Bay

Get out of the city center and head towards the beach! This whole strip of surfer towns is laid back and an amazing way to spend an afternoon meandering. Make sure to hit up Fish Hoek, Kalk Bay and Muizenberg!

Boulders Beach/ Simons Town

Assumingly, I ‘discovered’ this spot through Instagram, as we all do these days, do make a quick stop to check out the penguin colony.  There is a fine if you touch one, so be aware! I found the penguins very amusing.   

Cape of Good Hope

A bit over an hour drive from the city of Cape tow but for me, it was a non-negotiable.  It is the southernmost point in Africa and after reading about the epic views I knew I needed to come.  There is a ‘funicular’ that you can ride to the light house and from there you can do a bit of a walk out from there.  There is also some wildlife to be seen.  Combine all of that with its just some pretty gorgeous beaches and nature to soak in.

Chapmans Peak

Just do this drive. It takes you along the coast, with serval pull off points and areas to get out.  You will experience some of the most insane coastal views that pictures simply cannot do justice to.  Take it till you get to Camps Bay and touch the ice cold water, if you dare.

Extra Tips

o   I would highly recommend hiring a car.  Cape Town is really spread out, and if you want to see it all, a car is your best bet. 

o   Cape Town weather changes in a heartbeat, in one weekend I experienced extreme cold, extreme heat, wind rain & everything in between.  Be prepared for all of it. 

o   If you are coming from a country where your currency is stronger than the South African rand (which is what I did) you can truly dine out like a king! Take advantage of this, and book some high-end meals (if that’s your thing). 

o   Just to note, as this was a foreign concept to me, across South Africa there are parking attendants, sometimes self-appointed and sometimes hired by the venue, who are looking for a tip for ‘watching your car.’