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TThere is no shortage of things to do in and around Cape Town. From cool eateries that line the streets with magnificent views, to pubs that offer both local and international beverages suitable for pretty much any occasion. I’m a big fan of exploring and discovering new hangout spots in the city. No matter the season or temperature, there is always something cool to do.
Plan a romantic weekend away and include a spa treatment at Protea Hotel by Marriott, Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodge – a stone’s throw away from the V&A Waterfront Mall, an excellent shopping, dining and entertainment hub, in the middle of Cape Town’s action.
Here’s how to plan your winter trip in Cape Town:
Stay here: The Breakwater Lodge comes with a noteworthy history. The building used to be a 19th-century prison, housing long-term male convicts sentenced to work on the construction of the breakwater in Table Bay. Tales of racial segregation and the birthplace for rehabilitation make up the narrative of the history of the place. The rooms are contemporary and have views of Table Mountain and the harbour.
What to do in the area: You are spoilt for choice as there is something for everyone. The Oranjezicht City Farm in Granger Bay Blvd is ideal for Saturday morning hangouts with loved ones. The market offers fresh produce, healthy organic and free-range food, fresh flowers and plants. Don’t be scared to venture a little bit outside the hotel and the city to visit neighbouring suburbs.
A slow walk along the Mouille Point promenade allows for a scenic view of the city.
Did You Know?
TThe waves and storms caused the explorer Bartolomeu Dias to name the peninsula ‘Cape of Storms’ in 1488. Later the Portuguese king changed the name to ‘Cape of Good Hope’.
OOr take a walk over to the V&A Waterfront, home to a wide range of exciting retail outlets, from well-known international brands to exclusive local boutiques. Visit this shopping and leisure Mecca and discover why it attracts more visitors than any other destination in South Africa.
And if the shopping becomes too much, you can enjoy some of the many other activities on offer. These include seal watching – if the weather plays along; a visit to the Two Oceans Aquarium or the Maritime Museum; boat trips around the harbour and along the coast; or an exciting helicopter tour.
Awesome things to see and do in Cape Town winter
WWhere to eat: You will discover a bold, experimental and contemporary food scene in Cape Town. From Camps Bay to Mouille Point, and to the Waterfront and Simon’s Town, from tapas to seafood to Cape Malay curry, Cape Town is a haven for foodies with a list of great eating spots that just continues to grow.
Stop at Sotano for a drink and a bite to eat on the main beach road in Mouille Point. The eatery showcases Mediterranean eats, sushi and beers from around the world with some pretty sweet views of the ocean. Take a drive out to Table Bay for some scrumptious seafood at the Blowfish Restaurant.
Pampering: Start your Sunday on a very relaxing note with a spa treatment at the Breakwater Lodge called Relax Spa. You have an option to have the treatment in your room or visit the spa on the first floor. Pre-booking is essential.
With its larger-than-life mountain overlooking the City Bowl, harbour, white beaches and Robben Island beyond, this is a tourists' playground. Two World Heritage Sites, the sprawling Winelands, nature reserves, botanic gardens and a buzzing waterfront are just the start of the adventure. Cape Town is South Africa’s second most populous city, a quintessential melting pot of creativity, cuisine and colour.
If you plan on staying longer than a weekend then a top attractions itinerary for the Mother City ought to include a trip up the aerial cableway to the top of Table Mountain, a New7Wonder of Nature; a boat trip to Robben Island, where world-renowned humanitarian Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 18 years; a tour of the Winelands in Durbanville or Stellenbosch; a sightseeing trip along Chapman’s Peak Drive and a drive to Simon’s Town, where a breeding colony of African penguins lives on Boulders Beach.
Top tips:
*Winter is for dressing comfortably and warmly. When venturing outside to explore, wear light sneakers, which are perfect for wandering. It’s quite lovely walking in the cold with the fresh breeze hitting your face.
*Don’t be shy to ask the hotel staff for places to visit or see. They are always helpful and willing to chat. Also, there are handy pamphlets at the reception area.
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