50 ways to chill in Cape Town
Text by Fatima Jakoet.
Source: This article was taken from the April 2011 issue of Getaway
Although the Mother City’s a favourite spot for visitors in summer thanks to its gorgeous beaches, it’s still a great place to visit in the depths of winter. To dispel the myth that only blue skies equal good times, we’ve found 50 things to do in the city and its surrounds to keep you busy as the year turns to winter.
Head for the water
1. Swim at Long Street baths
Just because the weather’s dull, it doesn’t mean you can’t don your cozzie and go for a swim. Visit the indoor pool and Turkish baths daily from 07h00 to 19h00 (phone to confirm hours of baths). R12 a person (pool) and R40 an hour for the baths. Tel 021-400-3302
2. Pelagic birding
Some of the best birding in the world can be done from June to October, where up to 10000 seabirds are attracted to a single fishing trawler. There’s also a good chance of whale, dolphin, Cape fur seal and African penguin sightings. Cape Town Pelagics, cell 073-675-3267, www. capetownpelagics. com; Zest for Birds, cell 082-780-0376, www.zestforbirds. co.za; Anne Albatross, cell 083-311-1140, www.annealbatross.org
3. Pound the waves
Yes, it’s cold, but grab your wetsuit and head for the beach. If you’re a newbie, opt for some surf lessons to get you on your way. For lessons, visit www.garysurf.com, or www.wavescape.co.za for surf reports.
4. Hit the beach
Cape Town’s beaches are just as beautiful from the warm confines of a car. Head to your favourite spot, park off, whip out some sarmies and watch the waves play in the rain (Surfer’s Corner in Muizenberg is a great location and there’s a cafe with a view of the beach).
5. Dive False Bay
The northwest wind clears the water around False Bay, making it perfect for winter scuba diving. Pisces Divers offers trips and courses. Tel 021-782-7205, www.piscesdivers. co.za
Time to play
6. Ice-skating at the Ice Station
GrandWest Casino in Good-I wood houses this Olympic-sized ice rink and it’s a great place to hang out, even if you’re no Kristi Yamaguchi. Remember to bring a change of clothes in case you get soaked. From R20 if you have your own skates, from R28 to rent skates and R10 for spectators. Tel 021-535-2260, www.icerink.co.za
7. Go bowling
Ten-pin bowling is fun and (fairly) easy for all ages to enjoy. Bonus: you don’t need any experience or gear. Let’s Go Bowling has branches at Stadium on Main in Claremont, Nl City, Somerset Mall and Tygervalley. From R30. www.letsgobowling. co.za
8. Get active
Play indoor action soccer, cricket or netball at Action Sports at Stadium on Main. It’s fast-paced and fun. Cricket is R50 a person (16 players needed), soccer is R35 a person (14 players) and net-ball R37 a person (14 players needed). Tel 021-671-3665
9. Go-kart racing
The indoor circuit in Kenilworth is designed to offer beginners and more advanced racers a great ride. Just watch out for those tricky turns. From R60 an adult for 10 laps. Tel 021-683-2670
10. Have a drumming session
Drum Cafe will teach you how to play and facilitate a djembe drumming session for 10 or more drummers. Using their equipment, you’ll be playing a tune in no time, in the comfort of your home or whichever venue you choose. It starts at R4000 for a minimum of 10 people. www. drumcafe. co.za
11. Get your poker face on
GrandWest Casino has entertainment for all ages, including slots, a games area, a nightclub, restaurants, shopping and a movie house. Just don’t spend all your money at once. www.sunintemational. com
12. Hit some balls
Head to the driving range and work on your swing. If you don’t play golf, it’s still fun to smash the balls over the green (or occasionally into the spectators). The two-storey covered range at the River Club in Observatory is ideal for winter. It’s R25 for 50 balls, R45 for R100 balls and R10 to hire a club. Tel 021-448-6117
13. Play putt-putt
Next to the Scratch Patch at the V&A Waterfront, Cave Golf is an indoor 18-hole mini-golf arena for all ages. Playing time is about 30 minutes and costs R12 a person for 18 holes. Tel 021-419-9429
14. Get cooking
Learning to cook is as rewarding as it is exciting. Make various dishes, from Cape Malay cuisine to chocolate and sushi, or brush up on basic techniques at classes dotted around the Peninsula, www.cooking-classes.co.za
15. Learn to dance
if you’re keen to learn contemporary dance moves, check out On Pointe Studios in Sea Point. Classes are from Monday to Thursday and start at R200 a month (one class a week) or R500 (unlimited classes). Day visitors pay R70. Tel 083-417-0006, email leighstefanski@ gmail.com
16. Join a yoga class
It may be cold out, but it’s really hot at Jai Yoga. Tel 021-418-0974, www. jaiyoga.co.za. For more yoga classes, go to tiny.cc/ cape-town-yoga.
Feast your eyes
17. What glitters is gold
The Gold of Africa Museum offers a wealth of activities: browse the beautiful African gold artefacts and workshop, watch the history of-gold presentation, buy 18- and 22-carat gold jewellery or just have coffee at the shop. Tel 021-405-1540
18. Go sightseeing
Although you might not be able to sit on the open top-deck, you can still hop on and off Cape Town’s sightseeing buses and admire many attractions in one day. Online tickets are from Rl10 for a one-day pass or from R120 offline. www. citysightseeing. co.za
19. Many must-see museums
There are over 50 museums with a wealth of artefacts, interesting information and displays in Cape Town. For starters, visit the South African Museum before choosing between the District Six Museum, The Slave Lodge and many others, www.iziko.org.za or www.museumsonline. co.za
20. Stop by the castle
Visit the Castle of Good Hope for a guided tour (from Monday to Saturday at llh00, 12h00and 14h00) at R25 a person (kids five to 16 years Rl0 and pensioners R15). Horse and carriage rides are also available at R150 a person, pensioners R100 and children R50. www.castieof-goodhope. co.za
21. Checkout the Stadium
An hour-long tour of the Cape Town Stadium includes the stands, changing rooms and hospitality area. R30 a person and R15 for kids and pensioners (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays). Tel 021-430-7346
22. See the stars
Visit the Planetarium to learn more about the night sky, its planets and constellations. It’s R20 for adults and R6 for children, www.iziko.org. za/planetarium
You could also do a night tour of the Cape Town Astronomical Observatory (second Saturday of every month at 20h00) and get a chance to look through one of the telescopes. Entry free. Tel 021-447-0025
23. Admire art
Spend a day viewing paintings, sculptures and various artworks at the South African National Gallery (or any other). It’s R15 for adults. www.iziko.org.za, or find other galleries on www. southafrica.info.
24. See a concert
Although Kirsten-bosch is well known for its summer concerts, the winter shows at the garden’s Silver Tree Restaurant are just as good and the price (R100) includes a welcome drink and starter. Tel 021-762-9585, email info@kirsten-boschrestauran t. com
25. Catch a movie
With the cool specials the movie houses offer, you can’t use the price of admission as an excuse. NuMetro has half-price Wednesdays, while Clicks Club Card members pay R27,50 for any movie during the week (max. two tickets, once a day). Ster Kinekor has half-price Tuesdays for Movie Club members and various discounts for Edgars Club Card holders, www.numetro. co.za, www.sterkinekor.com
For art-house movies, take advantage of Labia Cinema and Societi Bistro’s offer of two pastas and movie tickets for two at just R70. Tel 021-424-2100, www. societi.co.za
26. Go to the theatre
Whether it’s a play, stand-up comedy or cabaret, there’s always a show at the city’s interesting theatres. Visit Computicket to buy tickets. www.computicket.com
Treat yourself
27. Go shopping
Malls have winter programmes to keep visitors entertained while they’re pushing heavily laden trolleys. If you’re not in the mood to shop, you can choose from a selection of eateries to have a break from all the buying. The main malls include Cavendish Square (www.cavendish, co.za). V&A Waterfront (mavw. wateifiont.co.za), Canal Walk (www. canalwalk.co.za) and Tygervalley (www. tygervalley. co.za).
28. Spoil yourself at a spa
For a bit of pampering and indulgence on a rainy day, go the whole hog and treat yourself to a massage, facial, mani, pedi and aromatherapy at one of the Mother City’s many spas. www.healthspas.co.za
29. Go to the market
There are quite a number of indoor markets to peruse when the sun’s shy.
The Earth Fair Market in Tokai is open on Wednesdays (for evening shopping) and Saturdays www. earthfairmarket. co.za
Neighbourgoods Market in Woodstock (Saturday has delicious fare and a great vibe, www.neighbo goodsmarket. co.za
The Bo-Kaap Food and Craft Market has a selection of traditional foods and homemade crafts on the first Saturday of every month. Find them on Facebook under Bo-Kaap Cultural and Heritage Gateway.
Tickle your taste buds
30. Tea-time treats
Afternoon tea is a grand affair at some of Cape Town’s best hotels, with selections of sweets and savouries coupled with ranges of teas or delicious coffee.
High tea at The Mount Nelson Hotel is R165 a person from I4h30 to 17h30 (all you can eat). Tel 021-483-1948
The One & Only Hotel (Waterfront) is R145 a person from 14h30 to 17h30 (all you can eat). Tel 021-431-5800
The Table Bay Hotel (Waterfront) is R160 a person from 14h30 to 17h30 (all you can eat). Tel 021-406-5000
Cape Grace Hotel is R75 a person from 11h00 to 18h00 (sandwiches, scones and two items from the sugar buffet). If you’re not in the mood for the high tea, you can still visit and enjoy sweet treats from the buffet at R12 an item. Tel 021-410-7100
Hotel Le Vendome (Sea Point) is R90 at any time (booking essential). Tel 021-430-1200
31. Dining with a difference
Be entertained with a spectacular show while you enjoy delicious meals at Vaudeville (city centre). From R350 a person, including a welcome cocktail, three-course dinner, the show and entry into The Fez nightclub (upstairs). Tel 021-419-7000, www.vaudevilIe.co.za
For theatrical dining, Stardust Restaurant in Rondebosch provides good food while the waiters put on a show. Each one is a professional performer or student at a Cape Town art school. Tel 021-686-6280, www.stardustcapetown.com
32. Winter wining
If you thought wine tasting has to wait till the weather’s better, think again.
- Durbanville Hills has cellar tastings with spectacular views of Table Bay, Robben Island and Table Mountain. Tel 021 -558-1300, www. durbanvillehills. co.za
- Groot Constantia offers cellar tours that include tastings at R35 a person. Tel 021 -794-5128, www.groot-constantia.co.za
- De Grendel (Durbanville) has a unique winter experience where you enjoy soup and bread while you’re tasting. It’s R85 a person from 17h00 to 20h00. Tel 021-558-6280, www. degrendel. co.za
- Apart from excellent wines for tasting, Lourensford Wine Estate (Somerset West) also has a chocolate shop, coffee roastery and fine jewellery for sale. Tel 021-847-2333, www. lourensford. co.za
- If you don’t feel like driving out of the city, Johnson’s Wine Shop (Waterfront) houses offerings from various wine routes, Tel 021-419-2121
- Further afield, there’s the Stellenbosch Wine Festival running from 24 January to 2nd February 2014 www. wineroute.co.za
33. Fine-food fair
Visit the Good Food and Wine Show from 26 to 29 May at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). www.gourmetsa.com
34. Eat out
Here are some Getaway staffers’ suggestions for cosy restaurants to beat the chill.
- Van Hunks in Gardens has two fireplaces and gorgeous African-inspired food. Tel 021-422-5422.
- Terence Steenkamp, copy editor Royal Eatery in Long Street serves amazing burgers and they give you blankets if you sit on the balcony. Tel 021-422-4536.
- Sarah Isaacs, editorial assistant Home Bar and Restaurant in Harfield Village is comfortable and snug, and the food’s yummy. Tel 021-683-6066.
- Kirsty Pike, promotions co-ordinator A Touch of Madness in Observatory is in a Victorian house with cosy rooms and a fireplace. Tel 021-448-2266.
- Fatima lakoet, photo jounalist Societi Bistro in Gardens has a huge fireplace in the dining area and an intimate bar section. Tel 021 -424-2100. Alison Westwood, digital manager
35. Go for coffee
Going for drinks is to summer what ‘going for coffee’ is to winter. Make sure you get your cuppa at one of these places:
Origins in De Waterkant. Tel 021-421-1000
Deluxe Coffeeworks in the city centre (all coffee R10). Tel 082-681-5740
Vida e Caffe at most shopping malls. Tel 021-461-0424
Love, Revenge and Cappuccino at the V&A Waterfront. Tel 021-418-0596
Melissa’s in Newlands. Tel 021-683-6949
Knead Bakery in Muizenberg. Tel 021-788-2909
36. Get your fishy fix
Head to the Hout Bay Seafood Festival and Snoek Derby, where fishermen compete for the biggest catch of the day while you buy snoek and other fresh fare. Date to be announced. Tel 021-790-2227
Fun for kids
37. Play with clay
Clay Cafe in Hout Bay gives the little ones a chance to create and paint their own crockery or ornaments. Tel 021-790-3318
38. Look for gems
At the Scratch Patch in Simon’s Town and the Waterfront, you can spend hours wading through gemstones. From R14 to R85, depending on the size of your bag. www.scratchpatch.co.za
39. Play time
Bugz Family Playpark in Kraaifontein has an indoor area for kids to have fun without worrying about the weather. Tel 021-988-8836.
Planet Kids in Muizenberg is a play centre which offers various workshops, such as popular dance classes. Kids aged two to 12 pay R30 for the first hour or R50 for two hours, www.planetkids.co.za.
At The Playshed in Pinelands, folks can enjoy coffee and cake while the children play on the climbing gyms and enjoy other activities. Tel 021-801-0141
40. Love to learn
The MTN Scien-centre in Century City has closed and will reopen in Observatory in June as the Cape Town Sciencentre. it’ll continue to give scientific and technological discoveries a fun, educational twist, www. mtnsciencentre. org.za
41. Get arty
Artjamming is a great way to get creative without painting skills or experience. Listen to funky music while you create your masterpiece (or mess). Branches in Tygervalley, tel 021 -914-9224, and Green Point, tel 021-421-6129.
42. Indoor climbing
City Rock offers indoor rock-climbing for adults and kids (over five-years old) and no experience is needed. Adults R80 for a day pass, children R55 (gear rental separate). Tel 021-447-1326, www.cityrock.co.za
43. Games galore
Various malls have an entertainment section to keep the young ones occupied for hours. There’s a Wonderland in N1 City, Tygervalley and Canal Walk.
Bet you didn’t know
44. Visit parliament
You can attend (in silence, of course) a debate of the National Assembly or National Council of Provinces (NCOP), or go on a guided tour of parliament for free. For a tour, tel 021-403-2266; to attend a debate, tel 021-403-2197. Tickets are available from 09h00 to 17h00 on the day of the sitting.
45. Take a sparkling tour
Diamond Works on the Foreshore offers free daily tours of their diamond-cutting, while the jewellery-manufacturing workshops include a glass of bubbly. It’s open daily from 09h00 to 19h00 (excluding Christmas). Tel 021-425-1970, www.thediamond-works.co.za
46. Head up Table Mountain
With the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway’s winter special, two kids under 18 travel free with every adult purchasing a full-priced R180 ticket.
Valid from 1 May to 30 October 2011 and over weekends, public holidays and school holidays, www.tablemountain.net
Take it easy
47. Go for a walk
Cape Town has a number of beautiful walks to take in the crisp, fresh air, verdant scenery and floral landscapes that winter brings. There are groups that hike regularly and it’s a good idea to join a guided walk. The Peninsula Ramblers do day hikes on weekends and regular long hikes throughout the year. www. ramblers.org.za
48. Take a break
Holiday accommodation rates are generally much lower in winter, so it’s easier to take that break you’ve always wanted at a fraction of the price. See www. getaway. co.za for options in Cape Town and surrounds.
49. Read a book
If you don’t feel like staying in to read a book, visit The Book Lounge on the corner of Roeland and Buitenkant Streets. You can enjoy a fresh, warm cuppa while you browse or read. Stay as long as you like between 09h00 and 19h30 (weekdays), and 09h30 and 18h30 on Saturdays. Sundays are from 10h00 to 16h00. Tel 021-462-2425
50. Put your feet up
Stay in with a good book, start a blog, bake a cake, rent a movie, make some hot chocolate or read the latest issue of Getaway. It’s hard to beat a rainy day snuggled under the covers.
For more information on Cape Town, visit ShowMe Cape Town.
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