15/06/2022
I am often asked to make suggestions regarding our favourite things to do In Cape Town… the city itself. The Red Bus Hop On Hop Off tour, the Two Oceans Aquarium and Table Mountain are lovely tourist staples. HOWEVER, if you want to do something more local, inexpensive and low key, you could still hop on a red bus, but then hop off in the Bo-Kaap, see the beautiful, colourful houses and steep, cobbled streets and buy samosas and other delightful things to eat at Biesmiellah Restaurant. Also hop off at the bottom of Long Street and walk all the way to the top - pop into all the wonderful little shops as you go. Visit the Long Street Turkish baths at the top of Long Street and then just around the corner you will find the Iziko Museum and Planaterium. Just below them within the same precinct is the South African National Gallery and beyond that the beautiful old Company Gardens. Keep strolling and you will end up at St George’s Cathedral (quite beautiful), Green Market Square, die Groote Kerk Dutch Reformed Church (much history there) and also the old Slave Lodge (all quite close together… just Google it). Throughout your walk you should keep your eyes open for historical statues… there are MANY! If time allows, take an Uber to the other side of town and stroll through Tamboerskloof and De Waterkant… more steep cobbled streets and beautiful Victorian buildings (on the same side of town as the Bo-Kaap). Our favourite sidewalk cafe in Tamboerskloof is The Blue Cafe at 13 Brownlow Road. It’s delightful and so Capetonian! Another awesome stop nestled just below Table Mountain is the Orangezicht City Farm at 87 Upper Orange Street. Just opposite is the Ou Meul deli and eatery for a quick (or slow) lunch.
All these places are within the city precinct.
As always in any city, be security conscious. Happy meanderings in our beautiful city!!
If you really want to do all this in one day, then your car would probably be a better bet than the Red bus!
Oh! And if you have a gazillion Rand at your disposal, DO have high tea at the gorgeous Mount Nelson (the Nellie)… NOTHING tops it!!!