Cape Town doesn’t just have one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, it has so much more to offer. Join me in taking a walk through the exquisite scenery it offers, the amazing hikes and MTB cycle routes, gems to eat at and wonderful small wine farms to taste some local wine. Whether you’re a proud Capetonian or a visitor you know this is a special place and that there is something for everyone here.  

On Sunday morning we take the M3 up towards Ou Kaapse weg, over Black Hill and into Glen Cairn. Stopping at Dixies Restaurant is a usual must, but not today as we are on our way to one of the most iconic places in South Africa, the ever beautiful Cape Point. Driving along the route where thousands of cyclists usually take on the 109km Cape Town Cycle Tour, through history-rich Simon’s Town, I reminisce about my own experience of this internationally known cycle event, before COVID-19 hit. The scenery along the road is already quite beautiful as you drive along the coast to the turn-off.    

At the gate, your SA ID allows you to pay a mere R85 per person, for a full day adventure. Driving along the long road, through the most beautiful fauna and flora, with the sea peeking out on both sides of the road, are numerous short and long hikes along this route.  The little beaches should not be missed as the bright blue waters are one of the most exquisite sites that Cape Town has to offer.  

When you reach the end of the road you have a few options, enjoy the scenery with a pizza and beer at the restaurant, hike to the top or take the funicular. We opted for the latter and it was such fun. As you reach the top and peek around the corner, the view completely takes your breath away! The bluest of blue seas, the most beautiful rock formations and an area that is unbelievably rich in history. You can also visit some of the very first lighthouses in SA, that still stands today.   Take your family or a friend and go enjoy a memory-filled day of fun, sun, beauty, hiking and history at Cape Point.  

We have to have a little something for the wine lovers, I mean, this is Cape Town after all and let’s be honest, we do make the best wine in the world. Don’t worry beer drinkers, there’s something here for you too.  

If you’ve been to the, highly recommended, Stellenbosch wine route a hundred times and want something a little more unique, I have a special treat in store for you with two “boutique” experiences that come highly recommended. First on this list is the Cape Point Vineyard picnic and wine tasting. Book (tasting and picnic separately) ahead of time to avoid disappointment and prepare yourself for a feast of the taste buds and the eyes. Imagine a vineyard in the mountains overlooking Noordhoek, tasting wine in an old stone building and enjoying a prepared picnic basket after.   

The second is the incredible Klein Roosboom Boutique Wine! They have converted their old concrete wine tanks into private tasting rooms, each themed differently, and a truly unique experience. Bookings are most definitely essential.  

Beer and Gin tasting should be high on the priority list since we can brag with some of the best craft beer and gin around. Here are a few of what Cape Town has on offer:  

• Hope Distillery  
• Classic Cats Craft Gin Bar  
• The Gin Bar  
• Wilderer
• Banana Jam Cafe
• Beer House
• Jack Black Beer
• Woodstock Brewery  

CALLING ALL FOODIES

Along with Cape Town’s views, wines, beer and gin, we have some of the greatest food experiences. Starting off with one of my personal favourites Saveur restaurant in Simon’s Town. Beautiful food, beautiful views and beautiful people. All the food is made with an extra touch of love and they have the most delightful staff (good enough to make even a mother-in-law smile). If you’re looking for something a little fancier, The Hussar Grill has never disappointed any carnivore, that’s for sure! Every delightful bite is perfect! And for our plant-based eaters… Plant Cafe or The Kind Kitchen is the way to go.  

Save the best seafood joints for last. Go visit these guys for food with a view:

• Seaforth restaurant  
• Lucky Fish & Chips 
• Fisherman’s Wharf
• Quay Four  

We all have a little adventurer within us and whether it be cycling, hiking, rowing, boarding or jumping. Cape Town has it all. Some of the most amazing MTB tracks can be found right here by visiting The Bike Park or driving out to Meerendal Wine Estate for a cycle in their back yard. Even if you’re not an adrenaline junky and just want to hire a bicycle for an hour or two, just pop over to the Sea Point Pavilion and hire a bike.  

Personally, I fall too often and have traded in my cleats for a pair of hiking shoes. Taking time to relax, take a deep breath and experience the wonders of Elephants Eye, Silvermine, Newlands Forest and the Kalk Bay Caves  

Here are a few additional activities I would recommend you look into:  

• Sandboarding  
• Kayaking in Houtbay  
• Skeleton Gorge for serious hikers  
• Paragliding  

Honourable Mentions:  

• Spice Route for a full day of tasting food, beer, wine, chocolate and more!  
• Scala Battery Red Hill Simon’s Town for the most beautiful view around  
• Ficks Restaurant in Hermanus is highly recommended if you want to drive out for the day and enjoy the most glorious view ever!  
• Gigi Rooftop at Gorgeous George for an award-winning cocktail  

In summary, this friendly city wants you to make beautiful memories. If you’re a Capetonian that’s never been to Table Mountain or Cape Point, make a plan. If you’re from a neighbouring city, come visit us soon!  

About Stefanie Barnard  

Stefanie is a fun-loving, loud, spontaneous, silly, adventurous, gin-drinking, wine tasting, and sometimes misunderstood, self-proclaimed weirdo! Born and raised in Cape Town, besides for a short 4-year stint in Jozie. Her motto in life is to try everything at least once and she believes deeply and sincerely that “respect is one of the greatest expressions of love”.