A week in Cape Town

After a year in this amazing city I still feel like I am on a very long holiday. I constantly meet new people and discover wonderful new places. I get to know more and more hidden spots and activities this great city and its surrounding have to offer. And I sure am not even close to the end of my discoveries, since I hardly travel more than 10 km away from my apartment in town. The multiple and most of all varied activities Cape Town has to offer are attracting and seducing many foreigners for years to give up their homes and settle here. I have met numerous foreigners in the last year trying to find a way of extending their trip. I am one of the fortunate who have found an occupation at day time, and I enjoy as much of my free hours discovering and celebrating the local life style.

A typical Cape Townian is open, generous, active, fit, easy going and most of all, want to make the best of every moment. Coming from a country from the Northern hemisphere, where people frequently prefer to enjoy the company of their stable group of friends, the hospitality and interest in “strangers” is a pleasant surprise. Being willing to openly share your reason for visiting Cape Town is often enough to start a conversation and get an invitation for the next party. Besides their love for spending time in nature, on water and practicing all kind of sports, Cape Townians share the heat for a good party. And will always find an occasion for one. Unlike our North European parties, partying here is not exclusively for the young, wild and free. It is also not solely taking place in evening hours in pubs or clubs. Every place you go, with every group of people can easily turn into a party. To keep a bit of balance in your life, health and wallet you will have learn how to choose your parties and other activities wisely. 

My first tip to get the most out of your trip, whether it is short or long, is to talk to everyone you will meet. It will reward you with the most unexpected and fun evenings. Be spontaneous and flexible at all times and let go of the idea of planning the whole evening ahead. When invited by a local, join them to the next party and just learn to go with the flow!

Secondly, especially for the long stays, choose an activity you like to do. There are many options, so there is something for everyone. Not only will it keep you in good shape, it will also balance out the partying, drinking and eating you will be doing otherwise. It is also one of the best ways to meet many cool and exciting people. I am in love with Martial Arts, but I bet surfing, hiking, mountain biking or kite surfing are just as rewarding. Even better make a combination of a few and you will not have to feel guilty for treating yourself at one of the nice restaurants, bars or food markets.

For most of us working people, the work combined with the sport activity make a pretty full week already. To get the most out of it I like to spend the rest of my activities in the week as follows:

I start the week on Tuesday, after taking enough rest on Monday, I am ready for a party! I like to go to Asoka on Kloofstreet if I want to dress-up or Dizzy’s on Camps Bay to experience a more laid back vibe. But make sure you are on time or with the right people, because it can get really busy. Use Wednesday to relax and work out so you will be ready and fit for the next day. Go to Jade in Greenpoint to dance or beach club Shimmies close to the Waterfront to eat, drink and lounge. With enough energy you will enter the weekend. Drop by at the Grand beach café on Fridays after work for some drinks and bites. Then get ready for the night. Go to club 31; a place I take all my visitors from abroad to show them ‘the view’, or impress them at the beautiful club St. Yves in Camps Bay.

Saturday it is time for one of the full-day activities. After having done all the tourist stuff the first few weeks, you are ready for other alternatives. Like Wake-boarding at Blue Rock in Somerset West. Or indulge yourself at one of the local Food Markets, like the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock, the Bay Harbour in Houtbay,  the V&A market on the Wharf or the smaller City Bowl Market on Hope street. Try the food and township experience called Amazink in Khayamandi in the Stellenbosch area for great food and performances in an authentic setting. You can combine this with a visit to one of the great wine lands in the Stellenbosch area. If you like to stay closer to town, go to Constantia to drink wine, eat and enjoy the nature. Or go to boulders beach to swim with penguins and eat seafood. In the evening you can choose between the diverse clubs on Long Street , Camps Bay or Claremont.

The Sunday is difficult, because there is too much to do! It offers the best night outs, like Goldfish at St. Yves or Caprice in Camps Bay. Ideally combined with a dinner at one of the restaurants and a relax day at the beach. Another thing you don’t want to miss and one of the best township experiences is Mzoli’s in Gugulethu. Besides offering the best meat in Cape Town, it is a one of a kind, low-key experience with the most vibrant, happy and diverse group of people you will find. If you feel like a day to chill, you should try a concert at the Kirstenbosch gardens, complete with pick nick, wine and good company. Combine it with a visit to the botanic gardens or a hike in the area. 

I could go on and on, but this is extensively done by the many tour operators  in Cape Town. Just try to balance your activities, try lots of new things and be open and spontaneous at all times.