In each family there’s always that child who likes things; the good stuff, fancy things and  exiting things. They like to indulge in luxury. According to South Africans, Cape Town is like that child. Apparently, it’s the most expensive city in the country and people here­ like nice things. As a Capetonian, I tell you, this city is one of the most diverse in the country and when it comes to tourist activities it ‘spoils’ all sorts of tourists and the best things.. are for free!

Learn about our history
Any eco-tourist would love this one, located in the heart of Cape Town is Company gardens; a nature lover’s dream I tell you. Company gardens is full of history, with trees older than your grandfather and they all have a story to tell, you’ll see that on all the labels they have. There’s fishponds, ducks and squirrels which will keep you company as well. Love taking walks? Well, it’s a good thing that Cape Town offers lots of activities such as: free walking tours, historic tours, Bo-kaap tours and a trip through the complex history of South Africa by taking a boat to Robben Island.

Getting Around
One of the cheapest ways to explore Cape Town is taking the city’s sightseeing Red bus. For R295 you get transportation to as many tourist attractions as you want, all day long! You’ll be in awe of the city’s scenery. Locals here use the MYCiti bus for commuting to and from work/school, but you can always use the bus to explore the city as well. Like a little privacy? Our Uber drivers drive you from one location to the other and are easy to book and often available.

Explore nature
Hiking up the renowned Table Mountain, which is acknowledged as one of the wonders of nature, offering spectacular panoramic views on the city and the Table Mountain Nature Reserve. If you prefer a short but intense hike, goup Lions Head, Table mountain’s neighbor. Explore the beauty of Kirstenbosch Gardens, our famous and stunning Botanical Gardens with amazing views of the mountains. Take in the beauty of Signal Hill, a great spot for watching the sunset (bring an picknick basket) or try paragliding over Sea Point. Take a hike to Elephant’s Eye Cave in Silvermine Nature Reserve, where the black water of Silvermine Dam is a refreshing swimming spot on a hot summer day.

If you enjoy sunsets then visit; Constantia Glenn/ Beau Constantia, Kloof corner, Clifton 1st beach , Signal Hill( remember to also walk down to the block house) , Lions Head, Bakoven beach, Saunders Rock, The Rock , Blouberg Beach, Camps Bay beach,  The Lawns , llandudno Beach , and Cape Point Vineyards, these are some of the best sunset spots in the city.

Enjoy the best foods
Indulge on food at the Eastern food Bazaar which has variety of Indian food you can choose from, located in Cape Town CBD and top if off with their amazing ice cream. Experience the lively vibe at Mzoli’s in Gugulethu, a famous local spot for braai (BBQ) on Sundays. Treat yourself to high tea at the historic Mount Nelson hotel. Enjoy a traditional South African braai, an important part of the country’s food culture. Explore the various restaurants in Cape Town such as Gold, Ariel , Grand Cafe , La Parada , Truth Coffee, Ostatia Tarentino, Lievita , Tomson bree street, Ala Turkish, Potluck Club,  Steenberg Winefarm, Ouzeri and many more.

Visit markets and events
Visit the famous Cape Town Bree Street which has a variety of restaurants you can choose from, boutiques and stores. Make sure you do not miss First Thursdays, a monthly cultural event that revolves around a walkable program featuring art galleries, retail stores, restaurants, and bars. I kid you not when I say Cape Town is the home of festivals and events, there’s always something happening here, some of the annual festival include the Cape Town Carnival, Cape Town Pride Festival, Rocking the Daises, Unity on the square festival and many more (keep an eye on the YoMzansi website).

Lastly, enjoy exploring lively local markets like the Bay Harbour Market, The Old Biscuit Mill, Oranjezicht Market, Bue Bird Market and the Cape Point Vineyards (Thursday Market). Spoil yourself at the V&A Waterfront, enjoying the atmosphere of upscale shopping malls. Love thrifting? Go to Observatory there are so many great thrifting shops you can choose from.