Becoming a Tourist in your own City (Cape Town)

Becoming a tourist in your own city (Cape Town)

The year 2020 started with a bang, and there was plenty of travel on the card.  Then along came the new hate word, COVID-19. The world was turned upside down, and all travel plans came down like a house of cards: no more European Cities or island holidays. As things start to return to normal and international travel might still be a while off - why not explore a little closer to home?  

There are plentiful attractions you can visit over a weekend or maybe take a few vacation days. This would be a great low-cost breakaway you can enjoy in your own vehicle, or you can hire a car in Cape Town. Need some ideas, let me help :

 

Right on your doorstep

Being in the City Centre, you don’t even have to go far to start exploring. When was the last time you took the cable car up Table Mountain to appreciate the fantastic views over the whole city? How about packing a picnic and enjoying it on the lawns of Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Here you can enjoy the fresh air, sun and the kids can run to get rid of all their frustrations of being home for so long.  

For those that would like to add a little exercise to their exploring, why not rent a bike from Bikes ‘n Wines and you can explore the city. Cycling with your guide, you get to explore the backroads and get a taste of the local culture.

 

Winelands

Want to explore the Winelands? This is a great day visit from Cape Town. Just 30 minutes drive, and you can be sipping on your favourite Pinotage. The wine estates also offer excellent food pairing options with your wine tastings—anything from chocolates to cheese and even cupcakes and ice cream.

There is, however, a little more to just wine when visiting the Winelands. For the more adventurous, Bike ‘n Wines also offer cycle tours in Constantia, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Elgin, Cape Town and Cape Peninsula. You get to cycle through the vineyards and then also taste some wine along the way—a double win. There are also bikes available for children, so a great family day out.

 

Over the mountain

Travelling over the Hottentots Holland Mountains, you get to explore the Overberg Region. Should you not wish to travel the 70 kilometres, there is a steam train that operates over weekends from the City Centre to the Elgin Railway Market. Sit back and enjoy the ride as the world passes by your window. This would also be an excellent outing for the little ones.

Most famous for Apples, this area is also great for wines. Again you can rent a bicycle from the Elgin Adventure Centre and explore the wine estates, tasting the wines along the way.

The Elgin Adventure Centre also offers bikes rentals if you would like to explore the mountains at your own pace. Even e-mountain bikes if you need to still work on that lockdown body. Other activities on offer include zip lining and quad biking. You are guaranteed a jam-packed day, by just travelling over the mountain from Cape Town.

 

So while we are waiting for Covid-19 to make it’s way out and international travel is a little more complicated than we would like, explore your own city. There are several gems, just waiting to be explored.

 

 

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