Spending the weekend in Cape Town? Whether you’re a local or just spending the weekend, there are hundreds of activities to choose between. From fine dining and world-class shopping to picture perfect beaches and a buzzing nightlife, Cape Town has it all. But what if you’re minding your purse strings? Here are five budget things to do that will leave you smiling and your wallet intact.
1. Climb Lion’s Head
Even if you’re only moderately fit, the walk is doable and the views are spectacular. You’ll see across Camp’s Bay and the Twelve Apostles, over Sea Point, the City Bowl and back to Table Mountain. Starting at Signal Hill Road, the walk is a gradual steep climb along a wide track that will take between 2-3 hours to get to the top. Only the very last section is extremely steep requiring you to use chains to get up to the very top.
2. Picnic at Signal Hill
If you’d like to take in the view but aren’t too keen on climbing mountains, pack in a picnic and drive yourself to Signal Hill (aka Lion’s Rump) where you can pick your vantage point – city, sea or mountain views can all be had while you bask in the sunshine and lunch in style. If you’re in position by 1PM you’ll be able to hear the Noon Gun. For picnic ammunition, try Giovanni’s Deliworks located at 103 Main Road in Green Point (021 434 6893) for made to order, authentically Italian take-away sandwiches (think fresh bread, quality cured meats, boutique spreads, artisanal cheese”¦ need I say more?)
3. Chapman’s Peak Drive
Take in the stunning landscapes from the City Bowl to Noordhoek on one of the world’s most beautiful routes. The road hugs the shore for nearly the entire drive with magnificent views of the Twelve Apostles, the boulders of Llandudno, Hout Bay Harbour, the 114 curves of Chapman’s Peak Drive, finally ending in Noordhoek. The drive will take about 45 minutes (depending on the flow of traffic) and is about 35 kilometers one-way.
4. Walk along Noordhoek Beach
After your drive you’ll feel like stretching your legs. Drive past the Noordhoek horse paddocks and Common to Beach Road, which will delivery you to a secure car park. Kick off your shoes and enjoy the white sand, the view from Noordhoek to Kommetjie (7-kilometers in total) and the passing of equestrians, joggers, and all sorts. Popular with families and dog-lovers, it’s a place to put up an umbrella, toss a freebee, or just chill.
5. Visit Kalk Bay Harbour
Colourful, vibrant and salt-of-the-earth, Kalk Bay is an artsy village full of interesting shops (think antique, bric-a-brac, and art), cafés and restaurants. Stroll along, poking here and peeking there. Enjoy lunch at Olympia Café (don’t be put off by the que or the décor – the food makes it all worthwhile) or at Kalky’s, a fish and chips institution, in the working harbour alive with fisherman, live music, the resident seals and yet another beautiful view.
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