21). Visit the Cape Town Holocaust Centre … The Cape Town Holocaust Centre is located on the first floor of the Albow Centre, 88 Hatfield Street, Cape Town. Conveniently situated in the midst of Cape Town’s “museum mile”, the Centre is in close proximity to the SA National Gallery, SA Museum, SA Library and the SA Jewish Museum. Contact the Centre on Telephone 021 462-5553. Opening times are Sundays – Thursdays 10am – 5pm; Fridays 10am – 1pm; Closed on Saturdays and Jewish Holidays. Entrance is free.
22). Gold Of Africa Museum, Strand Street, Cape Town … Unique in the world and located in the historic Martin Melck House in Cape Town, the Gold of Africa museum complex is the world’s first museum dedicated to the history of African gold. Set in a strikingly restored landmark building the museum complex is dazzling. It is quite literally filled with gold. The heart of the museum is one of the largest and most beautiful collections of African gold artefacts, the Barbier Mueller collection. The workshop is well worth a visit where innovative gold designs are worked on using the museum collection as inspiration.
Where? Martin Melck House at 96 Strand Street, De Waterkant. Phone 021 405-1540. Entrance: Adults R20.00, Children R10.00
23). Visit the MTN Science Centre The MTN Science Centre at Canal Walk Century City in Cape Town, is South Africa’s first world-class interactive science centre. It is a place where you can have fun, while learning about scientific discoveries and technological innovations. The centre offers over 280 displays as well as an auditorium, camera obscura, computer rooms, laboratories, and exhibition hall. Bring the whole family – there is entertainment for kids of all ages. Telephone: 021 529-8100. Event prices from R5.00 – R1.00 upwards.
24). Cellar Tastings at Durbanville Hills From the modern tasting room while tasting exclusive wines, enjoy breath-taking views of Table Bay, Robben Island and Cape Town with Table Mountain as backdrop. During the week, cellar staff offer twice-daily guided tours of the state-of-the-art cellar. Groups of more than 10 are required to book.
Wine Tasting Trading Hours:
Monday to Friday: 09:00 to 16:30
Saturday: 09:30 to 14:30
Sunday: 11:00 to 15:00
Public Holidays: 09:30 to 14:30
Tasting Fees: Standard tasting consist of 4 whites and 4 reds.
Tasting not including a wine glass: R10.00
Small International Glass Tasting: R17.00 (including tasting glass)
Big Allure Glass Tasting: R25.00 (including tasting glass)
Telephone: 021 558-1300 Prices from R10.00 to R25.00
25). Lion’s Head hike / climb to the top The panoramic views from the top of Lion’s Head make the walk so worthwhile. The view encompasses the harbour, the Twelve Apostles mountain range, Camps Bay, Table Mountain, Devil’s Peak, Signal Hill and the Cape Flats. It’s an adventurous walk but it is well worth while. It takes about three hours including time to stop and take in the views and perhaps to stop for a picic. No charge
26). Green Point Flea Market The Green Point Flea Market, held every Sunday in the car park outside the Green Point stadium, is one of the largest markets in Cape Town and well worth a visit. At the Green Point Market you will be well entertained with with music and crafts and loads of traditional African art pieces and curios are for sale.
27). Visit the Castle of Good Hope The Castle of Good Hope is the oldest building in South Africa. Built between 1666 and 1679 by the Dutch East India Company, better known as the VOC (Vereenigde Oost- Indische Compagnie), this pentagonal fortification replaced a small clay and timber fort built in 1652 by Commander Jan van Riebeeck, founder of the maritime replenishment station at the Cape of Good Hope. Open daily at 09:00 to 16:00, Mondays to Sundays. (closed Christmas day and New Year’s day). Telephone: 021 787-1249
28). Groot Constantia Wine Cellar and Cellar Tours Guided tours through the modern cellar are offered daily from 10, 11, 12, 1, 2, 3 & 4 pm through out the year. Booking essential. Tours cost R27 (adults) and R5 (scholars). A tour lasts 45-60 minutes and includes a wine tasting and audio visual. Tel: 021 794-5128
29). Spend a day at Llandudno Beach Only 18 km from the centre of Cape Town and approached by one of the most scenic drives, over Suikerbossie Hill from Hout Bay or in the other direction from Camps Bay, along Victoria Road, Llandudno lies nestled in a private and peaceful cove with one of the most secluded and beautiful beaches in the city. A “must go to beach” for visitors to Cape Town.
30). Buffalo Viewing at Solole View the only buffalo on the Cape Peninsula at Solole Private Game Reserve, situated in the Noordhoek Valley. As well as these awesome creatures, view a number of various species of antelope, birds and a brilliant array of flora. The buffalo at Solole are part of an extensive breeding project that has been underway in South Africa since 1989. Experience fascinating game-drives and walks around the Reserve in search of the buffalo and other interesting flora and fauna all in the company of knowledgeable and highly trained rangers. Telephone: 021 785-3248.
31). Visit the Association for Visual Arts (AVA) The AVA is an important not-for-profit gallery in central Cape Town hosting up to 50 exhibitions a year, with proposals selected by committee. The AVA usually hosts three exhibitions at a time, with many young contemporary artists making their debut here.
Address: 35 Church Street, Cape Town. Telephone: 021 424-7436. Weekdays 10am – 5pm, Saturdays 10am – 1pm.
32). The Scratch Patch (mining for kids) in Simons Town If you take a trip out to Simon’s Town or Cape Point, stop off at the Topstones Factory. At their world famous “Scratch Patch” you can rustle around among the thousands of tumble-polished gemstones that cover the floor and fill a small bag with stones to take home with you. You can also tour the Topstones factory and watch gemstones being tumble- polished and crafted into a wide variety of products. Where? Dido Valley Road in Simons Town. Telephone 021 786-2020. Open every day.
33). Stop off at the Brass Bell for a beer or meal. The Brass Bell is a popular waterside pub with four restaurants and three bars built almost in the water (the sea spray splashes against the windows). The downstairs area can get pretty festive and rowdy, so if you are looking for something more restive, book a table upstairs. (magnificent views over the sea). Open daily for lunch and dinner. Where? Next to Kalk Bay Station, Main Road, Kalk Bay. Telephone: 021 788-5456.
34). Muizenberg Toy Museum The Muizenberg Toy Museum has a fascinating collection of early toys dating from the turn of the last century. The museum contains a shop specialising in obsolete and current toys and models – a must for any collector. Situated opposite the Fun Park, this is an ideal opportunity to visit a freshwater swimming pool, with children’s paddling pool, swings & slides, boating pool and Fun Golf – right on the beachfront. And for the more adventurous – a water slide. Where? Beach Road, Muizenberg. Opening hours: Daily from 10am – 4pm, Closed Mondays.
35). Indoor Karting in Kenilworth The well designed, indoor circuit at Kenilworth Karting offers fun filled experience for young and old. On arrival you will be briefed on the cars and the racing rules. You then hit the starting grid and the racing action begins. Beginner or experienced, kart racing offers you a heart racing activity that is loads of fun. Compare lap times and race positions on the computer printout after the race. Where? Kenilworth Karting is located behind Access Park in Kenilworth, Cape Town. Open Mondays to Thursdays from 13:00 – 23:00. Fridays from 11:00 – 23:00. Telephone: 021 683-2670.
36). Visit the South African Rugby Museum in Newlands A visit to the South African rugby museum has become a regular port of call for locals and tourists visiting the city of Cape Town. The museum is on the ground floor of the Sport Science Institute in Newlands, just a kick away from the Newlands stadium. The SA rugby museum is crammed full of activities, exhibitions and insights into the world of rugby. The museum features rotating exhibitions and special attractions, which will fascinate both local and international visitors whether they be players or supporters..
37). City Sight-seeing on the The double-decker, topless City Explorer Bus
The best way to see our City! Join us for a 2 hour guided, open-top bus trip around the Mother City. The tour includes the Waterfront and city centre in detail, then stops at Table Mountain for a panoramic view and concludes with a coastal drive back through Camps Bay. This is a “Hop on, Hop off” service, which allows you to use this tour as a convenient way to access all major highlights in Cape Town (including a visit to Camps Bay beach) during the day. Telephone: 021 511-6000
38). Take a leisurely stroll up Government Avenue Take a leisurely stroll up Government Avenue. This pedestrian road with beautiful trees and historical buildings is lined with majestic oak trees on either side and squirrels will vie for your attention if you had the foresight to bring along a bag of peanuts! In Government Avenue you are surrounded by many of the city’s most famous attractions including the Company Gardens (founded by Jan Van Riebeeck in 1652), Houses of Parliament and De Tuynhuys. The South African National Art Gallery, The South African Museum and Planetarium are all worth a visit.
39). Attend a parliamentary session (from January to June) The city of Cape Town, despite not being the capital of South Africa, is home to South Africa’s Parliament – Cape Town is the legislative capital, whilst the seat of government is in Pretoria, the administrative capital. Visitors can sit in the public gallery during parliamentary sessions between January and June, although you need to remember to have your passport with you. There are guided tours though the buildings during the week. How much does a tour cost? Tours are free of charge. Tour options available include a guided tour of Parliament (including historical background and an explanation of how Parliament works). You can observe debates from the public galleries in the National Assembly or National Council of Provinces, attend a Public Hearing or committee meeting. Tours should be booked at least one week in advance by telephone: 021 403-2266. Website: Parliament of South Africa.
40). Tea and Cake at the Rhodes Memorial Restaurant Rhodes Memorial, built in remembrance of Cecil John Rhodes who contributed greatly to the formation of the sub continent, lies on the northern flank of Table Mountain, at the base of Devil’s Peak. A national landmark, Rhodes Memorial lies within the Table Mountain National Park and the views from up here are simply stunning. Explore the Monument and then head over to the restaurant for tea and cake – the cakes are out-of-this-world delicious! Open daily from 9.00 to 17.00. Telephone: 021 689-9151. See: Rhodes Memorial.
Great list.. Looks fun.. I’ll try it the next time I visit Cape Town.