The Cape of Adventures
With travel restrictions easing the world over, and South Africa off the dreaded “red list” of many countries, tourists are returning to our splendid shores. If you are a local, why not be a tourist in your own city?
Tasso Evangelinos, CEO of the Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID), says, “Having won the Telegraph Travel Readers Award for ‘The Greatest City in the World’ in 2018 and the 2021 Travel + Leisure Award for the best destination in the Middle East and Africa, Cape Town and its vibrant CBD is the perfect destination for explorers and other travellers keen to make up for the hiatus of the past two years.”
He adds that it is imperative to support the hospitality industry, as well as homegrown businesses, right now. “It’s been devastating to see the ongoing impact of the pandemic and the travel bans on businesses in the Cape Town CBD. Now that South Africa’s Covid-19 restrictions have been eased yet again, now is the moment to have an adventure in our historic, beautiful Central City. It’s open for business!”
Here is the Cape Town Central City Improvement District adventure guide to walking on the wild side in the Cape Town inner city:
Walking On Sunshine – Cape Town Walking Tours
The best way to absorb the true spirit of Cape Town is through walking tours. As a qualified tour guide, Lesley Cox specialises in helping visitors imbibe the sights and sounds of the city through stimulating walking tours. Relaxed and informative, these on-foot excursions come highly recommended. Choose from Heritage City Centre, or the Castle of Good Hope, The Company’s Garden and other themed tours, such as Memorial Art in the City Centre. www.capetownwalkingtours.com
Share a Drink With Gorgeous George
Created out of two beautifully restored heritage buildings, Gorgeous George is a strong contender for the title of the trendiest hotel bar in the city. The venue boasts incredible views, a fantastic restaurant, a rooftop bar, and a pool that seems handcrafted by the Gods of Summer themselves. Gorgeous George is where friends come to stay, play and also toast to all things good in life. 118 St Georges Mall | www.gorgeousgeorge.co.za
A No-fuss Bus
If you are looking for something a little less boisterous then look no further. Taking a Red Bus Tour allows you to sit, relax and explore all that the CBD has to offer. With optional audio guides and the ability to hop on and off at your will, the tours are incredibly customisable. You can choose from a range of packages for kids and adults. A Hop on Hop Off Tour between the CBD and the V&A Waterfront is also on offer. Whether you want to spend your time sightseeing, sampling the local arts, culture and food scenes or mix it up, taking a bus has never been this fun. It is the perfect way to be a tourist in your own hood. 81 Long St | www.citysightseeing.co.za/en/cape-town
You Deserve It, Darling
While not an adventure per se, this is definitely the perfect way to celebrate a successful start to the year. Southern Sun The Cullinan offers signature spa experiences that are both indulgent and unique. They create the perfect symmetry of luxury and well-being. There is no better way to enjoy your visit to Cape Town than by enjoying therapeutic massages, cleansing facials, and invigorating body treatments. Each element of a spa visit to The Cullinan is designed to stimulate the senses. 1 Cullinan Street, Cape Town | www.tsogosun.com/the-cullinan
Food, Glorious Food
Nowhere else in South Africa will you find such an eclectic collection of gastronomic delights. Widely considered to be the nation’s capital of food, Cape Town is where you can find everything. From exquisitely crafted meals by award-winning chefs like Luke Dale Roberts, to glorious gatsbys. If you throw a stone in any direction, it will crash through the window of a culinary experience that could change your life or at the very least give you a beautiful new food baby. The Cape could be called the culinary capital of summertime delights.
Sky-Hi Ride
Strapped into a chair 146 metres above the City Bowl, everything about Cape Town looks serene. Like a landscape painting brought to life. For a few moments, you are on top of the world and the view from up there is gorgeous. Like all good things though, those moments are fleeting and before you know it you are plunging back down to Earth on the thrill ride that brought you up there. This is the internationally renowned Sky-Hi Ride at Hotel Sky. It is one of only three comparable experiences in the world. 9 Lower Long St | www.sky-hiride.capetown
Peruse The Public Art
Few things are more pleasurable than enjoying a low-speed amble through the CBD, soaking up all the arts and culture that the Mother City has to offer. As an art and design tour specialist offering public and private tours, Kate Crane Briggs of Culture Connect hosts tours that are the ‘walk of the town’. Focused primarily on design and architecture, heritage, and social history, Brigg’s tour is a fantastic way to reacquaint yourself with the CBD. www.cultureconnectsa.com
Hone Your Craft
Calling crafters! Meet cool people and also socialise while creating something beautiful. Join the Craft Circle and bring your embroidery kit, clay toolbox, sewing machine, sketchbook or whatever you fancy. The three-hour sessions are hosted on Wednesdays by Andie Reeves, a teacher, textile artist and also owner of the Cape Town Craft Club. 136 Bree St | www.capetowncraftclub.wordpress.com/craft-circle
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