Go see table top mountain, in Cape Town...

1. If you’re looking for somewhere really different to rest your weary bones during your stay, look no further than the Airstream trailer park atop the Grand Daddy Hotel on Long St. Seven vintage Airstream trailers bid goodbye to the American Dream and have been lovingly restored to form a one of a kind camping area. Each trailer has been designed by a local artist – you can choose from “Pleasantville” for a touch of 50’s style kitsch or “The Ballad of John & Yoko” if the white look is more your thing. For those of you who love your creature comforts, the trailers are fully decked out with up to the minute facilities. There’s even a little US-style mailbox outside each caravan at your disposal. Too cute! Website here. This is my favourite, the Dorothy room...
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3. Everyone knows about Royale Eatery on Long St (and if you don’t, be sure to check it out, their burgers and shakes are to die for! Really unusual pairings too - for example lamb burger with brie and mint jelly anyone?), but not a lot of people seem to know that they run a happy hour too. Perfect for the cash-conscious traveller, plus you may avoid having to queue for a table like you usually must at peak times. Happy Hour runs Monday to Thursday from 4–5:45, and the deal is a selection of four burgers (including at least one veggie option) is available at R30, plus a selection of bottled beers can be had for a mere R10. How could you resist!

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   (Plus it has cute decor too!)

3. The idea of partying in a township may not appeal immediately, especially if you’ve never been to one before. However, Mzoli’s meat in Gugulethu will change all that. Arrive on a Saturday or Sunday around lunchtime (Sunday is usually the better day). Bring your own beers and salads. Choose your meat from the selection on offer and have the Mzoli’s staff braai (bbq) it for you in their homemade secret sauce. Simple, but amazing. You will never taste meat like this. If you can stand after such a feast, join the regulars and get down to some mellow house, played by local djs. Party till the small hours, dance on the tables, whatever. Great atmosphere, especially on a warm day. This is not the place to be a wallflower – mix it up, talk outside your circle, make new friends!

4. I firmly believe that if you travel to a new place, you should at least attempt to familiarise yourself with its history or culture along the way. Unfortunately, in the case of South Africa, the past is a bitter pill to swallow. If you are not entirely familiar with the culture of apartheid which oppressed so many for so long, then the District Six museum in the City Bowl is a good place to start learning. It focuses on the area from which government policies forced coloured people out of their homes and into informal settlements with little or no facilities or hope of improvement. Homes, schools, churches & livelihoods were destroyed as part of this enforced segregation, and today the area still remains barren while the government decides how best to use the space. A reminder to all of the hardships these people endured under such racist policies.

5. South Africans are an adventurous lot, and everyone you meet seems to have one outdoor hobby or another. I guess it’s easy in a country where the weather is so great and nature is on your side. If you fancy getting some of this outdoor action for yourself, try a sunset hike up Lion’s Head. Take a taxi to the summit and it’s a not-too-strenuous (unless you're me, see last post for details!) 45 minute hike from there. Sit atop the peak and watch the sun go down over Cape Town, with views of the city from all sides. Definitely bring your camera for this one. Some bring a picnic and indulge in wine and cheese over sunset. Best of all, it’s entirely free! Check for a full moon if you want the best light for the hike down, if not a torch is always a good idea.

6. For those travelling through Cape Town with their life on their backs, the Ashanti Lodge on Hoff St. is a good place for some budget R’n’R. Situated less than 10 minutes walk from all the action, it also has an unbeatable view of Table Mountain. I’m assured by reliable sources that it’s a fantastic place to watch the sun go down too. The gorgeous pool and friendly staff help add to the good vibes too, I guess.

7. Saturday mornings usually finds me either one of two ways; bleary-eyed and still harbouring traces of last night’s eyeliner, or bright as a button and eager for a “productive” weekend (unfortunately it’s the former that wins out more often than not). Either way, a trip to the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock usually sorts me out. Good food, albeit a little pricey, but it’s all local produce and for most things, freshly made in front of you. There’s a design market as well with young designers starting out, as well as vintage clothing stands, photography and art. As you might imagine from that brief synopsis, the place is overrun with hipsters. But don’t let the plaid shirts and carefully created “dishevelled” hairstyles put you off – It’s the best way to ease yourself into the weekend!

8. Tucked in at the back of Long Street Antique Arcade is an adorable little vintage shop, Glitterati. It’s incredibly tiny, but a veritable Aladdin’s Cave of gorgeous goodies. The shop looks like it could be a movie star’s dressing up room. You certainly will have to root a round a bit, but the search is always worth it for some precious finds in this case.

9. Your Lonely Planet would probably tell you to hit up Hemisphere for a great night out in Cape Town. I’d tell you to go for ten minutes and only for the view. Being on the top floor of the ABSA skyscraper makes for an impressive sight come sundown. However, the club itself isn’t up to much unless tacky music and overpriced drinks is your thing (this is also true of Cape to Cuba). A much cooler hang out is the granny-chic Waiting Room. Situated up a tiny rickety stairs, which you enter through a non-descript door on Long St, this place reeks of atmosphere. The rooftop terrace lets you check out where the action is that night, and comfy couches strewn about make for relaxing drinks with mates.

10. Cape Town works at a fast pace, and after a while the hedonism gets a bit much (i.e. I can’t close my jeans so realise it may be time to cut back a bit). A great place to unwind and feel better is at Long Street Baths. Here, you can choose between a sauna, a steam room, a cold pool or a warm room, in addition to showers and all the usual malarkey. The price is pretty reasonable at R75 for up to four hours or R37.50 per hour. For this you’ll get a day bed, a towel and some soap as well as admission. I know they used to offer massages as well, but apparently these are off the cards now. However, the baths have different operating hours for men & women (check web for exact times), so this may not be best for a romantic holiday!

(Photo by Art Harris)