Things to Do in Cape Town

Llandudno Beach is one of those beautiful beaches that seem to have it all. Parking is a bit of a headache, so it never gets tooooo crowded. The white crescent shaped beach lies at the base of the steep slopes of the Twelve Apostles and is flanked by massive granite boulders. One of the most popular chilling and romantic sundown picnic spots in Cape Town, Llandudno Beach is also the haunt of photographers, surfers, surf skiers and an active lifesaving crowd. The boulders at the northern side offer some great walking with awesome views and so does the stretch along Sunset Rocks past the wreck of the Romelia to Sandy Bay. Llundudno is regarded one of Cape Town's most desirable residential areas.

To the east of Misty Cliffs is the popular kiting, surfing, stand up paddling and windsurfing spot called Witsands by locals. This lovely beach is long and sandy, has great winter surf, some lovely walks and is a great place to spot whales in season. There are no facilities and parking is on the main road. The approach to Witsands Beach is via a steep stone stairway.

Bayside Mall Shopping Centre is your one stop shopping mall with free parking. Here you will be able to shop for all your requirements from groceries to fashion, movies to perfume, restaurants to jewellery - all under one roof. Bayside Mall's fashion offering includes most of South Africa's major retailers, as well as a number of quality speciality stores. Bayside Mall offers a large variety of eateries, including loads of coffee shops and restaurants. Ster-Kinekor, situated at the heart of the food court, offers 8 spacious cinemas and the latest sound technology.

“Today when I look at Robben Island, I see it as a celebration of the struggle and a symbol of the finest qualities of the human spirit, rather than as a monument to the brutal tyranny and oppression of apartheid. It is true that Robben Island was once a place of darkness, but out of that darkness has come a wonderful brightness, a light so powerful that it could not be hidden behind prison walls… ' Nelson MandelaThis famous little windswept island has captured hearts and minds around the globe in recent history. Situated just a few kilometers from the glitzy Waterfront, it was “home” to Nelson Mandela for almost 20 years. The intention to silence anti-apartheid leaders by imprisoning them on Robben Island had the opposite effect. Instead Robben Island came under the spotlight as a focal point for international resistance to the regime. Today it has become a symbol of freedom, the transformative power of forgiveness and a place of political pilgrimage. The entire six square kilometer island is now a UN World Heritage Site.In 1961 an austere maximum-security prison was built on Robben Island. It was here that Nelson Mandela was sent after receiving a life imprisonment sentence in 1963. Political and common-law prisoners were initially lodged together. Contact with the outside world was limited to receiving and sending two letters a year. Beatings, hard physical labour in the lime quarry, prolonged solitary confinement and insufficient food, bedding and clothing were endured for many years. Hunger strikes, legal action and international pressure eventually brought better conditions. The prison even became an informal university behind bars, with prisoners tutoring their warders. 1991 saw the release of the remaining political detainees and in 1996 the common-law prisoners were transferred to the mainland.Daily tours depart by ferry from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the Waterfront. The ferry trip takes 30 minutes to the tiny harbour. From there a bus ride takes one to historic places like the kramat, leper graveyard, a church designed by Sir Herbert Baker and the lime quarry where political prisoners endured lengthy hours of tough physical labour. Driving along the shipwreck strewn coast you can spot some antelope, plentiful seabirds and the lighthouse. The last stop is the maximum security prison.The guides are former inmates and will take you along the Footsteps of Mandela tour in the notorious B-section. Mandela’s sparse cell is open, the others locked and empty. The A-section houses the Cell Stories exhibition, evoking the meagerness of prison life. Former prisoners have loaned personal items including an amazing saxophone that works, crafted from found bits and pieces. Have a look at the interesting Smuggled Camera Exhibition in the communal cells. Prisoners managed to slip cameras onto the island in the late 1980s. The enlarged photos are heart warming, giving an indication of their solidarity, friendship and expectancy that it would soon be over. The entire trip lasts three and a half hours and costs around R150. Need to know? Ferries depart at 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm, weather permitting, from Nelson Mandela Gateway, at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. The standard tour to Robben Island is three and a half hours long, including the two half-hour ferry rides. For bookings: (0)21 413 4200. Robben Island MuseumTelephone: +27 (0)21 409 510Nelson Mandela GatewayTelephone: +27 (0)21 413 4200

Red Rock Tribal is not your usual curio shop! Supporting and empowering local artists throughout southern Africa, Red Rock is a treasure trove of interesting and eclectic art. Their mantra is 'the world is full of waste - but not all of it is rubbish!' Here you'll find innovative crafts that are humourous, clever as well as trendy and sometime carrying a social message. Red Rock Tribal are also specialists in old tribal artefacts that have been sourced from various African countries. Definitely worth a visit! Need to know? Shop hours are 9:30 - 5:30 7 days a week.

Friendship, good food, wine and brilliant entertainment – this is where it all comes together. The Mother City's first Barnyard Theatre is situated in Willowbridge Shopping Centre. This is a dinner theatre at its best, offering excellent live entertainment including rock shows, musicals, bands and revues. The Barnyard started as a homely, rustic farm theatre in Plettenberg Bay where friends and family could be entertained and eat, drink and talk into the small hours of the morning. It proved to be such a winner that more Barnyard Theatres started popping up all over the country. There are currently 12 Barnyard Theatres in South Africa. While each theatre is a product of its individual setting, they all retain the quaint rustic charm of the original farm theatre’s humble beginning. To book, visit the bookings office at the theatre or call central reservations (0) 21 914 8898. Shop F09 1st Floor, Willowbridge Life Style Centre, 39 Carl Cronje Drive, Tygervalley.

Appropriately named Buitenverwachting, which means "beyond expectations", this stunning farm is steeped in history and forms part of the original Constantia Estate which was founded by Governor Simon van der Stel. Buitenverwachting captivates with an alluring blend of the Cape, outstanding cuisine and handcrafted wines. Buitenverwachting’s internationally acclaimed wines boast great complexity with unique aromatic profiles. Overlooking the vineyards and Constantiaberg Mountains, Buitenverwachting Restaurant matches the winemaking excellence and is consistently rated amongst the top ten restaurants in South Africa. The menu changes daily and only the finest, fresh produce is procured. During the summer months visitors can indulge in a pre-booked picnic basket served under the old oak trees in the beautiful gardens. Wine tasting and sales: Monday to Friday 09:00 – 17:00 and Saturday 09:00 – 13:00.

The Melting Pot is a cosy, colourful, vibrant live music venue and bar featuring the best of local South Peninsula original music. You can expect to listen to well-known local names from the Cape jazz, rock and folk scene - plus the odd visiting artist and stand-up comics. Jam sessions and open mics offer up-and-coming talent an outlet too. This is a real cultural and decidedly social experience not to be missed - in the heart of Muizenberg's "old village". A funky music studio built from recycled materials is right next door

Headquarters of the DHL Stormers and DHL Western Province Rugby squad, the grand old Newlands Rugby Stadium is one of the three oldest rugby stadiums in the world. Set in the ultra-green suburb of Newlands, Newlands Rugby Stadium has a capacity of 51 000 with steeply elevated stands affording maximum visibility and electrifying viewpoints. Cape Town's three Premier Soccer League clubs also utilize the facilities for their inter-club matches.

Silvermine Nature Reserve forms part of the Table Mountain National Park and offers numerous trails for walking or hiking. A detailed map of the trails can be purchased from Noordhoek Village tourism office for a nominal fee. The Silvermine Hiking trail allows one to see some of the world’s most spectacular coastal and mountain scenery which is rich with a variety of flora as well as bird and small animal life. There are a large number of different Proteas and other fynbos species, flowering throughout the different seasons; making this an enjoyable and interesting walk at any time of the year. One of the easiest and most accessible walks leads from the car park at the top of the mountain to the Silvermine Reservoir. This is an easy 1 – 1 ½ hour walk and is suitable for all members of the family. From the parking area the trail is well marked and heads predominantly uphill although it is not particularly strenuous. The trail winds through remarkably different vegetation and you will enjoy a number of boardwalks over the streams. On hot summer days you will find the wooded banks verdant with tree ferns a pleasantly cool and peaceful spot to linger. Surprisingly the trail heads through some small forest glades. The path wends its way up well-maintained wooden walkways and the occasional rustic bridge until reaching the dam wall. Stop along the way to admire the spectacular views across False Bay where on a clear day you can see clear across to Gordon’s Bay. A number of quaint stone benches and tables are dotted along the path where one can picnic or braai. It is best to check at the ticket office beforehand – lighting of fires may be prohibited in dry and windy conditions. During hot summer days, people often take a cooling swim in the clear water. In early autumn there are an amazing variety of flowering plants including Proteas. On the opposite side of Ou Kaapse Weg, just after the apex, is another entrance manned by the Parks board where one can park and walk up Silvermine River Valley to a small waterfall, passing a number of old ruins. The waterfall offers the perfect spot to take in the sounds of nature. Like so many of the waterfalls on Table Mountain, this one is only seen in its full glory in winter, but it is also a great peaceful picnic spot. Need to know? There is a small entry fee or free for Wild card holders. There are toilet facilities at the parking area.

Just outside Cape Point Nature Reserve, on the western side, is the lovely beach village of Scarborough with its long sandy beach, great surf, interesting rock pools and lovely walks. There are minimal, but sufficient facilities, and one restaurant in the village is fairly close.

Zula Sound Bar mixes the finest music with live theatre and dance. Add a sprinkling of poetry, and Cape Town has an ever-changing art house. Zula has hosted some of the Mother City's leading musicians – Freshly Ground, Godessa, Teba, Bed on Bricks, 340ml and Sons of Sellassie as well as International DJs such as Pascal (True Playaz). Zula gets cooking from 12:00 until late every day, having one of the finest kitchens in Long Street offering affordable excellent meals. From the fully licensed Magic Tree Bar there is a selection of Cape wines, local and international beers and cocktails. Whether you chill on the balcony, boogie inside or sink a few balls between sets in the games room, Zula is a cool, fresh, funky music venue and restaurant just waiting for you – whatever your age, gender, colour or creed. Opening hours: 12:00 to 00:00 Tuesday to Saturday, Monday 16:00 to 00:00.

Pieter Toerien's beautifully intimate Theatre on the Bay offers all the latest and best shows in town. Theatre goers can enjoy a good mix of local and international drama, musicals, comedy, cabaret, music and dance.The theatre is also home to the Act I Theatre Café, a fabulous restaurant that is open for dinner before and after the shows. Enjoy a pre-show drink at the Coffee Lounge or the theatre bar. Dietrich's Bar, in the main foyer, is also open after each performance, so you can round off your evening by joining the actors for a nightcap.Need to know? Individual, credit card bookings for Theatre on the Bay can be made by calling +27 (0) 21 438-3300, or visit the Computicket site at www.computicket.com Outlet/Box Office Hours: Monday: 9.30am - 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday: 9.30am - start of show

Willowbridge Shopping Centre offers wonderful homestores and antique shops, designer stores, bookstores and music stores. It also houses the Barnyard Theatre where one get together with friends and enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants and catch a wonderful show at the same time. This open air mall is vibey, has great restaurants and an organic market every Saturday morning! Worth a visit.

Cavendish Square Shopping Centre offers the perfect excuse to go shopping! This award-winning shopping mall is considered the premier fashion destination in the Southern Suburbs. Encompassing more than two hundred and fifty of the most elite stores in the country. Shoppers can find a wide selection of restaurants, 16 cinemas, including foreign feature films and 5 Forex Banks all conveniently situated in a safe and secure indoor shopping environment.The most recent development to the centre is Cavendish Connect. This exciting redevelopment has stores spilling out across Dreyer Street, transforming The Link into Cavendish Connect and adding many more stores. The new development now brings you international concept stores, fashion boutiques, trend-setting lifestyle emporiums and a range of mouth-watering restaurants and cafes.When its time to take a break, shoppers can now also sit beneath the maples in Dreyer Street, the green hub of Cavendish cafe culture or walk across to Connect by sky bridges linking the first floors of Cavendish Square and Cavendish Connect.Cavendish also recently launched a fully re-loadable gift card that takes the hassle out of choosing what gift to buy; shopping has just been made so much easier!Trading hours: Monday to Saturday 09:00 – 19:00, Sundays 10:00 – 17:00, Public Holidays 09:00 – 19:00.

Forming the ‘lion’s rump’ for the adjacent Lion’s Head, Signal Hill is a prominent attraction from which the historic Noon Gun is fired at midday.Most people make their way there for the spectacular views across the Cape Town harbour, city and Atlantic Ocean. The family-friendly picnic spots are popular with locals and visitors alike in all seasons.On summer evenings Signal Hill becomes a ‘lover’s lane’ with couples admiring the city lights and the romance of the floodlit background of Table Mountain.The site got its name from the practice of using signal flags to communicate with ships in the bay, and later the famous Noon Gun. The two cannons were brought to Signal Hill in 1902, serving as time signals for ships at anchor. Watch the daily firing of the gun, or bring a picnic and find a spot looking out over the Atlantic Ocean near the parking lot. You could also head down into the Bo-Kaap for a meal at The Noon Gun Tea Room in Longmarket Street.Photo: Lion's Head and Signal Hill – next on the 'to do' list after Table Mountain and Robben Island

Popular with discerning music and theatre lovers, Villa Pascal Theatre is a unique venue owned by well-known French chanteuse Danièle Pascal and Eugène Lebreton. This intimate theatre regularly hosts performances ranging from cabaret to classical to jazz by local and international artists. Conveniently situated in the heart of Durbanville, Villa Pascal Theatre is close to the Durbanville Wine Route and Durbanville Golf Club. Patrons can bring a picnic basket and enjoy an unusual theatre experience in the Cape’s only theatre in a house.

Dramatically surrounded by sheer craggy cliffs, Diaz Beach is situated right at the tip of Cape Point on the western side. It deserves its reputation as one of the most scenically stunning Cape Town beaches. Access to this beach is down a series of wooden stairs and only takes about 20 minutes. The climb up can take twice as long; will probably leave you breathless and sweaty but it is well worth the effort. Standing on Diaz Beach gazing at the relentless waves battering the 200 metre cliffs, you will be moved by the sensation of adventure and awesome power of nature that radiates from this lovely place. On most occasions you'll have the beach to yourself, occasionally sharing it with troops of baboons and flocks of seabirds. Swimming on this beach can be dangerous. Diaz Beach can produce excellent waves with a North Westerly wind and the right swell direction. Surfers love it for its big, hollow, closeout barrels. Photographers love it for its awesome beauty and many moods. Couples love it for romantic beach walks.

The sugar-white sandy Sunset Beach is paradise for surfers, windsurfers and kitesurfers. It also has fantastic views of Table Mountain, the city and Robben Island. Enjoy beach strolls as the sun sets across the ocean providing magical twilight skies.

This lovely little boutique winery is situated just outside Durbanville. Personal attention is the motto of the tiny vineyard of Shiraz, Mourvèdre, Tempranillo and Viognier on Kronendal smallholding. Magdaleen’s Rhône blend is named “Mirari”, Latin for "to wonder at" – in honour of passionate friends and family members who assist with each harvest. Westerdale Road, Durbanville, Cape Town Closed Sundays, call before visiting – Magdaleen Kroon 082 499 0198