Playing Tourist in the Mother City (Part 1)

My favourite month of the year (second only to December where we have our summer holiday) is May - MY BIRTHDAY MONTH!
The Rule of May is that if I even think about doing something for myself, or getting myself something, I forget my budget and I go for it. This year's theme was trying new places and playing tourist in the Mother City and, I must say, Cape Town has to be the most beautiful city in South Africa. I've decided to share a few of my favourite (and pocket friendly) places in town.

THE MOUNTAINS AND HILLS

https://www.gapyear.com/articles/travel-news/new-7-wonders-of-nature

Cape Town boasts one of the 7 Wonders of Nature - TABLE MOUNTAIN. The mountain is home to multiple species of birds and insects. The top of the mountain is a lovely place to be to relax with a book or two while enjoying the scenery. From the top, you can see the sea (haha) and from different sides of the mountain, the entire city is visible. 

The Wifi Lounge is a calm place to recharge your devices and upload all your pictures on Instagram.

There is also a mini restaurant for you to grab a bite at the top.

To top it all off, the Cable Car that gets you to the top is FREE ON YOUR BIRTHDAY (or 7 days thereafter) and HALF PRICE FOR STUDENTS ON FRIDAYS. Do check their website (https://www.tablemountain.net) before going as the Cable Car is sometimes closed due to weather conditions.

Also, for the fitbits out there, there is a hiking trail that gets you to the top (I can't tell you much about this. I'm allergic to any exercise that isn't shopping.)



LION'S HEAD

While still on the topic of mountains, also visible from Table mountain, is Cape Town's most hiked mountain, Lion's Head.
The mountain gets it's name from the fact that it literally looks like a lion's head (just like Table Mountain's top looks as flat as a table top).
While feeling young and wild, my best friend and I did this hike 2 years ago and it took about 2 hours to get to the top.

Check out the cheeky mountain on Instagram @lionsheadct and Twitter @LionsHeadCPT

SIGNAL HILL

At the bottom of Lion's head is another treasure among the Capetownians, Signal Hill. The hilltop is a perfect place for sunset picnics where you can see the sun literally set over Camps Bay and fall into the water. It is just a friendly reminder of how beautiful Creation is.

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GRAB A SNACK

I'm not much of a food person (unless it's McDonald's) and I really believe my body should find other healthier alternatives other than food but these people that call themselves scientists aren't on my side.

My favourite coffee shop in town is XPRESSO CAFE. Situated in the CBD, Canal Walk, Durbanville, N1 City, Cape Gate Mall, Table Bay Mall, Vangate Mall and Stellenbosch, this take away coffee shop is the cheapest in town. They sell the best sandwiches, coffee and my favourtie white hot chocolate for ONLY R10 each. I kid you not, everything in every store costs R10 each. 

If you're not lactose intolerant (or maybe you are but still love ice cream) THE CREAMERY sells homemade ice cream with different flavours every month. Some popular flavours include cornflake milk, sweet cream, carrot cake and this month's flavour, honeycomb crunch.  Visit their website to find a store near you. https://thecreamery.co.za/ 

SHOPPING

Century City

As impressive as the city is, I’m almost always disappointed by the lack of huge malls. I’m not sure if this stems from my love of shopping malls in general, or the fact that I’m used to Gauteng’s beautiful malls. Nonetheless, CANAL WALK in Century City is my favourite mall in the City. With over 400 stores, Canal Walk can add 6000 steps to your Health App and an even bigger hole to your bank account. 

The only other place I enjoy shopping at, which is smaller but just as pretty is the V&A WATERFRONT. I'd recommend the V&A if you're planning to have dinner afterwards as it boasts a large variety of restaurants and fast food outlets as well.

If you're looking for brand labels at factory shop prices, ACCESS PARK in Kenilworth is your go to location.

FUN AT THE WATERFRONT

THE CAPE WHEEL is a giant Ferris Wheel in the the heart of the V&A Waterfront. The Wheel allows for a 360 degree view of the city while seated in an enclosed spot. I did this alone but I imagine it would be romantic to do with your partner. (They email you a free voucher on your birthday if you're registered on their website)

The Waterfront also has constant live entertainment such as Marimba bands and activities including face painting and mini train rides for the kids. 

Another fun activity for the whole family would be the TWO OCEANS AQUARIUM. Not only is this conveniently located behind the Waterfront, but it is also near the Cape Town CitySightSeeing station. If you're feeling rather adventurous (which I wasn't) the Aquarium has SHARK CAGE DIVING facilities as well. Entrance to the aquarium is also free on your birthday.

I will be posting more fun things to do in the Mother City as I explore the City more! 

Feel free to ask any questions in the comments below or tweet me @PrincessLizzy07.

Cheers,
Lizzy