Top Experiences in Cape Town

1. Catch a Cape Town Sunset

In the Cape we don't just watch the sun set, we celebrate it. Great options are with sundowners at one of the see-and-be-seen spots on the Camps Bay strip, with an early evening meal on a beach out at Blouberg, or on a clear, still summer's evening on the top of Table Mountain.

Another spectacular way to celebrate the end of another day in Africa (even though you won't quite watch the sun sinking below the sea) is with a picnic and a concert held at Kirstenbosch Gardens in summer.

To stock up on the deli goods for your picnic, do as the locals do and head to any Woolworths or Melissa's foodstores - you'll find plenty of tempting, picnic-friendly fare here. There are also a number of delis in each neighbourhood, Cape Town being the foodie haven it is.

2. Explore Table Mountain

How you get to the top is entirely up to you - there are many options. But once you're up there you'll bask in the aerial view of sprawling Cape Town and her beautiful beaches glinting below.

Table Mountain can be conquered in a number of ways: for those who take a leisurely approach to life, there's the cable car. Others prefer the more arduous route up through Skeleton Gorge.

And then there's the ultimate Table Mountain experience: a full six-day exploration as part of the Hoerikwagga Trail. On the trail you start your adventure out at sea, followed by a guided walk through the centre of Cape Town, and either a hike or a ride up to the top of the mountain.

How you get down again is also entirely up to you - there's always abseiling...

3. The Great Cape Wine & Dine

The Western Cape knows how to put on a spread. If you're a connoisseur of excellent food and wines - or even if you're an enthusiastic fan - set out on one of the Cape's famous wine routes, where you'll find plenty of culinary delights too.

Close to the city are the estates of Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia and Steenberg, each with their own wonderful character and excellent eateries.

Further afield you have a number of choices. The Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl wine regions can be covered in a day but really deserve a little more dedication. Then there are the farms that lie out Hermanus/Elgin way, and finally Route 62 - the longest wine route in the world.

4. Swim with Penguins

Get to Boulders Beach early on a summer's day and not only will you get to watch the penguins from the boardwalks, but you'll get to build sandcastles with them too.

A sheltered little beach with great big boulders and turquoise waters, Boulders is an excellent spot for a family day out. And when you're warm enough to brave the waters you might find yourself swimming alongside a small black and white torpedo-shaped bird.

5. Experience a Cape Adrenalin Rush

If your tastes run to the extreme (sports, that is), Cape Town has just the thing - from sandboarding in the dunes of Atlantis, to kloofing (or canyoning), kite surfing or abseiling.

There's excellent climbing and bouldering to be had, along with fine mountain biking trails, horse-riding on wide white beaches and canoeing down the gentle rapids of the Breede River.

Learn how to surf at Muizenberg (or take on the big waves if you're already a pro), go kayaking on the turquoise Langebaan lagoon or if you fancy an aerial view of the Mother City, go paragliding off Lion's Head.

6. Go Big on City Life

With her mix of many cultures, Cape Town is well worth exploring on foot, moving from one quarter to the next and savouring the different character of each.

The V&A Waterfront with its many shops, buskers, restaurants and breweries is always a vibrant, happening place. Within the complex it also has the Two Oceans Aquarium and the ferry station for Robben Island. In total contrast, is the Cape Malay (primarily Muslim) neighbourhood of Bo-Kaap with colourful houses, cobbled streets and the periodic calls to prayer.

The gay quarter, De Waterkant, offers boutiques and coffeeshops and wine bars that contrast dramatically again with the hustle and vibe of the townships out on the Cape Flats.

A township tour is a great opportunity to get to know more about Xhosa culture - its food, people and vibe - as well as to get an idea of the many other cultures that make up the township mix too. For a total contrast in atmosphere you can end your day living the cosmopolitan life in Camps Bay with its many bars and restaurants.

7. Full Moon Rising on Lion's Head

A true Cape Town tradition. The biggest parties of each month are on the top of this little mountain come full moon. Weather-permitting, the idea is to climb the mountain before sunset (at 668m it shouldn't take you much longer than an hour), and enjoy a few tasty treats while watching the moon rise over the city.

Share the spirit of the adventure with the other celebrants, then carefully make your way down by the light of the full moon and the headlamp you didn't forget to pack. Every Capetonian and their dog will be up there, so be there early to secure a good spot.

Take warm clothes (it will get chilly) and lots of snacks.

8. Savour Cape Town's Coffee Culture

It's perfectly possible to get a sense of Cape Town life through its coffee shops alone ... Although you probably don't want to see the Mother City from the inside of the best places to grab a cuppa, there are some spots that will definitely put a caffeine kick in your day.

Grab a roadside seat at a coffeeshop on Long Street - Lola's is famous for her brews and people-watching views - or head up nearby Kloof Street with its many offering. Of these Vida e Caffe is a chain that provides an always reliable caffeine boost served with a positive attitude and goodies to eat.

Other areas where you'll find clusters of coffee shops in are Chelsea Village near Wynberg, places like the Olive Station and Olympia Cafe in Kalk Bay, and areas like Harfield Village and Main Road in Observatory.

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