Summer in Cape Town is the best time of year. The days are long and sunny, and the nights are cool and breezy. There’s nothing better than spending a summer day enjoying the sights, eating delicious local food and enjoying the company of friends and family.
Forries compiled a list of our favourite destinations so you can enjoy Cape Town like a local. We want to share with you how to make the most of your summer days in this beautiful city we call home.
How to Have the Perfect Summer in Cape Town
Step 1: Hike Lion’s Head
Why we love it
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city of Cape Town, Table Mountain and the surrounding oceans. Not only are the views spectacular, but it’s an excellent spot to take some epic photos for your Instagram profile!
What you need to know
The walk to the top of Lions Head takes between 90 and 120 minutes, depending on your fitness level. Although it’s manageable, there are a few chains and ladders needed to be negotiated along the way, especially near the steeper sections. We recommend taking lots of water, trail mix and wearing sensible footwear.
Step 2: Grab a coffee and picnic goodies from Oranjezicht Market at the V&A Waterfront
Why we love it
The Oranjezicht Market offers stunning sea views, is covered by tents and pergolas, and provides shelter from the elements. You can expect a chilled yet lively atmosphere where locals come to do their fresh produce shopping and catch up with old friends. You’ll find fresh veggies, seasonal fruit, coffee, bread, biltong, cheese, parties, and so much more! There is also a lifestyle section selling an array of carefully curated items and gifts.
What you need to know
The market is located at Granger Bay in the V&A Waterfront, and you’ll easily find affordable parking available within the V&A. The market is open every Saturday from 08:15 to 2 pm, Sunday from 9 am to 2 pm and Wednesday nights from 5 pm to 9 pm. There is no entrance fee.
Step 3: Picnic at Kirstenbosch
Why we love it
Is there anything more quintessentially summer in Cape Town than a picnic in a beautiful garden? At Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, you can treat yourself to your own spread amidst the 7000 plant species that boast stunning floral displays and hardy indigenous trees.
The gardens and rivers provide the perfect place for kids to play and catch tadpoles on a hot day. Once you’ve finished your picnic, take a stroll to see Colonel Bird’s Bath and walk amongst the tree tops on the Boomslang Tree Canopy Walkway.
What you need to know
You are allowed to bring your own picnic and don’t forget a picnic blanket. Camping chairs, umbrellas or any other items that could damage the grass are strictly prohibited. There are no dustbins, so please take your trash home to recycle.
You can find ticket prices here: Visitor Information
Step 4: Pop in for some wine tasting along the Constantia wine route
Why we love it
The Constantia Wine Route is one of the Southern Hemisphere’s oldest uninterrupted wine routes. Sit and sip wines at ten spectacular farms along the route while learning about each farm’s unique heritage.
Our three favourites are:
- Groot Constantia: Groot Constantia is the oldest wine farm in South Africa and began producing wine over 300 years ago, in 1685. Step back in time and visit the Iziko Groot Constantia Homestead and Wine Museum, taste their award-winning wines and take a stroll through the vineyards to breathe in the panoramic views. Groot Constantia is a dog-friendly wine farm, but dogs must be kept on a lead at all times and please clean up after your pet.
- Buitenverwachting: Founded by the first governor of the Cape Simon van der Stel, the farm changed hands numerous times until it fell into the care of Cornelis Brink in 1773, who planted over 90 000 vines! Visit Buitenverwachting today for wine tasting; purchase your favourite bottle, and feel free to sit on the lawn and enjoy it with friends and family.
- Eagle’s Nest: An excellent option if you have kids and pets that you would like to bring along. Eagle’s Nest’s boutique wine farm allows you to taste six bespoke wines while your children run and play on the rolling laws.
What you need to know
All tasting rooms have their own prices and opening hours. Make sure to visit each site and plan accordingly if you wish to visit more than one.
Step 5: Dinner and drinks at Forries
Why we love it
Forester’s Arms, fondly nicknamed Forries by the locals, is the perfect way to end an epic day in Cape Town. Visit the oldest pub in Cape Town, founded in 1852, for a wide variety of beer on tap, award-winning wines and delicious food.
Sit inside for a warm and lively atmosphere, or enjoy your meal in the beer garden under the trees while your children enjoy our exciting play area. If you are a rugby fan, Forries is the perfect place to watch the game while enjoying an ice cold beer and one of our lip-smacking menu items.
What you need to know
It’s best to book a table at Forries, especially on weekends and when the ruby is on, so you don’t miss out. Dogs are welcome, but please keep them on the lead at all times.
Call us on 021 689 5949 or follow this link to book a table online.
(Look for a small yellow tab on the bottom left of your screen labelled ‘Book Now”.)
Final Thoughts
Regardless of how you spend your summer in Cape Town, they always end perfectly with dinner and drinks at Forries. Our restaurant offers a wide variety of beer and wine to choose from, as well as an exquisite menu that will tantalise your taste buds.
So call us now to book a table and enjoy the perfect ending to your memorable summer in Cape Town.
