On Sundays in Cape Town, the city centre all but shuts down and most locals flock to the great outdoors, weather permitting of course. See our tried-and-tested things to do to ensure Sunday is a Funday in the Mother City.
See the Duck Parade
Vergenoegd Löw Wine Estate just outside Stellenbosch uses a revolutionary pest management system that involves no less than 1070 Indian Runner Ducks. They have daily duck parades at 10:30 am, 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm. Seeing that many ducks at once is something you’ll never forget. Book a table for an exquisite Sunday feast or a picnic for a relaxed but still extremely classy get-together. During the summer months, they also host some of the most popular local performing artists so be sure to keep tabs on the Vergenoegd Facebook page for event announcements.
Website: vergenoegd.co.za
Go for a movie at the Labia
The perfect cure for the Sunday Blues is at Cape Town’s favourite independent movie house The Labia. Art movies are made all the better with a glass of sangria or a gin slushy and you can choose from a great array of savoury or sweet snacks. They often play the latest art films as well as a great selection of documentaries, and they host regular film festivals too.
Website: thelabia.co.za
Take a hike
If the weather is nice, why not seize the day and see the beautiful city from a different angle? Lion’s Head, Table Mountain and Devil’s Peak are some of the most popular hikes to do, but there are tons of routes up Table Mountain to choose from. Silvermine has magnificent hikes and the added benefit of a dam and picnic facilities. Book a permit in advance and you can also hike to the beautiful Crystal Pools just outside Gordon’s Bay.
Take a drive
With a lazy Sunday afternoon drive it’s most certainly not about the destination, but the road, padkos (road snacks), and views along the way. Luckily the Mother City is blessed with some of the most scenic stretches of roads in the world. Check out our six most spectacular drives in Cape Town. No car? No worries, you can easily cycle some of the beautiful hotspots in town or try a sidecar adventure for an extra thrill. The City Sightseeing’s Red Bus also takes some of the most beautiful routes in and around town and you’re bound to learn something new along the way. If you’d prefer to see the world from a whole other angle, we’d recommend you take to a kayak to rather paddle your way around, who knows, you might even spot a dolphin, whale, seal or penguin.
Go to Rands for First Sunday
If you’re looking for a party then Khayelitsha’s Rands is where you need to be on the first Sunday of the month. Entrance to #FirstSundae is free before 2pm so you can go for the whole day, and DJs keep the party going well into the night. Their legendary meaty mains are complimented by traditional township sides like pap, chakalaka, and creamed spinach. The venue is a versatile one, so you’ll definitely want to keep on going back for more after your first visit.
Website: facebook.com/RandsCPT
Have a braai
South Africans tend to be serious about food and Sunday lunches in general. A good old braai (or barbeque) is a great way to celebrate Sundays with the fam. If you’re visiting Cape Town or limited to apartment living then don’t stress, there are plenty of outdoor braai facilities around town, often accompanied by a tidal pool so you can swim too on a hot day. Oudekraal and Maiden’s Cove near Camps Bay are two particularly beautiful spots. Just remember your own grill, umbrella, and cash for entry.
Go for a picnic at Kirstenbosch
Cape Town’s backyard is like heaven on earth. Snacks, a book and some good company is all you need to have the most amazing day in this magnificent setting. There are plenty of walks to do while you’re there and you can please your inner biologist by getting to know more about all the indigenous fynbos living in the garden. The Boomslang canopy walkway also offers one of the most spectacular views in Cape Town.
Have a Sunday jol
Cheers to the start of a brand new week with a cold drink in hand in Camps Bay at Café Caprice or Chinchilla. La Parada Constantia Nek also has their DJ ready for a Sunday session every week, so you can start the week the best way possible.
Have a proper Sunday meal
If it’s what you’re into, there are at least fifteen places in Cape Town ready to serve you an amazing brunch. If instead you’d prefer a proper Sunday lunch then try Suikerbossie in Hout Bay or The Crazy Horse Gastro Pub in Cape Town for a Sunday roast. There are also plenty of wonderful buffet restaurants in Cape Town where you can get that proper family Christmas kind of lunch.
Enjoy a Sunday Market
Enjoy an easy-going market at the Company’s Garden lawn next to the Iziko South African Museum every rain-free Sunday with the Good Company Sunday Market. They promise good food, crafts and of course good company (made up of probably more than one squirrel thanks to the oaktree-lined location). There are fun activities and games too, so the whole family will be catered for. The Bay Harbour Market in Houtbay is also open on Sundays from 9:30 am till 4 pm and has some amazing food and crafts on offer. The Lourensford Market, outside Somerset West, also runs from 10 am till 3 pm every Sunday.
Planning a trip to Cape Town? Book flights, browse accommodation, and rent a car now to get the best rates. The Cape Town City Pass gives you access to over 70 of the top Cape Town attractions, tours, and things to see and do, including the popular hop on hop off City Sightseeing bus.
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