A Long Weekend in Cape Town

Huenu Solsona, founder of Cape Town’s Galileo Open Air Cinema, shares her perfect weekend of winelands and waterfronts…

Choose a hotel in Camps Bay. I live there so I know how wonderful it is to watch the sun set over the ocean. A special light illuminates Table Mountain and the clouds that sweep across its peak, nicknamed the ‘tablecloth’. Plus, you’re just a stone’s throw away from the city centre and all that it offers.

Head to Manna Epicure in the Gardens area for breakfast: from 8am to 9am food is half price, but the quality and relaxed vibe make it worth a visit at any time. Drive to the winelands to savour amazing wine – it doesn’t matter which estate you choose.

Between October and April, visit the Galileo Open Air Cinema and enjoy a picnic on the lawn. Venues include the V&A Waterfront and Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, where concerts are held too.

Avoid the busy Lion’s Head hike and tackle the epic Devil’s Peak instead. At the top, the 360-degree view will blow you away – you’ll get some great snaps of Table Mountain and Cape Town below. Then take a slow, relaxed trip along Chapman’s Peak Drive to Kalk Bay for a late lunch at Harbour House – my favourite place! Finish the day with a walk along Kalk Bay’s main street and treat yourself to some of the awesome artisan crafts.

It’s very touristy, but Robben Island makes a great Monday morning outing – just be sure to book in advance. On your return, visit the amazing Zeitz MOCAA, a museum with contemporary art to rival the Tate. If you’d prefer to simply soak up the city atmosphere, rent bikes on Sea Point Promenade and take in the stunning Cape Town coastline at your own pace.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try tandem paragliding off Signal Hill, skydiving on the west coast or surfing off Muizenberg Beach – you can rent wetsuits and boards on site.