things to do Archives - Honest Explorer

Cape Town is such a cool city, with bars, cafes, attractions, beaches and walks. Here are 15 fun things to do!

1. Climb Table Mountain

Yes, you could get a cable car up to the top of Table Mountain but if you are free to hike up, I would recommend it. The reward once you’re at the top is even more satisfying! There are several walks you can take to get to the top. The most direct and therefore steepest is the Platteklip Gorge hiking route. It’s quite challenging but anyone with a reasonable fitness level would be able to manage it.

I would also advise to go as a group on the trails, for safety reasons, especially as a solo traveller. Make friends in the hostel or book a tour group.

2. Take a Stroll in the Park

The Company’s Garden is right in the city centre and is pretty big. It’s also home to the South African National Gallery and close to the museum too. There’s lots to explore here so take some time to relax with a good book, recharge at the café and to feed the tame squirrels! (they are VERY cute).

3. Explore the Waterfront

The Waterfront is so pretty, with many lovely restaurants (although quite pricey) to sit at and watch the world go by next to the sparking water of the harbour. Check out the statues at Nobel Square, the food at the V&A food market and don’t forget to go after dark with the street entertainers and live music (again try to be with someone else or in a group after dark).

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4. Check out the Local Beaches

Cape Town has some stunning local beaches, each with something different to offer from cool hangout spots, surfing or relaxation. Check out the beaches of trendy Clifton area- there 4 to choose from! Camps bay is another popular white sand beach.

5. Book a Day Tour

There are many day tours from Cape Town which are easily bookable once there. I went on one that took us along Chapmans Peak Drive, an incredibly scenic road that winds along the cliff edge. The views out over the ocean as we were driving were stunning, and we stopped off at many amazing viewpoints along the way. We also had a chance to cycle during the day too!

6. Visit the Museum

There are many different museums to visit in Cape Town, from the contemporary art galleries to museums on the Springbok sports team. I visited the District Six Museum. Originally being a culturally diverse community, this area was made a white only area during the apartheid, meaning the residents were forced out of their homes. The museum is a good insight into what happened during this time, with stories, photos and artefacts from this period.

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7. Go on a Wine Tasting Tour

I’m not a huge wine lover but this was sooo much fun! The vineyards are so pretty, with mountain backdrops and pretty fields. You can easily book a day tour once arrived and it makes for a pretty good trip out, as well as a chance to meet other travellers. On my tour we got to try cheese and chocolate too- so delicious!

8. Wander the Colourful Streets of Bo Kaap

The colourful streets of Bo Kaap have become an Instagrammers spot over the last few years. The area is pretty safe but if you are alone you might prefer a walking tour. There are free ones that leave from the city and take you around the cobbled streets and brightly painted houses.

9. Stand by the Cape of Good Hope

The Cape of Good Hope is the most South-West point in Africa and is a stunning natural location- with unpredictable weather! I think this just adds to the rugged beauty of the place. There is a lighthouse you can climb to the top of, for incredible views out over the ocean and cliff fronts.

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10. Relax in the Botanical Gardens

The botanical gardens in Cape Town are absolutely beautiful, overlooking the mountains and with great views to the city in the distance. They had kind of random big statues of dinosaurs which would be great for kids, as well as plenty of places for a nice picnic or to sit and read a book. There are plenty of beautiful gardens to explore, you could easily spend the whole day here.

11. Climb up Lions Rock

Sitting next to Table Mountain, Lions Head is a popular walking track for both locals and tourists alike. It offers stunning views over the city and of Table Mountain and is a great workout too! It will take 2-3 hours and starts of fairly easy. As you get to the top there are metal ladders attached to the cliff face if you want the most direct route. I did this one and not going to lie, it was pretty scary! There is a path going around though if you want to skip this!

As always in Cape Town, make sure you are with someone else for safety reasons or book on a tour 😊I would recommend leaving in good time if wanting sunset pictures. Me and the other girls I was with got there quite late and it was dark as we were making our way back- not a great situation!

12. Visit the Penguins at Boulder’s Beach

I’m sure you’ve seen the pictures (if not, google that now!). These little penguins are so cute you can’t miss a trip to Boulder’s beach. About an hour drive from the city centre, this beach is also a swimming beach and you can explore the boulders and beachside towns too. Plus don’t forget to get lots of photos of these cute penguins! (just try not to get too close, they are wild animals).

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13. Watch the Turtles at the Aquarium

The aquarium in the city is open year-round and is a fun place to visit for everyone. With a variety of fish and marine life, animal feeding and a place where you can get up close with turtles and stingrays. I visited here on my last day before going to the airport and found it a nice little activity to do myself to fill the time on a short day.

14. Go Shopping

The Victoria Wharf Shopping Mall is right on the pretty harbour with all the restaurants and a great place to hang out, eat, shop and spend an afternoon of retail therapy! There are plenty of clothes shops, book shops and eateries to keep you busy for a few hours.

15. Visit Prison Island

Prison Island or formally known as Robben Island, was where Nelson Mandela was held for 13 years. You can book a half day tour, that will take you the 5 miles from the mainland onto the island, where a guide will explain to you what went on during this time. You can visit the museum there and the very prison cell where Nelson Mandela was held. A harrowing visit but interesting insight into what life was like for the prisoners at the time.

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If you liked this post, you may like: Is Cape Town Dangerous? Solo Female Travel

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Brisbane is like a quieter version of Melbourne but with nicer weather! If you haven’t made a trip here then it definitely should be on any Australian itinerary. What used to be a small town has now turned into a pretty large city, but still keeping that relaxed vibe. Here are some suggestions of things to do in Brisbane for tourists (and locals).

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Ever wanted to hold a real koala in your hands? Well here you can! You can’t stop here without getting a pic with these cute and cuddly animals. Lone Pine has several koala sections, as well as reptiles, kangaroos (another selfie opp!) and lovely grounds too.

Who’s Up For Mini Golf?!

I just love mini golf, or putt putt as it’s called here. It’s such a fun activity you can play with family or friends. There’s several options for mini golf around the city, an indoor one called ‘Holy Moley’ in the city, there’s one at Victoria Park Golf complex (this one I recommend) and one has just opened up in St Lucia, with lovely views over to the main golf course.

Take a Walk Around Sherwood Arboretum

The pretty suburb of Sherwood has a beautiful park tucked away amongst the local houses, with some great picnic spots under the trees. There are toilets, BBQ facilities and a playground, making it a great day out. There are cafes nearby also if you don’t fancy a picnic.

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City Beach

A beach in a city you ask? Yes, Brisbane has it’s very own beach, and it’s in the heart of the city, overlooking the river. This is a great place for local families as well as backpackers on a budget. The best part? It’s free! There’s an adult and kids pool, as well as changing rooms and toilets close by, plus free wifi. It’s a nice way to chill out on a hot day (which is quite regular over here).

Botanical Gardens

Brisbane has two botanical gardens, one in the city and one just a short drive out, at Mt Cootha. The city ones are a nice place to walk around, sit with a coffee and to visit the Sunday markets on the weekend. I personally prefer the Mt Cootha Botanical Gardens as it’s more natural and away from the city. There’s lots of different sections such as the jungle, Japanese garden, rose garden, bonsai house and lawns to lounge on. There’s lots of little streams and a nice pond too, as well as a café serving some good food.

South Bank

South bank is a great place to explore, day and night. There’s always plenty of activities, like the markets, festivals and cheap op-shop stalls. This is also where the city beach is. Lined along the whole way are plenty of cafes, restaurants with live music and ice cream shops. They also have a herb garden where you can pick your own herbs for your dinner!

Sunday Sessions at South Bank

Speaking of Southbank, every Sunday from 2-5pm, there is live music on the lawn at the end. This has such a nice vibe to it, with families, couples and groups of friends all sitting around with their picnics, just chilling and listening to some good music. A great place to chill and watch life go by!

Roma Street Parklands

These pretty gardens are always full of flowers no matter what time of year, although they really do come to life in spring. You can wander around the landscaped gardens, sit and read a book on the lawn, check out the waterfalls and fountains or walk through the rainforest section. At Christmas, they have a really cool light display that you shouldn’t miss.

CBD, Brisbane

Brisbane’s CBD has a good amount of shops, including Zara and H&M. Also check out the Myer store and David Jones, two department stores that have regular sales. There’s a cinema here too, and obviously plenty of restaurants, coffee shops and other eateries. On the weekends and weekdays you can find some live music, as well as the Wednesday food markets.

Hike up to Mt Cootha

Just outside from the CBD, Mt Cootha has an incredible lookout over the city. You can get a bus, drive to the top or take the bush path which will get you out of breath but is a pretty reasonable walk that most could do. There’s a café and restaurant at the top, the treat yourself after a long walk! They also have drinking water fountains dotted along the whole path which is very helpful on a hot day.

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Check out the Art Galleries

There are several art galleries in the city, from Fortitude Valley, UQ and the big ones in the city, that is the Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art. Exhibitions change fairly regularly. Also check out the powerhouse for exhibitions and the city museum at the top of the clock tower (you can also go on a free tour of the clock tour here too).

Grab a Blackstar Coffee

Head over to Westend to explore the high street there. It’s very hipster with lots of small bookshops, vintage clothing and other bits and bobs. Just off the main street is Blackstar coffee- the best coffee in my personal opinion! It’s a small and relaxed shop, with a few tables by the street- and delicious coffee.

Take a Day Trip to Springbrook National Park

Just over an hour from Brisbane is Springbrook National Park, where there’s plenty of hiking, walking trails, waterfall swimming, wildlife and stunning viewpoints. This makes a nice change from the city. Hire a car and drive on your own or book yourself on a tour group for the day.

Have a Picnic at New Farm

New Farm Park is a bit along the river from Brisbane CBD and is a very pretty and family friendly suburb. Have a picnic at the park, amongst the rose gardens and pretty trees, surrounding the open grass lawn. There’s a playground for the kids, and a pretty river walk too. There are also lots of cafes close by that do delicious brunch menus!

Hire a City Bike

There are city bikes all over the city, which are just $2 for 24 hours. You can cycle alongside the river by Southbank, along the river at New Farm or by West End. It’s a great way to explore the city and to keep active at the same time. If you’re staying longer in the city, then get the months pass for just $5.

Take a Ride on the Free City Hopper

The city hopper is the small red ferry that runs from the city to New Farm. It’s much slower than the city cat but hey- free travel? Yes please! Some of the boats have seating at the top, so you can sit and take in the sights looking over Southbank and Kangaroo point.

I hope you enjoyed reading this post – More posts on Brisbane are still to come! You may like reading