In town for the Cape Town Cycle Tour? Here’s how to make a weekend of it

The Cape Town Cycle Tour rolls into town this weekend, which means thousands of cyclists, supporters and “I’m just here for the vibe” visitors are descending on the Mother City.

Accommodation is booked. Bikes are polished. Carbs are being respected. But here’s the thing. You didn’t come all the way to Cape Town to only stare at your race number.

Autumn is slowly creeping in, and it is one of the best times to be here.

The summer chaos cools down, the light turns golden and the city exhales. So whether you’re racing, supporting or just pretending you could have raced, here are seven things to do while you’re in town. 

Wander through the Bo-Kaap

No trip is complete without getting lost (intentionally) in the Bo-Kaap. The cobbled streets and candy-coloured houses are iconic, yes, but this neighbourhood is more than eye candy.

Pop into a local spice shop. Book a Cape Malay cooking class. Learn about the area’s deep cultural history. In autumn, the softer light makes those colours glow without you melting in the heat. It’s wholesome, educational and your camera roll will thank you.

Bo-Kaap cooking classes are full-throttle flavour missions. Learn to make fiery Cape Malay curries, samoosas and koesisters while dodging spice-induced tears. It’s interactive, cultural and you eat the proof - adventure for the taste buds.

Eat your way through the Oranjezicht City Farm Market

Carb-loading doesn’t have to mean sad pasta in a hotel room.

The Oranjezicht City Farm Market is where you’ll find proper local flavour. Think flaky pastries, wood-fired pizza, fresh oysters, vegan treats, craft coffee and juices that pretend to cancel out last night’s wine.

Autumn mornings are crisp but sunny, perfect for wandering between stalls without overheating. It’s inclusive, relaxed and ideal whether you’re a hardcore athlete or just here for snacks.

Go sandboarding or quad biking 

If cycling 109km wasn’t enough adrenaline, may I introduce you to the Atlantis Dunes?

Just outside the city, these bright white dunes look like someone dropped the Sahara next to the ocean. You can sandboard down steep slopes (yes, you will fall, and yes, it’s worth it) or hop on a quad bike and live your action-movie fantasy.

Autumn is perfect because the sand isn’t scorching and the air is cooler. 

Sunset and night kayaking

After all that pedalling, your legs deserve a rest, but your sense of adventure doesn’t. This 1-hour guided kayak tour launches from Battery Park at the V&A Waterfront, letting you experience Cape Town from a completely different perspective.

Paddle along the sparkling harbour as the sun sets, turning the city and Table Bay into a golden, reflective wonderland. Once darkness falls, the lights of the Waterfront shimmer on the water while the stars peek out above, creating an almost magical vibe. 

Along the way, guides point out local marine life, playful seals, occasional penguins and seabirds heading home, while sharing little-known stories about the area.

Each kayak holds up to two people, but you don’t need a partner; solo paddlers are welcome. 

Kayaking with the dolphins

Swap pedals for paddles. Sea Point’s coastline lets you glide alongside dolphins, seals and sometimes curious penguins.

It’s a cardio session disguised as serenity, but don’t let the calm fool you, balancing the kayak while waves lap against you is an adventure in itself.

Bonus points if you manage to not tip over while attempting photos.

Explore Kalk Bay

Kalk Bay is one of those rare spots where “effortless cool” is the vibe and everyone just seems to get it without even trying.

Stroll its streets and discover vintage bookstores filled with hidden gems, pop into quirky art galleries, or sip coffee in a café while watching the world go by.

Down by the harbour, fish and chips shops fill the air with irresistible smells, and seals playfully bob in the water, stealing the occasional snack.

Autumn makes wandering even better; the air is crisp, the light warm, and the pace gentle. 

Effortless wine tasting

And for those who feel like they don’t want to put their body through any more adventures, wine tasting is the perfect way to unwind.

Durbanville, Stellenbosch and nearby Paarl offer gorgeous vineyards just a short drive from the city.

Autumn brings crisp air, golden vines and a relaxed pace, making every visit a pleasure.

Hop on a wine tram to sip your way through multiple estates without lifting a finger, enjoying elegant reds, crisp whites and sparkling wines.

It’s effortless indulgence, good wine, beautiful views and zero exertion, the perfect post-Cycle Tour treat.