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Out and About in Cape Town: Best things to do this Workers' Day long weekend!

It's another long weekend, folks! Here's what you can do in Cape Town.

Andrew Hallett
Written by
Andrew Hallett
Content Director, Time Out South Africa
Franschhoek Wine Tram
Franschhoek Wine Tram
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Another long weekend is here, and while the weather on Saturday is looking a little sad with rain predicted, you do have one extra day to explore Cape Town - Workers' Day on Friday.

Recognised as an international holiday since 1891, Workers’ Day only officially became a public holiday in South Africa in 1994, at the dawn of democracy.

In a South African context, the holiday serves to remember the country's labour movement, is a celebration of workers' rights, and highlights the role trade unions and the working class played in the country's fight for freedom.

If you are looking for something to do this long weekend, we have some ideas below:

Take a trip to the Winelands

Vineyard landscape at sunset with mountains in Stellenbosch, near Cape Town, South Africa. wine grapes on vine in vineyard,
fokkebokVineyard landscape at sunset with mountains in Stellenbosch

A trip to the Winelands is always great fun, especially when you know you can head out on a weekday and not worry about work the following day.

Check out our guide to the best places to grab a bite to eat in the Winelands, while some wine tasting wouldn't go amiss at the likes of Meerlust in Stellenbosch, Vergelegen in Somerset West, De Grendel in Durbanville, Fairview in Paarl, and the Wine Tram in Franschhoek this long weekend. Just please remember to not drink and drive - we want you to have responsible fun.

READ: The ultimate guides to the Paarl and Durbanville winelands

If you are not keen to head out north of Cape Town, remember that the Constantia Wine Route is a bit closer to town, so consider checking out the likes of Groot Constantia and Cape Point Vineyards for your wine tasting fix.

Go for a hike with your besties

 Lion's Head, part of Signal Hill and Robben Island
WitRPanoramic view of the city with Lion's Head, part of Signal Hill and Robben Island in the background

While there is going to be a bit of rain about, there will be ample chances for you to lace up your walking shoes and head off on a mountain adventure with your family and friends.

We have an extensive guide to the best day hikes around Cape Town which you can tap into for some inspiration. After your hike, grab some brunch at one of these recommended spots (this applies to the early risers, obviously) or head out for some delicious dinner at one of Cape Town's best restaurants.

With the way the weather tends to turn as we head into May, this weekend doesn't seem too bad and may be your last chance to hit the trails before Winter sets in properly.

Please note that not all of the trails are currently open on Lion's Head, but you can read all about that here.

Discover the arty side of Cape Town

Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA), Cape Town.
‘When We See Us: A Century of Black Figuration in Painting’, 2022, Zeitz MOCAA. Photograph by Dillon Marsh, courtesy of Zeitz MOCAA

Cape Town is an incredibly creative city, with the art culture giving talented locals the chance to express both themselves and the city they love so much.

When the rain does decide to dampen (pun very much intended) your long weekend (Saturday is showing a 60% rain), the city's art galleries and showcases are the perfect spot to stay dry and warm... all while discovering some wonderfully talented people.

As a starting point, we've put together a list of the lesser-known art galleries in Cape Town, while a visit to the Zeitz MOCAA at the Waterfront is always time well spent.

Swing your golf club... indoors

Epic Golf
Andrew Hallett / Time Out Cape Town

Golf simulators are becoming all the rage in South Africa - and they are perfect for when the weather means a trip to the course is out of the question.

One of my favourites is Epic Golf in Diep River. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, Epic Golf is a simulator centre featuring four rooms where individuals and groups can practice their game... or just have a laugh. Each sim room allows golfers to test their skills using the Trackman system - the same software used by pros globally. All of your shots - using real clubs which you either bring along or hire at the venue - are analysed and constructive feedback is given on where you can improve.

You can read my full Epic Golf review here or if you fancy taking your chances on the course, we have lists of our favourite golf courses in Cape Town and dotted around the Winelands, while this review of Worcester Golf Club may tempt you to drive a little further out.

For a guide to events taking place in Cape Town this weekend and further into May, we've got you covered.

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