Local Intel: Albert Ferreira

The Company’s Garden is an important link between Cape Town’s past and present and hosts important cultural institutions, as well as forming part of the ‘lungs’ of the city centre. The Central Business District has had some of the highest recorded temperatures in Cape Town, creating an ‘urban heat island’ due to the built-up nature of the area retaining heat, raising local temperatures. As a resident of the City Bowl, taking a stroll down the tree-lined avenue has become a regular activity, viewing the latest exhibition at the Iziko National Gallery, visiting the seasonal markets and of course enjoying the famous inhabitants: the Egyptian geese and squirrels.

Entrance off Wale Street, Cape Town

Green Point Park, formally part of the Green Point Common, played an important role in the city, with diverse uses ranging from the grazing of livestock, staging of sailing regattas in the shallow seasonal vlei and more recently becoming a world class multi-functional park. The approach informing the design of the Green Point Park was to develop an ecological interactive public open space which displays the biodiversity and showcases plant species indigenous to the area. Walking through the park, you see a diverse range of visitors from across the City, from year-end picnics and birthday parties to children learning more about the often shy otters.

Fritz Sonnenberg Rd, Green Point

With the recent approval of the City’s Market Management Policy, residents and visitors can look forward to enjoying the current and future markets around the city. If you are in and around the city centre, drop by the Greenmarket Square Market which specialises in African curios. Embracing both history as well as nature, the City has recently completed the Bo-Kaap Market, building the market in and around trees adding to the already vibrant neighbourhood. Finally, if you are looking for a fun Sunday activity be sure to visit the Green Point Flea Market which is also close to the Green Point Park.

Burg Street & Longmarket Street, Cape Town

On the theme of markets, the V&A Waterfront continues to draw thousands of visitors. Both the Time Out Market as well as the newly renovated Oranjezicht City Farm Market provide indoor and shaded areas with great food options. The Oranjezicht market is ideal for a morning visit, and the Time Out Market is ideal for a nighttime visit with occasional live music in the background. As Capetonians ,we are often tasked to be unofficial tour guides to family and friends visiting the City and these markets offer an ideal solution for everyone to choose what they prefer to eat and enjoy the meal together.

V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

One of the quickest ways to cool down during a hot summer day is taking a dip in the Sea Point swimming pool, boasting an Olympic-sized swimming pool, smaller pools for the kids and areas to relax on the grounds. Of course, the view is breathtaking with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and on the other side the Sea Point skyline and Lion’s Head. Remember to grab a snack or ice cream from the local vendors in and around the Pavilion.

[Did you know there are 36 public pools in Cape Town!]

Beach Rd, Sea Point

Cape Town boasts some of the best beaches in South Africa and arguably in the world. If you are looking for a space to cool down but away from the big crowds of Camps Bay and Clifton, Bakoven is well worth a visit. The large boulders – reminiscent of ‘Dutch Ovens’, hence the name of the suburb – provide shelter from the wind, modest beaches and areas to swim. While the water may be cold, remember to take enough water to drink, sunscreen and hats or umbrellas.

Victoria Road, Bakoven

Cape Town is the first city in South Africa to be accredited as a Ramsar Wetland City, which recognises the City’s over 11,000 hectares of wetlands. These spaces are critical for biodiversity, reducing disaster risk such as flooding protection and creating local cooler conditions. Zandvlei is a must-visit if you are heading towards the Muizenberg area, with various recreational activities including canoeing, sailing, windsurfing and fishing, as well as grassy areas with braai and picnic spots.

[Zandvlei also hosts a popular Parkrun!]

Promenade Road, Muizenberg

Many in Cape Town will remember both exciting times and scary rides at Ratanga Junction. It’s time yet again to bring the kids and the whole family to the recently developed Ratanga Park. With the combination of foliage and the canals running through the area, this free-to-visit space is a welcome addition to the Century City precinct. If you are up for it, you can join the 5km Parkrun which occurs every Saturday.

4 Conference Lane, Century City

Cape Town offers access to some of the best natural scenery, with various conservation areas and hiking trails. While it’s often tough for trees to survive in Cape Town overall due to our local climatic conditions, the Newlands area and surrounds offer the perfect conditions for the expansive canopy of trees, which is best experienced through a lovely hike, often much cooler than other hikes during hot summer days. The area also includes the City’s Nursery where various trees are grown to be planted across the City – and the public can apply to ‘adopt a tree’. 

Rhodes Avenue, Newlands

Kirstenbosch is often described as one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world, and for good reason. Nestled against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, the garden showcases South Africa’s rich floral heritage, with a focus on indigenous and endemic species. During summer, Kirstenbosch offers shaded lawns, tranquil streams, and the famous Boomslang Canopy Walkway, a raised walkway that winds through the treetops, providing panoramic views of the garden and mountain backdrop. Remember to bring a hat and sunscreen, and take time to explore the Conservatory, which houses plants from South Africa’s arid regions.

Rhodes Drive, Newlands