Not travelling for the holidays? No problem. Make the most of your city staycation with these foolproof ideas. 

Cape Town

Food and drink: While foodie markets are nothing new, the Thursday pop-up Cape Point Vineyards market takes first prize for its location. Settle down with a sunset glass of bubbly next to a lake and enjoy an unrivalled view of vineyards, sea and mountains. Food vendors include Pete Goffe-Wood’s Kitchen Cowboys and Something Simple’s Vegan Sushi.

Outdoors: Again, it’s all about the view in the Mother City. Lace up your trainers and hit Lion’s Head for vistas of the City Bowl, Twelve Apostles and Table Mountain. Consider tackling the corkscrew path at sunrise for a memorable morning hike.

For the kids: Take a trip back in time when you board the Ceres Rail Company vintage steam train to Elgin. The three-hour journey ends at the steampunk-themed Elgin Railway Market. Here it’s all about live music and artisanal food, while a play area and climbing wall keep the kids amused.

Durban

Food and drink: Experience charming old-world service at the Roma Revolving Restaurant on top of John Ross house – while savouring a 360-degree view of the city. 

Outdoors: Combine your morning brew with a pedal along the seafront. Bike & Bean offers a range of bikes and beach equipment for rent to encourage you to make the most of the Indian Ocean vibes.

For the kids: Little ones will be entranced by the life-sized T-Rex model, the Dodo skeleton and the Egyptian mummy at the Durban Natural Science Museum. Earn some anthropological stripes for yourself by delving into fascinating exhibits that focus on our planet.

Johannesburg

Food and drink: Held on the first Sunday of the month, the LoCrate Market in Orlando West, Soweto offers everything from craft beer to food trucks, live music, poetry readings, bike tours and designer gear.

Outdoors: A guided walk with Past Experiences should be on your list. Whether it’s a pedestrian view of Newtown, a fascinating overview of all the inner-city street art or a tour of Madiba-associated sites, these tours offer something for everyone.

For the kids: Get them twitching. Marievale Bird Sanctuary, just an hour outside of Joburg, has to be one of the best-kept secrets in the province. Grab some binoculars and get up close and personal with almost 280 species of birds. Picnic spots and braai facilities available.  

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Header photo by Tim Johnson on Unsplash