Your Off-beat Cape Town Weekend Itinerary

Here’s a selection of great things to do on a weekend in Cape Town

"The only reason why we ask other people how their weekend was is so we can tell them about our own weekend." - Chuck Palahniuk

It's one thing to behold the paradise otherwise known as Cape Town. It's another to try and decide how to spend a weekend.  The Mother city is famous for having something for everyone, but not everyone knows where to start.  Once you’ve seen the main attractions such as Table Mountain and Robben Island, there are still so many truly special off-beat excursions to enjoy, whether you take off into the winelands or the townships, or both. Let's say you opt for a Cape Town weekend itinerary compliments of CapeTownMagazine.com. Where will you start? Why not with art?

Friday – an afternoon of art and an evening of music

Wander into a white room with a hundred creative surprises, find a cashmere cardigan or a piece of contemporary art. Have a fresh, tasty snack and find out if there's a party there later. Are you in a gallery, coffee shop, boutique or a party space? All of these. You're in Misael SA Art and Design.

Around the corner, experience New York bistro-bar culture at Boo Radley's. For laid back late afternoon drinks in a classically stylish setting, its open room and chequered tile floors are the perfect invitation to relax. If you're hungry, they'll feed you grills, pasta or seafood. On odd nights, musicians of calibre perform live to get you in the mood to dance.

It's 10 or 11 pm. Time for a jive or live music. Jump in a cab (meter on, or a flat rate on shared Rikis) and discover a party zone called The Assembly. Its industrial chic rocks to underground DJs, live rock, Pop, dance and electro acts both local and international.

Saturday – sparkling gems and shining views

Wake up when you want to and pop over to Jewel Africa. Their free diamond tours are tailor-made at your request, and they'll even fetch you from where you're staying. Under no pressure, and in an informal, informative setting, an expert will teach you the history of diamonds, the mining and production process and the best cut for your pocket.

Strike out into the farmlands in a hired, chauffeur driven Bentley, if you please. Smooth and powerful, it's a regal way to slide through the vineyards and enjoy the atmosphere as well as the wine.

What's on the playlist? We think you might like Freshlyground's album 'Radio Africa'. A household name and a firm favourite with music fans across the world, Freshlyground's songs are versatile, energetic, and perfect for road trips. A good way to flavour your experience of modern Cape Town.

Driving through the pristine Stellenbosch winelands you see a sign that says Knorhoek. The neat farm road follows the lay to an authentic yet stylish farm house. The farm, 200 - 380 meters above sea level on the gently sloping foothills of the Simonsberg mountain, plants, harvests, and bottles its own wine.

Sample the award winning wines over lunch at the farm's enchanting daytime restaurant, Towerbosch. The gourmet farm food includes a Smoorsnoek starter, low roast shoulder of lamb, chicken pie and amazing accompaniments like sweetened pumpkin. The restaurant itself is a celebration of rustic charm and stylish finishes, and looks out onto a beautiful pool and garden.

If you find you're enchanted, stay a while longer. Knorhoek's guesthouse has comfortable cottage rooms or whole apartments to suit all tastes.  The linen is crisp, the thread count is high, the views amazing. You may hear a tractor chuckling by, but by night, it's as quiet as the moon.

Tip: both the N1 and N2 has beautiful turnoff roads into the farmlands

Sunday  - celebrations and singing

A fresh rise and back to the big city with you. But before you reintegrate into an urban space, try Sunday in Gugulethu. The Camissa Gospel Tour takes you from your base in town to various stops in the townships, including vibrant church visits and guided drives through neighbouring townships. An uplifting way to experience Africa's other side.

For more down-to-earth adventures, stay over at Ekasie Backpackers. Husband and Wife, Luba and Noma, invite you to you experience Khayelitsha township first hand. They welcome you into their home filled with  vibrant, colourful, Afro-chic décor. Learn to shake hands with feeling, and enjoy traditional South African meals made with love and pride.

Tip:  It's polite to get permission in person before taking someone's photo portrait, and they may be even more flattered if you have one of yourself with them.

Excited to experience more of the Mother City? There's so much happening in Cape Town. See what's on today. If you want to know more about wine, start with the grapes. And if you think you know Cape Town, can you define uBuntu?