There’s something wonderfully liberating about exploring a city on foot. No itinerary that needs to be followed too closely, no need to struggle with parking or traffic (a real challenge in Cape Town) — just a day to wander, discover, stop when something catches your eye, and enjoy the city at your own pace.
I feel incredibly fortunate to live in Cape Town, a city that allows me to do just that. So, come along and spend an entire day with me, walking through the Central City and popping into some of my favourite places along the way.
My day begins in the heart of the city at The Company’s Garden, South Africa’s oldest garden. It’s a beautiful place to start a morning, with its historic trees, leafy pathways and sense of calm in the middle of the city.
From the Company’s Garden, it’s an easy walk into the East City precinct, where some of my favourite shops can be found.
First stop: Woodheads. Established in 1867, this Cape Town institution is a dream for leather enthusiasts. Here you can buy a massive variety of premium leather hides, including full-grain, veg-tanned, suede, and affordable offcut scraps.
They also stock heavy-duty canvas and upholstery fabrics alongside specialised leathercraft tools, dyes, and hardware like buckles and rivets. Additionally, they sell finished, handcrafted goods such as bags and their signature KARU sheepskin slippers.
A little further along is Plantify, an urban indoor nursery filled with lush, on-trend plants and a gorgeous collection of thoughtfully curated pots.
It’s the kind of place that makes it VERY easy to convince yourself that there is always room for one more plant at home.
One of the things I particularly enjoy about spending a day walking around the CBD is how easy it is to move from one experience to the next. That sense of ease is supported by the ongoing work that goes on behind the scenes to keep the Central City clean, cared for and welcoming. The Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID) plays an important role in this through its urban management and safety initiatives — something you perhaps don’t think about as you wander, but certainly appreciate as you do.
Next, I head to Nude Foods, a plastic-free, zero-waste grocer that makes reducing single-use plastic a little easier.
Choose from a selection of bulk grains, nuts, spices, fresh organic produce, and freshly ground nut butters. They also offer liquid staples on tap, like raw honey, vinegar, and coconut oil, alongside vegan and gluten-free treats. Their range of ethically sourced everyday essentials is beautifully considered, and it’s become a favourite stop for me.
By now, I’ve usually worked up an appetite and am ready for lunch. BURI is my current go-to for a quick bite, particularly for their excellent selection of boerewors rolls and, of course, those irresistible mini doughnuts. I recently wrote an in-depth post on my experience HERE.
For a little treasure hunting, I make my way to Afraid of Mice.
If vintage designer clothing, shoes and handbags are your thing, this is one shop to put on your list. You never quite know what you’ll find, which is half the fun of browsing.
And finally, no day of wandering the East City precinct would be complete without something sweet.
A “mucking afazing” cupcake from the iconic Charly’s Bakery is the perfect way to end the afternoon.
Read more and meet the people behind the places. The CCID News and Insights page shares all the latest CBD updates, the shop features and owner profiles. I’ve linked it below HERE
One city, one day, entirely on foot — and a reminder of just how much there is to see, taste and experience when you take the time to wander. Thanks to the people and organisations working quietly behind the scenes to keep it clean, safe and cared for, it’s a place I’m happy to explore, one step at a time.
Images: Lisa Burnell
