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What to do in Cape Town this Freedom Day long weekend

Here are the best ways to spend your long weekend in Cape Town as we celebrate our freedom as a nation.

Andrew Hallett
Written by
Andrew Hallett
Content Director, Time Out South Africa
The flag of South Africa with Table Mountain in the background in Cape Town, South Africa
Gregory Valle
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We have another long weekend coming up and that means we have some extra time to explore Cape Town!

Freedom Day is celebrated on the 27th of April every year. As this year's public holiday falls on a Sunday, this coming Monday, 28 April, is also a public holiday.

For those who may be unaware, we celebrate Freedom Day as a way to mark South Africa's first democratic election in 1994, which saw the legendary Nelson Mandela become president and the official end of apartheid.

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

The Long March To Freedom

The Long March To Freedom
The Long March To Freedom / Instagram / @longmarchtofreedom

Learn more about South Africa's journey with this incredible tribute to the likes of the Mandelas, the Sisulus, Steve Biko, Helen Joseph and other heroes who fought for the freedom and rights of all South Africans.

A hundred bronze statues have been erected of the influential people who helped shape a free South Africa at Century City. Tickets for The Long March To Freedom range from R20 to R75 and can be purchased at the entrance to the exhibit. Operating hours are 10h00 to 16h30.

Take a trip to the Winelands

De Grendel Wine Estate, Cape Town
Photograph: De Grendel

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

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

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.

Visit a market in and around Cape Town

Bay Harbour Market, Cape Town.
Photograph: Kiev.Victor/Shutterstock

We do markets well in Cape Town and surrounding areas. From the fresh vibes of the Oranjezicht City Farm Market to the treasures waiting to be found at Milnerton Flea Market, there is a market for everyone.

If you are headed to the Winelands, as recommended above, there are also some great market options out that side. Read our guide to the best markets in and around Cape Town to find out where you should go.

Go for a hike with your mates

Pipe Track hiking trail, Cape Town
PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK

No rain has been forecast for the long weekend, so why not lace up your walking shoes, lather on the sunblock and head off on a mountain adventure with some of your mates?

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 may be your last chance to hit the trails before Winter sets in.

Grab a 2 for 1 restaurant special on Monday 

Burgers at Hudsons
Photograph: Hudsons

While this will have to wait for Monday, we have put together a guide to the best 2 for 1 specials at Cape Town restaurants. You'll find delicious pastas, pizzas and burgers for a lot cheaper than normal.

Taking advantage of one of these great deals will help you end your long weekend on a high note.

If you are looking for even more to do, explore and taste, we have your back with the 44 best things to do in Cape Town right now...

RECOMMENDED: 
🍽 The best restaurants in the Cape Winelands
🏨 The best hotels in Cape Town
🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town
🍷 The best wine farms in and around Cape Town
🍕 The best pizza in Cape Town

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