Cape Town: living local

Being a tourist in Cape Town allows you to explore varied lifestyles, all in a 20-minute radius. For the romantics there are long walks on beautiful beaches, for the adventurists there are quite a few mountain ranges to climb and for the go getters there's the city life. But for locals, this is home and if you fancy living like we do, without the buzz of tourist and the attached price tag then here are just a few things that born and bred Capetonians love:

• Picnic at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden- Probably the best way to spend a lazy afternoon with a good friend surrounded by the most beautiful flora and a backdrop of Table Mountain. Get out that checkered blanket and picnic basket and enjoy the fresh air. In summer there are live concerts performed in the gardens amphitheatre for an additional cost.

• Sundays at Mzoli's - Grab a bunch of friends head to Guguletu for the coolest way to spend your Sunday. With music pumping, drinks flowing and meat on the braai, the proudly South African township vibe is something you can only find here. If you prefer the braai without the buzz of Mzoli's then head to Tokia Forest, Newslands Forest or Wynberg Park.

• Hiking at Silvermine Nature Reserve - An awesome way to spend time with the family and see a panoramic view of the city. Get a mini work out by following relatively short trails which lead to amazing viewing points of False Bay and parts of the Cape Flats. Also a very cool place to watch the sunset for the romantics.

• Day in Kalk Bay - Take a stroll along the wharf and browse the quirky shops, enjoy a glass of wine or cup of coffee at the variety of cute coffee shops and visit the natural habour with its superb restaurants and bohemian arty vibe. A must stop in Kalk Bay is Kalky's. Known for their yummy fish and chips, you'll always find the most diverse bunch of Capetonians enjoying lunch there

• Capetonians love flea markets - With so many to choose from you can bargain your way to a great deal. Visit Cape Town Stadium Flea market, Milnerton Market, Muizenberg Market and Greenmarket Square for some awesome deals. Or try the Neighbourhood Market every Saturday at The Old Biscuit Mill for some organic treats.

• Sunsets on the strip - With some of the best sunsets in the world, there's nothing better than taking a drive to the Camps Bay Strip, Victoria Road and enjoy a sundowner at the variety of little cocktail spots scattered along the beachfront.

• Take a walk - Muizenberg beach to St James, up Long Street, through the Company Gardens and along Sea point Promenade. With so many places to explore there is no excuse to not enjoy the ocean breeze, popping into every little shop on Long Street by day, feeding the squirrels while strolling through the Company Gardens and eating ice cream while walking along Sea Point promenade.

• Beach bums - With some beautiful beaches (and train stations) scattered along the False Bay Coast, these are the preferred surfing, swimming and snorkeling beaches for most Capetonians. Oh and the warm water definitely helps. With the gale force winds of Cape Town, kite surfing is fun activity to do and Blouberg beach is the place to do it.

• Capetonians know how to party - Head to Long Street or Edward Street where you'll find a night club, pub or lounge to suit you. It's where you'll find all club-hopping, party-loving Capetonians from Thursday - Saturday.

• Go ice-skating - It's Cape Town's only ice rink and a fun way to spend 2 hours. The Olympic size ice rink situated within Grand West Casino is a great family activity or fun with  friends. No wonder Capetonians love it.