CAPE TOWN DIVA: City Walk, Cape Town...bring out your inner tourist...

Be a tourist in your own town and start with walking your city. Walking (and bicycle tours) are something I do in every new city I visit, always guided, but this particular Walk gives tourists and locals the opportunity to do an organised tour or go it on their own, at their own pace. I'm not a visitor mind you but lately I'm becoming more of a tourist in my town ~ it's amazing to discover what surrounds me in my hood and beyond.

The newly introduced City Walk, made possible by the City of Cape Town, the CCID and the Cape Town Partnership, is a fine way to explore Cape Town and to get people walking instead of driving everywhere. The route runs from the top of Government Avenue where it meets Orange Street (opposite the Mount Nelson), then all the way down to lower Wale Street, down St George's Mall, over Strand Street, into Waterkant Street, onto the Fan walk and over the bridge and as far as St Andrew's Square.

The oak tree lined Government Avenue and Company's Gardens are star attractions in the CBD. Aside from the wide open spaces of the Garden, there's no shortage of things to do and see. First up it's something of a tradition to feed the squirrels, pigeons and a more recent addition to the local wildlife, Egyptian Geese, with peanuts (vendors sell small bags for R5 each). For culture vultures there's the South African National Art Gallery, the National Museum and many historical statues all around the gardens. This past Saturday the theme was 'play' and throughout the route there were amazing things going on- giant scrabble, jumping castles, DIY chalking, frisbee games, book readings, face painting...and that was just for the little people.

The monthly City Walk adds to the Big 6 list - Cape Point, Robben Island, Groot Constantia, Table Mountain Cableway, Kirstenbosch and the V&A Waterfront- making it the Big 7, the attractions you really shouldn't miss on a visit to our fine city.

As the press release says, the City Walk "...is a spine....that connects significant places in the urban heart of Cape Town through storytelling, public art, walking tours and retail offerings... "

I had so much fun doing this walk- bumped into so many familiar faces like Jitsvinger and got caught up by innovative installation art, puppetry, dance and more. The vibe was festive and the atmosphere celebrated the cultural diversity that surrounds us. The next themed Walk and related activities is scheduled to take place 16 May.

The next City Walk Saturdays events take place on 16 May and 20 June – and every third Saturday of the month thereafter. Keep track of upcoming themes and events via http://www.capetown.travel/blog/entry/city-walk-to-fuel-cape-town-big-7.

Follow @capetownsoul on Instagram and use the hashtag #walkcapetown to see what you missed out on Saturday- it'll inspire you to participate in the next City Walk.

@allisonfoat (CapeTownDiva)

Readings all over the Company's Gardens...