Interview with a twenty-something Capetonian

I've decided to conduct a series of interviews with locals to see how they live it up in Cape Town. Alison Higgins is a twenty-something go getter who works in the tourism industry. She's travelled extensively, enjoys fine food, the outdoors (not too much exercise though!) and is super ambitious. She's sassy, classy, glam and stylish. Alison has many friends and loves the vibe of living in Cape Town!

It's Summer in the "Mother City" and it's the end of the long week at work. Sum up your ideal weekend!

After work on a Friday I would go for a drink in the centre of Cape Town somewhere. Preferably the Cape Quarter which is just off Somerset Road, Greenpoint. It's so chilled there. Or even a cocktail on the Sea Point promenade somewhere. I quite like Faces pool deck and restaurant at the Peninsula hotel. Saturday would involve going to the beach with friends (Llandudno or Clifton), relaxing at a swimming pool and maybe indulge in a crayfish braai accompanied with a few Savannah ciders.

I love doing something sporty on a Sunday morning. I love hiking, so there for me there is nothing better than slogging up Lions Head and heading to Arnolds for a R22 early bird breakfast.

Name a Cape Town restaurant that serves good food for next to nothing

I have two in mind. The Enigma Bombay-on-beach in Muizenberg. It looks awful, but it has really cheap and good curry. It is really worth going and having a meal there. Then I really enjoy the sushi special they have at Beluga in Greenpoint.

What's your idea of a good night out?

Well. I love being around my friends, so a good night out would also depend on my mood and what they want to do. I love having a great meal with friends at a funky, bustling restaurant like Bombay Bicycle Club , which is located at the top of Kloof street in Cape Town's CBD.

And then after dinner, head to a club like Knoxville or Decodance. It's also quite nice to watch the sunset from the Faces restaurant and cocktail bar at the Peninsula hotel in Sea Point. It's great for relaxing, as it's open air and overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. Nice for a quiet Summer's evening.

List 2 things you think tourists should not miss when on holiday in Cape Town.

Tourists tend to stick to the Atlantic Seaboard area; which is incredible but they really are missing something if they don't go off the beaten track. To me this means exploring the arty seaside town of Kalk Bay, the surfing area and long stretch of beach in Kommetjie and of course Noordhoek Beach (popular for horse riding). It's also nice to do something authentically Capetonian, like watching the Summer concerts in Kirstenbosch Gardens on Sunday evenings.

What is your favourite beach in Cape Town?

Llandudno is the most aesthetically pleasing and has a host of memories for me. Then again, I also love Fishhoek beach because it's an awesome family beach and nice for swimming.

Where do you go to "escape the Cape" for a weekend?

The Gansbaai area because there is so much to do and I spent a lot of time there when I was younger. You can go shark cage diving, hiking, visit De Kelders cave and so much more. I love that area because it hasn't quite sold it's soul to tourism just yet !

Any tips for visitors to Cape Town?

Do your research before you come - there is so much to do here! Don't wonder around the VA Waterfront for 3 days in a row - there is SO muchmore to do. You need to plan to fit in all in, public transport is not always realiable. So, plan your journeys wisely. Speak to locals and hire a car.

What do you consider to be local customs that are intrinsic to your Capetonian lifestyle?

Tipping at restarants, giving leftovers to the homeless. Personally, I'm always over tipping - waitresses don't earn a basic salary in this country. Us Capetonians live a barefoot easy come easy go lifestyle. You get used to everyone being late for appointments etc - it's the Capetonian way! 7 is 7ish ! Put in a little effort with locals, they can be cliquey but once you make the move you'll be rewarded with friendliness.