- Follow the notorious Foot of Africa marathon route (you are allowed to walk) up the Soetmuisberg. On a clear day you can see all the way to the ocean; on a hazy one, a sea of wheat, cattle and sheep farms.
- The Dutch Reformed Church is a national monument and architecturally impressive. Check out the teak interior, the pipe organ, and the font made from solid yellow copper. Next door is Feeshuis 150, one of Napier’s oldest buildings and originally a slave quarter that later became a wine cellar – funny how religion, slavery and alcohol seem to go so well together.
- Visit the old Gold Mine, yet another “southernmost in Africa” that someone should submit to the Guiness Book of Records. Guided visits to the mine are held only once a month – the tourist office (tel 028-424 2584) is your contact in this regard.
- Napier has a lucky packet of other quirky attractions to fill a few hours. Pay a visit to the Toy Museum (tel 028-423 3894), where handmade steamboats, old toys and trains are on display. Down the road, the All Sorts Militaria Museum houses a variety of tin soldiers, militaria and chessboards. Round off the experience with muffins topped with cottage cheese and biltong.
- Napier's restaurant scene has come a long way, with a total of eight eateries/pubs now strung along the main street. For casual day fare hungry visitors rave about the brekkie at the characterful Napier Farmstall (tel 028-423 3440), while Pascals has a good name for finer dining. Our spy in the area tells us the Good Food Deli is under new management and serving some great meals, while The Fox has the southernmost Guinness in Africa. And of course, don't forget the Moerse Restaurant & Farmstall (tel 028-423 3334) - famous for its vetkoek.