By Staff Writer
There's something special about a Saturday with absolutely no plans.
No group chat trying to decide where to meet. No waiting for someone to get dressed. No "I'm five minutes away" from a friend who hasn't even left home yet.Just you, your wallet and an entire Saturday ahead of you.
Welcome to the Solo Saturday.
Taking yourself out might feel a little strange if you're used to doing everything with friends, family or a partner. But once you get past that first slightly awkward moment of asking for "a table for one," you might discover that spending a Saturday alone can actually be one of the most enjoyable ways to experience your city.
And no, staying home scrolling through TikTok for six hours doesn't count.
Start With Breakfast — Obviously
Every good Saturday needs food.
Find a café you've been meaning to try, order the breakfast you actually want and enjoy it without negotiating over where everyone else wants to eat.
Take your time. Order the cappuccino. Get the extra hash browns. And yes, take a picture of your food if it looks good. You're still allowed to document the moment even if nobody is sitting across from you.
One underrated benefit of eating alone is that you can actually enjoy your meal without somebody asking, "Are you going to finish those chips?"
Become a Tourist in Your Own City
We often save xploring for holidays while ignoring interesting places practically on our doorstep.
Your Solo Saturday is the perfect excuse to change that.
- Visit a museum you've never been to
- Walk through a weekend market
- Visit a botanical garden, art gallery or heritage site
You don't necessarily need a flight, hotel booking or carefully planned itinerary to experience something new. Sometimes adventure is 20 minutes from home.
Take Yourself on a Scenic Drive
Create a playlist, fill up the tank and drive somewhere simply because you can.
No arguing about the music. No passenger changing the song halfway through your favourite verse. No one asking, "Are we there yet?"
Whether your destination is a small town, a farm stall, a viewpoint or a restaurant outside the city, the drive itself can become part of the experience.
Go to the Movies Alone
This one scares people more than it should.
Going to the cinema alone is actually brilliant. Think about it: once the movie starts, everyone is sitting silently in the dark anyway.
Buy your popcorn, choose the seat you want and watch something you've been wanting to see without having to convince three other people that it's worth watching.
Wander Around a Market
South Africa has no shortage of great weekend markets, and they're practically designed for slow Saturday wandering.
Grab something delicious to eat, browse locally made products, listen to live music and discover something you didn't know you needed until five minutes ago.
Markets are also great for solo outings because you never really feel alone. There's always something happening around you.
You can stay for 30 minutes or three hours. Nobody is rushing you.
Put the Phone Away for a While
This might be the hardest challenge of the entire day.
We've become so accustomed to filling every quiet moment with our phones that sitting alone can initially feel uncomfortable.
Resist the urge. Look around. People-watch. Listen to the sounds around you. Enjoy your food while it's still hot instead of spending ten minutes trying to get the perfect picture.
Being alone doesn't automatically mean being lonely. Sometimes it simply means being present.
End the Day With Something Delicious
After xploring, driving, shopping or wandering around your city, finish your Solo Saturday properly.
Find somewhere with a beautiful sunset. Order your favourite takeaway. Cook something indulgent at home. Or grab dessert on the way back because adulthood means you absolutely can have cheesecake without waiting for someone's birthday.
Then head home, put on something comfortable and enjoy the fact that you spent an entire day doing exactly what you wanted.
There's nothing wrong with wanting company. Some of life's best memories happen around crowded tables, inside packed cars and during chaotic weekends with the people we love.
But you shouldn't have to postpone experiencing life simply because nobody else is available.
That restaurant you've bookmarked? Go. That exhibition you've wanted to see? Book the ticket. That little town you've always wanted to visit? Plan the drive.
You might discover that your own company is actually pretty good.
