Cape Town is a cosmopolitan and multicultural city with beautiful beaches, striking mountains, two glittering oceans, and a vivacious social culture. Discover the city’s cool urban edge with its abundance of art galleries, hipster neighbourhoods, and boutique shops, and find out why Cape Town is one of the most visited cities in the world. On your next South Africa vacation, spend a few days exploring the most stylish city in Africa.
V&A Waterfront
The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is the epitome of Cape Town culture. Here, the tourist elite mix with the locals and a bustling working harbour sits alongside a world-class shopping mall. The waterfront makes the ultimate day trip, offering something for everyone with a wide selection of oceanfront restaurants and cafes, boutique shops, an amphitheatre with seasonal entertainment, and the Two Oceans Aquarium right on its doorstep. Regular ferries and cruises depart the harbour for Robben Island, while sunset catamaran cruises are one of the best ways to experience Cape Town’s coastline from the water.
Discover the Peninsula
Explore the city centre on foot or by car, stopping off at your leisure to explore the city’s museums on your way to Hout Bay and back. Alternatively, do a tour that includes the Cape Peninsula and explore the fishing village of Hout Bay, travelling along Chapman’s Peak (one of the most scenic drives in the world), and stopping off at the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Keep an eye out for various antelope in the park or whales frolicking in the surf, as you stroll along the rugged coastline to Cape Point.
Table Mountain’s Phenomenal Views
Table Mountain is Cape Town’s most iconic landmark, standing prominently behind the city’s highrises. One of the Seven Wonders of the World, Table Mountain offers an astonishing array of hiking trails that meander through colourful Cape Fynbos. Alternatively, head to the mountaintop via cable car as the sun goes down and watch the city sparkle to life below you. Lion’s Head offers a spectacular 360 degree view of the city, and a full moon hike up the mountain is highly recommended on your South Africa vacation.
Magnificent Fauna & Flora in Kirstenbosch
Discover the astounding natural beauty of Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, where indigenous flower gardens stretch towards the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the lawns, walk along the Boomslang Aerial Walkway, or hike along the lower slopes of Table Mountain. In summer, sunset concerts and outdoor movies are held in the gardens.
Beaches in Summer
While Camps Bay and Clifton flaunt their picture-perfect white sands in just about every Cape Town brochure, there are several other beaches that are just as good, and offer fewer crowds. Head to Llandudno, a dog-friendly beach where dolphins can sometimes be spotted in the bay, or Oudekraal Beach which offers barbeque (braai) and picnic spots right on the beach. Alternatively, head to Boulders Beach and share the ocean with a colony of energetic African penguins.
Colourful Culture
Cape Town has a heady culture, with an abundance of organic and clothing markets. Visit the Neighbourgoods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill for organic local produce, or explore the Bay Harbour Market which has a variety of African arts and crafts, great local food, and live music on weekend evenings. Watch a lively performance at Theatre on the Bay (Camps Bay), enjoy dinner and a show at Stardust, or discover the cobbled streets and colourful houses that make up the Cape Malay area of the Bo Kaap.
Sophisticated Culinary Treats
Attention all foodies! On your South Africa vacation you can sample innovative flavours cooked up by a true food artist at The Test Kitchen, enjoy meals with a view at the Roundhouse in Camps Bay, or savour delicious seafood at the V&A Waterfront. If you’re looking for something truly special, go where the locals go. The Hussar Grill has various franchises and offers some of the best South African steaks in town, while Panchos in the Cape Town suburb, Observatory, has the best Mexican food outside of Mexico - you have to try the chilli poppers and frozen margaritas!
Winelands, Hermanus & More
Cape Town offers plenty of beautiful spots to explore on a day trip out of the city. Head into the interior and taste your way through the Cape Winelands in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, drive along the east coast to Hermanus for whale watching between June and November, and or head up the West Coast to see the carpets of wildflowers in the springtime. The Cederberg Mountains offer a relaxing escape in the mountains with a variety of hiking trails leading to natural sparkling rock pools. Fancy a South Africa safari? The Eastern Cape has a variety of game reserves where you can spot the renowned Big Five!
With amazing scenery, an animated culture, and some of the world’s most beautiful people, Cape Town is the ultimate South Africa vacation destination!
By Kirsty Perring
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