Your guide to Cape Town
When I added Cape Town to my trip to Africa, the main reason I wanted to go was to see the African penguins. Little did I know that I would fall head over heels in love with Cape Town. Nestled around the iconic Table Mountain, one of the 7 wonders of the world, Cape Town captivated me with its stunning beaches, diverse wildlife, exquisite culinary delights, and world-renowned wine. The city's kaleidoscope of experiences, from adventurous outdoor activities to vibrant cultural encounters, made my time in Cape Town truly unforgettable.
Getting Here & How to get around
The most common way to arrive into Cape Town is to fly into Cape Town international airport, it is a short 15/20min drive into the city centre. The best way to get from the airport, is to hire a car, Uber (Uber is safer than using taxi’s in Cape Town) or organise a transfer through your accommodation.
Where to Stay
Depending on your budget and accommodation style, Here are a few places that I recommend:
Hostel - Never@Home https://www.hostelworld.com/pwa/hosteldetails.php/Never-At-Home-Green-Point/Cape-Town/
This hostel is only a few short minutes walk from the centre of the city, it is in a great location surrounded by the best restaurants, nightlife and shops. They also host their own tours and day trips plus help you organise any activities you might want to be apart of.
Hotel - Hotel Lola - https://www.booking.com/hotel/za/lola.en-gb.html
If you are wanting something a little more insta worth, this cute boutique hotel is just what you need in your life. Right in the heart of Cape Town and close to the waterfront you can’t go wrong, And airport transfers are included!
Airbnb - The Sky Cabin Misty Cliffs - https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/30524488?_set_bev_on_new_domain=1704692854_YjFiMDhjM2FiYjNi&source_impression_id=p3_1704692854_61rb3ee4t5B%2F95%2BM
If you are wanting to escape the busyness of the city and want to feel splurge a bit then you can’t go wrong with this Airbnb, Nestled into the cliffs along the south peninsula coastline this is the ultimate escape. Only 45 minutes from the city centre, You’ll definitely want to book this again!
What to do & See
There is an abundance of sights and activities to experience in Cape Town, making it nearly impossible to fully explore in just one trip. Despite my best efforts, I barely scratched the surface during my visit and realized that another excursion is necessary to check off everything on my list. This city's allure and endless attractions guarantee that each visit will offer fresh and exciting adventures to discover and enjoy. I am going to share with you the must see and do activities for when you visit Cape Town.
Table Mountain - This is the top thing to do in Cape Town but it really depends on the weather! Most of the time I was there it was either cloudy or windy and they close it down with the tinniest amount of wind. The days that I was in the city I was constantly watching for updates on my phone and eventually got a small window of opportunity to visit the top. There is a hike to the top as well if you are a keen hiker, otherwise if you are like me and want to catch the cableway up it is roughly $33 aud pp https://www.tablemountain.net
Cape Peninsula Tour & Good Hope from Cape Town - This day trip is well worth the adventure, visit the penguins at Boulders beach, Soak up the mountains Cape Peninsula, take a small hike to the top of the cape of good hope, enjoy a picnic lunch and making friends with others on the tour. This day trip is around $74 aud pp https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/AttractionProductReview-g312659-d11484900-MUST_DO_Cape_Peninsula_Tour_Good_Hope_from_Cape_Town_1_Rated-Cape_Town_Central_Wes.html
The Old Biscuit Mill - If you are in Cape Town over the weekend, then definitely check out this Neighbourhood market a the old biscuit mill. Definitely a market I wish I could visit all the time, I brought many things here and use most of them everyday. https://theoldbiscuitmill.co.za/neighbourgoods-market/
the Bo-Kaap - A guided walking tour is ideal for immersing yourself in the rich history of the suburb and exploring its intricate links to slavery. The tour allows for stopping by local kitchens to savor the flavors of traditional Cape Malay cooking, adding a delicious layer to the experience. And, of course, there's the perfect opportunity to capture a vibrant selfie in front of the kaleidoscopic houses, preserving the moment in technicolor.
Stellenbosch - Cape Town’s famous wine region, this is the perfect place to spend the day tasting wines and exploring another side of Cape Town. There are all different wine tour packages to suit your needs. https://www.stellenboschwinetours.net/tours.htm
Boulders Beach - The reason I wanted to visit Cape Town! To see African Penguins, these guys are endangered and there are only 2 breeding colonies left on the South African coastline, I made the mistake of visiting here in a tour instead of on my own. I definitely recommend driving yourself or catching transport and spending as much time here as you like. You can stay on the platform and watch them or join them on the beach, but definitely do not touch them. I could have had spent a lot longer here watching them waddle around.
Camps Bay - This trendy little costal town of Cape Town is the party town. But also is the perfect place to sip an afternoon cocktail or take a swim at the beach. It is also magical at sunset with a picnic and a few drinks on the beach. Definitely a must visit if you are staying in the city centre.
The Muizenberg Beach Huts - These are iconic to Cape Town and I am sure that you would have seen a photo of them in your lifetime. There was recent threat to remove them, however they have been restored and recently opened back up to the public, Definitely worth stopping off to see these bath boxes that have been here since the early 1900s and is only an 30min drive from the city centre.
Where To Eat
The food in Cape Town was some of the best food I have ever had! When you convert it into aud is is so cheap compared to the food back home in Australia. I definitely splurged a little on the food here and it was well worth it, There are so many incredible resturants in Cape Town and it’s hard to choose where to eat. I have listed a few below to help you decide.
PIER - This award winning restaurant in the heart of V&A waterfront is sure to make your tastebuds go crazy! Experience French-inspired culinary theatrics with superb local produce. If you want a window seat for the sea views make sure you book ahead. https://pier.restaurant/food
Marco’s African Place - This place as been open since the late 90s and serving up delicious African cuisine, but there are a few interesting items on the menu if you dare to try including springbok, crocodile, kudu, or ostrich. Not just a great restaurant but the atmosphere is also a reason to visit with plenty of live music, marimba bands and dance performances. https://www.marcosafricanplace.com
The Old Biscuit Mill - Plenty of incredible food trucks with culinary delights from all around the world for you to try and indulge in. Definitely the place to eat on the weekends. https://theoldbiscuitmill.co.za/tenant-cat/food-and-drink/
Tips for Cape Town
I know when I told people that I was visiting Cape Town everyone told me how dangerous it is and especially as a solo female traveler. In my experience I had no issues and felt very safe the entire time I was there. But that might not be the case for others, so here are a few tips to help stay safe and enjoy your time in Cape Town.
Get a SIM card upon arrival at Cape Town's airport and go with MTN because they have cheaper packages than Vodacom.
Don’t withdraw to much cash, most places except eftpos and if you catch Ubers then you will pay via the app. There is no need to carry much cash around.
Don’t forget to add a tip! Here in Australia we don’t tip so sometimes when we travel it’s hard to know where to tip. In Cape Town it’s expected that you tip 10% on top of your bill at restaurants.
Cape Town’s tap water is perfectly good to drink, so save some money and plastic bottles and drink from the tap.
Use Uber rather than Taxis and buses, Ubers are much safer in Cape Town then any other public transport and its cheap!
Be aware of your surroundings: Like everywhere you travel to, stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking alone at night, avoid isolated areas.
Don’t use your phone while walking on the street. Your phone can be snatched out of your hands.
Try and avoid Long Street if you can, It’s Cape Towns grimy party street, and most people here at night will have something stolen or be mugged.
Conclusion
Cape Town, often overshadowed by other popular travel destinations, is a hidden gem that has captivated my heart. Despite initial skepticism, I found myself utterly enchanted by this charming city. Its magnetic pull lies not just in the awe-inspiring landscapes but also in the warm embrace of companionship that I experienced during my sojourn here.
The sight of the glorious Table Mountain, seemingly watching over the city, sets the tone for the mesmerizing experiences that Cape Town promises. The sprawling vineyards, with their abundance of luscious grapes, offer a delightful retreat for wine enthusiasts. The vast expanse of the Cape Peninsula boasts a striking coastline, where the mighty waves of the Atlantic Ocean collide with the tranquil waters of the Indian Ocean.
What truly made my sojourn unforgettable was the friendships I fostered. The locals, known for their hospitality, opened their hearts and homes to me, enriching my journey with their stories and traditions. Together, we explored the vibrant markets, indulged in delectable cuisines, and reveled in the rhythmic beats of traditional music.
One of the most remarkable aspects of my visit was the profound sense of safety that permeated throughout my time in Cape Town. Contrary to preconceived notions, I encountered no issues that marred the allure of this dynamic city. Navigating the bustling streets or strolling along the tranquil shores, I felt an unwavering sense of security.