10 best things about Cape Town

10 best things about Cape Town

As we hunker down at the end of the week with a glass of local Klein Constantia wine in our hands, our consultant team likes to shoot the breeze. The conversation turns to why we live in and why we love Cape Town. Here are 10 of their suggestions in no particular order:

So let us start, the 10 best things about Cape Town;

  1. The sea. Or rather two oceans. We have the Atlantic, but the remnants of the Indian Ocean hits our False Bay coastline. Surfing, kayaking, diving, swimming, sailing and every manner of water sport available.
  2. The beach. We enjoy some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. Where even in the height of summer, you can park your car close to a beach with minimal crowds. Favourite surfing beach: Muizenberg. Favourite swimming beach: Water's Edge, Simon's Town. Favourite walking beach: Noordhoek. Favourite lying around, tanning and doing nothing at all beach: Camps Bay.
  3. Table Mountain. Not only our famous rock but the whole Table Mountain range which is made for hiking, mountain biking, walking and picnicking. Favourite hiking route: Skeleton Gorge, Kirstenbosch. Favourite Mountain biking routes: Tokai Forest. A favourite walking route with dogs and children: Cecilia Forest.
  4. Sundowners. There are so many beauty spots it's hard to know where to begin. My personal favourite is the enclave of Llandudno near Hout Bay. Visiting friends on their terrace and watching the crimson sun melt away on the horizon. Sublime.
  5. Wine. To go with your sundowner, we are not short of top quality wines. The vineyards of Constantia are the oldest in South Africa and produce some excellent wines. By international standards, still reasonable in price and you can visit these vineyards that have, very often, excellent restaurants attached. Favourite Cape Town wine: High Constantia.
  6. Braais. A definite South African term for barbecue. No South African get together is complete without a braai. Our outdoor lifestyle lends itself to eating outdoors. High-quality beef or Karoo lamb or boerewors (farm sausage) are the favourites.
  7. Kirstenbosch. These botanical gardens are deservedly world-famous. The unique aspect about the Kirstenbosch Gardens is that there are no areas off-limits, you can wander around and walk wherever you want. People are positively encouraged to have al fresco picnics and adult get-togethers and children's parties abound.
  8. Restaurants. Some of the best quality, locally sourced foods in the world at the most reasonable prices. A winning combination. Obviously, seafood is a local speciality but going out to dine is an affordable delight. Difficult to pin down an absolute favourite. My candidate? The Food Barn in Noordhoek village.
  9. Green Point Stadium. An odd choice perhaps but quite logical. Built for the 2010 Football World Cup, the stadium is an iconic piece of architecture and is a beautiful addition to the city with the backdrop of Table Mountain. Anyone who goes for a football or rugby match or a concert raves about the stadium.
  10. Proximity. What that means is that everything is close together. Which other cities could you name which has mountains, beach, outdoor and indoor recreational activities, fantastic restaurants and local vineyards all within half an hour drive? Coupled with an enjoyable temperate climate, it is a winning combination. Oh, I almost forgot, my daughter, says she loves the penguins on the beaches of Simon's Town!

Ten best things about Cape Town by Uyaphi.com

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Map Of Hotels In Cape Town
Popular Accommodation Options In Cape Town

  • Tulbagh Hotel

    Rates from R975.00 per person

    The Tulbagh Boutique Hotel is one of the most charming and central places to stay, perfectly located to explore historic Church Street. Built in 1859, the main hotel features a restaurant, a cosy bar, and an inviting pool.

    Guests are treated to a luxurious selection of contemporary-styled rooms and suites, each thoughtfully designed to blend modern comfort with classic sophistication. This exceptional hotel offers the perfect base for a truly memorable stay.

  • River Manor

    Rates from R1 700.00 per person

    River Manor rests peacefully beneath the shade of Stellenbosch's ancient oaks, just a short two-minute stroll from the vibrant town centre. Each room has been thoughtfully and stylishly furnished with antiques, perfectly capturing the essence of "Colonial charm with a touch of Africa."

    This guesthouse strikes the perfect balance between classic elegance and modern luxury, offering an upscale retreat within walking distance of Stellenbosch's renowned attractions. River Manor promises an exceptional stay that blends sophistication with a warm, inviting atmosphere.

  • Queen Victoria Hotel

    Rates from R4 720.00 per person

    A stay at the Queen Victoria Hotel offers a memorable, regal experience against Cape Town's iconic waterfront and harbour. Located on the V&A Waterfront, the hotel provides stunning views of Table Mountain and the lively harbour, blending vibrancy with serenity.

    The Queen Victoria Hotel offers 35 luxurious suites and rooms that combine contemporary elegance with comfort. Every detail, from plush furnishings to curated décor, reflects a commitment to quality and style. Here, luxury is the standard.

  • Abalone Guest Lodge

    Rates from ZAR 2 960.00 per person sharing

    Nestled against the serene backdrop of Hermanus's picturesque coastline, Abalone Guest Lodge offers a luxury retreat that epitomises coastal elegance. Boasting a prime location at Sievers Point, Abalone is an oasis of tranquillity, offering bespoke accommodations with breathtaking views.

    The lodge's intimate size and attentive service ensure a personalised stay, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful getaway amidst the natural splendour of the Cape Overberg.

  • Mount Nelson Hotel

    Rates from R12 250.00 per person

    Nestled in a garden oasis, the Mount Nelson Hotel is ideally located near Cape Town’s top attractions, including the V&A Waterfront, Table Mountain, and Signal Hill. Its location offers the perfect balance of city exploration and peaceful retreat.

    Every detail of the Mount Nelson exudes sophistication. From its luxurious facilities to exceptional service, everything is crafted for the comfort and delight of guests. Whether you’re relaxing at the hotel or exploring Cape Town’s wonders, this legendary establishment promises an unforgettable experience.

  • Camps Bay Village

    Rates from R2 100.00 per night

    At Camps Bay Village, you'll discover a stunning collection of luxurious crash pads, charming seaside studios, inviting garden studios, and deluxe holiday villas. Perfectly suited for a romantic escape or an adventure-packed family getaway, this accommodation truly stands out.

    These exceptional villas not only offer incredible value but also provide an unmatched combination of comfort, style, and location. Whether you're soaking up the sun or exploring the city, Camps Bay Village ensures an unforgettable stay.

  • Glen Avon Lodge

    Rates from R2 745.00 per person

    Glen Avon Lodge is the perfect retreat for anyone looking to escape the hustle and enjoy serene luxury. Nestled in the stunning Constantia Valley Winelands, it offers an idyllic setting with breathtaking views of the Constantiaberg mountains—a sight that soothes the soul.

    Glen Avon Lodge stands out for its prime location, minutes from vineyards like Buitenverwachting, Steenberg, and Groot Constantia—a perfect retreat for wine lovers and explorers. Glen Avon combines luxury and comfort with beautifully designed accommodations and meals.

  • Alphen Boutique Hotel

    Rates from R3 475.00 per person

    Nestled in the scenic Constantia Valley, the Alphen Boutique Hotel is a 5-star retreat surrounded by 11.5 acres of pristine gardens. Blending historic charm with modern boutique hotel amenities, it offers guests a truly unique and indulgent stay.

    Every detail of the Alphen Boutique Hotel showcases exceptional care, from its blend of historic charm and modern comforts to its refined dining experiences. With attentive service catering to your needs, this hotel promises an unforgettable stay in a stunning setting.