A city of charm and history, Cape Town has something for everyone and is one of South Africa’s most beautiful and popular destinations. Whether you’re a history buff or just interested in exploring an amazing destination, the city of Cape Town has everything you need. With its stunning beaches and relaxed atmosphere, Cape Town is the perfect place to explore the world. From world-famous attractions like Table Mountain and Robben Island to must-see restaurants and shops, there are so many places to visit in Cape Town. Come rain or shine, Cape Town has so much to offer to ensure a memorable family holiday all year round, the best time of the year to go depends on what you want to do. We’ve put together a list of 5 main reasons why you should visit Cape Town on your next holiday.
The jaw-dropping scenery
Cape Town not only has a great cityscape but also stunning views and incredible scenery throughout the whole area. With its dramatic Table Mountain and gorgeous coastline, beautiful beaches nearby, and lush green forests, Cape Town has truly breathtaking places to see. From the oceanfront promenade and the Signal Hill Nature Reserve to Camps Bay and Muizenberg, there’s never a dull moment when exploring this lush and picturesque city. And if you want to take in some of the best scenery Cape Town has to offer, be sure to take a ride on one of its iconic cable cars! The city of Cape Town at night lights up in a display of awe. Getting to the top of the Lion’s Head mountain before dark ensures that you will see a clear and beautiful sunset over Cape Town.
The rich history
For history buffs, Cape Town is a paradise on earth. With over 60 heritage sites to visit, including some of Africa’s most iconic historical landmarks, you can spend days exploring the city without running out of things to see. This city has an incredible long and varied past that makes it unique in the world for its diversity of cultures, people groups and heritage sites. Some popular spots include the Castle of Good Hope, which was built by the Dutch in 1652 and is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city; Table Bay, where the first landing by Europeans took place in 1652; and the iconic Nelson Mandela monument. Robben Island should also be part of your must-see list. This iconic prison island was once the headquarters of the South African apartheid regime, and its notorious past still casts a long shadow over present-day South Africa.
The adventures
Apart from the main tourist attractions that you should visit, there are a number of fun things to do during your holiday in Cape Town. Kayaking around Sea Point evokes a sense of freedom where you’ll get to encounter a whole other universe: African penguins, and Cape fur seals. If you want to witness the city of Cape Town from way up high, helicopter tours of the Atlantic Seaboard, Cape Point, and Robben Island.
The food and wine
Whether it’s in one of the top restaurants or local establishments that cater for people from all over the world, the food in Cape Town is amazing. Whether it’s a great diving venue for fresh seafood or your favorite steak, no matter where you go in this cosmopolitan city there will always be something delicious waiting. Plus, many of the restaurants offer gluten-free and vegan menus as well, so that even those with dietary restrictions can enjoy a great meal. Some of the best restaurants in Cape Town include The Foodbarn, Belly of the Beast and Thali. Visit the Hout Bay Market on a weekend to check out a bustling marketplace with local vendors selling hearty meats cooked on a brai (a South African barbecue), cured biltong (dried meat), fire-baked pizzas, oysters and plenty of other fresh seafood.
If there’s one thing Cape Town is known for, it’s its wine. From the famed Bordeaux wines of the Cape Winelands to the sparkling wines of Franschhoek, the city has something to offer to everyone who loves a good tipple. But if you’re looking for a truly unique wine experience, be sure to visit one of the city’s many wine tasting rooms. Here, you can savor some of the finest wines in an exclusive setting, and learn about the history and culture of wine production in South Africa.
Shopping
From stylish malls to antique shops and craft markets, flea markets and art galleries, Cape Town is a paradise for shopping. Textiles are well priced as Cape Town has many clothing factory shops, particularly leather goods, sports and outdoor wear. Jewellery is particularly inexpensive and as many of South Africa’s most talented goldsmiths and jewellery designers are in Cape Town. A famous place to shop is the canal walk shopping centre, the largest shopping centre in Cape Town consisting of over 400 stores including designer wear. On the other hand, the V&A Waterfront is known as Cape Town’s shopping Mecca. Other popular malls include Cavendish Square, Canal Walk Shopping Centre, and the Cape Quarter Lifestyle Village. The main street of Sea Point also reveals loads of stunning finds. Most Cape Town shops will accept your international credit card and nearly all major Cape Town shopping centres have foreign exchange bureaus.
Are you already dreaming about your next getaway to Cape Town? Check out our packages or contact our holiday experts.