Favored with an embarrassment of natural beauty, world-renowned hotels, breathtaking beaches, a year-round calendar of noteworthy festivals and events and a slew of spectacular attractions, including one of the seven wonders of nature, there can be little wonder as to why Cape Town counts itself as not simply one of the most popular destinations in the world, but also one of the most lauded.
Among Cape Town’s most popular attractions is Table Mountain, a World Heritage Site, notable as much for its unique flora and fauna as it is for its jaw dropping 360-degree views. While hiking enthusiasts delight in the multitude of hiking trails the mountain offers, more casual travelers sit back and enjoy magnificent views of the city whilst ascending the mountain in grand style on the state-of-the-art carriages that regularly travel to its summit.
Another of Cape Town’s noteworthy attractions is Robben Island, a small island just off the city’s coast, famously recognized as the site where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. Also a World Heritage Site, the island offers dazzling views of Table Mountain in addition to tours of the island’s museum, lighthouse and the prison where Mandela was held for nearly two decades.
Meanwhile back on the mainland, the Victoria & Albert Waterfront with its sublime views of the harbor, is not only the one of the most popular tourist destinations in Cape Town, but, with roughly 24 million visitors each year, also one of the most well-trafficked tourist destinations in all of South Africa. Divided into five shopping districts: Victoria Wharf, the Watershed, The Alfred Mall and Pierhead, The Clock Tower, and Breakwater Point, the massive Victoria & Albert Waterfront counts more than 450 stores showcasing everything from local designers to glossy international brands spread out over more than 300 acres (that’s just about size of 230 football fields for your reference).
Beyond shopping, the waterfront encompasses the family friendly Two Oceans Aquarium, a selection of celebrated museums, some 22 landmarks, including the Chavonnes Battery Museum, the harbor’s oldest heritage site which dates back to 1725, an array of restaurants and bars, and the V&A Food Market where guests sample regional delicacies, artisanal breads and cheeses, craft beers, vegan treats, and biltong.
But the magic doesn’t end there.
Explore a bit further beyond the city center and discover scenic drives along coastal roads, pristine beaches like Camps Bay in the city’s suburbs, the dramatically unspoiled cliffs and awe-inspiring views of the Cape Point Nature Reserve, and the expansive Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, a haven for birdlife featuring several hiking trails that wind through what is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful gardens in the world.
Finally, given that some of the world’s best wines are produced within mere miles of the city, no visit to Cape Town would be complete without exploring local winemakers and indulging in a bit of wine tasting. Groot Constantia, the oldest wine estate in South Africa known for producing some of the finest wines in the country, is a perfect addition to any Cape Town itinerary. And best of all, it’s located just about 9 miles outside the city center in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town.
Slightly further away, but worth the one-hour drive from Cape Town, is the acclaimed Clouds Wine and Guest Estate, a boutique hotel and working wine farm, in neighboring Stellenbosch. Situated on a striking mountain pass, Clouds lives up to the promise of its name with both its impressive views and heavenly wines.
In terms of accommodations, travelers often find themselves spoiled for choice on a visit to Cape Town. With a range of award-winning properties highlighting the city’s finest attributes, there is something for every taste and budget on offer in Cape Town.
Fans of classic elegance will no doubt be drawn to the iconic pink buildings of the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel – a resplendent oasis in the heart of the city. A five-star luxury property, ‘the Nellie’ (as the hotel is affectionately known to its most loyal patrons) has long been a hub of social life in Cape Town playing host to all manner of royalty and boldfaced names ranging from Sir Winston Churchill and John Lennon to Leonardo di Caprio and Charlize Theron since first opening its doors in 1899. Of particular note, the property is distinguished by its immaculately lush gardens, English colonial décor and buzzy afternoon tea service complete with its own expertly trained tea sommelier.
Also in city center, situated on a private quay between the Victoria & Albert Waterfront and the yacht marina, sits the Cape Grace Hotel. Separated from the busy waterfront by a bridge, this elegantly appointed property simultaneously boasts access and privacy paired with stunning views of Table Mountain and the marina.
Steps away, the award-winning Silo Hotel offers a dramatically different experience from its towering vantage point high above the Victoria & Albert Waterfront. Built in the grain elevator portion of the historic grain silo complex, the hotel occupies six floors above Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) which houses Africa’s largest collection of contemporary African art. Modern, colorful, eclectic and industrial the Silo hotel offers 28 individually designed rooms, each with its own balcony and unique collection of contemporary African art, in addition to a rooftop bar which is a destination in its own right.
Just a few minutes outside the city center, experience a different side of Cape Town at the Atholl House, a 5-star boutique B&B located in the hills of Camps Bay at the back of Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostles mountain range, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. With an emphasis on sustainability and maintaining the highest ecological standards without sacrificing an iota of charm or luxury, this property offers access to the best that Cape Town has to offer in the heart of one of its most exclusive enclaves. Likewise, the much acclaimed Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa offers similar access to best of Camps Bay from a magnificent location along one of South Africa’s most celebrated scenic routes. With Table Mountain National Park and Lions Head towering behind it and the Atlantic Ocean at its feet, Twelve Apostles promises an experience to match the majesty of its surroundings.
Lastly, a word about Cape Town’s vibrant dining and nightlife scene. Without question, Cape Town is the culinary capital of South Africa as evidenced by the international recognition the city’s leading chefs and restauranteurs have garnered in recent years. A few foodie-certified highlights that would fit almost any itinerary include The Codfather, a Camps Bay favorite specializing in the freshest seafood imaginable, The Test Kitchen helmed by celebrated chef Dale Roberts which is best known for its innovative menu, and The Pot Luck Club, a more casual concept from chef Dale Roberts that is no less innovative in its offerings than its predecessor.
With its uniquely cosmopolitan blend of culture, cuisine, and accommodations set against a staggering landscape unlike any other in the world, Cape Town is truly a city of wonders deserving of its place on all the ‘best of’ lists that have deemed it so. Perhaps its time you added it to yours.