My journey to Cape Town wasn’t easy, (read more about my experience here) but once finally there, a sense of achievement, excitement, and blissful peace washed over me.
I will never forget that first evening, pouring myself a glass of South African Sauvignon Blanc, watching the sunset light hit Lions Head mountain, knowing I have three full weeks in Cape Town - open to explore, learn, experience. (I ended up extending my stay for another week, and probably would have added a few more weeks, if it wouldn’t be for the visa restrictions..).
I had been wanting to travel to Cape Town for quite some time. Unlike other destinations that appealed to me because of certain landmark or attraction, Cape Town made it to my bucket-list because of so many people saying it’s one of their favorite destinations. Hearing that is enough for my curious spirit to spark a fire. What is about a place that makes people love it?
Undoubtably, everyone’s travel experience is very different – what might be the most incredible holiday to one, might be unpleasant and less favorable to other.
Me? I caught that Cape Town love bug within 48 hours of my arrival.
Cape Town, home to about 4.4. million people, lies at the Southern tip of African continent, at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a bizarre feeling when you travel for 20 hours, straight down, and end up in the same time zone.
Located in the Sothern Hemisphere (the opposite season, meaning summer in winter) and having no time difference with Europe makes Cape Town a great location for remote working. You can definitely see that during lunch hour at a coffee shop – like a flock of birds – Europeans escaping winter are perched at the tables, on their laptops, freshly tanned, drinking ice-late.
Why be in cold and dark Europe if you can be in Cape Town?
During my 4 weeks in Cape Town, I got an overwhelming sense that it’s
a city that has it all!
Between the dramatic mountains ( 12 Apostles and Table Mountain ) and the Atlantic Ocean (incredible beaches) lies a vibrant city, welcoming visitors from all over the World.
You can start your day with a hike and then head straight to the beach.
You can spend afternoon in vineyards (just 40 min outside the city center) and dress up for a fancy cocktail and dinner in the city..
You can explore the art, culture and history or spend hours in one of the cool coffee shops, inspired by fellow freelancers, working on your next big idea
The food is great, and prices are affordable (Delicious, fresh local ingredient breakfast with good coffee will cost you around 7-12eur).
People are very kind and welcoming. You will meet a lot of expats (Cape Town is especially favorable among Germans) and the locals that I met were incredibly nice and welcoming.
To answer one of the most asked questions – is Cape Town safe?
Yes! Not once I felt unsafe.
Cape Town attracts a lot of foreigner tourists, so for years now it’s been a priority for city to ensure safe environment. On some street corners, you will see ‘safety’ police officers, making sure that in case any trouble occurs, it is immediately reverted.
Also, important to note that Uber is an incredibly convenient and affordable way to get around, so I would recommend always using that after it gets dark (no matter where you travel, you must always be aware of your surroundings).
When in Cape Town, you are truly spoilt with choice!
If you are planning a visit, don’t hesitate to contact me – I will be happy to help with any recommendations.
A day in Cape Town itinerary
Start your morning with a hike.
The most iconic mountains in Cape Town’s landscape – Lions Head and Table Mountain
Table Mountain is the most iconic but probably also the most challenging hike (there are several route options).
Skeleton Gorge is the easiest option – depending on your fitness level it takes about 2-4 hours one way. Whichever route you choose, it is a steep climb, so it’s important not to overestimate yourself.
For much less of a workout, but more of a scenic experience, there is a cable car that goes up there.
Lions Head hike takes about 1.5 hour up and 1 hour down. It starts very easy and gets increasingly harder as you approach the top – it’s also a very steep climb with challenging and slightly scary parts (big rocks and steep edges) so make sure to go slow, especially if there are strong winds. If you are lucky, you will find yourself amongst the floating clouds, somewhere between earth and heaven.
If you are looking for a more relaxed experience, or traveling with kids, I highly recommend choosing Pipe Track. It’s a path going along the 12 Apostles – mostly flat, clear path, with unbeatable views of the city, seaside and Lions Head.
After active morning, satisfy your hunger in one of the cool breakfast spots.
My personal favorite is Our Local!
Serving a good variety of breakfast dishes and lunch after 12pm, order yourself a cold drink, sit back and you will almost have to pinch yourself – how cool is this green oasis/urban jungle spot and is it really Cape Town?
Find my Cape Town café guide here.
Now, I hope you have your bikini in your backpack, because it’s beach time!
Camps Bay is the longest, most popular tourist beach,
and it certainly has that WOW factor.
However, my favorite was Clifton Beach (there are 4 beaches, all slightly different) so it’s interesting to explore all of them.
The sound of the waves crushing and the mid-day heat will make the ocean swim so tempting but prepare yourself, it is very cold. (I was told that Cape Town would be the best city in the World, if only the water wasn’t so cold.)
If being in the sun all morning was too much, and you just want to cool off, I recommend spending some time at the V&A Waterfront.
Spend hours in the Two Oceans Aquarium – exploring the incredible diversity of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans.
Get a taste of African culture by strolling around Watershed:
“Watershed is designed to display the quality products all creatively designed, meticulously hand-crafted and produced with the warmth and spirit of Africa. Along with fashion, one can find art works, intricately crafted jewelry, rich textiles, soft furnishings, ceramics, accessories and much, much more.”
There is also an incredible food hall offering a variety of international food options, fresh juices, traditional South African dishes and incredible oysters. (I recommend 7 colors of Africa for a taste of local dish).
If you are up for an afternoon adventure – try the paragliding or helicopter tour!
Getting up in the air and seeing this city from birds view is a must do
(unless, like me, you are quite scared from heights.)
As the sun starts setting, there are variety of options of where to go..
Sundowners is a scheduled event and Cape Town is one of those places that
really celebrate it.
If you want to dress up for a night out, then The Silo hotel rooftop bar is probably the most iconic place for a drink (important to book in advance).
If you are still at the V&A Waterfront, then I recommend hopping on of the sunset cruise boats – set sails in the sunset and watch the city from a different angle.
Signal Hill is a very popular location for locals and any beach along the coast makes a great sunset spot, but my absolute favorite place in all of Cape Town is the Sunset Rocks!
Come early, get comfortable on one of the boulders and you will find yourself staring in disbelief – how is this view even real?!
As I close my eyes now, I recall that moment sitting on the Sunset Rock. Warm wind, sunlight gently kissing my cheeks, people quietly chatting, the taste of local wine and this view in front of me – a city that lies between the dramatic mountain landscape and the vast ocean.
Some places really have it all!
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