Cape Town is one of the most-visited cities on the African continent and with good reason. With a stunning mountain backdrop set next to blue seas, and a vibrant food and drink scene, what’s not to like?
Set aside 10-14 days if you really want to see and do everything. However, if you have less time here are the top places we recommend to visit...
Where to Stay:
La Residence
A luxury hotel situated on Franschhoek and fit for a king. This wine-land estate is nestled amongst the vineyards and fruit orchards in the foothills of the Franschhoek mountains. Enormous chandeliers, wide verandas and stunning mountain views. Filled with local art, antiques, Persian carpets and 5* services, it’s no wonder the starting price per room is rather hefty. Luckily you can still get a taste of South Africa’s finest by popping in for afternoon tea or an evening drink.
prices from £360 (in low season), La Residence
Babylonstoren
A majestic farm hotel with an edible garden. Just half an hour drive from Cape Town. This authentic but stylish farm is a ‘must-see’. At their white tiled restaurant, they serve fresh juices labelled red, yellow and green. This really is the epitome of farm-to-fork. With a beautiful garden spa involving bamboo massages so relaxing you’ll be sent drifting into space. Babylonstoren also have a their very own Healing Garden with plants intended to heal, soothe and balance the body. Finally cool off with a dip in the rustic pool, which was once the dam where all the borehole water was collected.
Prices from £230, Babylonstoren
Where to Visit:
Clifton 4th Beach
This hidden beach is a palm tree and a white sand paradise. An affluent but residential part of Cape Town, the beach is surrounded by stylish cottages and a gorgeous a mountain backdrop.Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for hire, so put your feet up and top up your tan in style.
Kirstenbosch Gardens
A national botanical garden nestled against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. A haven, which will transport you into a tranquil world. This garden is full of exotic plants and flowers and a perfect picnic spot.Boulders Beach
This may be a tourist spot, but is one not worth missing - where else would you see penguins on the beach? Take a breath-taking drive through the mountains before enjoying a dip in the crystal clear sea at boulders beach.
Where to Eat and Drink:
Bungalow
After a day at Clifton beach, walk over to trendy Bungalow to watch the sunset. This is a top spot to enjoy pre-dinner drinks whilst watching the sun go down. Bungalow has a trendy outdoor restaurant with an ocean view terrace where you can spend the evening tasting delicious seafood dishes including sushi.The Grand
Stylish and chic, this converted Warehouse is a hot spot for cocktails and delicious food. The Grand also has a private beach, where you can enjoy their signature wood-fired pizzas, grilled steaks and West Coast mussels by the sea. Hosting weekly live Jazz Sundays, it’s a perfect way to banish those Sunday Blues.Constantia Glen
On route back to Cape Town, lies Constantia Glen a stunning spot for wine tasting. Enjoy a glass or two amongst the gorgeous rose garden, a perfect place to relax away from the hustle and bustle the city life.
By Lily Soutter BSc (hons) Human Nutrition, Dip ION
