This is a guest post from Liah S Thorley
Pristine sandy beaches, vibrant city life, dramatic landscape, history in abundance, wine and wildlife, is there anything I have missed out? Probably. Cape Town is one of the most richly diverse cities in the world. Whether you’re simply stopping off for a few days before heading down the garden route or spending your entire holiday here, there is something to keep everyone entertained. I found out a bit more about Cape Town before I went my having a perusal of mydestination.com/capetown.
The first thing I wanted from my holiday was relaxation, I’d decided not to stay by the waterfront but around the coast in Camps Bay, so stunning beach and chilled cafes were right outside my door. With the sun high in the sky and the glittering ocean lapping over my toes, it was the perfect way to spend my first afternoon. Then it was time to liven things up. This is a laid back city where bar and restaurant culture is more the scene and there are plenty of cool spots in Camps Bay and along the lovely Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, but for the more lively Cape Town clubs, head to Greenpoint and the city centre.
Cape Town at Night
The next morning it was time to incorporate culture and history into my sadly too short trip. I headed out to Robben Island. Whilst this bit of land has been many things over its 350 year history, including a leper colony, it’s most famous as the prison where Nelson Mandela was held during his captivity. Tickets are pretty reasonable at only R220 (about $33) including the ferry crossing and museum entrance. Another major cultural experience and probably my favourite for Cape Town is a trip into the Malay Quarter, to Bo-Kaap. Romantic cobbled streets and brightly coloured buildings, shrines and mosques fill this multicultural area. It costs nothing to walk around but the museum is worth a visit and the cafes here are a spicy mix of global influences definitely worth trying.
Bo Kaap
I have a thing about seeing a place from above, or at least the highest viewpoint possible, so of course I wasn’t going to miss out on a cable car ride up to Cape Town’s iconic backdrop, Table Mountain. Well worth the R180 return fare, the panoramic views of the city bowl and its lush surrounding are breathtaking. The cableway runs from 0830 to 1800 daily, though it does close for annual maintenance, usually in July.
Clifton and Cable Car Cape Town
My last day here was spent in the beautiful winelands of Stellenbosch, only 30 mins drive from the city. Rolling countryside and excellent wine, I can’t think of a better mix. However if you’re feeling particularly adventurous and your purse isn’t too light then why not suite up, jump in a cage and visit those big scary fish with excessively sharp teeth, called sharks!
Author Bio: Liah S Thorley
Liah S Thorley is a travel writer and novelist from the UK. She has travelled extensively and particularly enjoys history and the arts.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Cape Town is really charming town)
Certainly has a few interesting things to make the place up!
I have been only once in Cape town , but I know that I love it! Really nice place!
Great photos.Cape town is really a magical place!