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What makes Cape Town so special?
Cape Town, South Africa’s Mother City, is the second largest city in the country. Images of Table Mountain (named after its flat top) or its tablecloth (on misty days) are mostly conjured up when one thinks of Cape Town. However, there is so much more to this extraordinary city than just fabulous mountain scenery and great hiking trails.
It is not surprising that Cape Town ranks among the best cities in the world (n.a., 2019; Zama, 2022).
It has a Mediterranean climate, vibrant waterfront, white-sandy beaches, two world heritage sites, extensive wine farms, and a world-renowned National botanical garden; all ingredients for a perfect holiday!
Petra and I spent a week during May 2022 in this lovely city and explored some of the hot spots in Cape Town.
Where are the best attractions in Cape Town?
The Zeitz museum was commissioned through a public and private partnership between the V&A waterfront and a German business man, Jochen Zeitz.
The museum features Zeitz’s extensive art collection as well as other contemporary African art on a rotating basis. The museum is located in the Silo district of the V & A waterfront, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Zeitz MOCAA was constructed by converting the 57m tall historical grain silos, built in 1921 and decommissioned in 2001, into a museum. This 9,500m2 complex consists of nine floors with 6,000m2 of exhibition space. There is also a restaurant, coffee shop and shop.
Although we are not very much into contemporary art exhibitions, we thoroughly enjoyed the visit due to the astounding impressions of the interior of the building.
Entrance tickets can be bought at the door and costs R210 (13 Euro) per person.
The upper part of the structure is occupied by the iconic luxury hotel, The Silo.
It is highly recommended to enjoy a light lunch or cocktail at the hotel.
There is hardly an article on the internet that refers to Cape Town without mentioning the V&A waterfront.
This is not surprising since more than 24 million visitors are drawn to the V&A waterfront annually, making it South Africa’s most visited attraction.
Why visit the V& A waterfront?
The main reason for the waterfront’s appeal is that it is not only a working harbour but also a high-end shoppers’ paradise.
It has more than 450 shops, with everything from South Africa’s most sought-after fashion designers to exclusive international brands.
Many coffee shops, seafood, and high-end restaurants have the most beautiful harbour views.
The waterfront also houses the Two Oceans Aquarium.
How to take a harbour cruise at the V&A waterfront?
A V& A waterfront visit is complete with a harbour cruise.
We highly recommend Yacoob Yachts.
They have an experienced crew and large fleet consisting of the Tigresse, Jolly Roger pirate boat, Ice Blue, Ameera and Zinathi.
Yacoob Yachts offer scheduled trips to the sea, harbour cruises, sunset cruises and private charters, seven days a week!
Please book ahead of time because these trips fill up fast.
How to go to Robben Island?
Several ferries depart to Robben Island from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront daily. The tours last three and a half hours.
Click here for more information about the Robben Island Museum and tours.
We visited Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock, on a Saturday, for the first time during our trip in February 2022.
This hip and vibrant area are known for its amazing food offerings, clothing stalls, crafts, artisan products, night market and music festivals. It is a must-visit destination for anyone wishing to explore South African culture.
The weekend neighbourhood market’s open food stalls enabled Petra to sample some of South Africa’s most well-known and traditional dishes, such as bobotie, koeksisters, Cape Malay bredies, etc.
We visited on a Saturday and were lucky enough to find off-street parking nearby. Alternatively, parking is usually available within the Mill, or one can use the secure parking area at the College of Cape Town directly opposite the mill (there is usually a R10 charge).
The Old Biscuit Mill is open seven days a week, but the neighbourhood market is only open on weekends.
Visit our Instagram page for more information about our visit to this venue.
Several of the photos you see of Cape Town often include the colourful Cape Dutch and Georgian architectural houses of the Bo-Kaap, situated at the foot of Signal Hill.
Interestingly, this area was previously known as the Malay quarters and dates back as far as the 1760s when several “huurhuisjes” (rental houses) where built and leased to slaves. The people who lived there were known as the Cape Malays, because they originated from Malaysia, Indonesia and the rest of Africa. The story is being told that while the colour of the house remained white it was still on lease. Apparently, when the rules changed the slaves painted their houses in bright colours to symbolise their freedom. In May 2019, 19 sites in the Bo-Kaap were declared National Heritage Sites.
We heard a visit to the Bo-Kaap is not complete without lunch at the well-known Biesmiellah restaurant located on the corner of Wale and Pentz streets. The unpretentious restaurant, with neon and quirky interior, was started 40 years ago by Shabira Osman. Apparently, Biesmiellah is a landmark and institution in the Bo-Kaap and therefore we decided to go and see for ourselves if they live up to their reputation of delicious food and excellent service.
Petra and I enjoyed their ‘Denning vleis’ and ‘bobotie’ which is two of their most popular Cape Malay dishes on the menu. We were blown away by the flavours of the food and the great hospitality of the people who work at Biesmiellah. We highly recommend that you stop for lunch at this authentic Cape Malay restaurant, after or before you had a chance to admire the lovely colourful houses of the Bo-Kaap.
The 528-hectare Kirstenbosch Botanical gardens are regarded as the greatest botanic gardens in the world and are a UNESCO heritage site.
Founded in 1913, the majestic gardens are set against the eastern slope of Table Mountain.
The most spectacular aspect of the gardens is the Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway (known as the “Boomslang”).
We enjoyed admiring the incredible selection of Proteas, including the King Protea (South Africa’s national flower).
Are there walking trails at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens?
Five trials differing in difficulty levels can be followed with excellent signposts along well-maintained footpaths or gravel roads. The gardens are ideal for enjoying a picnic on a sunny day or indulging in a sweet treat at the Kirstenbosch Tea Room.
How much is the entrance fee at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens?
The entrance fee is R210 per person for adults and R30 for children under 17 years of age (International guests). South Africans only pay R130.
For more information about the gardens, please click here.
Where to stay in Cape Town?
- Cloud9 Boutique Hotel (visit our IG page for more photos)
- The Cellars-Hohenort, Constantia
We reviewed the Cellars hotels for you. You can click on the links to read more.
References
Cape Town voted the best city in the world for the 7th year running. (2019, November). Cape Town Travel. https://www.capetown.travel/cape-town-voted-best-city-in-the-world-for-7th-year-running/
Zama, Z. (2022, May). Cape Town is ranked the third greatest city on earth. Eye Witness News. https://ewn.co.za/2022/05/08/cape-town-ranked-third-greatest-city-on-earth#:~:text=Cape Town has been named number 50 in Marrakesh.
