If you’ve been dreaming of a culture-laden trip, Cape Town is the place to be, offering an array of activities and experiences. This vibey city suits many kinds of travelers, including:
• City slickers looking for a bespoke cocktail at the latest speakeasy pop-up bar.
• Young families with little ones looking for kid-friendly activities and outdoor adventures.
• Nature enthusiasts hoping to ride the waves and explore the city’s postcard landscapes and hiking trails.
• Gastronomical gurus on the hunt for tantalizing flavors lovingly created by world-class chefs.
These four areas in Cape Town offer loads in terms of accommodation, activities, restaurants, and outdoor fun.
1. The City Bowl
The City Bowl is a must-stay location for anyone who wants to be in Cape Town’s heart. This cosmopolitan, amphitheater-shaped business district is known for its vibrant nightlife, the abundance of restaurants and cafes, and trendy artistic hubs.
A stone’s throw from one of the world’s new natural wonders – Table Mountain – you can catch the cable car and watch the sunrise while enjoying a bird’s eye view of the city. Alternatively, ride the city’s hop-on and off bus, stroll down vibrant Long Street, explore the V&A Waterfront with its high-end stores and boat rides from the harbor, or indulge in some R&R at nearby beaches, including Llandudno, Camps Bay, and Bakoven.
2. The Atlantic Seaboard
Characterized by its sprawling promenade, sky-rise apartments, and an assortment of cute seaside cafes and boutiques, the Atlantic Seaboard is a must for anyone with a penchant for gorgeous ocean views.
Enjoy a game of mini golf, pop into the local pools, rent bicycles, and cycle along the 11-kilometer promenade, or spend a night trying delicious global cuisine and dancing to local music at the spirited Mojo market.
Areas along the Atlantic Seaboard include Bantry Bay, Green Point, Sea Point, Bantry Bay, Clifton, and Camps Bay to name a few.
3. The Southern Suburbs
If you’re searching for lush gardens, including Cape Town’s prized Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, classic Cape Dutch architecture, and rolling vineyards, the Southern Suburbs is certainly worth a peek.
Located on the southern slopes of Table Mountain, this area houses Cape Town’s famed university and a plethora of independent cafes and prestigious wine farms. Explore the areas of Constantia, Newlands, Claremont, and Observatory for an array of independent stores, decadent eateries and coffee bars, leafy parks, and local watering holes.
4. The Deep South
If you love exploring small seaside towns, browsing curiosity shops, and want to kick back with the slower pace of life, the Deep South is the place to be. Affectionately known as the ‘lentil curtain’ by locals, this side of the city loves the more laidback lifestyle.
Enjoy a long stroll on Noordhoek beach, pop in for a beer at the local Aegir Project Brewery, or appreciate a meander along the cobbled streets of Kalk Bay before enjoying some fish and chips at the harbor. Close enough to the naval town of Simonstown and the famous penguin beach Boulders, this is a must-stay spot for travelers who love quirky coastal towns.
The Takeaway
These four Cape Town areas offer travelers a superabundance of accommodation options, from friendly backpacker hostels and Airbnbs to boutique guesthouses and top-tier hotels – including the famed Mount Nelson and the One and Only.
If you love good food, adventure, superb scenery, and a slightly gentler pace of life, Cape Town is the city for you.
