Cape Town
Cape Town, set against the dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain, is a city that blends natural beauty with rich history and vibrant culture. A trip to the top of Table Mountain, whether by cable car or a scenic hike, offers breathtaking views of the city, coastline, and surrounding peaks. The V&A Waterfront is a lively hub where historic architecture meets modern shopping, fine dining, and a working harbour. Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provides a powerful insight into South Africa’s past, with guided tours offering firsthand accounts of Nelson Mandela’s imprisonment. Strolling through the colourful Bo-Kaap district reveals Cape Malay heritage, with its brightly painted houses, cobbled streets, and historic mosques adding to the city’s diverse character.
Cape Town’s cultural scene is as dynamic as its landscape, with a thriving arts and music community. The city’s museums, such as Zeitz MOCAA, showcase contemporary African art, while the District Six Museum tells the poignant story of apartheid-era forced removals. Live music is an essential part of the city’s identity, from jazz clubs in the city centre to traditional marimba performances along the streets. Long Street buzzes with energy, lined with eclectic bars, independent bookshops, and historic buildings that reflect Cape Town’s layered history. The annual Cape Town International Jazz Festival brings together musicians from around the world, solidifying the city’s reputation as a cultural powerhouse.
Food in Cape Town is a fusion of flavours influenced by African, European, and Asian traditions. The city’s coastal location ensures a supply of fresh seafood, with local specialities such as Cape Malay curry, snoek fish braai (barbecue), and the ever-popular Gatsby sandwich, a giant sub filled with meat, chips, and sauces. The Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock is a hotspot for artisanal food, with its Neighbourgoods Market showcasing farm-to-table produce and gourmet street food. Just outside the city, the Cape Winelands offer world-class wine-tasting experiences, with Stellenbosch and Franschhoek renowned for their scenic vineyards and award-winning estates. Whether exploring the city’s culinary scene, delving into its history, or enjoying its breathtaking landscapes, Cape Town offers an unforgettable experience at every turn.
Highlights of Cape Town
Our Favourite Hotels in Cape Town
ONE&ONLY CAPE TOWN
Located in the heart of Cape Town’s Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the crescent-shaped architecture of the seven-storey Marina Rise allows for excellent views of Table Mountain and Signal Hill. In addition, two landscaped private islands in the centre of the waterway accommodate the hotel’s island rooms and suites, and One&Only Spa.
The Vineyard
We’ve Stayed Here
The Vineyard Hotel & Spa is one of Cape Town’s most perfectly located luxury hotels. Set on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain in the upmarket southern suburbs, it is just 15 minutes from the central city and airport and en route to some of the Peninsula’s top sights and attractions. The hotel is also within walking distance of the famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, the international cricket and rugby mecca of Newlands, and the elite shopping precinct of nearby Cavendish Square.
The Twelve Apostles
We’ve Stayed Here
Set between the Atlantic Ocean and The Twelve Apostles Mountain Range, The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa is surrounded by breath-taking views of the Table Mountain National Park, a World Heritage Site, as well as views of the protected marine park where whales, dolphins and other marine life can be spotted playing in the clear waters.
Four Rosmead
Situated on the slopes of Table Mountain, Four Rosmead is within walking distance of Green Market Square and is 5 minutes by car from the V&A Waterfront, Kirstenbosch Gardens, and Clifton and Camps Bay beaches.
Mount Nelson
The Mount Nelson Hotel is set in a lush garden estate in the heart of Cape Town. Situated close to Table Mountain and Cape Town’s spectacular beaches, it offers easy access to all that’s happening in the city.
The hotel has six individual accommodation wings, each with its own unique character, private gardens and facilities. The 209 spacious rooms and suites are individually decorated and feature the latest in 21st century conveniences.
Cape Grace
Situated on a private quay between the working harbour of Cape Town’s Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and an international yacht marina, Cape Grace is a luxury hotel with a warm atmosphere and personalised levels of service. The hotel is centrally located, with quick and easy access to the airport, city centre and popular tourist destinations.
Cape Town is certainly a destination city, one which has so much to offer even if you’re just basing yourself there for the winter. However, when I was there it was the middle of June and it rained the whole time (not quite as there was a small period that I managed to get up Table Mountain), but it was just like a wet summer day in the UK… Best go during our winter with the warmer and more settled days.
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We would be delighted to talk about your holiday arrangements over the phone. You can contact us between 8am and 10pm every day (outside of office hours may not be immediate).
01442 879787
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