1. Being surrounded by natural beauty at every turn
2. Koeksisters and coffee
3. Visit to Robben Island, where Mandela was once imprisoned
4. Playing with kids during a biking tour of Masiphumelele Township
5. Jamming along at late night jazz clubs
6. Eating a delicious South African fusion dinner at Reubens Restaurant
7. South African slang like “Lekker” and “Hectic”
8. Sunset cocktails at the Twelve Apostles Hotel
9. Learning how to surf
10. Staying at a luxurious Nox Rental property
11. Spreading out the picnic blanket in the Company’s Garden
12. Bobotie
13. Paragliding over the city for the best view in the world
14. Amazing whale watching opportunities in Hermanus
15. Sitting down and learning about the personal histories of locals
16. Table Mountain, all the time and any view
17. Making sure baboons don’t steal your picnic
18. Spending an afternoon strolling around the V&A Waterfront
19. Strolling around the fish monger stands in Hout Bay
20. Amazing views at the Cape of Good Hope
21. Sunset watching or full moon viewing from Lion’s Head
22. The fact that despite what locals say, winter weather can be pretty darn nice
23. Drive out to nearby wineries for stellar landscapes and hearty wines
24. Being made to feel welcome almost immediately
25. Delicious Cape Malay food, all of it
26. Slowly exploring the beauty of Chapmans Peak Drive
27. Breaking for ostriches at nearby Cape Point isn’t a big deal
28. Either hike or take the cable car up Table Mountain for amazing views of the city.
29. Getting there on South African Airways, great airline for a long flight
30. Diving with Great White sharks
31. Retracing the history of the Dutch East India Company on the Sex and Slaves walking tour
32. Neighborhood stroll around colorful Bo Kaap. Don’t forget to stop by the spice shop.
33. Giant Red Lego Man. Enough said.
34. Dancing the night away on Long Street
35. Standing on the edge of the world at 34’21’24”S/18’29’51”E
36. Discovering new and unusual flowers at the fragrant market in Trafalgar Place
37. Browsing through the huge and incredibly diverse market in front of city hall
38. Getting close to the penguins at Boulders Beach
39. Walking through the up-and-coming Fringe District
40. Drinking South African wine with a view of the sun setting over the ocean. Do this every day.
41. More Cape Malay food, please
42. Eating a scrumptious dessert from Charly’s Bakery
What are some things you love about Cape Town?
Fantastic post and synopsis of how Cape Town got under your skin. Can’t wait for you to get back..
Thanks Skye and yup, it definitely is part of me now.
Everything you said X 100! I looooooove Cape Town. Awesome pics!!!
Also hanging out in Observatory and buzzing about in the minibuses!
Tks for the tips in Cape Town. Im planing to go there in december. I’m in Mozambique now, If someone want tips from there, u can watch my blog. Saludos!!
Really enjoyed this post! Thanks for sharing and for the smiles!
Compared to Oregon winters, I thought Cape Town had it made! Love, love, love the city – rain or shine : )
Every day I look out my window and marvel at the unique beauty of this place. We live in Kalk Bay and see the ocean filled with fishing boats, whales, dolphins and surfers at any given time. This cosmopolitan, colourful city is easy to love and difficult to forget!
Haven’t been there yet but hope to visit some day! Wonderful pictures very interesting looking place!
it looks gorgeous! i have always wanted to go there but i wonder how it would be for a black female. did you witness any racism or tension while there? i’m sure your experience was great as a white man but i am curious how it would be for me…
I totally agree! I love it also! One of the most beautiful, amazing, enchanting places on earth! I have to ask…Did you Bungy Jump from Bloukrans River Bridge? If not, I “HIGHLY” recommend it! :))) Check out : http://www.faceadrenalin.com
Great list and very inspiring for my own planning. I’m going in about a month and cannot wait!F2
Thank you for the tips. I can’t wailt. I’ll be in South Africa in a few weeks and am anxious to see what I get in to. I’ll have to let you know.
yes please do and have fun!
How did I miss this blog entry when it was first written?????
I love how YOU loved your time in Cape Town. We love living here and showing it off – feedback like this is fabulous and we can’t get enough of it!
you are definitely very lucky, it’s a beautiful city
Hey Matt! Been following your site for a while but got on this post by following a link on the facebook page of South African tourism. Great post, Cape Town on our short list of places to go.
Frank (bbqboy)