Why You'll Love Cape Town
Cape Town is where contrasts come alive — mountains crash into the sea, centuries-old culture meets modern creativity, and lazy beach days give way to sunset hikes. Whether you’re sipping Pinotage in a hidden wine bar or bargaining at a weekend market in the shadow of Table Mountain, there’s something magnetic here.
Local Highlights
Skip the tour buses. Here's how locals love their city:
- Walk Long Street – Vintage shops, secondhand bookstores, rooftop bars, and Afrobeat energy.
- Lunch at The Kitchen (Woodstock) – Loved by locals (and once by Michelle Obama!), this cozy deli is a plant-powered favorite.
- Picnic at Kirstenbosch Gardens – Bring wine and local cheese. The mountain views do the rest.
- Muizenberg Beach – Quirky surfers, bright beach huts, and warm coffee from Empire Café.
- Saturday at Oranjezicht Market – Organic eats, farm-fresh goods, and ocean views with your brunch.
Where to Stay
Base yourself in De Waterkant if you love boutique design and walkability. For ocean air, Sea Point is a favorite with digital nomads and runners alike. Want mountain views? Gardens is green, peaceful, and full of cool guesthouses.
Nomad Tip: Most Airbnbs come with fast Wi-Fi (50+ Mbps). Try Workshop17 or Ideas Cartel for coworking — both have beautiful interiors and good coffee.
3-Day Cape Town Itinerary
Day 1: City + Table Mountain
- Morning: Coffee from Truth Roastery + Bo-Kaap walking tour
- Afternoon: Hike Table Mountain or take the cable car
- Evening: Dinner at Kloof Street House (book ahead!)
Day 2: Cape Peninsula
- Drive Chapman’s Peak → Hout Bay → Simon’s Town
- Visit the penguins at Boulders Beach
- Catch golden hour at Cape of Good Hope
- Fish & chips at Kalky’s in Kalk Bay
Day 3: Culture & Wine
- Morning: Robben Island ferry tour
- Lunch: Oranjezicht Market
- Afternoon: Wine tasting in Constantia (Beau Constantia or Groot)
- Evening: Sunset drinks in Camps Bay
Good to Know
- Best time to visit: November–March for beach days; May–August for lower prices and whale watching
- Transport: Uber is affordable and safe; MyCiTi bus works well for main routes
- Currency: South African Rand (ZAR)
- Power plugs: Type M (3 round pins); bring an adapter!
- Language: English widely spoken, but you’ll hear Afrikaans and isiXhosa too