Paris, Rio de Janeiro and Sydney are often hailed as some of the most beautiful cities in the world, with tourists descending on their captivating skylines to ring in the New Year. But Cape Town is also blessed with a magical location and is fast becoming a favourite destination to celebrate the year just passed and toast what is yet to come. Spread out along a series of breathtaking natural harbours and backed by the imposing Table Mountain, Cape Town offers up a diverse number of ways to celebrate the biggest party of the year and here are our top five ways to count down 2014.
1. Watch the last 2014 sunset from Table Mountain
For incredible views of the last sunset of 2014, head up to Cape Towns iconic Table Mountain on the special New Years Eve cable car run. Recognised as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, this spectacular flat-topped mountain offers mesmerising panoramic views across the city from Camps Bay to Cape Flats and is a uniquely Capetonian way to kick-off the New Years eve celebrations. The last run ascends at 8pm but as the sun sinks about this hour it is a good idea to head up early and find a comfy perch to watch the magic happen. Tickets cost 225R (return) for adults and are sell out fast!
2. Mingle with the locals at the V&A Waterfront
Cape Towns biggest New Years Eve party takes place at the stunning Victoria and Albert Waterfront. Not only does it boast beautiful harbor views and a superb selection of restaurants to choose from for your final meal of 2014, it also puts on the citys most spectacular fireworks display. Live music and DJs at the open-air amphitheatre will keep you entertained throughout the night, and you can count down the New Year on V&A’s iconic clock tower. The waterfront is the place to mix and mingle in Cape Town with an expansive promenade offering plenty of space and a family-friendly atmosphere.
3. Watch the fireworks explode from the water
Jump aboard a catamaran, motor boat or sailing schooner for front row seats of Cape Towns waterfront fireworks display. A number of different vessels take to the water around 9.30pm and cruise to Clifton and back, allowing you to escape the crowds and watch the sky light up above you. Most vessels include complimentary bottles of champagne and full cash bars, as well as live DJs and snacks, or you are welcome to bring your own picnic baskets. Tickets start from around 500R.
4. Soak it all up in the beautiful surrounds of Kirstenbosch
Magnificent Kirstenbosch Gardens provide the backdrop for one of the friendliest New Years Eve celebrations in Cape Town. Bundle up your picnic rugs, baskets and bubbly and find a spot on the grassy lawns of Cape Towns most famous botanical gardens to toast the new year in sophisticated style. And with South African legends Arno Carstens and Mango Groove headlining the event, there will be no shortage of tunes to help you party the night away. Tickets can be bought directly from Kirstenbosch Gardens and cost 310R.
5. Celebrate in sophisticated chic at the Twelve Apostles
If only the best will do (and no price tag is too hefty) then book in for the New Years Eve dinner at the Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spas Azure Restaurant. One of Cape Towns swankiest New Years parties, the event includes sunset canaps, champagne and live music before a decadent six-course dinner is served. The night is topped off with French Champagne and a toast to 2015 before the Leopard Bar keeps things kicking on into the wee hours with live music and DJs. Dinner costs 2,200R, excluding drinks.
Its important to remember that tickets to all these events are strictly limited and, due to their popularity, often sell out fast. While there are countless other parties across Cape Town to help you get in the festive New Years spirit, if you want to be front-row-centre for the biggest night of the year, you need to get in early.
