The beauty of a Cape Town holiday is the variety of things to see and do whilst you are there. The most trouble you will have is in deciding what to do in the time you have available! Ive seen many changes, but the loveliest thing is revisiting favourite haunts that are still top of the pile because theyve stood the test of time. Here, then, are some of my best things to do in Cape Town that are guaranteed to have you returning once more to top up the magic.
The V&A Waterfront
If your time in Cape Town is short, perhaps you have come in on one of the many cruise ships, then the Waterfront is for you! Rising from down-at-heel working docks, the Waterfront is an amazing blend of cultures and style, sophisticated yet laid-back with something for everyone young or old.
The restaurants and cafes serve a myriad of different tastes from fish & chips to haute cuisine, many of them spilling out of the buildings onto the sidewalks where you can sit beneath the sun brollies watching the world go by.
Its not just restaurants and shops that make up the Waterfront, but luxury accommodation, leisure activities and a host of exciting possibilities; travel to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned; plan a helicopter ride over the city; take a sunset cruise along the coast to watch the magnificent setting sun. Or simply stay in the supreme luxury of The One & Only or Cape Grace hotels, where your every wish is granted, and relax in the spa.
Winelands Tour
One of the most surprising things about Cape Town is how quickly you can be in the countryside. It is as if the city is tolerated by the land from which it grew; the city only there to entice visitors to explore the fresh air and vibrancy on its doorstep.
And what treasure to explore! The historic wine estates of Constantia lie on the slopes of Table Mountain itself, in the Southern Suburbs, only minutes from the city centre. Like a secret rural idyll, Constantia provides the perfect place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle.
With its own wine route encompassing 7 estates you are sure to find the perfect wine, as Constantia Valley produces world renowned dry whites and reds creating elegant wines that reflect the gentle climate.
A wine tasting tour is a must to experience the friendly hospitality, quality wines and spectacular scenery; and to view a small part of the kaleidoscope that makes up this fascinating city at the foot of Africa.
Panama Jacks
As one of the most unusual settings, Panama Jacks must take an award. Having started life as a boatyard close to the Royal Cape Yacht Club in pre Waterfront days, the restaurant is situated in the commercial dockside in a long, low, wooden shack.
At first glance your heart sinks. It appears the building has been washed ashore having floated from the Caribbean. This is not a place visitors get to unless directed by more knowledgeable people, so you pluck up courage and walk through the door.
What greets you is indeed relaxed, yet no compromise on quality. The freshest of fish served, some of it from huge glass tanks where you chose your own lobster or abalone, compliments the large selection of wines from around the world the whole combining to create one of the best restaurant experiences in Cape Town.
Whatever you choose to do when you are in Cape Town, you are sure to have an experience that will leave you with only happy memories and a longing to return.
