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I visited one of the “best cities” in the world – it deserves all the praise it gets

I visited one of the “best cities” in the world – it deserves all the praise it gets

A look at colorful houses in Cape Town, which are overlooked by Lion's Head Peak.
There is a lot to see and do in the South African city (picture: Getty Images)

When there is one hot For travel at the moment it is Cape Town.

The breathtaking South African City is at the top of the list of everyone and receives a number of awards for 2025.

It was recently the best long -distance break for British from which? After the consumer group had asked its members to evaluate over 2,500 destinations worldwide.

Cape Town came first overall Jet lag.

Time -out It was also crowned, it in this year’s city all over the world and commented: “Where else in the world you can hang around with a colony of African penguins, try some of the best wines, walk on the beaches of the blue flag and a breathtaking Look at ATOP have one of the new 7 miracles of nature and try some of the most versatile nightlife and atmosphere in the world … Everything in one day? ‘

You are not wrong either. I visited last year and had the feeling that I had hardly scratched the surface of what “mother city” had to offer.

After I had explored his breathtaking natural landscapes and living districts and spoiled his incredible feed scene, I not only reluctantly went – I have already thought about when I could come back.

So if the goal climbs to the top of all buckets of everyone, what is it with Cape Town that you want more?

See what in Cape Town

Chapman's Peak Drive - one of the most spectacular drives in South Africa, Cape Peninsula, South Africa, November 22, 2018
Chapman’s highlight is one of the most breathtaking places in the city (picture: Getty Images)

For one thing, there is no shortage of things here. From Lions head to Cape of Good Hope and the Tischberg, wherever you turn, there is something new to discover.

One of the most breathtaking is Chapman’s Peak Drive, a winding road from Hout Bay to Noordhoekm, and regarded as the most scenic sections of the world.

I visited at sunset and was rewarded with a gold color, which enveloped the dark blue water and the white beaches underneath.

If you are looking for more impressive landscapes, you can use a Tischberg, one of the new 7 natural miracles in the world and the most iconic most in the city and the city’s city and the most iconic in the city (or use the lighter option, as I did, and the easier option.

Here you can almost look at the African continent from the city shell and port to Robben Island, a UNESCO location and the famous goal of a prison that held political prison and Cape Point.

Then of course there is the beaches. At the Boulders Beach you can get up close with a protected colony of African penguins. The penguin colony started in 1983 with only a few birds, and it is now assumed that it is around 3,000.

Colony of the penguins on Boulder Beach, Simonstown.
Boulders Beach is the only place in the world where you can swim with a Penguin colony (Image: Getty Images)

It is believed that it is the only place in the world where you can swim under the penguins. However, the likelihood of doing this depends on the season – whereby summer is the main time. Unfortunately, I visited in winter, so that not many agreed for the cold dip.

Even if the weather does not allow it – or if you don’t want to get too close – you can admire many of you from a promenade on the beach.

If you have an insight into the history of the city, visit Bo-Kaap-one of the oldest residential areas in Cape Town, which was formerly racially separated and was known as a Malay quarter. The houses are sprayed in bright colors as an expression of freedom and joy.

Although I had no opportunity to explore during my visit, there was a quick look while driving enough to see why it is so special.

After seeing all of this, you will probably get off your feet and enjoy a glass of rose. And luckily for them, Cape Town is known for his Affordable and delicious wine.

A number of vineyards outside the city are ready to explore, including the world-famous Cavalli investment as well as Gabrielskloof and Hazendal, which are open to the public.

There is also no lack of grapes, since Cape Town and the West Cape together have 2,693 farmers of the wine group and 45 producer cellars.

You can even visit a wine safari in the Durbanville Wine Valley, just 25 minutes outside of Cape Town, and enjoy a SIP and Safari experience. After you can treat yourself to carefully curated wine tastings, go on a 30-minute game ride, which looks at some of the “most famous wild animals” in South Africa von zebras and Gantebees up to Ostrich and Bat ear foxes.

Where you can eat in Cape Town

Malay district, Cape Town, South Africa
Bo Kaap is a historical area of ​​the city (Image: Getty Images)

Cape Town is a great place for gourmet – and their wallets.

A study by the experts with which? Last year, guests enjoyed a high-end three-course menu in the city for just £ 30. And that’s for two people.

In the extensive city there is a melting pot with kitchens, from spicy curries to fresh seafood and heart South African food.

If you want to eat fine food, I found Brot to be one of the coolest streets in the Kloof Street, which was voted one of the coolest streets in the world in 2023).

Kloof Street House is one of the most rated towns in Cape Town-not only through its meat-oriented menu, but also its versatile environment in a Victorian house.

Or for something more casual, you can go to the Pot Luck Club, serving tapas, cocktails and excellent view of the Tischberg. And those who want to taste the local delicacy can be eating in Mama Africa, which serves authentic African food and entertainment.

Where can you stay in Cape Town

Although Cape Town is not that big compared to other large global cities, she packs a lot, with each of its districts offering something unique.

The City Bowl, a natural amphitheatre-shaped area burned by Tafel Mountain and Lion’s Head, is a great area for first-time visitors with a variety of four-star hotels and apartments in which you can spend the night.

Derwent House Boutique Hotel is rated as the best value in the area TripadvisorWith prices from £ 145 on Booking.com.

Those who are looking for a more luxurious stay can spend the night in Camps Bay, a wealthy suburb of only 15 minutes from the center and a popular place for celebrities. While I haven’t managed to see stars in the glittering coastal district, A-listeners such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Rihanna and Ryan Reynolds were discovered in the area.

Nearby is Camps Bay Beach, which offers a variety of night clubs, cafes and bars. The hotel prices are somewhat higher here. The Bay Hotel, for example, starts at £ 29 each night.

Green Point is another destination on the water that is worth your considerations and offers many bars, restaurants and art galleries for tourists to explore. It is also a brilliant price -performance ratio: Here you will find accommodation for around £ 90 per night on Booking.com.

After something private? Go to Atzaro Cape Town in the Oranjezicht district, where I stayed during my visit. The small luxury hotel is located at the foot of the Tischberg with 360 view of the city.

12 apostles in Camps Bay in Cape Town, South Africa
Camps Bay is a luxurious area in Cape Town (Image: Getty Images)

When visiting Cape Town

The perfect time to visit Cape Town depends on the type of traveler you are. Most of the sun searches will visit in the summer months (November to February) when the weather is warm.

Average values ​​range from high 29 ° C in January and February and 25 ° C in December – ideal for those who want to explore their beaches.

Autumn (March to May) is also a popular period with milder weather (15 ° C to 26 ° C), fewer crowds and little to no rain.

While winter (June to August) is colder and a little windy, it is also a perfect opportunity to visit when it is quieter, and one of the best times of the year to achieve lower prices in hotel rooms.

Spring (September to November) is a middle ground – and you can expect a few sunnier days alongside other advantages of visit during the low time.

On the one hand, the best time for whale observation between June and November, with the high season of August to October, because the whales of Southern Right and Buckel move the coast up.

How to come to Cape Town

Cape Town is relatively easy to reach with direct flights from London. The flight takes about 11 hours, and as soon as they land it is only 25 minutes from Cape Town International Airport to the city center.

The best thing is that the local time is only two hours before the UK so that it does not lose time to delay jet situations.

British respiratory tract offers direct routes from London HeathrowFrom February to May at the time of writing from £ 798.

There are also Virgin Atlanticthat go from Heathrow to Cape Town and currently receive return tickets from £ 697 in March.

Alternatively, Norwegian Airline Norse Low-Budget offers direct flights from London Gatwick From £ 220 per route.

Many other airlines also fly from London to Cape Town, such as Emirates, Qatar and Lufthansa. However, since there are no direct routes, travel times can add up to 20 hours including layovers.

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