Ever wondered what makes the city of Cape Town so popular among travelers? Well, let me tell you, it’s has everything you could possibly want! With its abundant history, breathtaking mountain tops, penguin sightings, cultural experiences, up-close safaris (sometimes a bit too close), picturesque wineries, and more, this city stands as a gem unlike any other. So, grab a drink and let’s take a closer look at this awesome city by the sea, where the Atlantic and Indian oceans come together.
By the time you finish reading this article, you will be asking yourself what’s not to love and when can I go. After visiting Cape Town a number of times, I’ve managed to do something different every time. The options are unlimited … its a whole new experience each trip. And believe me – I’ve barely touched the surface on things to do. It is particularly great for group trips when every person has a separate travel preference. The town can accommodate those girls’ trips when everyone can’t get on the same page (you know what I’m talking about!). As soon as your’e off the plane, you will feel the true definition of relax, relate and release.
Quick Tip – It’s ok to go on a group trip and not be together 24/7. It will make the trip more personalized and enjoyable for everyone. The best way to keep the peace is to provide options and communicate openly with a flexible and informative travel itinerary from the start, so that everyone knows what to expect.
Exploring Cape Town
Cape Town hosts a number of exciting events throughout the year and has many spots to getaway and relax. From its incredible restaurants to diverse cultural attractions you’ll find no shortage of reasons to go. Just note – their seasons are reversed from the Northern Hemisphere, winter time is summer here and summer time is winter. So if you have off from work from Dec 24 to Jan 2 and looking for a warm retreat, look no further.
The Breakdown
Trying to determine if this city is right for your next trip and you don’t have a lot of time to do research. Here is the shortcut guide to help make the decision process easy.
| Category | Notes |
| Country | South Africa |
| Continent | Africa |
| Major Airport | Cape Town International Airport (CPT) |
| Flight time from JFK | 9hrs Flying from the east coast (average direct) |
| Flight time from LAX | 12 hrs Flying from the west coast (average direct) |
| Timezone | SAST (UTC+2) South African Standard Time (SAST) timezone |
| Weather (range) | 78 – 110 F December – February= January – March = April – June = July – November = |
| Warmest month | February |
| Coldest month | July |
| Rainy season | May – August |
| High season | December to February Good for crowd lovers, more expensive during this time of year, warmest and driest weather, lots of outdoor activities, festivals, and events |
| Low season | June to August Prices are lower, less crowds, cooler temperatures and increased rainfall, businesses offer lots of promotions and discounts during this time |
| Best time to go | September – November OR March to May Less crowds and pleasant weather |
| Major Events | Capetown Jazz Festival and Capetown Carnival These are huge events for the country and continent so plan accordingly |
| Thing to note | – Even on the hottest day, the ocean water is cold – Opposite season than the Northern Hemisphere – Sun is potent – pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun – Drink bottled water; avoid tap water – Be cautious of petty theft in tourist areas |
| Currency | South African Rand (ZAR) Some hotels and shops will take US dollars but better to get Rand and pay with credit card (Visa/Mastercard are good, most do not take AMEX cards) |
| Language | English Afrikaans or Xhosa as an alternative |
| Culture | African history, art, music, townships Lots of history with modern surroundings |
| Outdoor life | There are too many things to list – marina, boardwalks, outdoor markets, sports, mountain tops, beaches, surfing, paragliding, hiking, safaris, surfing, wildlife, etc |
| Best way to get around | Bus or Uber |
| Driving | Opposite of U.S. Cars drive on the left side of the road |
| Visa Requirements | No requirement, if visiting 90 days or less (if you fall in love with the town and don’t want to leave … do your paperwork) |
| Vaccine Requirements | None |
| Electricity | Bring Adapter Type D or Type M electrical outlet with a voltage of 230V |
Where to Sleep
Whether you choose to be near the marina or up in the mountains, there are many options for you to have an amazing stay. Cape Town has great AirBnbs to choose from in the mountains overlooking the city, with an ocean view. Or you can select from these curated accommodations …
- Hyatt Regency Cape Town
- AC Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront
- Victoria and Alfred Hotel by NEWMARK
- Garden Route Game Lodge — Picturesque safari reserve and luxury stay in one place
Where to Eat
The first thing to do after coming off a long trip is to check-in to the hotel, plop on the bed and figure out what’s to eat (good to eat). Check with your concierge at the front desk for recommendations though the best places are when you ask the locals or research eats that have raving reviews (these are usually the best). Here are a few 4+ star tables where it’s a good vibe and has tasty treats.
- TANG Asian Luxury Restaurant & Bar Waterfront
- Cape Town Fish Market
- African Dinner and Drum Experience
Note – The African Dinner and Drum experience is epic. It’s plenty of eating and live entertainment in one. From the start, everyone gets a drum to interact with the hosts and band. There’s a 14-course meal (yes 14 courses) for every meal preference on earth and the food is delicious (foodies this is definitely for you). You get to embrace authentic African culture and cuisine at one stop. This is a must for your Cape Town trip. If you’ve been, definitely comment below.
What to Do
There is no shortage of things to do and see in Cape Town, its a magical place. Most of the attractions you can access by riding the Hop On and Off Bus, which are perfect when you are trying to pack a lot in with limited time. Just review the bus tour maps for the best routes. It’s also good to rent a car or get an Uber to go further out to the safaris and wineries.
Chill Out
Tired of the hustle and bustle, want to take it easy – here is a quick list for those looking to get in some wanderlust moments in their trip
| CHILL OUT | NOTES |
| Enjoy a nice meal at the V&A Waterfront | Shopping, art, live music and food hub at the waterfront |
| Cape Verde | |
| Walk from Seapoint to Greenpoint | Scenic promenade along the water in nice area – 11 km long and easy to walk, run, cycle or rollerblade |
| Shop at the local markets | Numerous open markets sprinkled around the city, check the local guides for days and times |
| Boulders Beach | See the penguins at Cape Peninsula |
| Visit the Aquarium | Located at V&A Waterfront |
| See the colored houses in Bo-Kaap | |
| Discover Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens | Very cheap to enter, extraordinary and endless nature views |
| Drive to the Butterfly Garden | Great for kids of all ages; Lots of other animals included |
Plan Ahead
With these excursions, you’ll make sure you’ll want to book ahead in order to save time and confirm your ticket.
| PLAN AHEAD | NOTES |
| Robbens Island | Historical and enlightening must go and experience tour |
| Learn about the history of apartheid at District Six Museum | |
| Whale watching | This is seasonal |
| Take a local township tour | |
| Visit Table Top Mountain | |
| Explore a safari | Some safaris are outside the city but worth seeing the The Big 5 |
| Indulge in a winery | Make an appointment to visit or book a tour to take you to several wineries in the area |
| Cooking classes for local food | Prepare traditional/local dishes |
| Sunset Champagne Cruise | |
| Art Museum | |
| Lunch on a catamaran |
Adventure
For those of you looking for a little more action, here are the top active activities.
| ADVENTURE | NOTES |
| Go paragliding off of Signal Hill | One of the most peaceful and enjoyable activities, jumping over the city and ocean (just don’t think about the mechanics too much and you’ll be fine) |
| Hike Table Mountain Trails | There are several hiking trails at Table Mountain to choose from – the best time to go is at sunrise |
| Horseback riding on the beach or at a winery | |
| Ziplining | |
| Go Scuba Diving | |
| Helicopter tour over the city | |
| Surfing |
Discover Charm
Outside the city you’ll find picture perfect wineries for miles and miles. In the heart of the Cape Winelands and 5 min from central Stellenbosch, you’ll discover a charming family farm and wildlife retreat at Remhoogte Wine Estate. They have affordable tastings and wines that can be shipped, plus they already carry some of their wines in the US. The property has incredible views with wildlife walking around like springboks and zebras.
And its neighbor, VUUR, is a 5-star 9-course restaurant that allows you to have private only dinners. That’s right, the restaurant is completely yours for the whole day. Just make sure you book months in advance, it’s very exclusive.
There are cottages on the property as well just in case you have decided the view and atmosphere is too gorgeous to leave (trust – its hard to leave). If you want to avoid the crowds and have a relaxing South African wineland treat, definitely stop by Remhoogte when you’re in town, it’s truly a hidden gem.
And say Hi to Elsebe for me, she’s the best host and will take care of you.
Note – Journey Charm is not getting paid to promote this content.
Things to Note
When you’re in Cape Town, there are a few things you should know to make the most of your trip. First off, even if it’s scorching outside, the ocean water stays pretty chilly, so be ready if you’re planning to take a dip. Remember that the seasons here are opposite to what you’re used to back home. So if it’s the winter in the U.S. and you’re looking to go somewhere warm, then this should be top of your list. Just don’t underestimate the sun, even during the winter SA months—it’s seriously strong, definitely put on sunscreen (this should always be the case), grab your shades, and toss on a hat. Bottled water is a must to stay hydrated and avoid any tummy troubles. Try to stay away from tap water, if possible. Keep an eye out for petty thieves, too—best to keep everything close. Plus if you’re up for a safari adventure, the best ones are a bit of a drive from the city. Make some room in your itinerary to take the day for this activity. It is definitely worth it to see The Big Five, lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and African buffalo, in their natural habitat.
Quick Tip – Traveling with a lightweight cross-body bag for quick and easy travel is a good way to keep everything on your person. Just grab and go! Plus, narrowing down your items to only essentials allows you to move freely without hassle.
Frequently asked travel questions
January – March
South Africa is quite affordable. The dollar and euro goes pretty far in Cape Town. The biggest expense will be the flight.
Bring a hat and sunglasses for the sun and layering up with a light sweater and scarf for the wind, because you know its where the cold water of the Atlantic Ocean and the warm water of the Indian Ocean meet!
Traditional South African barbeque – We all know this isn’t officially a food group, but we’re declaring it one because, seriously, you gotta try it!
Stunning natural beauty, Tabletop Mountain, Robbens Island, Cape of Good Hope, markets and winelands like Stellenbosch and Franschhoek
Yes! Kids will enjoy their time in Capetown as much as the adults. From seeing the penguins and seals, going on a safari, visiting the markets, learning about the history, beautiful parks and more … the possibilities are endless.
In Conclusion
Cape Town is a great destination for everyone. Whether you’re organizing a family vacay, rounding up your squad for a group adventure, or squeezing in some fun during a work conference, Cape Town has got you covered with mounds of activities. Plus, with so many chill options and something for every interest, you can easily find an incredible experience, even if you’re short on planning time. If you’re all about soaking up stunning ocean views, surrounding yourself with endless culture and exploring nature’s beauty, Cape Town’s the place to be—no doubt about it! You’ll definitely remember this place and won’t be able to resist coming back.
No matter if you’re going to unwind, explore or thrill seek, take the time to enjoy yourself before getting back … life is hectic already, your vacation shouldn’t be.
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