Cape Town is one of those stunning destinations that many people have on their ‘to visit’ list, but that often gets overlooked because of the distance or expense. A trip to Cape Town can be a holiday of a lifetime, though, so if you’re on the fence about going there then take a look at these reasons why a visit to Cape Town should be on your to-do list:
1 – The Scenery
Cape Town is arguably one of the most beautiful destinations in the whole world. It features iconic mountains and a distinctive cityscape, and you can view the whole thing from the Cable Cars. Videos and photos don’t do Cape Town justice, you need to see it in person.
2 – The Weather
Cape Town has a wonderful climate. It starts to warm up in October/November, and stays warm until March/April, so if you’re looking to get away from the rain, wind and snow then you know where to go. It’s a great destination even at the “wrong” time of year, but visit in the summer and the safari trips are a great way to make memories.
3 – The Cities
While most people go to Cape Town for the safaris, the city life is fun too. Cape Town is the “cosmopolitan” part of Africa. The city is well developed, the transport system is good, and the amenities are what you would expect of a city. There are great shops and boutiques, and plenty of fine dining options as well as fashionable bars. There’s something for everyone.
4 – The Cuisine
While Cape Town isn’t somewhere that most people associate with food, there are some top of the line restaurants and you can find a bit of everything in the city. Whether you’re looking for osyters or ostrich, there are restaurants that can cater to your tastes. There are plenty of western restaurants too, so if you’re traveling with a family of picky eaters you have nothing to fear.
5 – The Price
Cape Town can be done as a luxury holiday or as a backpackers getaway, the choice is yours. The cost of living is lower in Cape Town than westerners are used to, so you’ll be able to see the sights, eat out and have fun, living like a king on a peasant’s budget. It’s up to you whether you use the money you saved to get there in first class, extend your stay, or just save for something practical.
6 – The Sight Seeing
While Cape Town itself is fairly small, there is no shortage of things to see and do. You can explore the museums, the bay, the nearby islands, the botanical gardens, or just the shops and bars. Culture, nature, parties, Cape Town truly does have it all.
7 – The History
It’s easy to forget, but Cape Town has a long history that goes back to the 15th century when European settlers landed. You can still feel the influence of the Asian, African and European cultures that have passed through Cape Town over the years. There are entire museums devoted to it, and Robben Island (where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated) is a popular tourist spot, but go beyond the obvious and you’ll find an even richer tapestry to discover.
8 – The Surroundings
Cape Town itself is a great base for exploring other destinations. You can find everything from whale watching to wine tours within easy driving distance. If you’re staying for a week or two then you will find Cape Town is a bustling base to explore all of the delights of the country.