Cape Town is one of the most undeniably beautiful cities in the world – and has been allocated that title by many unrecognised Top 10 City lists, as well as trusted sources such as Forbes.com, Harvey World Travel, Conde Nast, Lonely Planet, and even TripAdvisor.
It seems everyone is in agreement that Cape Town can compete (and in some cases even beat) world-class cities such as London, Paris, and New York, at giving holiday-makers what they want. It’s not just the historical Robben Island, or Table Mountain – one of the New Wonders of the World – or even the bustling waterfront which give Cape Town this glamour. No, it’s also the suburbs that make up Cape Town as a whole which give visitors this impression. So, here’s the low down on what to expect as a first time visitor:
- Local Flair – Cape Malay Quarter
Around the area of Signal Hill, also known as the Bo-Kaap, is the colourful Cape Malay Quarter. Here, you can expect to see quaint cobbled streets, hear the call to prayer from numerous mosques in the area at appropriate times, and stroll past the brightly-coloured houses. Take a walking tour and become fully immersed in the interesting history and culture of the area, especially in District Six. While here, ensure you try some tasty (and spicy) Cape Malay cuisine from one of the numerous restaurant, or sign up for a Cape Malay cooking tour.
- Victorian – Simon’s Town
The beautiful harbour and urban areas of Simon’s Town will reveal close to 50 buildings that have been classified as Heritage treasures, and you will definitely see numerous examples of Victorian architecture when strolling down the main road, also dubbed the ‘Royal Mile’. The local Penguin colony, in-season whale watching, Just Nuisance monument, arts and crafts route, and top-notch restaurants make this a lovely area to spend the day at. You can also view the naval boats that dock here, and on certain days of the year, the Navy has an ‘open-house’ which includes free entry into the Naval Museum and boats for visitors.
- Elegant and Rustic – Winelands
The wine producing areas of Cape Town are well worth visiting, and not only because of the picturesque scenery provided. The Constantia wine route gives you plenty of opportunities to stop in at estates and enjoy a wine tasting or two, while also getting to browse the wine collections. Head out to Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Somerset West, Paarl, or the Helderberg for a day of fun in the winelands. From driving through wine farms, visiting historical spots, bird-watching, and cheese-making, to game drives and farm-styled restaurants, there’ll be something for everyone.
- Botanical Beauty – Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens
Bordering Bishopscourt and Constantia, the sprawling grounds of Kirstenbosch go up into the slopes of Table Mountain, and form a majority of the Cape Floral Kingdom, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After paying your entry fee, you can freely wander through all the diverse gardens that cover the 528 hectares. Popular gardens include the Scent Garden (filled with braille signs), the Cycads Garden, and the Gondwanaland Garden (which shows flora from when there was only one continent!). Hiking trails go up into Table Mountain and range in intensity from intermediate to expert. If you’re visiting in summer, stick around for the evening open-air concerts. During the day, bring along a picnic basket (and black bag to clean up after yourself) and spend a day enjoying the sunshine, sweet scents, and wandering through diverse and beautiful scenery. Those who have trouble walking, can sign up for the golf-cart tour which is available at an additional fee.
5. Stylish Urban – Claremont / Newlands
The Cape Town CBD and the Waterfront are known to be hubs of activity, but for an equally rewarding experience, head to the urban areas of Claremont and Newlands. You can enjoy some fantastic shops at Cavendish Square, sit down at one of the many restaurants and enjoy something to eat, or catch a game at the nearby Newlands Stadium. The Vineyard Hotel and Spa offers tranquil grounds, several restaurant areas, and is home to a first-rate spa. This area is also renowned for the clubs along the main road, which attract a large portion of the local youth come twilight.
Which Cape Town suburb happens to be your favourite?
Main image credited to Valentina Buj (Flickr)
