When Time Out released their 50 Best Cities in the World to Visit, we were overjoyed to see Cape Town as #2! We call this city home, and it's where our Rhino Africa HQ is located. A beautiful quilt of mountains, vineyards, seascapes, food, wine, theatre, music, adventure, and relaxation, it really deserves this title, and it's our greatest pleasure to share our love for the city with our guests. Here's what makes it stand out from the rest...
Vineyards blanket the hills along the Constantia Wine Route, Image Credit: Klein Constantia
Landscapes, Seascapes, and Cityscapes
Every inch of Cape Town is Instagram-worthy, no matter where you are or in which direction you turn. The majestic Table Mountain can be seen from afar and draws you like a magnet. Whenever you come across a local, ask them about this flat-topped mountain, and you'll see their eyes light up when they talk about it!
There's also something for everyone and every mood. If you feel like exploring, the city is filled with markets, restaurants, and clubs to match. If you're feeling a bit boujee, sip and savour world-class wines at the many glamorous wine estates scattered throughout the city and the nearby Cape Winelands.
Then you should absolutely visit Cape Town's best beaches. There are so many to choose from! Play volleyball in Camps Bay, watch the yachts hover on the glistening waters in Clifton, surf in Llandudno, or watch the penguins waddle at Boulders Beach. For the iconic Table Mountain view, head over to Bloubergstrand. We highly recommend watching the sunset from here, as it offers unbelievable photo opportunities of the mountain set against a fiery sky.
Photographers travel from afar to capture this iconic view of Table Mountain and Cape Town
Hike, Bike, and Dive
Cape Town has many excellent hiking trails flanked with stunning views. Some hikes are easy, whereas others are more challenging. For many locals, it's a daily ritual to take a quick hike or run after work with their dogs. We're lucky to have all this natural beauty as our backyard!
There are hundreds of hiking trails along the Cape Peninsula, from Camps Bay to Cape Point to Muizenberg. Newlands, Kirstenbosch, and Constantia are favourites for more forestry-feels.
You can also trade land forests for kelp forests and go diving in False Bay. If you prefer to stay dry, head to the skies and go skydiving or paragliding to see the city from a bird's-eye view.
False Bay's enchanting kelp forests
Food, Wine, and Coffee
Cape Town's feast table is packed with farmer produce, freshly baked bread, artisanal ice cream, local craft beers, ground coffee, and every type of cuisine imaginable. From local street food to high-end fine dining, there's something for every craving and taste. Did we mention that many of these are considered among the best in the world? As there's an abundance of excellent restaurants, we've compiled a list of our favourite restaurants in Cape Town, with a few chapters dedicated to different dining styles.
As a wine lover, I feel chuffed to be surrounded by some of the best wine producers in the world! Knowing that South African wine is taking the world stage by storm makes me immensely proud to live here, and I don't feel bad for being a wine snob. There are many wine routes to explore in and around Cape Town, including Constantia, Durbanville, Stellenbosch, and Franschhoek, to name just a few.
The coffee in Cape Town also deserves a special mention. The talent, dedication, and passion for crafting the perfect coffee roast are unmatched. There are many local roasteries and coffee spots dotted all over the city. It's not just about choosing between light, medium and dark roast but also about finding a profile you like best.
Constant pursuit of flavour excellence, Image Credit: EspressoLab
Art, Music, and Theatre
First Thursdays should be on your list of events not to miss! Taking place every first Thursday of the month, it's a celebration of Cape Town's restaurant, cultural and art scene. Time to park your car and explore the city on foot! Duck in and out of art galleries, discover new local designers and boutiques, dine at quaint and intimate restaurants, and cheers to new friends. We just love the vibe of First Thursdays as the city comes alive even more than usual!
The local talent in Cape Town is vibrant. You'll find singers, dancers, painters, sculptures, fashion designers, writers, and every creative creature you can imagine. Dress up and watch classical ballet at the Artscape, sway to the symphonies performed by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, listen to live music at local markets, enjoy a movie under the stars at one of The Galileo's outdoor venues, and end the weekend on a high note at one of Kirstenbosch's seasonal summer concerts.
Music and art come together at Ellerman House, Image Credit: Simon Watson
We Can't Wait to Welcome You to Cape Town
Writing about everything we love about Cape Town will take aeons and thousands of blogs. We'd much rather welcome you to Cape Town and guide you to experience this fascinating city for yourself.
Our Travel Experts know the city better than an elephant knows its trunk and will be delighted to tailor an itinerary specific to your personal taste. We believe no two guests are the same, so why should your holiday be? Reach out today, and let's start planning your trip to Cape Town!
