Cape Town, South Africa, where to start? Well, firstly, Cape Town has recently been
awarded the coveted title, as Trip Advisor number 1 destination in the World, for 2011. Anyone who has been to Cape Town will know that this is an achievement, which is certainly merited, however, they have had to fight an uphill battle to get here. With the “New South Africa” being just a clumsy 17-Year-old Adolescent, Cape Town has certainly come a long way in the past few years, helped along by the 2010 Fifa World Cup, and numerous other exciting events currently being held in the “Mother City.”
From a traveler’s point of view, Cape Town has everything one might wish for. Cape Town is blessed with an abundance of beauty in the form of mountains, oceans, beaches and wildlife. There are many opportunities to explore its beautiful natural attractions. And let’s not forget the diverse culture & history dating back to 1652. Table Mountain, Robben Island, and Cape Point are just a handful of local attractions to keep you busy whilst enjoying your time here.
As a visitor, the Atlantic Seaboard is a firm favorite destination within the Cape. With close proximity to the City Centre, Winelands, and Table Mountain, areas like Camps Bay, Bantry Bay, and Green Point draw tourists from across the globe. Camps Bay, with its well-earned reputation, as the St Tropez of the Cape is definitely the place to be on the Atlantic Seaboard. With some of South Africa’s finest blue flag beaches on its doorstep (Camps Bay, Bakoven & Clifton beaches) Camps Bay is home to luxury villas, boutique hotels, shops, restaurants and beaches. Camps Bay sits at the foot of Table Mountain with the mountain at its back, and the mighty Atlantic Ocean at its feet. The setting really is something to behold, and for this reason, Camps Bay is home to some of the priciest land on the African Continent!
As for accommodation in Cape Town, many of the big hotel chains are here. Holiday Inn, Best Western, Hilton, and Sun International are all based in and around the city center, with the Prestigious One & Only being based at the world renowned V&A Waterfront. Many smaller boutique offerings are to be found on the Atlantic Seaboard, and throughout the City Bowl. Aside from Hotels, Cape Town is home to a variety of fine self-catering establishments. Cape Town Holiday apartments are of a high standard, with daily servicing, high-speed Internet access, and sweeping views included as the general rule of thumb. City Centre apartments start from $30 – $40 per person per night, whilst Atlantic Seaboard apartments in Camps Bay & surrounds, start from $50 per person per night, up to $200 per person for the five and six star beachfront options.
Eating in Cape Town is another World Class experience, from the finest locally grown Wines, to some of the freshest Seafood you will ever eat. Most tastes are catered for in Cape Town, from French, Italian, Greek, Chinese, and Thai. South Africa has its own local flavors with exotic delicacies such as Warthog, Springbok & Crocodile being are offered in some of the more authentic local eateries.
Cape Town is said to be a European city in Africa, a far cry from its “real” African neighbors. With its cosmopolitan life styles, western influence and unrivalled beauty & vibe; more and more Americans & Europeans are starting to feel at home here, and it’s not hard to see why!
Author:
James Woolley is the founder of Cape Town Accommodation & Travel guide. James’ favorite destinations are Vancouver for its snowboarding, London for its shopping, and Thailand for its curries.
