Cape Town
South Africa, Africa
Where Table Mountain meets two oceans, penguins, and world-class wine.
Nestled between the iconic Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town is one of the world's most spectacularly situated cities. It blends stunning natural scenery with a vibrant cultural scene, world-class cuisine, and a complex, fascinating history.
Our honest take
Cape Town is spectacularly beautiful and surprisingly affordable. Table Mountain, the Cape Peninsula drive, and Stellenbosch wine country are all world-class. But be aware of safety — stick to tourist areas after dark, don't flash valuables, and use Uber instead of walking at night.
Why go
- Table Mountain views are genuinely breathtaking from every angle
- Wine tasting in Stellenbosch/Franschhoek rivals Napa at a fraction of the price
- Boulders Beach penguins are delightful and unique
Skip if you can
- Robben Island in rough weather — the boat ride is miserable and you can't focus on the tour
- V&A Waterfront restaurants — tourist-priced; eat in Woodstock or Kloof Street instead
- Shark cage diving — ethically questionable and often disappointing visibility
Things to do
- Cable car to Table Mountain
- Wine tasting in Stellenbosch
- Whale watching
- Surfing at Muizenberg
Where locals eat
South African barbecue — boerewors (coiled sausage), lamb chops, pap (maize porridge) over wood fire
Mzansi Restaurant in Khayelitsha (township experience, book a tour) or Hout Bay market weekends
Hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry — Durban-origin but found everywhere in Cape Town
Eastern Food Bazaar on Darling St (cheap, authentic) or Gatsby takeaway in Athlone
Spiced minced meat baked with egg custard topping — Cape Town comfort food from the Bo-Kaap community
Bo-Kaap Kombuis in the Bo-Kaap neighbourhood or Biesmiellah (halal, local institution since 1960s)
Grilled snoek fish basted with apricot jam — uniquely Cape Town, seasonal (winter is best)
Kalky seafood in Kalk Bay harbour or Fish on the Rocks in Hout Bay (cash, queue, worth it)
Costs
Table Mountain cable car: R400 ($22). Wine tasting: R50-150 ($3-8). Meal: R150-300 ($8-16).
Airport, transport, and accommodation options
Good to know
- Don't walk alone after dark outside tourist areas
- Keep car doors locked and windows up at traffic lights
- Don't leave anything visible in parked cars
- Uber is safe and cheap — use it at night
- Load shedding (power cuts) still happens — carry a power bank
Prices, visa rules, and transport details may change. Always verify with official sources before booking. Last updated: August 2026.
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