Cape Town & Winelands Explorer: Your Ultimate Guide to South Africa's Gems
What to Know when Visiting the Cape
Cape Town
If you haven’t been to Cape Town before, you sure have heard of it! It is one of our fav cities to explore in South Africa. Nestled at the foot of the well-known majestic Table Mountain, Cape Town beckons adventurers, hikers, foodies, beach lovers and culture enthusiasts alike. With its breathtaking landscapes, pristine beaches and incredible restaurants, this vibrant city offers a tantalizing blend of natural beauty and urban charm. There is so much to do here you will never get bored, so if you are lucky enough to have a day or two in this epic place, we have put together some personal suggestions on how to spend your time!
Markets & history
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Recently opened in 2017, this is the largest museum of contemporary art from Africa. Located in the V&A Waterfront in the Silo District, it attracts art enthusiasts from around the world to see and appreciate its extensive collection. If you feel like getting those cultural juices flowing pop in here for sure!
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(Sunday - Thursday Daytime)
Another epic market to visit, this one situated in the V&A Waterfront neighborhood. Situated in a cool warehouse. here you will come across well known-up and coming chefs and mixologists that will make it tricky for you to choose which way to turn! -
(Wednesday evenings, or Saturday/Sunday daytime)
Markets in Cape Town are so full of vibrancy, incredible buys, delicious food and beautiful people! This market is always busy but in the best way, so don’t get overwhelmed just go with the flow (of people) and while you might wait in line for your tasty food or drink just take in everything going on around you - the people, the smells and the atmosphere because man it’s cool! -
Visit Robben Island
Known as the site of Nelson Mandela’s incarceration, this small island located just off the coast off Cape Town is a top tourist attraction. This UNESCO World Heritage Site bears witness to South Africa's tumultuous past, serving as a reminder of the human spirit's indomitable strength as you can have a glimpse into the lives of those who once lived here, alongside Madiba. You can visit his cell, as well at the island’s museum and lighthouse. Although a sad and scary history, this is a must do if you can!
Shopping Locations
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You absolutely cannot visit Cape Town without at least popping in to the Waterfront! This bustling and iconic neighborhood attracts every tourist as it is a wonderful expression of South African culture and diversity with a whole host of things to get up to. Offering world renowned restaurants, brilliant shopping opportunities, live entertainment, art and design you will need to give yourself a few hours more than you think! The Watershed is a vibrant art and design space where you will find unique items to purchase and grab a bite to eat while you are at it!
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Nestled along the scenic coastline, this charming bay is a hidden gem booming with epic boutiques, quirky galleries, and artisanal delights waiting to be discovered. From handmade jewelry to vintage finds, every street holds the promise of something special and unique. So, wander through the colorful lanes, soaking in the relaxed vibes and seaside charm. Who knows what delightful treasures you'll unearth in this shopper's delight?
Adventure & Outdoors
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Hikers and outdoor enthusiast’s paradise! Take your time or challenge yourself with a bit of pace but whatever you do just make sure you reach it to the top! You won’t want to miss out on the incredible 360 degree views from up there and of course a perfect Instagram story snap!
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If you are visiting CT, you would have heard about Table Mountain! Seeing this mountain is one thing, but going up and seeing the rest of the city FROM the mountain is another! This is definitely something you won’t want to miss - a comfy cable cart that slowly lifts you up into the clouds, with the most amazing views the whole way up. This is bucket list stuff!
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Nestled at the foot of Table Mountain, this beautiful location is a wonderful place to visit if you feel like exploring through windy paths surrounded by vibrant blooms with breathtaking scenery surrounding it. This is also a birdlife haven, and there are a couple of hiking trails too! If live music is your vibe, make sure to look up whether there are any shows on as while you are here as this one of the most sought after locations for weekend performances and what a location it is!
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Prepare to be charmed by these adorable waddlers as they go about their daily beach antics. These little guys are a crowd favorite, and if the weather is good then remember this is also a really good spot to go kayaking too! Because this beach falls under the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area it isn’t often crowded, it’s always clean and safe and there are wonderful rockpools for the kids to enjoy! No wonder there are 60 000 visitors here a year!
Let’s go have some fun in the Winelands!
Wine, farms and tastings
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Climb aboard this charming tram and prepare to be whisked away on a wine-tasting adventure like no other., through the beautiful Franschhoek Valley. This is such fun to do if you enjoy wine but also want a bit of change of from a traditional tasting! On this trip you will wind your way through picturesque landscapes and stop at some of the region's most esteemed wine estates along the way. With each stop, you'll have the chance to sample world-class wines while learning about South Africa's winemaking heritage
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If you are a wine enthusiast, you have most certainly come to the right place! Most experts agree that if you are searching for world-calss wines, South Africa produces the best! Whether you prefer a bold red, a crisp white, or something in between, there's no shortage of tasting experiences to indulge your palate and on top of that, your jaw is going to drop when you see each of these wine farms - unmatched beauty!
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Spend some time meandering through tree-lined, cobblestone streets that are full of beautiful boutiques, art galleries, quaint cafe’s and stunning retail shops. If you decide to visit this town, we recommend taking your time! It’s so wonderful to soak in the ambiance, amble your way through and let Franschhoek work it’s magic on you! If you are interested in the
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This farm offers timeless beauty and a sense of fun to those who visit. You can take a bike ride around the estate, or simply relax under the trees for a picnic, or sitting down for a world-class wine tasting experience. If you are here on a Friday night you will be faced with the hard choice of deciding whether to be here or at Babylonstoren - here you will also experience a vibrant atmosphere of a local food and drink market!
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A haven for foodies, wine lovers, and nature/outdoor beauty! If you want to escape to a world of rustic charm and culinary delights, you have come to the right place! Here you can spend the day exploring these beautiful gardens and orchids, popping into the little shops within the farm where you will find the most incredible treats from freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries to exceptional local olive oils, literally a feast for the senses at every turn. But don’t eat too much if you want to experience the farm-to-table dining experience at the Babel, where fresh, seasonal ingredients take center stage. You can also schedule a picnic lunch if you visit on a Saturday, go for a bike ride around the farm, do a wine tasting, or visit the Friday night food/music market. As you can see, a place with many talents!
Markets and Museums
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A good old Saturday farmer’s market awaits! Wander through this brilliant set up as you make your way through different food, drinks, local crafts all while listening to wonderful live music This market comes to life every Saturday, a wonderful way to start your day and a welcoming affair for you and the whole family!
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For all the car and history enthusiasts, this incredible museum showcases over a 100 years of automotive history. Impressively, this museum has over 220 vehicles that have been collected over time. An incredible experience that is both exciting and extremely informative. You can either wander around yourself or book a museum tour, whatever tickles your fancy!