Cape City. Town the place you’ll immediately fall in love with the views, the meals, and the occasional dose of adrenaline. However whereas this metropolis is a complete charmer, it’s additionally obtained a little bit of a rep for being, properly, let’s say, ‘thrilling’ in methods you don’t at all times need after darkish. However is it true? Must you be apprehensive? And which space do you have to keep?
To say that Cape City is difficult is an understatement. It’s the place the mountains are epic, the seascapes are majestic, and determining the place to remain is more durable than selecting between wine and extra wine. However don’t fear, on this article, we’ll assist you determine the place to remain based mostly on our private expertise after we traveled to South Africa.
Will or not it’s the affordability and easy accessibility to key points of interest of the town heart? Possibly the V&A Waterfront, the place you possibly can store, eat, and take Instagram-worthy images each 5 steps? Or, maybe Stellenbosch, which is technically outdoors Cape City, however hey, nothing says safe like being surrounded by limitless vineyards and the worst that may occur is maxing out your bank card?
Cape City Metropolis Heart (aka Metropolis Bowl)
Metropolis heart, Metropolis Bowl, downtown. Don’t be confused. All of them seek advice from the identical factor. The Cape City metropolis heart known as the Metropolis Bowl due to its distinctive geographic form, like a bowl surrounded by mountains. However no matter you wish to name it, one factor is true: it’s the coronary heart of the town — vibrant and vigorous.
Staying right here offers you fast entry to a number of the finest eating places, museums, and retailers. By day, it’s a enjoyable place to discover, and also you’ll end up bouncing between espresso retailers, snapping pics of Desk Mountain, and possibly catching a unusual road efficiency. Plus, you’re near public transport, making it tremendous simple to get round.
However right here’s the catch—as soon as the solar goes down, it will get just a little… properly, difficult. Cape City is persistently among the many most harmful cities on earth.
We deliberately spent some nights within the metropolis heart to debunk its status for being unsafe. The locals we met informed us a lot of it’s overblown as a result of most crimes are concentrated in sure areas — areas that vacationers don’t usually go to anyway. However additionally they discouraged us from roaming the streets downtown after darkish, particularly alone. That features the employees of the resort we had been staying in. This type of made us barely extra nervous.
So yeah, Metropolis Bowl’s nice, we didn’t have any dangerous expertise right here however we had been cautious. Possibly use Uber whenever you get caught outdoors previous sundown.
However why do vacationers nonetheless select to remain right here? Apart from accessibility, it’s additionally very budget-friendly. On our previous few nights in Cape City, we stayed at Daddy Lengthy Legs, which was cool, funky, and just a little offbeat. Far out of your typical chain lodging, it’s identified for its artsy vibe, the place every room is individually designed by native artists. Staying right here seems like moving into Cape City’s inventive scene itself.
As for facilities, the rooms are cozy they usually include simply the fundamentals: cozy beds, ensuite loos, and free Wi-Fi, however don’t anticipate lavish extras like room service or a pool. They usually obtained the friendliest, most useful employees. They helped us decide the place to eat, the place to get a cup of fine espresso or cocoa, and whether or not or not we should always go to the locations on our itinerary.
Traditionally, Daddy Lengthy Legs began as a boutique artwork resort and has since turn out to be a go-to for vacationers searching for one thing with character and appeal. It’s not the fanciest resort within the metropolis, but it surely’s undoubtedly obtained soul.
V&A Waterfront
Now we’re speaking! However earlier than I focus on V&A Waterfront, let’s speak in regards to the larger Atlantic Seaboard first. Cape City’s Atlantic Seaboard is a piece of the town’s shoreline that runs alongside the western aspect of the Cape Peninsula, bordering the Atlantic Ocean (therefore the title).
It’s finest identified for its breathtaking views, stunning seashores, and vibrant neighborhoods which are extra prosperous than downtown together with Camps Bay, Bantry Bay, Sea Level, and Inexperienced Level. All of those are typically protected decisions for vacationers, however probably the most supreme of all of them is V&A Waterfront.
Why? It presents the vibe and views of the opposite neighborhoods — Desk Mountain, Lion’s Head, ocean and all that jazz — however extra accessible. It’s nearer to the town heart, the place most museums and historic landmarks are situated. And it’s additionally the soar off level for a lot of different actions like sundown cruises and helicopter rides. Plus, Sea Level and Inexperienced Level are close by in order for you a quieter stick with seashores, cool promenade walks, and classy brunch spots. You’ll get the perfect of each worlds right here.
Downsides? It might probably get touristy and a bit expensive, however truthfully, the comfort and vibe are price it. Right here at V&A, we stayed at Radisson RED Cape City V&A, proper in the course of the motion. Radisson RED is the hip, trendy cousin of the Radisson household.
It’s obtained a cool, youthful vibe, with daring scarlet colours and a really Instagrammable aesthetic. Suppose big murals and rooftop swimming pools. Sure, rooftop pool. And by the pool is a bar — the RED Rooftop — which is nice for spectacular views of the Desk Mountain and the waterfront.
Even our room had a vista that was fairly arduous to match. We by no means closed our blinds, not even as soon as, throughout our keep right here. The room assigned to us was spacious, too!
And whereas it’s minimalistic, the eye to element is refreshing. For instance, the closet door handles additionally double as hooks. And the graphic typography on the door additionally reminded us of the vital particulars of our keep.
When it comes to value, Radisson RED sits within the center. It’s not a funds resort, however regardless of the comfort, it’s not too costly. Count on costs to skyrocket in peak season like all issues do, however in lean and shoulder months, the charges are affordable. No surprise most journey companies like Constellation Travels select this as lodging for his or her purchasers.
In order for you easy accessibility to Cape City’s finest points of interest, good vibes, and just a little luxurious with out going overboard, Radisson RED nails it.
Stellenbosch
OK, let’s make clear first. Stellenbosch is NOT inside Cape City, however it is rather shut —- about 50 minutes northeast– and is a favourite amongst those that need a extra enjoyable, extra romantic, extra particular South African getaway. It’s a part of the Cape Winelands area and is understood for its stunning vineyards, historic structure, and vibrant college city ambiance.
Staying right here offers you entry to some unimaginable wineries, the place you possibly can style wine, wander the gardens, and dwell out your “I’m in a winery scene from a rom-com” fantasy. It’s additionally obtained a reasonably notable meals scene, with eating places serving every part from superb eating to farm-to-table fare.
We just lately obtained an invitation to remain in a single day at Lanzerac Resort and Spa in Stellenbosch, and it hits totally different. If you happen to’re after old-world magnificence and pure indulgence, this five-star resort is likely to be for you. The resort is housed in one of many oldest wine estates within the nation, courting again to 1692! The property itself is historic, mixing Cape Dutch structure with trendy luxurious.
As we drove into the property, I couldn’t shake the sensation that I’d one way or the other stumbled onto a film set. The primary that greeted us was its cinematic rows of oak bushes, surrounded by majestic mountains and sprawling vineyards. And on the finish of this tree tunnel was Cape Dutch structure that made me really feel out-of-words and really out-of-place. You see, we got here straight from a recreation drive in Kruger Nationwide Park then flew to Cape City Airport to get right here. We weren’t appropriately dressed for this opulence.
After checking in and a scrumptious welcome drink, we had been taken to our spacious room with a chandelier, plush furnishings, a marshmallow-soft mattress, vintage decors, and a terrace that opened as much as courtyard views. I stood there for a second, making an attempt to determine if I used to be dreaming or if somebody had blended up my reservation with a star.
After settling in, simply when the solar was about to set, I ventured out to discover the property. The sprawling grounds had been a delight, with fantastically manicured gardens and pathways.
Now, let’s speak in regards to the meals. Lanzerac has 4 on-site eating spots:
- Manor Kitchen
- Lanzerac Deli
- Taphuis
- Craven Lounge
We solely obtained to strive the Manor Kitchen, however its menu was crammed with connoisseur dishes that sounded fancy sufficient to have their very own wine property. For starters, I had crispy pork stomach and king oyster scallops served with apple celeriac puree and spiced mushroom juice (ZAR 160) which I paired with Lanzerac’s homegrown Pinotage Rosé 2023, which is produced from 100% Pinotage grapes. That may not be a superb pairing in any respect, however I needed one thing fragrant to flush down the savoriness of my appetizer.
Vins, then again, had crayfish cacio e pepe (ZAR 325), which used chive linguini with thermidor. It’s seafood and cheese goodness balanced properly by the pink peppers. I do know as a result of I had a style of it. He paired it with fruity Lanzerac 2023 sauvingnon blanc to chop the richness.
For mains, I had a duo of lamb stomach and cutlet (ZAR 310), which was so tender it virtually sang to me. It was served with artichoke, potato gratin, and lemon onion soubise. Paired it with a glass of smoky 2021 pinotage, which was matured for 16 months in French oak. I assumed its spicy notes complemented the dish rather well.
Vins had the smoked fillet mignon (ZAR 290), served with sweetbreads, roast heirloom carrots and garlic potato puree. It was an ideal medium uncommon and the sunshine seasoning of the steak went properly with the plum and berry notes of his merlot. However don’t belief us. We don’t know half of the issues we’re saying in relation to wine.
If you happen to’re excited about wines, we had been informed the wine-tasting room is a should for visitors who wish to pattern their award-winning vintages. However we as a result of we had very restricted time, we didn’t get to strive it. We didn’t get to discover the remainder of the property as we’d be leaving early the following morning.
On the flip aspect, Stellenbosch is a bit removed from the primary Cape City points of interest, so if you happen to’re trying to combine up your seaside and metropolis sightseeing with wine tastings, the journey time generally is a drag. But when your fundamental aim is to unwind and sip vino otherwise you merely wish to get away from all of it, Stellenbosch may simply be for you!
Which Space is the Greatest?
We’ve tried staying in any respect these districts, and we discovered them to be fully totally different from one another. However finally, all of it boils all the way down to why you’re in South Africa and the way a lot you’re keen to spend.
- If you happen to’re on a funds or on a backpacking journey, the Metropolis Bowl (metropolis heart) presents a variety of reasonably priced lodging choices with sturdy sense of neighborhood and in shut proximity to a variety of key points of interest. Simply be cautious when going round at evening.
- If you happen to’re after comfort and security, the V&A Waterfront actually is the perfect place to remain. All the things is inside simple attain from right here, from procuring spots to excursions to eating places. Even the opposite well-known neighborhoods may be simply reached whenever you’re staying right here.
- If you happen to’re after an opulent steer clear of all of it, then select Stellenbosch. It’s additionally supreme for individuals who are celebrating one thing particular like honeymoon or anniversary.
Every has its personal character and appeals to very totally different markets and sorts of vacationers.
Tour Package deal vs DIY
Our keep in Cape City was half-DIY, half-collaboration with Constellation Travels. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t let you know that it may be explored DIY-style. There are some areas the place you will need to observe further warning and areas you will need to keep away from, however it may be performed.
That stated, for Filipinos like us, South Africa is a type of locations that really feel like once-in-a-lifetime, and if you happen to’re in Cape City to chill out and don’t wish to consider anything, then go forward and e-book a tour package deal. It does include advantages.
As one of the vital established journey companies within the Philippines, Constellation Travels has been serving to Filipino vacationers discover the world since 1970. From group excursions to customized itineraries, they provide South Africa packages that take the trouble out of planning, letting you give attention to what actually issues: having fun with your trip.
Touring abroad can typically really feel overwhelming. In case you have extra funds than time, go for it. They’ll handle your visas, flight bookings, and lodging. Plus, they provide 24/7 help, so that you’re by no means left hanging.
Get in contact with Constellation Travels by way of these contact numbers and electronic mail handle, or go to their official web site at constellationtravels.com.ph.
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