“Its easy to fall in love with this place and, in my case, the people.”
“I think Cape Town is honestly the most beautiful city in the world.
“I genuinely think its the perfect place for solo travelers purely for this reason.”
Statues lining a street of The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (V&A) located in the oldest working harbour in the Southern Hemisphere.Credit:Sophie Mendel/Travel + Leisure
Be prepared for load-shedding.
South Africa experiencesregular load-shedding, which means there are widespread blackouts throughout the country.
Uber is the best way to get around.
African Penguins on Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town in the Western Cape province of South Africa.Sophie Mendel/Travel + Leisure
Keep it low-key.
Growing up in Cape Town, locals are low-key.
Things are understated, and over-the-top displays are generally not well received.
Colorful beach houses on the shores of Muizenberg Beach in seaside town on False Bay. Known for it’s warm and calmer waters, best for surfing beginners.Sophie Mendel/Travel + Leisure
“You have to be respectful of the wealth discrepancies.
Safety can be an issue.
“Many places are considered safe to locals that may be unsafe for tourists.
Babylonstoren is one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms in the Franschhoek wine valley of South Africa.Sophie Mendel/Travel + Leisure
Check (and double check) passport and visa requirements before entry.
The tap water is safe to drink.
Babylonstoren is an agro-tourism amusement park.
Camps Bay Beach is one of the best-known beaches on the Cape Town coast.Sophie Mendel/Travel + Leisure
“I still love theGreenhousecafe and recently had breakfast there with friends.
While Babel is a must-book, the Greenhouse and tasting room accommodate walk-ins.
Some other favorites areBoschendalandLeeu Estates, Abbey adds.
A tree canopy walkway through the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden located at the eastern foot of Table Mountain in Cape Town.Sophie Mendel/Travel + Leisure
Hidden Coves and Off-the-beaten-track Beaches
Cape Towns multitude of beaches are not to be missed.
My favorite hidden beach would probably be Cosy Bay.
Its such a hidden gem, and I love its exclusivity.
District Six Museum is in the former residential area of District Six, Cape Town as remembrance for the thousands removed during apartheid.Sophie Mendel/Travel + Leisure
It still offers the serene white sands and rock formations that Clifton has while minimizing the crowds.
Its like a mini Clifton hidden from overpopulation, she says.
The Clifton beaches are each tucked into pretty, mountainous coves with Malibu-style cliffside homes dotting the landscape.
Each has its own personality, and you might easily walk between the beaches to experience them all.
The vibe is definitely trendy and aimed at a younger audience than your usual farmers markets.
There are lots of beer and wine bars with incredible food.
It is more on the high end of a Cape Town locals budget.
But Oranjezicht isnt Cape Towns only noteworthy market.
“Dont sleep on the vintage clothes at Old Biscuit Mill.
Ive found some of my favorite pieces there.
One of Abbeys favorite local haunts isThe Strangers Clubcafe, located in the fashionable Green Point neighborhood.
Another must-visit dining establishment isOuzeri, an upscale Mediterranean restaurant in the heart of the city.
Both are uncompromising on food.
Nearby,The Gin Baris another charming spot for a night out with friends.
A final destination worth visiting isThe Bungalow, a popular beachfront restaurant in the luxe Camps Bay neighborhood.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Just outside the city center lie the majesticKirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
Dont miss the sereneTree Canopy Walkway, which features views of iconic Table Mountain and Cape Towns verdant landscape.
“A traditional South African braai [happens on] quite a wide range of occasions.
Its loved ones getting together to cook food over a fire.
It generally involves boerewors (sausage) and kebabs.
“And many of our spices, salads, and desserts descend from the Cape Malay population.
It was the perfect way to end a superb stay in Cape Town.
Cape Town has become one of my all-time favorite cities, distinctly African but with European energy.
Its an excellent place for taking a more off-the-beaten-path approach for an unforgettable, well-rounded local experience.
