Cape City. The 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 acquired a little bit of a rep for being, nicely, let’s say, ‘thrilling’ in methods you don’t at all times need after darkish. However is it true? Must you be anxious? And which space must you 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 tougher 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 once we traveled to South Africa.
Will it’s the affordability and quick access to key points of interest of town middle? Possibly the V&A Waterfront, the place you possibly can store, eat, and take Instagram-worthy photographs each 5 steps? Or, maybe Stellenbosch, which is technically outdoors Cape City, however hey, nothing says safe like being surrounded by infinite vineyards and the worst that may occur is maxing out your bank card?
Cape City Metropolis Middle (aka Metropolis Bowl)
Metropolis middle, Metropolis Bowl, downtown. Don’t be confused. All of them seek advice from the identical factor. The Cape City metropolis middle is 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 town — vibrant and energetic.
Staying right here provides you fast entry to a few of the greatest 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 perhaps catching a unusual avenue 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… nicely, difficult. Cape City is constantly among the many most harmful cities on earth.
We deliberately spent some nights within the metropolis middle to debunk its popularity for being unsafe. The locals we met advised 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 in addition they discouraged us from roaming the streets downtown after darkish, particularly alone. That features the workers of the resort we have 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 have been cautious. Possibly use Uber while you get caught outdoors previous sundown.
However why do vacationers nonetheless select to remain right here? Except for accessibility, it’s additionally very budget-friendly. On our previous couple of 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 appears like moving into Cape City’s artistic scene itself.
As for facilities, the rooms are cozy and so they include simply the fundamentals: comfortable beds, ensuite bogs, and free Wi-Fi, however don’t anticipate lavish extras like room service or a pool. And so they acquired the friendliest, most useful workers. 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 must 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 in search of one thing with character and allure. It’s not the fanciest resort within the metropolis, nevertheless it’s positively acquired soul.
V&A Waterfront
Now we’re speaking! However earlier than I focus on V&A Waterfront, let’s speak in regards to the higher Atlantic Seaboard first. Cape City’s Atlantic Seaboard is a piece of town’s shoreline that runs alongside the western aspect of the Cape Peninsula, bordering the Atlantic Ocean (therefore the identify).
It’s greatest identified for its breathtaking views, stunning seashores, and vibrant neighborhoods which might be extra prosperous than downtown together with Camps Bay, Bantry Bay, Sea Level, and Inexperienced Level. All of those are typically secure selections for vacationers, however essentially the most ultimate of all of them is V&A Waterfront.
Why? It affords 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 town middle, the place most museums and historic landmarks are positioned. And it’s additionally the leap off level for a lot of different actions like sundown cruises and helicopter rides. Plus, Sea Level and Inexperienced Level are close by if you need a quieter stick with seashores, cool promenade walks, and classy brunch spots. You’ll get the most effective of each worlds right here.
Downsides? It will probably get touristy and a bit dear, 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 midst of the motion. Radisson RED is the hip, fashionable cousin of the Radisson household.
It’s acquired 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 exhausting 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 finances resort, however regardless of the comfort, it’s not too costly. Anticipate costs to skyrocket in peak season like all issues do, however in lean and shoulder months, the charges are cheap. No marvel most journey businesses like Constellation Travels select this as lodging for his or her shoppers.
If you need quick access to Cape City’s greatest 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 desire 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 provides you entry to some unbelievable wineries, the place you possibly can style wine, wander the gardens, and stay out your “I’m in a winery scene from a rom-com” fantasy. It’s additionally acquired a reasonably notable meals scene, with eating places serving every little thing from positive eating to farm-to-table fare.
We not too long ago acquired an invitation to remain in a single day at Lanzerac Lodge and Spa in Stellenbosch, and it hits totally different. In case you’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 fashionable luxurious.
As we drove into the property, I couldn’t shake the sensation that I’d by some means stumbled onto a film set. The primary that greeted us was its cinematic rows of oak timber, 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 sport 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 have 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 celeb.
After settling in, simply when the solar was about to set, I ventured out to discover the property. The sprawling grounds have been a delight, with superbly 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 acquired to strive the Manor Kitchen, however its menu was full of 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 an excellent pairing in any respect, however I wished one thing fragrant to flush down the savoriness of my appetizer.
Vins, however, had crayfish cacio e pepe (ZAR 325), which used chive linguini with thermidor. It’s seafood and cheese goodness balanced nicely 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 believed 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 nicely 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 on the subject of wine.
In case you’re keen on wines, we have been advised the wine-tasting room is a should for company 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 when you’re seeking to combine up your seaside and metropolis sightseeing with wine tastings, the journey time could be a drag. But when your principal purpose is to unwind and sip vino otherwise you merely wish to get away from all of it, Stellenbosch would possibly simply be for you!
Which Space is the Finest?
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 prepared to spend.
- In case you’re on a finances or on a backpacking journey, the Metropolis Bowl (metropolis middle) affords quite a lot of inexpensive lodging choices with sturdy sense of group and in shut proximity to quite a lot of key points of interest. Simply be cautious when going round at night time.
- In case you’re after comfort and security, the V&A Waterfront actually is the most effective place to remain. Every little thing is inside simple attain from right here, from procuring spots to excursions to eating places. Even the opposite well-known neighborhoods might be simply reached while you’re staying right here.
- In case you’re after an expensive keep away from all of it, then select Stellenbosch. It’s additionally ultimate for many 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 might be remiss if I didn’t let you know that it may be explored DIY-style. There are some areas the place it’s essential to observe further warning and areas it’s essential to keep away from, however it may be accomplished.
That stated, for Filipinos like us, South Africa is a type of locations that really feel like once-in-a-lifetime, and when you’re in Cape City to loosen up and don’t wish to consider the rest, then go forward and e book a tour bundle. It does include advantages.
As one of the established journey businesses 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 in another country can typically really feel overwhelming. You probably have extra finances 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 tackle, or go to their official web site at constellationtravels.com.ph.
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