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 bought 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? Do you have to be fearful? 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 primarily based on our private expertise after we traveled to South Africa.
Will it’s the affordability and quick access to key sights of the town heart? Perhaps the V&A Waterfront, the place you may store, eat, and take Instagram-worthy photographs each 5 steps? Or, maybe Stellenbosch, which is technically exterior 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 Middle (aka Metropolis Bowl)
Metropolis heart, Metropolis Bowl, downtown. Don’t be confused. All of them consult with the identical factor. The Cape City metropolis heart is known as the Metropolis Bowl due to its distinctive geographic form, like a bowl surrounded by mountains. However no matter you need to name it, one factor is true: it’s the coronary heart of the town — vibrant and energetic.
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 perhaps catching a unusual avenue efficiency. Plus, you’re near public transport, making it tremendous straightforward to get round.
However right here’s the catch—as soon as the solar goes down, it will get somewhat… properly, difficult. Cape City is constantly among the many most harmful cities on earth.
We deliberately spent some nights within the metropolis heart to debunk its popularity for being unsafe. The locals we met instructed 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 unhealthy expertise right here however we have been cautious. Perhaps use Uber if you get caught exterior previous sundown.
However why do vacationers nonetheless select to remain right here? Other than 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 somewhat offbeat. Far out of your typical chain lodging, it’s recognized 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 bogs, and free Wi-Fi, however don’t count on lavish extras like room service or a pool. And so they bought the friendliest, most useful workers. They helped us decide the place to eat, the place to get a cup of excellent 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 grow to be a go-to for vacationers on the lookout for one thing with character and appeal. It’s not the fanciest resort within the metropolis, but it surely’s undoubtedly bought soul.
V&A Waterfront
Now we’re speaking! However earlier than I talk about V&A Waterfront, let’s discuss concerning the larger Atlantic Seaboard first. Cape City’s Atlantic Seaboard is a piece of the town’s shoreline that runs alongside the western facet of the Cape Peninsula, bordering the Atlantic Ocean (therefore the title).
It’s finest recognized 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 protected selections for vacationers, however essentially the most ideally suited of all of them is V&A Waterfront.
Why? It provides 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 bounce 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 stylish brunch spots. You’ll get one of the best of each worlds right here.
Downsides? It could possibly get touristy and a bit expensive, however actually, 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 bought a cool, youthful vibe, with daring scarlet colours and a really Instagrammable aesthetic. Suppose large 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 onerous 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 essential particulars of our keep.
By way of value, Radisson RED sits within the center. It’s not a price range 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 cheap. No marvel most journey companies like Constellation Travels select this as lodging for his or her shoppers.
If you would like quick access to Cape City’s finest sights, good vibes, and somewhat 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 extremely shut —- about 50 minutes northeast– and is a favourite amongst those that need a extra stress-free, extra romantic, extra particular South African getaway. It’s a part of the Cape Winelands area and is thought for its stunning vineyards, historic structure, and vibrant college city ambiance.
Staying right here offers you entry to some unbelievable wineries, the place you may style wine, wander the gardens, and reside out your “I’m in a winery scene from a rom-com” fantasy. It’s additionally bought a fairly notable meals scene, with eating places serving the whole lot from high quality eating to farm-to-table fare.
We not too long ago bought an invitation to remain in a single day at Lanzerac Resort and Spa in Stellenbosch, and it hits completely different. In the event you’re after old-world magnificence and pure indulgence, this five-star resort is perhaps 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 in some way 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 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 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 star.
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 fantastically manicured gardens and pathways.
Now, let’s discuss concerning the meals. Lanzerac has 4 on-site eating spots:
- Manor Kitchen
- Lanzerac Deli
- Taphuis
- Craven Lounge
We solely bought to attempt 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 constructed from 100% Pinotage grapes. Which may not be pairing in any respect, however I needed one thing fragrant to flush down the savoriness of my appetizer.
Vins, alternatively, 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 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 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 terms of wine.
In the event you’re fascinated about wines, we have been instructed the wine-tasting room is a should for friends who need to pattern their award-winning vintages. However we as a result of we had very restricted time, we didn’t get to attempt it. We didn’t get to discover the remainder of the property as we might be leaving early the following morning.
On the flip facet, Stellenbosch is a bit removed from the primary Cape City sights, so should you’re trying to combine up your seaside and metropolis sightseeing with wine tastings, the journey time generally is a drag. But when your fundamental objective is to unwind and sip vino otherwise you merely need to get away from all of it, Stellenbosch may 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 completely 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 the event you’re on a price range or on a backpacking journey, the Metropolis Bowl (metropolis heart) provides plenty of reasonably priced lodging choices with robust sense of neighborhood and in shut proximity to plenty of key sights. Simply be cautious when going round at evening.
- In the event you’re after comfort and security, the V&A Waterfront actually is one of the best place to remain. All the pieces is inside straightforward attain from right here, from buying spots to excursions to eating places. Even the opposite well-known neighborhoods may be simply reached if you’re staying right here.
- In the event you’re after an expensive keep away from all of it, then select Stellenbosch. It’s additionally ideally suited for many who are celebrating one thing particular like honeymoon or anniversary.
Every has its personal character and appeals to very completely 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 you could observe additional warning and areas you could keep away from, however it may be achieved.
That stated, for Filipinos like us, South Africa is a kind of locations that really feel like once-in-a-lifetime, and should you’re in Cape City to loosen up and don’t need to consider the rest, 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 concentrate on what actually issues: having fun with your trip.
Touring in another country can generally really feel overwhelming. In case you have extra price range than time, go for it. They’ll maintain your visas, flight bookings, and lodging. Plus, they provide 24/7 assist, so that you’re by no means left hanging.
Get in contact with Constellation Travels by means of these contact numbers and electronic mail handle, or go to their official web site at constellationtravels.com.ph.
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