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 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? Do you have to be frightened? 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 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 once we traveled to South Africa.
Will or not it’s the affordability and quick access to key sights of town middle? Perhaps the V&A Waterfront, the place you’ll be able to 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 discuss with the identical factor. The Cape City metropolis middle is named 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 town — vibrant and energetic.
Staying right here offers you fast entry to a few of the greatest eating places, museums, and outlets. By day, it’s a enjoyable place to discover, and also you’ll end up bouncing between espresso outlets, 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 a bit of… properly, 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 fame 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 employees of the lodge we had been staying in. This sort of made us barely extra nervous.
So yeah, Metropolis Bowl’s nice, we didn’t have any unhealthy expertise right here however we had been cautious. Perhaps use Uber while you get caught outdoors previous sundown.
However why do vacationers nonetheless select to remain right here? Other than 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 a bit of 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 getting into Cape City’s inventive 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 count on lavish extras like room service or a pool. And so they obtained the friendliest, most useful employees. 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 lodge 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 lodge within the metropolis, however it’s positively obtained soul.
V&A Waterfront
Now we’re speaking! However earlier than I focus on V&A Waterfront, let’s discuss in regards to the better Atlantic Seaboard first. Cape City’s Atlantic Seaboard is a piece of town’s shoreline that runs alongside the western facet of the Cape Peninsula, bordering the Atlantic Ocean (therefore the title).
It’s greatest 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 usually secure selections for vacationers, however probably the most preferrred 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 town middle, 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 stylish brunch spots. You’ll get the most effective of each worlds right here.
Downsides? It could get touristy and a bit dear, however truthfully, the comfort and vibe are value 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, trendy cousin of the Radisson household.
It’s obtained a cool, youthful vibe, with daring scarlet colours and a really Instagrammable aesthetic. Assume 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 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 necessary particulars of our keep.
By way of worth, Radisson RED sits within the center. It’s not a funds lodge, 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 surprise most journey companies like Constellation Travels select this as lodging for his or her purchasers.
If you’d like quick access to Cape City’s greatest sights, good vibes, and a bit of 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 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 environment.
Staying right here offers you entry to some unbelievable wineries, the place you’ll be able to style wine, wander the gardens, and stay out your “I’m in a winery scene from a rom-com” fantasy. It’s additionally obtained a fairly notable meals scene, with eating places serving all the things from high quality eating to farm-to-table fare.
We just lately obtained an invitation to remain in a single day at Lanzerac Lodge and Spa in Stellenbosch, and it hits completely different. When you’re after old-world class and pure indulgence, this five-star lodge could be for you. The lodge is housed in one of many oldest wine estates within the nation, relationship 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 celeb.
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 superbly manicured gardens and pathways.
Now, let’s discuss in regards to the meals. Lanzerac has 4 on-site eating spots:
- Manor Kitchen
- Lanzerac Deli
- Taphuis
- Craven Lounge
We solely obtained to attempt the Manor Kitchen, however its menu was stuffed 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 created from 100% Pinotage grapes. That may not be 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 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 the case of wine.
When you’re occupied with wines, we had been advised 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 subsequent morning.
On the flip facet, Stellenbosch is a bit removed from the principle Cape City sights, so for those who’re seeking to combine up your seaside and metropolis sightseeing with wine tastings, the journey time is usually a drag. But when your fundamental purpose is to unwind and sip vino otherwise you merely need 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 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 keen to spend.
- When you’re on a funds or on a backpacking journey, the Metropolis Bowl (metropolis middle) provides a number of inexpensive lodging choices with robust sense of neighborhood and in shut proximity to a number of key sights. Simply be cautious when going round at night time.
- When you’re after comfort and security, the V&A Waterfront actually is the most effective place to remain. Every part is inside simple attain from right here, from buying spots to excursions to eating places. Even the opposite well-known neighborhoods will be simply reached while you’re staying right here.
- When you’re after an expensive avoid all of it, then select Stellenbosch. It’s additionally preferrred for individuals who are celebrating one thing particular like honeymoon or anniversary.
Every has its personal character and appeals to very completely different markets and varieties 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 inform you that it may be explored DIY-style. There are some areas the place you should observe further warning and areas you should keep away from, however it may be completed.
That mentioned, for Filipinos like us, South Africa is a type of locations that really feel like once-in-a-lifetime, and for those who’re in Cape City to loosen up and don’t need to consider anything, then go forward and ebook 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 effort out of planning, letting you concentrate on what actually issues: having fun with your trip.
Touring out of the country can typically really feel overwhelming. If in case you have extra funds than time, go for it. They’ll maintain 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 means of these contact numbers and e mail tackle, or go to their official web site at constellationtravels.com.ph.
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