Want to Travel to Cape Town? Here are a Few Tips
Cape Town is a comfortable and straightforward place to visit, and if this is your first trip, your biggest challenge may be cramming all of the city's noteworthy attractions into your limited time. However, with a few pointers and insider knowledge of the city, you'll be able to make the most of your visit and leave South Africa longing to return. The following tips will lead you to book a Cape Town flight for your next holiday trip.
The city centre would be an ideal place to stay
If you are visiting Cape Town for the first time, you'll want to stay near the city. Though picturesque accommodation photos may tempt you to visit suburbs such as Big Bay, Blouberg, Muizenberg, Kalk Bay, and the Winelands, the reality is that the outlying suburbs are sleepy and difficult to reach without a car.
Instead, try to stay in a central location – anything in the "City Bowl" would suffice, or if you're ready to spend a little more, the Atlantic Seaboard offers spectacular vistas and a taste of the high life.
Tourist attractions and places are expensive
Some enterprises specialise in bringing people in and assisting them in parting with their hard-earned money, just as there are in any developed tourist city. Some are simple to locate and lovely to walk around, but they're too expensive.
Others, such as curio markets and some enticing restaurants and stores, are better at concealing it until the bill arrives following a disappointing visit. Suppose money isn't an issue, splurge on that spectacular sea view or opulent cocktail. Do some study and follow the locals if you're searching for a good deal. It is essential to work within your budget if you go on holiday.
Safety should be a priority even in the safe city
If you're visiting Cape Town for the first time, you're worried about your safety and security. The truth is that there are some dangerous areas in the city, but if you keep your wits about you, you should be OK. Please don't show off your valuables, and never leave them alone on the car seat or in the boot.
Leave irreplaceable documents and valuables at home if you're going on a hike. Stick to cash withdrawals from well-lit, public automatic teller machines, and politely but firmly decline any help from those loitering nearby. As in any big city, there are opportunists eager to take advantage of tourists, but those who are intelligent and aware of the situation will likely deter any would-be crooks.
Create activities that align with the weather
The weather in Cape Town is the Mediterranean, and depending on which side of the mountain you are on, the weather can be drastically different. It's hot but windy in the summer, and it's not too chilly in the winter, but it can rain for several days in a row. When the weather starts to change, there are plenty of things to do.
With the weather changing, you might want to check if the cable cars are used and head directly for the peak. Is there a breeze? Take a pleasant drive or go kitesurfing. Are you depressed because of the rain? Look for a cosy winery with a crackling fire. In Cape Town, it's easy to be irritated by the weather, but the best approach is to use the chances presented by good weather.
Out of town is an excellent plan for wine lovers
As impressive as Cape Town is, the neighbouring wine vineyards are well worth a day or two. You can't go wrong with Constantia, just a short drive from the city if you're seeking to get away from the city for a few hours and enjoy some fantastic wines.
However, if you're a true wine connoisseur, an overnight stay in nearby Franschhoek could be preferable. You'll be free of the pressures of a hectic day trip and within walking distance of at least a dozen world-class wine estates and restaurants, some of which you can visit during your 24-hour stay.
It would help if you booked restaurants and hotels in advance
There are dozens of outstanding restaurants to visit in Cape Town, which has become the world's gourmet capital. Many restaurants accept walk-ins or last-minute reservations, especially during the off-season, but others, such as the Test Kitchen and La Colombe, are booked months in advance. If dining out is a big part of your trip, plan. If not, a nighttime stroll down Bree Street, where various eateries will offer up a high-quality meal, is a great option.
Choose the off-peak period
If you have a say when you visit Cape Town, avoid the end-of-year rush. From late November to early February, you'll be fighting crowds and paying a premium to do so, even though the weather is perfect and the atmosphere is electrifying. Although the weather is more unpredictable in the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn, you'll have several significant attractions to yourself and find some great offers.
The city bus would be a great experience
Although Cape Town's public transportation is superior to many other South African towns, it might not be very clear for first-time visitors. If you stay in the city centre, you can grab a MyCiti bus to most sites and remote locations.
From the airport, there is also a direct bus to the CBD. For the most up-to-date route information, use the MyCiti app or visit the mobile website. If you don't hire a car during your trip, you'll almost certainly need to take private transportation at some point. In this instance, using Uber or Taxify is the safest and cheapest option.
What's a trip without outdoor time?
While Cape Town has fantastic restaurants and museums, as well as some fascinating inside activities, you'll want to spend time outside to get the most out of the city. You may easily spend a day exploring the mountain if you're a keen hiker, while beachgoers will enjoy the unspoiled coastline.
Even if you're not a big fan of the outdoors, it's worth spending the time to ride the cable car to the top of the mountain, walk along the beach, or drive to a gorgeous viewpoint. You'll be OK with a nice pair of walking shoes, sunscreen, and a few water bottles.
