Cape Town – How to Get Off the Beaten Path
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| Cape Town – Get Off the Beaten Path |
Everyone knows that Cape Town has tons to offer when it comes to tourist attractions. Cape Town is famous for its beaches, including Camps Bay Beach, Clifton Beach, and Llandudno Beach (and many others besides), as well as the iconic Table Mountain National Park, the Cape of Good Hope, and other man-made attractions such as its world-famous golf clubs, the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, and a bevvy of restaurants, entertainment venues, and more.
But if you are set to spend a few days in this lively city, it also pays to go where no tourist has gone before. Mind you, even though Cape Town is a tourist paradise, there are plenty of things to see and do in this city that are far from the madding crowd.
So if you would like to go off the beaten path, experience Cape Town at its finest, and get a glimpse of its secret attractions, let’s take a look at what you can expect from Cape Town’s hidden attractions.
Cape Town restaurants and eateries
Whilst Cape Town boasts a plethora of restaurants and eateries spread throughout the city, there’s nothing like finding a good dining place where you can feel an authentic vibe. One of these eateries is C’est La Vie, located off the shops in Kalk Bay and down a quaint cobbled street. This café is the essence of Paris in Cape Town, with its freshly-baked bread and good brew.
Cape Town is also famous for its food markets, but the Porter Estate market in Constancia Valley is in a world of its own. The market features ubiquitous fresh produce as well as farm-style breakfasts, and it is only open on Saturdays from 9 in the morning until 1 in the afternoon.
Cape Town outdoor escapes
Cape Town is known for the great outdoors, of course, but if you would like to get away from the intense sun and sand at the beaches, even for a few hours, you can visit the Crystal Pools. The pools are accessible with a 45-minute hike from Gordons Bay.
You can take a refreshing dip at one of the many pools and waterfalls, and spend time getting to know the baboons populating the area. To visit, get a visitor permit from the Cape Town City Council’s Department of Parks and Forests.
Another great day trip is to Simon’s Town, which involves a scenic ride on a train past Cape Town’s stunning beaches and landscapes. Simon’s Town is where you can see 1,000 adorable penguins nestling in Boulders Beach, and this former navy base is also strewn with historical buildings and charming cafes.
Cape Town night entertainment
Although Cape Town may have a vibrant, pulsating nightlife, it’s nice to get away from the crowds once in a while. For this, you can go to Tagore, along Trill Road in the Observatory, where you can relax in small, Bohemian-inspired rooms and play board games.
Tagore also features live music, the same as another watering hole, Julep, which is in the central business district on Vredenburg Lane and near Long Street. Julep sets itself apart as a cosy cocktail lounge where people can relax and just be themselves.
If you would want your stay in Cape Town to be truly memorable, however, it’s also important to choose the right hotel. Hotels in Cape Town are plentiful, and when it comes to choosing between hotels in Cape Town, you can take your pick at locally-based travel sites like Tsogo Sun.
Cape Town Serenades Tourists with its Diversity
With the fabled Table Mountains imparting a stunning backdrop, scintillating beaches lining its shoreline and spectacular vineyards giving exhilarating sights, the destination called Cape Town amazes tourists with its fun-loving and sociable culture. Several options of windsurfing and mountain climbing make Cape Town one of the most admired destinations in South Africa and the world.
This multicultural city draws tourists in hordes who board flights to Cape Town from different corners of the world. The city might be glowing with the golden splendour of the legendary Table Mountains but this spectacular mountain is not the sole attraction here. The city has several tourist attractions that include museums art galleries, parks and places of religious worship.
The Castle of Good Hope is the oldest surviving building in the country. The magnificent building built between 1666 and 1679 is commonly referred to as ‘The Castle’ by locals. The tourists visiting this building could spot extensive displays of historical military paraphernalia and art collection among other things. If you have some extra time at your disposal you can sip coffee at the adjacent cafe. The tourists can further take a cable ride to the top of the Table Mountains which offers a commanding view of the city.
The brave hearts can hike to the summit. V&A Waterfront with its amazing shopping, entertaining and dining possibilities further enhances its appeal. Those who are searching for green spaces should head for Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens where indigenous flora and fauna are raring to welcome you.
Robben Island situated off the coast of Cape Town reminds you of apartheid days. It is the place where political prisoners like Nelson Mandela and the late Walter Sisulu were kept. Museums, art galleries and places of worship further add to the list of tourist attractions.
Besides its fabled tourist attractions, the city also serenades tourists with its fabulous dining options. Tourists visiting this city never forget to buy bids as souvenirs. Most of the tourists visit Bo-Kaap where collections of jewellery and ornaments are on display. Greenmarket Square is another place where tribal paintings and ingenious sculptural work can be purchased.
The city has several shopping malls where one can buy designer labels. The city of Cape Town is also well known for its nightlife and entertainment options and one of the reasons to board business class flights to Cape Town. There are various restaurants, nightclubs and bars to make your tour enjoyable. With accommodation and dining options of every range, Cape Town is a perfect destination for tourists.
