Cape Town in 5 Nights

Today’s sponsored post about a city I would love to visit someday is written by Kerri Prissman, a travel writer for Thomas Cook by day and a Cape Town admirer and adventurer by night.

Cape Town in 5 Nights

Cape Town, dubbed as the ‘Mother City’ of South Africa, is revered for being one of the most beautiful cities in the world. No-one can argue with majestic landscapes, gorgeous beaches, friendly locals and delectable, yet affordable, food. Flying into Cape Town offers travellers a first glimpse of what the city has to offer, with panoramic views of its skyline leaving you wanting more.

This Cape Town guide is packed with the best that the Mother City has to offer, and handy insider tips, so you can continue your backpacking holiday knowing that you ‘covered Cape Town’. But be warned: once the Cape Town bug bites, you’ll be drawn back many times by its charm.

Photo by: moron noodle, on Flickr

Pre-departure

South Africa is generally a safe country to visit if you’re careful, but a travel policy is still essential, as good medical care is costly.

Arrival

Airport taxis are known to be over-priced at Cape Town International. Make your way to the Transport Plaza, in front of the new airport terminal building for an affordable airport shuttle bus to the heart of the city centre. Tickets will cost you around $7 (one way). The bus station is minutes away from Long Street, which is considered to be the backpacking hub of Cape Town.

Selecting hostel accommodation on Long Street is advisable, as vibrant nightlife presents itself right on the hostel’s doorstep. Travellers will also have the opportunity to try Cape Town’s finest budget cuisine on the Long Street strip at all hours of the night. The delicious and cheap local street food, such as bobotie, shwarmas and samoosas, is a must. Look for popular street food vendors that other travellers and locals frequent to be assured of quality.

Photo by: Marc_Smith, on Flickr

Hop On Hop Off Thursday

The blue mini-peninsula tour bus stops at 13 iconic Cape Town locations including the stunning Kirstenbosch botanical gardens, The World of Birds and the District Six Museum.This tour has recently included a wine tour stop of the Constantia Wine Valley, one of the Cape’s most distinguished wine-making regions.

A one day pass costs you $15 and can be purchased online or at the ticket offices located outside the Two Oceans Aquarium, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, where the tour departs. Buses leave every 35 minutes until 6:35 p.m. (winter) and 7:20 p.m. (summer).

The fun doesn’t have to stop when you return home to your hostel, though. Your first night in the city should be one of celebrations. Try the following great haunts on Long Street:

● Vredenburg Lane, Off Long: Julep Bar for its creative cocktails starting at $2
● 226: Fiction for Drum and Base Thursdays (entrance $6.50)
● 98: Zula Bar for Live music.
● 158: After your Long Street late night shenanigans, pop into Mr Pickwicks, and have the perfect hangover anecdote — the famous Oreo or peppermint crisp flavoured milkshakes.

Photo by: yTravelBlog, on Flickr

Table Mountain Friday

Embrace the outdoors and become one with nature by hiking up Table Mountain. Table Mountain is Cape Town’s crowning scenic glory that stands over 1000m tall and has over 300 track paths. Skeleton Gorge is the most popular hiking trail and does not require high levels of fitness, however ensuring you are healthy and agile is important. It will take roughly 6 hours to the summit of the mountain. Guided hiking tours are also available from various tour operators if you fear attempting the climb unaccompanied.

Those who would prefer a more leisurely climb can opt to travel on the modern cable cars. Tickets can be bought for $24 return and cables depart from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Photo by: eGuide Travel, on Flickr

Organic Saturday

Saturday in Cape Town means a visit to the Old Biscuit Mill, 375 Albert Road Woodstock. The Old Biscuit Mill is open from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. and the food is an eccentric mix of fresh baked goods, vegan eats and larger-than-life freshly made pizzas and steak rolls with saucy relishes — all made from strictly organic produce. A popular hang out for boho-chic Capetonians, as well as tourists, it is the perfect environment to mingle and meet interesting and creative individuals.

Walk off your brunch with a stroll on Government Avenue, home to the plush Company Gardens, the parliamentary buildings, the South African National Gallery and the Planetarium — all of which are worth a visit. Be sure to catch the lunch time Planetarium show on Saturdays for $2.60, and stop off to feed the squirrels.

Photo by: bobangus, on Flickr

Kalky’s Sunday

Take the Metrorail to Kalk Bay, a hip, small coastal port town on the Cape peninsula. Kalk Bay is the perfect walking day outing. The first stop should be the Kalk Bay Harbour, off Main Road, where you can buy fresh catches of Cape salmon, snoek and yellowtail from local fisherman at budget prices. When you’ve worked up an appetite, head across the harbour to the famous Brass Bell restaurant, built directly on the water, and sample some fresh fish dishes like calamari and yellowtail for great deals starting at $8 a main course.

The shopping in Kalk Bay, although limited, is still very interesting with quaint book stores selling first editions and antique and boutique clothing shops with one-of-a-kind items for sale. End the day with affordable sun-downers at Cape To Cuba before heading back to the city.

Photo by: kiryna, on Flickr

Beach Brunch Monday

Begin your day with a leisurely stroll on the Seapoint Promenade and stop off for freshly baked croissants from Cafe Neo, opposite the Lighthouse. Continue your lazy Monday with a relaxing day on Clifton Beach, Victoria Road, known for its immaculate white sands, glistening water and sea breeze. Take a picnic full of goodies from New York Bagels, a famous Seapoint bakery on 51 Regent Rd, and grab freshly baked salmon bagels and hot dogs with prices ranging from $1.50-$5.

Shake off the sand and make sure to fit some shopping time into your schedule before you depart. Visit Green Market Square, between Shortmarket and Longmarket Street in Town, to buy African curious as a reminder of the beautiful African spirit of Cape Town.

Photo by: eGuide Travel, on Flickr

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Have you visited Cape Town? What else would you suggest adding to an itinerary?

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