Have you just planned a trip to Cape Town, South Africa? Are you wondering how you will spend your days? To give you an idea of what to expect, I have put together “the perfect Cape Town day” – this is of course just one of many options, and you are guaranteed a perfect holiday no matter what you do.
No matter which accommodation in Cape Town you go for, once you step out to explore, the possibilities are endless. I have chosen 3 different, yet complementing activities that will show you a little bit of everything Cape Town has to offer – this would be the ideal first day outing, giving you a glimpse of what is possible.
1. Breakfast by the ocean
Even if you come from a seaside town, having breakfast by the ocean is not something you can get tired of – and if you are coming from a busy city life, then starting your day off with a delicious breakfast overlooking the sea is not to be missed. Here are 3 top spots for the perfect ocean breakfast:
a) Camps Bay beach front
b) Olympia Café and Deli in Kalk Bay
c) Newport Deli in Mouille Point
2. Walk, explore, and shop
After your hearty breakfast, if you are in Kalk Bay, take a moment to explore the trendy and quaint shops found along the Main Road – peep up the small alleyways and take a look at the hidden treasures. Both Camps Bay and Mouille Point offer you the opportunity to take a long walk by the beach, taking in the fresh sea air.
So, what’s next? Just before midday, I would suggest you make a stop at the V&A Waterfront. If you are coming from Kalk Bay, it will take you approximately 30 minutes to get back to Cape Town, 10 minutes from Mouille Point, and about 15 minutes from Camps Bay. The V&A Waterfront will keep you occupied for the remainder of the day – spend your time browsing through shops where you will find top fashion labels, African arts and crafts, jewellery shops, techno gadgets, toy stores, and anything else you can think of – the Waterfront has it all!
Just when you think you can’t walk around anymore, and you are just about ready for lunch, wonder outside towards the harbour and have your pick of over 80 restaurants – you will find Italian, seafood, Asian, Greek, Thai, kid-friendly and Latin restaurants (just to name a few). Decide what you feel like and spend a couple of hours relaxing, eating good food and drinking some excellent South African wine.
3. Unwind and treat yourself
It is very possible that after lunch you might want to retreat back to your accommodation and have a little power-nap – in fact, I suggest you do just that. If you are in Cape Town during summer, the evenings are to be enjoyed just as much as the days – the summer air is inviting and rejuvenating, so in the early evening put on your best outfit and make your way to one of these top venues.
a) The Grand Café and Beach, where your table is literally on the beach – sip your cocktail and eat your dinner while your feet rest in the sand.
b) Moyo in Blouberg is an African inspired restaurant, which overlooks the ocean and offers only the best seafood and mojitos.
c) The Roundhouse is situated in the Camps Bay mountainside, sheltered from everything except the breath-taking views of the bay. You can look forward to a classic European menu with a slight South African influence and an experience you will never forget.
There you have it, one the most perfect Cape Town days – yes, it is rather jam-packed, but what this day will do is offer you an opportunity to see what this city is all about. At the V&A Waterfront you will be exposed to many other attractions and sight-seeing possibilities, the staff at the restaurants can offer insights into other must-see places, and the travel to and from the abovementioned spots will also open your eyes to various other wonderful sights and activities. This day is guaranteed to start your holiday off with a bang!
Bio:
Klara Loots, founder of Lotus Media (and a proud Capetonian), is a freelance writer for Cape Town accommodation sites, fashion and beauty, travel, gifts and décor, and business sites.
