Cape Town

Why Cape Town

Cape Town is the kind of city where you can hike a flat-topped mountain before lunch, taste world-class wine in Stellenbosch by afternoon, and watch the sunset from Camps Bay beach by evening. Table Mountain dominates the skyline and the city wraps around it beautifully. The V&A Waterfront is the commercial heart, Bo-Kaap's colorful houses are Instagram gold, and the Cape Peninsula drive to Cape Point is one of the most scenic road trips on the planet. The exchange rate makes South Africa incredibly good value — fine dining for $30, excellent wine for $5/bottle.

Top Experiences

• Table Mountain Cable Car & Hike — Take the rotating cable car up or hike Platteklip Gorge (2-3 hours). The 360-degree views from the top are the defining Cape Town experience.
• Cape Peninsula Full-Day Tour — Drive Chapman's Peak, visit the penguins at Boulders Beach, stand at the Cape of Good Hope. An all-day adventure that covers the city's most dramatic scenery.
• Stellenbosch Wine Tasting — The Cape Winelands are 45 minutes from the city. Three to four estates in a day with guided tastings, vineyard tours, and lunch at a wine farm.

Where to Stay

Sea Point and Green Point offer walkable neighborhoods with ocean views, restaurants, and promenade access at $60-120/night. Camps Bay is the luxury beach strip — beautiful but pricier. The City Bowl (around Kloof Street) is central and vibrant. For budget stays, Observatory and Woodstock have creative energy and hostels from $15-25/night. Use Uber for getting around — it's safe, cheap, and widely available.

Flight Tips

Fly into Cape Town International Airport (CPT). No direct US flights — connect through Johannesburg (2hr domestic hop), Dubai, or London. The flight is long but worth it. Book 6-8 weeks ahead. South African summer (November-March) is peak season with the best weather. Winter (June-August) is cooler and wetter but whale watching season and fewer tourists.