For me, Cape Town in South Africa is the most beautiful city on the continent. Nowhere else do so many cultures, cuisines and landscapes come together against the iconic backdrop of Table Mountain. Here are my top 4 tips for things you definitely shouldn't miss.
1. Walk through the brightly colored Bo-Kaap district
Cobblestone streets lead up to Signal Hill. Houses in yellow, pink, turquoise, light green and all the other colors of the rainbow line the street on both sides. Small galleries and cafés invite you to linger.
My tip: The most beautiful streets are: Chiappini, Rose and Wale.
The name Bo-Kaap comes from Afrikaans and means something like "above the Cape". Bo-Kaap is one of the oldest parts of Cape Town. It was created in the 18th century when the Dutch East India Company brought people from Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India and Malaysia to Cape Town as workers.
In the middle of the last century, the apartheid government of the time decided that only Muslims were allowed to live in Bo-Kaap. Although this law was repealed when apartheid ended, 90 percent of the residents are still Muslim. You can see this in the many graffiti. Many houses have been lovingly restored. The colorful buildings are regularly repainted so that they are always brightly colored.
If you are interested in the history and culture of this district, you should visit the Bo-Kaap Museum , which is housed in one of the oldest houses, dating back to 1760.
2. Hike up the iconic Table Mountain
South Africa is an outdoor paradise: Here is my tip for Cape Town:
The hike through the Platteklip Gorge to Table Mountain is an indescribable experience. Step by step you climb the slope, past colorful flowers ... with every step you take, a new view of Africa's most beautiful city and the sea opens up. On the narrow cliff path to the summit of Table Mountain, Maclear's Beacon, you have wonderful views and great picnic opportunities.
My tip: If you havetime ,on your hands I would recommend the climb through the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden.
You can return by cable car or on one of the many hiking trails.
3. The V&A Waterfront - gourmet and shopping paradise at the harbor
You haven't been to Cape Town if you haven't seen the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. It is lined with magnificent old houses and docks that would be more at home in Holland than in Africa.
My tip: you can buy great souvenirs here
A red clock tower stands in stark contrast to the subtly grey buildings. The old, lovingly restored wharf sheds are home to great craft shops and many cafes and restaurants. Here, in the heart of modern Cape Town, you can enjoy fresh seafood in first-class fish restaurants or sit down in one of the trendy cafes and enjoy the breathtaking view of the water and Table Mountain.
4. Sundowner on Camps Bay beach.
Okay, I admit it: Camps Bay and I, it was love at first sight. The scenery on the beach is simply spectacular, on the left you can see the twelve apostles (mountains) with their feet stretched out into the roaring sea.
My tip: be here in time 1 hour before sunset
Life happens on the beach. Children running back and forth screaming with the waves, a man proposing to his girlfriend, young people playing volleyball, a guy in a suit working out on a fitness machine set up on the beach while talking on the phone, and the fiery red sun sinking into the sea behind the surf and the cliffs. For me, it's a sight to fall in love with! A sundowner in one of the many restaurants or cafés (for example in the Mantra Café or Café Caprice ) that line the beach is the crowning glory of a fantastic day in the most beautiful city in Africa.
information
General information
Getting there and around
Rental car for a week from 110€ e.g. at www.billiger-mietwagen.de .
The MyCiTi buses are a cheap and convenient way to get around Cape Town. Get a myconnect card to use public transport and explore the city stress-free.
We booked short rides with Uber and found it convenient and safe.
Sleep
The pretty, green and white painted Casa Del Sonder is centrally located, but still quiet and above all safe, opposite the police station in a historic building. From the roof terrace (with a small pool!) you have a view of Table Mountain. Here you can enjoy delicious sourdough bread with various toppings in the morning. All rooms are super cute and individually decorated.
There is a café downstairs in the building, which the police officers from across the street also like to visit. They assured me that I could walk around with my camera during the day.
Since last year, the same owners also have an Airbnb in Muizenberg .
Food and Drink
Cape Town Sonder Café . Camps Bay Mantra Café , or Café Caprice