Voted as one of the  “Top Destinations of the World,” “Most Loved Cities of the World,” “Cities to Visit Before you Die,” etc.. – we found that Cape Town certainly lived up to the voting hype.  Aside from its breathtaking and romantic setting beneath the Tabletop Mountain at the foot of the African continent,  Cape Town also offers a mild Mediterranean-like weather, pleasant walkable streets lined with diversed architecture, world class dining, sophisticated accommodation,  lively art scene, moving historical museums, tranquil gardens, friendly multi-cultural people, etc.  Also, the spectacular Cape Winelands and Cape Peninsula lie ready to be explored within an hour away from the city. What’s not to love?

Let us share with you some of the sights and scenes we saw and experience during our enjoyable visit to this handsome metropolis

Table Mountain, Cape Town, South AfricaTable Top Mountain with its flat-topped silhouette is by far the most striking sight in Cape Town. You can hike or take the cable car to the top and  see the beautiful panorama of the city from above.

Table Mountain, Cape Town, South AfricaWe took  a cable car to the top one morning. Its top turned out to be covered with clouds, like a white table cloth, but we enjoyed its misty, mysterious atmosphere.

Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa

Left: Keith attempted to do some rock climvbing.  Right: A glimpse of the city below through the veil of clouds.

Rock Hyrax, Table Mountain, Cape Town, South AfricaWe found this adorable rock-hyrax perched on the steep part of the mountain.

Table Mountain, Cape Town, South AfricaThe vista of the city as we were descending from the mountain.

Business Disttict, Cape Town, South AfricaThe business district with Table Top Mountain in the background.

Marina, Cape Town, South AfricaA pretty marina made more scenic by the flat topped mountain behind it.

Marina, Cape Town, South Africa

 

Seals in Marina, Cape Town, South AfricaSeals sunbathing on the marina.

Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, South AfricaThe Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is the heart of Cape Town’s working harbor and the most visited destination in South Africa.

Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, South AfricaShopping and going for fun rides are just some of the many things you can do on the buzzing Waterfront.

Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, Souuth AfricaIt’s fun listening to the beats of the local musicians on the Waterfront

Victoria and Alfred Waterfront at night, Cape Town, South AfricaVictoria and Alfred Waterfront at night.

Victoria and Alfred Waterfront at night, Cape Town, South AfricaThe Waterfront is lined with trendy bars and restaurants and is very lively at night.

Cape Town Dining SceneLeft: Early happy hour at one of trendy bar/restaurant in the Waterfront with some fellow travelers we met. Right: Dinner at Baia, one of the top seafood restaurants in Cape Town. The city boasts fresh and delicious seafood.

Bo Kaap (Malay Quarter), Cape Town, South AfricaThe neighborhood of Bo Kaap, also known as the Malay Quarter, is a pleasant place to stroll around. It is lined with houses painted in vibrant colors.

Bo Kaap (Malay Quarter), Cape Town, South AfricaBo-Kaap was settled by the descendants of slaves brought over by the Dutch in the late 17th and 18th centuries. They originated from different parts of Southeast Asia, but were collectively referred to as “Cape Malay.”

Colorful Planters, Cape Town, South AfricaColorful planters on the city streets.

City Hall, Cape Town, South AfricaThis majestic Edwardian building is the city hall.

Architectures on Adderley Street, Cape Town, South AfricaElegant buildings lined up Adderley Street.

A square where slaves used to be sold, Cape Town, South AfricaThis lovely square has a dark history. It was the site where slaves were sold.

Green Market, Cape Town, South AfricaThe Green Market is a good place to shop for  local handicrafts and souvenirs.

Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, Cape Town, South Africa The beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden showcases the very rich indigenous South African floras. Although it was winter and not all flowers were in bloom, the garden was still a pleasant and relaxing place to visit.

Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, Cape Town, South Africa

Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, Cape Town, South Africa

Left: This breed of “bird of paradise” in the botanical garden was especially created in honor of Nelson Mandela. Right: The trees behind the bust of Mandela were planted by Mandela himself.

Rainbow in Cape Town, South AfricaOn our last day in Cape Town,  we were treated with the presence of  a beautiful, vibrant rainbow.

Rainbow in Cape Town, South AfricaA colorful goodbye to Cape Town.  We hope that it was a good omen that we were going to return. We look forward to it. There’s still so many things to explore and experience in this stunning city.

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46 responses to “Cool City Break in Cape Town

  1. Marcia

    Cape Town is picture postcard beautiful. Sorry your day on the mountain was blanketed in clouds. We were lucky the day we went was absolutely cloud-free. It turned out to be the only day that was. Clouds or not, it’s still a stunning place to visit. Cape Town made me come to love mountains as much as I love the sea.
    Marcia recently posted..The Versatile and Tasty PlantainMy Profile

    • Hi Marcia, although cloudy, we really enjoyed our time atop Table Mountain. It felt like Brigadoon! It’s great though that you saw it cloud free. Maybe our next visit will be clearer.

    • HI Corinne, the ferry service to Robben Island were cancelled due to choppy water so we didn’t get to go. But we did visit a lot of Mandela historical site in many other places. Yes, we did eat a lot of seafood in the waterfront.

    • Hi Alex, thank you! Glad you enjoyed the photos. We think the fogs was making that hyrax feel like a sloth:)

  2. Katie

    The rock-hyrax and seals look so cute. Did you get anything special at the Green Market? I love finding decent markets while traveling, even though I mostly just window shop. I’m so glad Capetown lives up to its hype. It’s been on my list for a long time… it seems like the perfect blend of city and nature, all while being laid back. As always, great photos!
    Katie recently posted..Lessons Learned in ThailandMy Profile

    • Hi Katie, Yes, those animals were really adorable. Yes, we got some souvenirs from the Market. We bought some wooden masks and jewelries for friends. They were well crafted and pretty reasonable. We ‘re pretty sure you’ll love Cape Town. We hope you make it there sometime soon.

  3. Leigh

    I so want one of those planters. I love the design and creativity you find in South Africa.
    But back to your photos. You make me want to go to Capetown though South Africa really hasn’t been high on my list. What beauty in the city and so many great experiences to enjoy. I’d have a hard time getting out of the Botanical Gardens.
    Leigh recently posted..Hiking the Boreal Trail in Saskatchewan – Day OneMy Profile

    • Hi Leigh, we wanted those colorful planters ourselves! Cape Town deserves to be high on anyone’s list! That Botanical Garden alone is worth a visit. We’re sure you will enjoy it there Leigh. There’s so many hiking and biking route to enjoy,

  4. Bama

    I believe it’s impossible not to fall in love with Cape Town. A modern city with beautifully preserved colonial buildings, colorful houses, and wildlife right at its backyard! Truly a dream destination Cape Town is.
    Bama recently posted..Life in A Concrete Jungle: A PhotoessayMy Profile

    • Hi Bama, you’re right that it’s hard not to fall in love with Cape Town. It truly is dream destination and we hope you make it there soon.

  5. Enough already! You two do such stunning reports that I have extended my bucket list by the dozens and you’ve done it again with this look at Cape Town. I love this post!! (And, of course, now want to go to Cape Town.)
    Jackie Smith recently posted..Grecian Road Trip: By the NumbersMy Profile

    • Hi Jackie,we’re so glad that you enjoyed this post. We hope from the bottom of our hearts that you and Joel make it to Cape Town soon. We have no doubt that you will love it.

  6. Karen

    Wonderful pictures of what seems to be a wonderful place to visit! Have never made it so far South …yet!

    • Thank you Karen! It truly is a wonderful place, I hope you make it to the South soon,

    • Hi Maria, it was a picturesque city indeed. Yes, we did have a wonderful experience.

  7. The mountain certainly does provide a beautiful background for the harbor. It would not look as good without it. Cape Town seems smaller and more colorful than I had imagined. Fancy the seals coming onto the jetty like that!
    budget jan recently posted..Artvin to Macka Day 7 of an Eastern Turkey Road TripMy Profile

    • Hi Jan, Tabletop Mountain certainly adds interest to any sights in Cape Town. You see it everywhere you turn. It was really interesting to see the seal in the city center.

  8. ladyfi

    What lovely shots of Cape Town – such a gorgeous city. Must re-visit.
    ladyfi recently posted..Dawn’s sighMy Profile

    • Hi Fiona, thank you! It truly is gorgeous and well-worth another visit.

  9. Agness

    I feel ashamed for not being very familiar with Cape Town. In fact, I didn’t hear much about this place. Most Loved Cities of the World and Cities to Visit Before you Die? After reading your post I know why! :-) Absolutely breath-taking scenery and I wish I could spend a weekend there!

    • HI Agness, believe me you would want to stay more than a weekend. There so much to see and do in this spectacular city.

  10. Tabletop mountain is so striking rising up behind Cape Town. I think the waterfront and the marina are my favorite parts from your city break. It looks like a fun time. I remember being surprised that there was a Cape Malay when I first heard about it reading Mandela’s autobiography. That part of town is so colorful. Thanks for taking us along.
    Michele {Malaysian Meanders} recently posted..Fujiya Hotel: East meets West in the midst of Hakone National ParkMy Profile

    • Hi Michelle, our pleasure. It truly was a fun time. The waterfront was also our favorite part of the city. During our stay, that was where we ended up at the end of each day. Cape Malay was a fascinating neighborhood – so colorful with so much history.

    • Hi Nancie, I know those planters seem to call on everyone to be taken home. Yes, the British made sure they left stamps in their colonies.

    • Hi Aleah, those seal were adorable and we were actually surprised to see them in the city center. The hiike to the Table Mountain should be about an hour. Yes, the view is indeed stunning.

  11. Arija

    A comprehensive and very beautiful photo essay on Cape Town. Thank you very much.

  12. Elena

    Had no idea there are seals in Cape Town. These small ones look so adorable! I haven’t ever thought of visiting the city, yet your post makes me think I probably should :)
    Elena recently posted..Postcards from AmritsarMy Profile

    • Hi Elena, we really hope you consider visiting Cape Town. It’s a wonderful city. And I bet you’d love to meet those adorable seals in person:)

  13. Oh I LOVE that photo of the seals, how gorgeous!!! And exploring the mountain in that misty, foggy weather must have been so magical, wow! Cape Town is surely on my list to visit:-)
    Jess @UsedYorkCity recently posted..Postcards To NYCMy Profile

    • Hi Jess, Cape Town’s should definitely be on your list. We’re sure you’ll enjoy meeting those seals in person.

  14. Love these gorgeous photos and what a wonderful glimpse into the sights and sounds of what looks like a spectacular city to visit. I can certainly understand why it’s high on many voting list. Love the pictures of the seals and rock-hyrax. I think I can spend hours at the Green Market. I’m so glad you included so many lovely photos of the two of you especially the one with the rainbow. Wow!
    Mary {The World Is A Book} recently posted..Exploring the Underground World of Boyden CavernMy Profile

    • Thanks Mary. It truly is a spectacular city to visit. I’m sure the kids will be thrilled to see wildlife in the middle of the city. If you love shopping, you can definitely spend the whole day in the Green Market.

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