Places to visit in 2014 - Cape Town

Check out the following link published by the New York Times of places to visit in 2014. I've been to many and some are among my favorites too. I've been asked about specific recommendations for Cape Town, South Africa and since Cape Town topped the list, I thought I'd start there.

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/01/10/travel/2014-places-to-go.html

Cape Town always tops my lists of favorite cities around the world. For accommodations, I like the Westin Cape Town and the Radisson Blu Waterfront. Both can easily be booked on the hotel websites. If you are looking for a great boutique style hotel, outside the tourist area, try Pinard by the Sea in Blouberstrand.

http://www.pinardsa.com/

Rooms with a view at Pinard

For a great nearby dinner, with fantastic views, head to On the Rocks. You will not be disappointed! Try the ostrich. I eat it on every trip to South Africa and you will love it!!!

http://ontherocks.co.za/

A friend in South Africa also recommends the Sir David Guesthouse, just down the road from Pinard. Looks beautiful!

http://www.thesirdavid.co.za/



Not to be missed in Cape Town is a trip to the top of Table Mountain. It can be hiked, which will definitely make it an all day affair but weather changes quickly and the hike is not an easy walk. I've been told it's a bit of a challenge. I'm always tight on time but have been to the top via the cable car on several occasions and once at the top, there are trails to walk that will offer you amazing views of the Cape Town harbor and waterfront. Make sure it's a clear day. The fog rolls in quickly, literally falling over the top of Table Mountain is and is affectionately referred to as the Table Cloth.

Cable car to top of Table Mountain

views from the top

While near Table Mountain, head to the V&A waterfront for shopping, great restaurant options and tours from the harbor.  You can catch a ferry to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was held prisoner. A fascinating look at history. You can also catch sunset cruises and other sightseeing packages from all over the waterfront. It's a beautiful place to spend the afternoon. For local crafts, there is an indoor craft market just behind the waterfront where you can find all sorts of local crafts and souvenirs.

V & A Waterfront

afternoon cruise

V & A Waterfront

If you have a rental car, a drive on the coast is a great way to spend the day.  We drove to the town of Gansbaai for the great white shark encounter tours. You WILL see great whites and even have the option of getting in a cage and dropped in the water. My trip that included Gansbaai was in July so it's winter down there and the water was far too cold to get in but still very fun!

Gansbaai Great White Shark Tours

shark alley

Seal Island

Another option is to drive to Cape Point. You can spend the day hiking various trails with incredible views everywhere. Cape Point sits at the tip of the Cape Peninsula on the Cape of Good Hope.

Don't leave Cape Town without some wine tastings. The region is perfect for wine. A favorite tasting room for a great wine and cheese tasting is Fairview.

http://www.fairview.co.za/tasting-room/

Another options for wine tastings is Spier. They have a cheetah rescue at Spier and you can get up close and personal with cheetah cubs. There are great wines all over the regions so try a variety and enjoy!














Hope this helps give you a taste of Cape Town and you enjoy it as much as I do!

Robin