"Discover Cape Town: Where Adventure Meets Urban Cool"

Picture this: turquoise waves crashing against golden beaches, the iconic Table Mountain looming large on the skyline, and streets alive with art and music. That's Cape Town – a vibrant playground for the adventurous souls and culture enthusiasts alike.

You can hike up Table Mountain for the most epic sunrise, catch waves at some world-class surf spots, or dive into the city's rich history at Robben Island.

But the adventure doesn't end there; Cape Town's got vineyards just a stone's throw away, offering the best wine tasting experiences with breathtaking views.

Plus, the food scene here is a paradise for foodies, from spicy Cape Malay curries to fresh-off-the-boat seafood feasts.

Whether you're sipping coffee in a chic café or dancing the night away in a beachside club, Cape Town is where thrills and chill perfectly collide.

It's not just a destination; it's an experience waiting to be lived. So buy your plane ticket and get ready for the adventure! 🌊🏄‍♂️🌆🍹

Accommodation I used so far:

Airbnb Woodbridge Island

My friend and I enjoyed a wonderful stay at a charming Airbnb on Woodbridge Island.

Nestled in a secure gated community, the property was just a 2-minute stroll from the beach, making it a perfect retreat.

Our host was incredibly friendly and always ready to assist with any queries we had, enhancing our overall experience.

Although the location was a bit distant from the city center, the convenience of using Uber, which was notably affordable in comparison to rates in London, allowed us to easily access the city whenever we desired.

Hostel - The Big

I really enjoyed my time at the BIG. It was the perfect hostel for the start of my travels since it’s very homey and clean, and you will feel at home straight away.

The staff, as well as the people staying there, were very nice.

The best time to meet people is definitely during breakfast!

Overall, it is fairly quiet, which is nice, but not the right place to be if you are looking for more of a party vibe

Villa Viva Cape Town 

This was my personal favourite!

Villa Viva Cape Town is a Guest House, a fresh, innovative social business, meeting and networking platform to share and express creative work, social projects and celebrating life.

I stayed here for over a week and it was amazing!

It was super easy to make friends everything is really clean and the dorms are really comfortable and will make you fell at home in no time!

Best way to travel

• If you stay in bigger cities like Cape Town you can use Uber (which is fairly cheap there). During the night you should not walk and even take an uber for just a short distance.

I would really follow this advice. When I went to Cape Town someone tried to rip off my necklace during the day and I was even in a group.

I am not saying that something will definitely happen when you walk around during night but the chances are waaay higher than in a European city. And an Uber is so cheap so why risk it?

• If you want to travel around quite a lot (and far distances) I would recommend hiring a car (which is also fairly cheap and super easy in cities like Cape Town).

• If you want to do something like the garden route or the cape of good hope and you don’t want to hire a car I would suggest using the Baz bus. This is a hop on hop off bus that drives up the whole garden  route but also short trips like the cape of good hope are possible

Sim Card I used

Cape Town is not a European city, and it’s good to be aware of that. It’s okay during the day to walk around the city, but at night it’s best to use an Uber, even for short distances, if you are not in a fairly big group. This is why internet connection is quite important to have. For both of my stays, I used this company:

• Airalo | It’s quite easy to install and still fairly cheap. I always used a bit over 1 GB per week (using hostel Wi-Fi for everything that needs more data)

Vaccination

There are no vaccinations needed if you come from a European country.

Vaccination is only required if you’ve been to a country in the yellow fever belt

Visa

If you're traveling with a passport from the US, Canada, the UK, and many EU countries, you do not need a visa if you don’t stay longer than 90 days.

On some websites, it says that you do need a return or flight ticket to another country, but I have entered SA twice and no one asked me about anything (and I didn’t have a flight booked at the time I entered SA).

They just looked at my passport and gave me a stamp. However, it is important that you don’t stay longer than the 90 days because then they can ban you from entering the country.

*Info from 25.03.2024

Best travel time:

Spring (September to November) 🌸:

Springtime in Cape Town is like a breath of fresh air. The city comes alive with vibrant blooms, and the weather is pleasant, making it perfect for exploring iconic landmarks, going on nature hikes, and experiencing a burst of colorful energy. Plus, fewer tourists mean you'll have the best spots to yourself.

Summer (December to February) ☀️:

Summer in Cape Town is a blast. The sun is shining, the beaches are calling, and the city pulses with life. This is the season for beach days, outdoor festivals, and water adventures. The nightlife is vibrant, and you'll find yourself dancing under the stars at cool open-air venues.

Autumn (March to May) 🍂:

As the summer heat mellows, Cape Town takes on a serene beauty. The days are warm, and the evenings are cool. It's the perfect time for exploring wineries, savoring delicious cuisine, and enjoying hikes through nature reserves. With fewer crowds, you can fully savor Cape Town's natural and cultural wonders.

Winter (June to August) ❄️:

Cape Town's winters are mild, and it's a fantastic time to experience the city's cultural richness. Cozy up in trendy cafes, explore art galleries, and witness the dramatic beauty of stormy seas. The famous Table Mountain often wears a tablecloth of clouds, creating a unique spectacle for visitors.

Cape Town's charm knows no season, so the best time to visit depends on your style and the adventures you're eager to embark on.

If you want to know more

• Visit my blog post "Discovering Cape Town" to see my top tips

• Visit my blog post "Budget_friendly comfort" to find more hostel recommendation