Cape Town Second Top City in the World
Cape Town was recently voted the second-top city in the world to live in and visit after New York City. The survey of 50 global cities praised Cape Town for its stunning beauty, vibrant cultural scene, and diverse tourist attractions. Tourists also love the Cape Winelands magic as part of their South African holidays. The Mother City stands out among the top 10 including Berlin, London, Madrid, Mexico City, Liverpool, Tokyo, Rome, and Porto. This is the eighth year in a row that well-heled travelers have voted award-winning Cape Town their best city.
Thousands of city dwellers dubbed Cape Town their best city in terms of food quality, cultural richness, and social connectivity. Cape Town’s primary appeal lies in its breathtaking scenery, vibrant local and cosmopolitan restaurants, lively nightlife, and outdoor adventure activities.
Start your Cape Town tour in the City Bowl
Renowned for its LGBTQI+ friendliness, the city is also an extremely romantic holiday venue with the added attractions of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Gardens, Cape Point Nature Reserve, and a wild beach around every corner. Boat cruises to Robben Island, bus tours to the District Six Museum, and walking tours of the colorful Bo-Kaap homes entertain every kind of traveler. There are spas, gyms, yoga studios, ocean sports, diving and deep-sea fishing.
Why Tourists Love the Cape Winelands
While Cape Town captivates visitors, the nearby Cape Winelands beckons with its majestic landscapes and rich cultural heritage. From Constantia and Tokai to Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschhoek, Wellington and Tulbagh, the beautiful vineyards extend to the Breede River and beyond. Visitors can explore various wine estates, savor South Africa’s renowned wines, and discover museums and delis, and historic town centers rich in monuments and viticulture.
The area’s wine routes, steeped in centuries of grape cultivation, offer a plethora of grape and wine producers, with top varieties including Pinotage, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Merlot. Various wine routes offer enriching wine tour experiences through some 560 wineries and 4,400 primary vineyard producers.
Wine Tasting in the Cape Winelands
What is There to Do in the Cape Winelands?
There is so much to do in the beautiful Cape Winelands, a place of unrivaled natural beauty. Numerous tour companies offer private and group full-day and half-day wineland tours with certified guides, wine tastings at esteemed estates, and delectable cuisine. Beyond wine tasting, the Cape Winelands offer a wealth of attractions and activities.
In Stellenbosch, visitors can indulge in hiking, e-bike tours, and off-road adventures, while Franschhoek offers chocolate tasting, mountain biking, and spa retreats. Nearby Cape Town offers full-day city tours and thrilling activities like whale watching and shark cage diving. Hire a car and self-drive your way around the Western Cape on the South African holiday of a lifetime!
Tips for Wine-Tasting Holidays in the Cape
- Start with dry white wines, progressing to reds and then sweet wines, using sparkling wines to cleanse the palate.
- Some cellars may ask you to buy a wine glass which then becomes a lucky souvenir.
- Many cellars offer select wine packages, perfect for gifting, and mixed wine cases for convenient delivery.
- Start in Constantia and Steenberg and travel out towards Stellenbosch for the most excitement, then stay a few nights in the Breede River Winelands.
The Best Wine Farm Experience in Cape Town
Some wine farms and Cape vineyards stand head and shoulders above the rest. Visit the Western Cape Winelands and look for wine estates with these qualities:
- Exquisite Wines: Naturally, the cornerstone of any wine farm visit is exceptional wine offering educational and pleasurable tastings and tours.
- Spectacular Views: Sipping a superb glass of Cape wine against a backdrop of majestic mountains and rolling green vineyards enhances the experience.
- Gourmet Cuisine: Most South African wine farms boast top-tier restaurants that rank among the finest in the country, if not the world. Choose to indulge in a three-course Cape Malay meal or opt for wine pairings with chocolate and biltong.
- Diverse Activities: Wine tastings aside, wine estates also offer an array of experiences, from watching working farm activities, feeding the animals, and spa treatments to hiking in the mountains, mountain biking through the vineyards, and enjoying sophisticated picnics on verdant lawns, there’s something for everyone.
- Architectural Finery: Historic Cape Dutch buildings still dominate the landscape, but an emerging modern trend means sleek tasting rooms and restaurants designed by the best architects.
- Seasonal Charms: Top wine farms attract tourists in winter to roaring fires and hot chocolate with cream and in summer, sparkling infinity swimming pools and fresh berry picking!
What is There to Do in Cape Town?
Looking for things to do in Cape Town? Try some of these bucket list experiences:
- Signal Hill Sunset Drive: Take a scenic drive along Signal Hill and witness a breathtaking 360° view that includes Lion’s Head, Table Mountain, and the sprawling city below. Signal Hill boasts a rich history, once using signal flags to communicate weather and ship information.
- Green Point Park: A perfect spot for families, Green Point Park offers a wonderful kids’ play area, picnicking, strolls, brisk jogs, stunning gardens, and views. Grab a coffee at the restaurant and work out in the outdoor gym.
- Table Mountain National Park Hikes: Lace up your hiking boots and explore the diverse trails of Table Mountain National Park. From the challenging Platteklip Gorge trek to the easier Nursery Ravine, there’s a hike for everyone.
- V&A Waterfront: Step back in time at the V&A Waterfront, a historical site dating back to 1654. Discover the stories behind its 22 landmarks on a self-guided historic walk or indulge in mouthwatering meals at the food court.
- Vibrant Bo-Kaap: Learn more about the culture and history of the Bo-Kaap neighborhood, known for its colorful houses and rich heritage. Wander down Wale Street, visit the Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum, and sample delicious local Malay cuisine.
- Muizenberg Beach: Ride the waves at Muizenberg Beach, a hotspot for surfers of all levels. Muizenberg promises a huge choice of coffee shops, restaurants and activities for the kids.
- Sea Point Promenade: Lace up your running shoes and head to the Sea Point Promenade for a refreshing seaside workout. Enjoy stunning views as you jog, walk, or cycle along the promenade, and take advantage of the outdoor gym facilities.
- Chapman’s Peak Drive: Jaw-dropping coastal views and hidden gems – stop at Lookout Cave for a secret sunset and take photos all along the way.
- Neighbourgoods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill: Experience the vibrant market atmosphere every weekend at the Old Biscuit Mill. Local artisanal goods, delicious food, and much creative energy.
- Tidal Pool Adventures: Cool off with a family-friendly swim in Cape Town’s many tidal pools, from Seapoint all the way to Cape Point then around the point to Soetwater and Kommetjie.
Check out Cape Town’s Top 7 Attractions!
Cape Town is the second-top city in the world and the Cape Winelands magic keeps tourists coming back for more every year. Global travelers voted award-winning Cape Town their best city in the top 50 best cities to live in and visit in 2024, after New York.
Chat to Voyage2Africa about your next Cape holiday today!