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 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.
We 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.
Left: Keith attempted to do some rock climvbing. Right: A glimpse of the city below through the veil of clouds.
We found this adorable rock-hyrax perched on the steep part of the mountain.
The vista of the city as we were descending from the mountain.
The business district with Table Top Mountain in the background.
A pretty marina made more scenic by the flat topped mountain behind it.
Seals sunbathing on the marina.
The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is the heart of Cape Town’s working harbor and the most visited destination in South Africa.
Shopping and going for fun rides are just some of the many things you can do on the buzzing Waterfront.
It’s fun listening to the beats of the local musicians on the Waterfront
Victoria and Alfred Waterfront at night.
The Waterfront is lined with trendy bars and restaurants and is very lively at night.
Left: 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.
The 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 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 on the city streets.
This majestic Edwardian building is the city hall.
Elegant buildings lined up Adderley Street.
This lovely square has a dark history. It was the site where slaves were sold.
The Green Market is a good place to shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs.
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.
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.
On our last day in Cape Town, we were treated with the presence of a beautiful, vibrant rainbow.
A 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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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 Plantain
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.
The animals in this post are adorable!
Hi Brittany, they truly were available.
Stunning photos and great info.
Jackie recently posted..Travel Photo Thursday
Thank you, Jackie!
Stunning photos and great info.
Jackie recently posted..Travel Photo Thursday
Great photos, as always
Muza-chan recently posted..Samurai story, Byakkotai
Thank you, Lili!
Beautiful photos Marisol! Did you guys get to Robben Island? Did you have fish n’ chips on the waterfront. We loved Capetown!
Corinne recently posted..The Stunning Cascades of Croatia’s First National Park
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.
You keep impressing me with your travel photos, Marisol! Love the photo of two of you with the rainbow.
The rock-hyrax looks sleepy
memographer recently posted..Old Car City USA – Photographer’s Paradise
Hi Alex, thank you! Glad you enjoyed the photos. We think the fogs was making that hyrax feel like a sloth:)
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 Thailand
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.
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 One
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,
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 Photoessay
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.
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 Numbers
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.
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,
Oh my goodness I had no clue that Cape Town was THIS picturesque! What an incredible experience this must have been.
Photo Cache recently posted..Skywatching on a personal level
Hi Maria, it was a picturesque city indeed. Yes, we did have a wonderful experience.
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 Trip
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.
What lovely shots of Cape Town – such a gorgeous city. Must re-visit.
ladyfi recently posted..Dawn’s sigh
Hi Fiona, thank you! It truly is gorgeous and well-worth another visit.
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.
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 Park
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.
I’m with Leigh! I want one of those planters. Cape Town looks like a beautiful city. City Hall is so British looking! and why wouldn’t it be!
Thanks for linking to Travel Photo Thursday this week!
Nancie recently posted..Travel Photo Thursday — May 22/14 — Sukhothai’s Sitting Buddha
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.
I’ve never seen a seal before. I’m amazed they feel safe enough to sunbathe there! And how long is the hike up to the Table Top? The view is wonderful!
Aleah | SolitaryWanderer.com recently posted..Of Trusting Strangers: 7 More Stories of Kindness on the Road
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.
A comprehensive and very beautiful photo essay on Cape Town. Thank you very much.
Hi Arija, thanks. Glad you enjoyed it.
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 Amritsar
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:)
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 NYC
Hi Jess, Cape Town’s should definitely be on your list. We’re sure you’ll enjoy meeting those seals in person.
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 Cavern
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.