Postcard-ready beaches, warm-hearted people, affordable prices, rich culture, cute penguins, majestic mountains and incredible food make Cape Town absolutely impossible to miss. It is also a place that requires preparation. The mother city is not somewhere you go and simply “inspire” it. Perhaps you could get away with flying by the pants in Paris or Tokyo, but when it comes to Cape Town, careful planning will produce the most memorable results. That’s not to say every moment needs planning, but putting together an itinerary (or having an award-winning travel company like Scott Dunn take care of the logistics) will serve you best in this distinctive and utterly irresistible destination.
If you are still unsure about your honeymoon in Cape Town, here are 10 reasons why it is the ideal place to take your first husband and wife vacation.
The current coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. With the situation still volatile, we’ll be sharing tips and stories from industry experts to provide you with updated advice and help you with today’s wedding planning. For the most up-to-date guidelines and travel restrictions and requirements, see the CDC and State Department websites.
Table Mountain
Almost everything in Cape Town lives in the shadow of iconic Table Mountain. The hike to the summit takes perseverance, but couples who complete the quad blasting hike are rewarded with unique panoramas and boastful rites. Alternatively, if you are looking for a view without strenuous exertion, you can take the cable car. (Just make sure to book tickets in advance.)
Lively culture
A melting pot of influences and traditions, Cape Town is a dynamic travel destination full of culture. Immerse yourself in the mother city’s vibrant heritage by booking a street art tour or watching the artists dance and sing in front of the V&A Food Market. Then visit the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa and Jetty 1, which serves as both a base and a historical information center for Robben Island. Of course, a trip to Bo-Kaap should be at the top of every must-do list. And if you happen to be in Cape Town on the first Thursday of the month, this is a great opportunity to mingle with Cape Townspeople at the many galleries, boutiques, bars and pop-ups that are open until 9 p.m. in the City Bowl District ( CBD).
Beautiful beaches
Popular with locals and foreigners alike, Clifton 4th features powder-fine white sand and gentle turquoise waters. You can rent two chairs and an umbrella for under $ 12. All of this goes under the shadow of Table Mountain, which watches over the beach from above. An hour’s drive away, towards Simon’s Town, Boulder’s Beach is famous for giving visitors an up-close look at cute, fluffy penguins.
Different cuisine
When it comes to cuisine, Cape Town is beyond reproach. Start your morning with a cup of coffee at Truth Coffee Roasting. Head to Hemelhuijs, a chic café with lemon-colored walls, for brunch or lunch. Standout dishes include seared scallops, calamari dusted with African pepper, and baked garden vegetables. The freshly squeezed juices and the self-brewed coffee are also a hit. The V&A Food Market is open seven days a week and offers a delicious mix of local and international street food vendors. The most desirable dinner reservation? The Test Kitchen is located in the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock and is managed by the celebrated chef Luke Dale Roberts and delights its guests with exceptional tasting menus paired with South African wines. (Insider tip: ask for a seat with a view of the open-air kitchen.) The candlelit ambience, original cocktails and varied bistro dishes make Kloof Street House another excellent choice for a romantic evening. And the small-batch ice cream in Unframed, which has several locations in Cape Town, is guaranteed to tickle your palate with flavors such as turmeric latte and chocolate sea salt.
Upper chap
Cape Town is one of the most colorful cities in the world, and Bo-Kaap is a major contributor to that. The vibrant neighborhood formerly known as the Malay Quarter attracts visitors with its heritage and rainbow houses. What’s more It doesn’t cost a penny to wander through this photogenic district, immerse yourself in history and capture this superlative shot for Instagram.
Oranjezicht town farmers market
For many couples, the perfect weekend morning starts with a visit to the local farmers market, followed by brunch. Oranjezicht town farmers market combines these two cherished rituals. The highly anticipated weekly event takes place in Granger Bay on Saturdays and Sundays and brings together local farmers, artisans and grocery sellers. Try everything from freshly peeled oysters and barbecue to high-protein pumpkin flapjacks with cashew cream and decadent vegan desserts. Hopefully you left space in your suitcase to bring some hand-woven baskets and indigo-colored caftans.
Blooming schnapps scene
After all of the wedding preparation, it’s nice to let go a little. A lazy afternoon sipping adult drinks with your significant other should get the job done. From wines produced directly in the neighboring Stellenbosh and Franschhoek regions to gin distilleries and craft breweries, Cape Town has plenty of hip places to quench your thirst. The numerous bars such as The Commissary and Orphanage Cocktail Emporium are not even counted.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens
I’m not sure which is greater, the plants or the setting. The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens is located at the foot of Table Mountain and extends over 528 hectares. Travelers can admire fynbos, proteas, cycads, fragrant flower beds, and manicured hedges. The scenic Tree Canopy Walkway (known as “Boomslang”) is another highlight. On the weekends, locals make it an all-day affair by packing picnic baskets and blankets for hours of free time on the manicured lawns.
Affordable prices
The conversation rate from USD to ZAR (South African Rand) not only makes you successful, but things – food, drinks, souvenirs – are simply less expensive. You’ll also find a number of wallet-friendly activities. Entry to the world-famous Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens is only $ 2.70. Newlyweds will have a great time hiking Table Mountain and sunbathing on the sandy beaches for free.
Honeymoon-worthy hotels
You can get great deals on just about anything, including hotels. Since you’re already saving so much, why not take a nap in an absolutely amazing place? The Silo offers a prime location on the V&A Waterfront as well as stylish interiors, a rooftop pool and a glamorous bar. Known for its intimate atmosphere and exemplary service, the Ellerman House offers 13 individually designed rooms, a breathtaking South African art collection and breathtaking sea views. And for couples who want to live in the heart of the CBD, the newly opened Labotessa is a fabulous option.
Bonus: access to wine-growing areas and game reserves
The mother city is also the gateway to the Cape Winelands and the bush. A couple of days of urban adventure in Cape Town, followed by a vino tasting in Stellenbosch, topped off with game viewing and huts in a luxury safari lodge (hello, Saseka Tented Camp) – these are the ultimate honeymoon!