Few cities are rooted in nature fairly like Cape City. It’s a spot the place mountains plunge into the ocean, vineyards spill throughout rolling valleys, and an enormous, biodiverse kelp forest sways beneath the ocean’s floor. Right here, the outside isn’t simply surroundings: It’s a lifestyle. You’ll discover locals mountain climbing Desk Mountain and Lion’s Head earlier than breakfast, surfers paddling out at Muizenberg Seaside because the solar rises, and households splashing into the chilly Atlantic Ocean waters of Maiden’s Cove in Camps Bay on the finish of a college day.
A part of Cape City’s attract has all the time been its seamless mix of journey and concrete sophistication. Proper now, the town is having a very vibrant second—one which feels present, artistic and globally linked. Cape City’s cooks are redefining South African flavors with confidence, drawing on the town’s indigenous elements and numerous heritage, whereas winemakers experiment with small-batch types. Modern designers and artists are stocking their retailers and galleries with locally-designed and sustainable items impressed by South Africa, whereas accommodations immerse friends in Cape City by way of spa packages, eating and decor with a definite sense of place.
For me, the Mom Metropolis has turn into a beloved second residence I’m fortunate to go to a number of occasions a yr. A comparatively younger metropolis—although the Khoisan individuals had been the unique Capetonians, colonist Jan van Riebeeck from the Dutch East India Firm grew to become the primary European to set foot on South African soil in 1652—Cape City has come a good distance for the reason that finish of apartheid in 1994. At this time, it has developed right into a dynamic, layered place that celebrates its complicated heritage by way of meals, artwork and design, whereas preserving reminders of its previous in landmarks like Robben Island, Bo-Kaap and the District Six Museum. The biggest metropolis within the Western Cape, Cape City is now not a mere safari entry level or fast layover, however a worthy vacation spot in itself. Ranked one of many friendliest cities on the planet by Condé Nast Traveler and Time Out’s Greatest Metropolis within the World in 2025, direct flights are growing, worldwide journey numbers are breaking information, and accommodations are, finally, incomes well-deserved Michelin recognition. Whether or not it’s your first time visiting Cape City or your twenty first, learn on for the most effective locations to remain, go, eat and drink within the Mom Metropolis.
