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Cape Town is a town of dichotomies: beautiful yet run-down, chill but tense, modern yet steeped in history, rich but poor. It's a town that can challenge visitors but also enthrall them. I struggle to fully explain the sense of passion- the good and the challenging- that pulses through this coastal city with stunning views and political undercurrents. It's a city you simply must visit. I visited Cape Town in March 2015 for a conference about child protection. I was fortunate to have a few days to travel on my own before the conference began, and then to spend time with co-workers experiencing the city together. A.D.V.E.N.T.U.R.E.S.(scroll down for more!) Art: beauty, in all its forms, found at that site Description of the location in three words Views and sites to see Entertainment unique to the location Noshing: all the best food & drink Transportation & Tours: all the ways to get around & learn more! Ultimate: site, art, restaurant, etc- my absolute favorite person/ place/ thing Real world details: anything you might need to know to make life easier as a visitor Experts: books, websites, and other information to check out Shopping: Items to look for as souvenirs or gifts
In the floor above the thoroughly sobering Iziko Slave Lodge Museum, one is shocked into modern life with a curving wall made entirely of brightly colored CDs. There is a sense of escape in the form of music and the passing of time. Another must for art lovers is the National Gallery, which houses a host of collections and temporary exhibits that confront fear, racism, classism, and sexism (I found it emotionally wrenching and compelling... but was ready for a drink afterward! I ended up taking a walk in the Company Gardens to take a breather). Iziko Slave Lodge Museum Corner Adderley Street and, Wale St, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa more info about the museum South African National Gallery Government Ave, Company's Garden, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa more info about the gallery DescriptionCape Town in three words: colorful breathtaking striving Views & sitesLighthouse at Green Point 100 Beach Rd, Mouille Point, Cape Town, 8005 more info about the lighthouse V & A Water Front 19 Dock Rd, Cape Town, 8001 more about the water front Greenmarket Square Burg St &, Longmarket St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000 more info about the square The Company's Garden 19 Queen Victoria St, CBD, Cape Town, 8000 more info about the garden South African National Gallery Government Ave, Company's Garden, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa more info about the gallery Bo-Kaap Neighborhood & Museum 71 Wale St, Schotsche Kloof, Cape Town, 8001 more info about Bo-Kaap The Book Lounge 71 Roeland Street, Cnr Buitenkant & Roeland Street, Cape Town City Centre, 8001 more info about the Book Lounge Entertainment The Labia Theatre One of my favorite places in Cape Town is the unique and vintage movie theater, the Labia. Named after founder Princess Labia, the theater was converted from the former Italian embassy ballroom in 1949. The theater not only shows art, historical and recent films, but also has a coffee shop, snack bar, and full bar! And it's located across the street from the Company Gardens, so it's a perfect stop after a day touring around. Noshing There were some great restaurants in Cape Town, but they may have changed in the past two years. Here's a list of foods and drinks to try:
Transportation & ToursTop three recommended modes of transportation: 3. Go on foot. If you don't need a lot of sleep, I recommend staying near Bree and Long Streets. They have an active nightlife that go into the wee hours. Many of the tourist sites are within walking distance, and the path through the Company Gardens might be one of the most beautiful urban walk ways in the world. Be safe and don't walk alone at night, even in these areas; take a taxi or Uber instead. 2. Uber. If you decide to stay further out (an excellent way to cut costs), then Uber is a quick and easy way to get to destinations efficiently. I've traveled to many cities, and this is one of the best (besides San Francisco) because there are so many drivers available. Tip: if this is your first time using the service, download the phone app before you go. 1. City Sightseeing bus. I have used hop on/ hop off buses in various cities, and the City Sightseeing buses in Cape Town have been- by far- the most efficient. They stop at all the neighborhoods and tourist sites you'll want to check out, and they run regularly and on time. I got a 48 hour ticket and used it to travel all over the city for one price- a great deal in my opinion! They have three routes from which you can choose, one taking you around the city, another exploring the peninsula (including penguins and Kirstenbosch Nature Reserve), and another focusing on the historical downtown area. I took the red line and was pleased at how much I was able to explore! Ultimate (experiences) Heartworks There were a lot of places to shop around Cape Town, but Heartworks was simply charming. The owner travels all around South Africa, collecting arts and crafts to sell to tourists. You'll find colorful wire baskets, hand-stitched dolls and elaborately embroidered pillows, gorgeous necklaces and earrings dripping with beads, and so much more! I purchased items for my own home, but many more items for friends back home- and everyone loved what I gave them! There are three locations. Be sure to visit at least one!  Table Mountain Cafe We happened to visit the infamous Table Mountain in the afternoon. We headed up in a cable car, though those with more time and lung capacity could certainly hike, and decided to sit at the cafe with a few adult beverages to enjoy the amazing view! It was a highlight of my trip to sit back, relax, chat with locals, and drink in the sunset. But be warned that the last cable car down is at 6pm! Highly recommended experience... and one I will certainly never forget. Heartworks Shop 101A, Old Biscuit Mill, Albert Rd, Solt River, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa more info here Table Mountain Cafe 5821 Tafelberg Rd, Table Mountain (Nature Reserve), Cape Town, 8001, South Africa more info here Real world detailsPoverty and racial inequality are real and in-your-face even for tourists in Cape Town (I hear that it is worse in Johannesburg, though I have not been... yet). Be prepared to have children and adults approach you, and even follow you, asking for food, money, physical assistance, etc. I was approached for money for taxis and shelter by several adults, and at one point had a sandwich snatched out of my hand by a rough looking little guy (I figured he needed it more than I did). When I went to a book shop that has great reviews, I discovered a locked metal door and was only allowed entry once a bookshop worker had come to look me over. While I browsed, I saw him refuse entry to several visitors- all of them black (maybe that was a coincidence, but...). Another time, I stopped for a coffee at a crowded outdoor cafe near the crowded Greenmarket stalls. Several young children approached me to ask for food, and an older couple reprimanded me when I ordered something for them, saying I was encouraging street kids to be lazy and annoying (I gave them the food anyway). Be prepared for uncomfortable encounters and decide beforehand how you'll respond if such things happen to you. For solo travelers, you may experience the dichotomy of good and bad encounters. For the most part, I found that traveling on my own meant that people were extremely friendly! Many waiters and customers would sit and chat with me for long stretches, and several invited me along with them to other bars and public places. I found it easy to chat with people and felt comfortable dining on my own in restaurants or visiting tourist spots. I did, however, feel the need to be wary when traveling on foot in the evening, and I was careful to keep valuables locked away when walking through Company Gardens and on Long Street. Take the usual precautions and be aware of your surroundings, and you'll have a great time. ExpertsI was only in town for a few days, so I didn't get a chance to explore Boulders Beach (famous for penguins), the vineyard tours, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, or Robbin Island. Check out these websites for more info on Cape Town: Shopping A super cool discovery: the many upcycled crafts! I was delighted by sculptures of safari animals, mobiles, and wall art, all made of previously used and discarded materials like old soda cans, plastic bottle caps, beads and wire, or old flip flops glued together! The best souvenirs that I brought home for friends and family were these creative pieces. Some items can be found in the stalls of the Greenmarket Square, or check out the Recycled Flip Flops Sculptures shop at the Water Shed. Recycled Flip Flops Sculptures Gift Shop Watershed, F115, Dock Rd, V & A Waterfront, 8001 more info about the flip flop shop!  Bottom line?Go! It has stunning views, delicious food and wine, upcycled art, friendly people, and an intriguing mix of dichotomies. You won't regret it.
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3/11/2021 04:39:48 pm
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