A little while ago an international blogger approached me to interview me about Cape Town. She was planning a trip to South Africa and wanted to know more about our beautiful city and have a Cape Town Bloggers Perspective. This was the perfect opportunity to share why I am Proudly South African and love Cape Town so much.
A Cape Town Bloggers Perspective
This is Cape Town and South Africa{SA} through my eyes and what you as a visitor to SA can expect. If you are looking for accommodation in Cape Town, you can pop over and have a look at my Top 10 Hotels in Cape Town.
What is your absolute, most favourite thing to do (in general and in Cape Town)?
As a leisure activity visiting the beautiful wine farms and country estates in and around Cape Town. I love food and wine, so this is the best way to explore the culinary/foodie side of any place I visit.
What are the current style trends in Cape Town/SA?
I would say Cape Town/SA has a very eclectic mix of style! Summer is on its way, so jeans and jumpers make way for shorts, T’s and summer dresses. Vintage is also very popular, especially in Cape Town. I find that most people in Cape Town tend to be quite casual in the way they dress and denim is very popular fashion staple.
What fashion/packing advice, would you give to female visitors to Cape Town?
Cape Town weather can be quite unpredictable, so it is best to pack for every season unless you come in the heat of summer! The weather only tends to warm up around the end of November and summer usually lasts until the end of February. Denim jeans and T-shirts are good staples to pack and a few jumpers or cardigans. There are good weather days, even in winter, so a pair of shorts or two and a maxi summer dress are great to have. Pack at least one warmer jacket, denim or leather would be ideal. As far as shoes are concerned if you are like me and you need to coordinate each outfit with a pair of shoes, then packing can be a nightmare! I always over pack shoes but I am slightly shoe obsessed! If you are visiting in Spring, then long boots are not necessary, a short pair will suffice. A few pairs of sneakers and sandals will also come in handy for warmer days.
Do you have a secret/go-to spot to shop the latest trends on a budget?
These are not secret spots, but if you want to shop trends on a budget, then stores such as Mr Price and Cotton On are the places to go! A recent retail addition to SA is Forever 21, which has great budget buys.
What is one restaurant or bar that people go to, to see and be seen?
There are so many; it would be difficult to pick just one! You will find quite a few trendy restaurants and bars in Camps Bay, such as Café Caprice, which is along the beachfront strip. The Bungalow Restaurant at Clifton and Shimmy Beach Club in the V&A Waterfront, are also trendy, especially in summer. Otherwise Cape Town central has excellent places, one in particular which is worth a visit is I Love My Laundry.
How would a visitor to Cape Town find out about upcoming events?
Events are happening in Cape Town all the time, quite a few are advertised on radio or in the newspaper – some are word of mouth. There are also a few websites you can check out, such as http://www.whatsonincapetown.com/, http://www.capetownlive.com/. There are also great local theatres, such as the Theatre on The Bay and the Fugard Theatre, if you are interested in seeing a show while you are visiting.
Do you have any recommendations for popular, hotels from affordable to luxury prices in Cape Town?
The most cost-effective accommodation in Cape Town or SA would be either B&B or self-catering. There are quite a few large hotel chains in Cape Town but equally as many Boutique Hotels. If you are looking for affordable hotels, then the Protea Hotel Group, has many in Cape Town. We recently stayed at the Sugar Hotel in GreenPoint, a boutique hotel in the perfect location, especially if you wanted to walk to nearby restaurants or the V&A Waterfront. A few {I have many!} of my favourite luxury hotels are The Twelve Apostles, Steenberg Hotel, African Pride 15 On Orange, The Cape Royale Hotel and the Cape Grace.
How popular is social media and blogging there?
Both social media and blogging have become increasingly popular in the last two years. I started blogging over four years ago, and there has been a considerable increase in the number of blogs and bloggers, from when I started! I think social media was more popular than blogging for quite a while, but I would say they are equally as popular now.
Do you have any tips for Wi-Fi and staying connected while travelling in SA?
Most coffee shops, restaurants and shopping centres offer free WiFi. If you need to buy mobile data you will either need to rent an SA mobile phone or buy a local sim card. If you buy a local sim card you can load it with as much data as you need and top as you go – this would be my recommendation. To buy a local sim card and load it with data, you will need to comply with RICA regulation, which requires you to supply your passport and proof of where you are staying in SA before you are able to purchase the sim.
What are some touristy things you MUST do in CT?
For a more detailed list, you can read my Top Things to Do in Cape Town. In a nutshell the must-do attractions: Take a cable car to the top of Table Mountain, Visit Cape Point, Visit Kirstenbosch Gardens{our National Botanical Gardens} which now has the Boomslang – a treetop canopy walkway and one of my favourites – visit the Winelands, especially Franschhoek!
What are some non-touristy favourite things to do/go to?
Have a braai {barbecue} with some local South Africans 🙂 I love being outdoors, so long walks on the beach, ice-cream in hand or a hike in the mountain, to indeed witness the beauty of Cape Town would be perfect.
What is a native dish you MUST try?
I am not a lover of some of the Iconic South African dishes, but I just cannot eat offal! I am sure everyone I know would say, you have to try Bobotie or Bunny Chow as savoury options and Melktert as a sweet option!
What are the most popular TV shows?
I am a bit of a series junkie and have my definite favourites! I would say some of the more popular ones in SA are CSI, Modern Family, Game of Thrones, Homeland and The Good Wife. Reality show’s such as Britain’s Got Talent, X Factor, The Voice and Masterchef are also very popular in SA.
If you could tell the world one thing about SA what would it be?
We are a nation made up of many diverse cultures, with a somewhat complicated history and we may have our issues, but we are a fiercely proud “people”. SA is in my blood and no matter where I travel in the world, South Africa will always HOME!
I hope you enjoyed reading more about a Cape Town Bloggers Perspective and are planning your trip to South Africa. It is the most fantastic place, which you should definitely visit! If you are from Cape Town or SA and would like to add anything fabulous about our land, then please leave a comment below!
Images: Shorts & T Pinterest, All other images ©FAR Photography
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