City Guide: Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town: a breathtaking city of creativity, surprises and new beginnings. This is an urban jungle like no other. From the skater boys at Sea Point and Long Street's partygoers to the Stellenbosch winemakers and the businesspeople in Gardens, the carefree notion of coastal living and the determined drive of a bustling capital work hand in hand.

A typical commute is accompanied by stunning, panoramic views of the iconic Table Mountain, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Though locals may take it for granted, there's little surprise that it is a popular backdrop for blockbuster films.

There is a glow of excitement that surrounds the mother city. Although South Africa is a country steeped in a history of struggle and turmoil, its warm, friendly people use this as a reason to strive for total modern upheaval. With something to do at each hour of the day or night, every city street offers restaurants, bars and venues of all kinds, providing a plethora of new and unique cultural experiences for all tastes, whether local or foreign.

Whether this is a first visit or a trip to a home from home, Cape Town is like an untamed lioness; you can't keep her down for long.

hotel

Dorp Hotel

Gently perched at the top of Signal Hill in Cape Town's sleepy Bo-Kaap neighbourhood, this exquisite boutique property might just be the international hotel circuit's best kept secret. Masterminded by the late Gail Behr, an artist, fashion designer and all-round creative maverick, the hotel fuses Georgian elegance with quirky eccentricity in a way that defies categorisation. As travel editors we've been lucky enough to stay in all kinds of hotels - we've yet to find one that matches up to Dorp's unparalelled style and grace.

Address

273 Longmarket St, Schotsche Kloof, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa

hotel

The Last Word, Long Beach

Cape Town, South Africa

This intimate hotel with mountain and sea views is a charming outpost worth the additional taxi charge. Far enough out of the city to escape but close enough for sightseeing, The Last Word is surrounded by bleached sands and bathed in sunshine; its vibe is island getaway. With only five double suites, it offers a tranquil and personalised stay.

Address

1 Kirsten Road Kommetjie 7975

hotel

Ellerman House

Cape Town, South Africa

Seated on the slopes of Lion’s Head with an incredible city and sea view, it is a boutique hotel with a history entangled with the ocean.

Address

180 Kloof Road Bantry Bay 8005

hotel

POD

Cape Town, South Africa

Situated in the affluent and scenic area of Camps Bay, POD juxtaposes modern architecture with natural beauty.

Address

3 Argyle St Camps Bay 8005

hotel

Mount Nelson Hotel

Cape Town, South Africa

The oldest hotel in Cape Town has a colonial feel, with exemplary service and the best afternoon tea in town.

Address

76 Orange Street Gardens 8001

hotel

Cape Cadogan

Cape Town, South Africa

A lovely 15-room boutique hotel just off Kloof Street, Cape Cadogan is set inside a Georgian property and also happens to be a national monument.

Address

5 Upper Union St Gardens, 8001, Cape Town

hotel

Cape Grace

Cape Town, South Africa

Inspired by its nautical heritage, Cape Grace has a home-away-from-home feel, each floor representing different moods in their varied colour schemes with bedrooms inspired by deep-sea voyages.

Address

West Quay Road Victoria & Alfred Waterfront 8001

hotel

The One & Only

Cape Town, South Africa

Sitting close to the waterfront and overlooking Table Mountain, The One & Only has an uber-luxurious feel, with individual islands making up sections of the hotel.

Address

Dock Road, 8001, V & A Waterfront, Cape Town

hotel

The Cellars - Hohenhort

Cape Town, South Africa

Cellars reminded us of an English countryside getaway, complete with fireplaces and pastel interiors, and made for a relaxing stay, outside the centre swaddled in vineyards.

Address

93 Brommersvlei Road Constantia 7800