Our first (and last!) stop on the South African agenda, was the coastal Mother City. We pretty much instantly fell in love with Cape Town, and it may or may not have something to do with the incredible wine and the best food ever!Here are the highlights of Cape Town :

STAY

Kensington Place : a boutique luxury hotel in the hills between Table Mountain and the Harbour. The serene pool is the centerpiece of this peaceful hotel but the above and beyond service is the selling point for me!

Four Rosmead : a boutique luxury stay in the Oranjezicht area with sprawling views of the mountains surrounding and the city below! A perfect afternoon spot to relax with a South African rosé.

EAT

Kloof Street House : our favorite meal of the trip! Book a table but arrive early and have drinks in the lounge.

Yours Truly : A great brunch spot with delicious sandwiches!

Nelson’s Eye : Another stellar steak spot! Worth at least two visits because they have so many sauces and grilling techniques, you’ll want to try more than one!

Bacon on Bree : Bree Street is such a cool area with some excellent foodie options! Come for brunch or a late lunch.

Culture Club Cheese : Another Bree Street favorite, CCC has a melt in your mouth menu…literally. Definitely order a grilled cheese and the club!

Bombay Bicycle Club : this place is just all too cool. We stopped in for drinks and tizers — but we were swooning over the dinner items brought out to our neighbors! AND when I mentioned on social that I was in CT, I have so many people recommend this place for dinner….and many suggest you order off menu and have the chocolate chilli steak! Do it for me!

DO

Hike : There are SO many great hikes around CT. We hiked both Table Mountain and Lion’s Head during our visit—read more here!

Drive the Cape Peninsula : Whale spotting, hiking, panoramic views, penguins, sunny beaches, and more…spend a day driving the peninsula and exploring what’s outside of the city!

Bo – Kaap : a colorful and culturally rich neighborhood, Bo-Kaap has more than just instagrammable photo ops at every corner–it has a vibrant history that you can explore through the museum, the local restaurants, and even walking tours!

V&A Waterfront : Loads of Quayside dining options and open air markets!

WINE : South African wine country is a short drive from Cape Town but you’ll want at least a day to do it right. There are several tour groups operating out of CT but plan ahead during peak season! If you’re planning to drive the Cape Peninsula, you can make a stop at Constantia and have a tasting!