Three Perfect Days: Cape Town

Cape Town is a city of top-tier destinations. The choices can feel endless. But the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, named one of “Cape Town’s Big Six Attractions” by the city’s tourism board, should be at the top of your list.

Tucked into the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, the 1,300-acre botanical garden’s campus includes a huge variety of plant species from five of South Africa’s six biomes, representing a diverse range of habitats not found anywhere else in the world. Kirstenbosch was founded in 1913 and was the world’s first botanical garden to start preserving indigenous plant species. This decision proved prescient, as South Africa is now known to be home to some of the rarest plants and animals on Earth.

Though you could get lost in the gardens for hours, Kirstenbosch also has a performance area for events and concerts and Fynkos, where you can enjoy outstanding meals and bakery goods made with fresh, local ingredients.

Back in the city, stop by the Old Biscuit Mill, a place much more interesting than the name implies. The former biscuit mill was repurposed into a large indoor-outdoor food hall, market and artist space. At one end, dozens of food vendors sell everything from Cape Malay cuisine and fresh-steamed bao buns to burgers and craft-roasted coffee. On the other end, the complex brims with shops and stalls displaying countless goods by local artisans. The old brick walls are adorned with eclectic street art and emphasize a vibe characteristic of Cape Town as a whole: old classics given new life.

Where to eat and drink:

• Woodstock Brewery: Just down the street from Old Biscuit Mill, this brewery boasts a large space with ample indoor and outdoor seating and an equally expansive tap list of brews made on-site.
• Asoka Restaurant, Bar and Lounge: Closer to the City Centre, the Gardens neighborhood is one of the city’s most trendy districts for its showstopper restaurants and nightlife. Among them is Asoka, known for its Asian fusion small plates, one-of-a-kind cocktails and the massive olive tree planted smack-dab in the middle of the dining room. Between the inventive menu, the brilliantly moody décor and the lively atmosphere (aided by live music on many nights), it’s hard not to feel drawn inside. Just don’t forget your reservation.
• The Gin Bar: This aptly named speakeasy-esque is, indeed, a bar serving gin; a lot of it. Sample juniper spirits from across the world with ingredients you might’ve never heard of. Or order one of their “cure” gin and tonics to heal pessimism, heartache and other afflictions. Truly a cure for what ails you.

虽然开普敦市区内就有许多值得游览和体验的地方，但真正的冒险却只需驱车不远即可到达。租一辆车，前往 Cape of Good Hope（好望角），尽情领略南非的美景。

从开普敦市区一路向南探索时，以下是开普半岛沿线一些的精彩景点：

查普曼山顶大道

从 Sea Point（海角）往南驱车 20 分钟，便是 Chapman’s Peak Drive（查普曼山顶大道），这是一段沿着海岸线蜿蜒伸展的壮丽公路。在穿越悬崖峭壁间的急弯时，你可能会不由自主地握紧方向盘。然而，当你看到一侧是波光粼粼的大海，另一侧是崎岖的崖壁时，眼前的美景定会让你惊叹得说不出话来。

Boulders Penguin Colony

On the way to the Cape of Good Hope, stop for another memorable experience: getting up close and personal with a flock of penguins. South on the M3 highway is Simon’s Town, home to Boulders Penguin Colony, a colony of over 2,000 endangered African Penguins living in Table Mountain National Park. Waddle alongside them while traversing large boulders smoothed by ocean spray, or walk along the boardwalk and stay dry while admiring them. These little guys are a fantastic sight, but remember not to touch or feed them and respect their fragile habitat.

Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point Nature Reserve

Easily the most famous landmark of all, the Cape of Good Hope lies at the southern tip of the peninsula. It’s a common misconception that this is the southernmost point in Africa – that would be Cape Agulhas, 90 miles to the east. Still, the Cape of Good Hope is the point at which ships sailing around the continent begin to turn more eastward than southward, and it’s where the currents of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans begin to converge.

Even if it’s not so geographically significant, the area is still a sight to behold. You’ll enter Cape Point Nature Reserve and be greeted with an almost otherworldly landscape of scrubby fynbos (native shrubs) and rocks, and might spot indigenous antelope species, ostrich and others that call this area home.

There are several points toward the end of the peninsula where you can get out and walk, including trails that offer dramatic views from above of waves crashing into the shoreline cliffs. To reach the water, take the set of stairs down to Diaz Beach. You can also take a tram or another trail to the Cape Point Lighthouse, which has been guiding sailors through the treacherous area since 1857.

Where to eat and drink

• SeaBreeze Fish & Shell: A whole day spent observing the ocean wouldn’t be complete without tasting some of its bounty. So, enjoy the local catch of the day at SeaBreeze. Modern décor and lively atmosphere accompany unique takes on classic seafood dishes paired best (as always) with excellent regional wines.
• Mojo Market: This sprawling food hall features dozens of vendors serving cuisine from all over the map, plus four bars and live music to boot. It’s a reminder that South Africans know how to have a good time, and it usually involves a smorgasbord of food and drinks while being serenaded by talented performers.

Cape Town is a vibrant, exhilarating city, and a gateway to a country that holds so much beauty to explore. Cape Town’s many hidden gems are a microcosm of an incredibly diverse region. Take your time – you won’t want to overlook any of it.