A chic cosmopolitan edge, incredible beaches, and phenomenal food and wine… Not to mention a culture with a very rich history and nearly-perfect weather. Cape Town is pretty much an ideal destination for any kind of trip. How do you get to this paradise? Cape Town International Airport is the primary airport serving the city of Cape Town, and is the second-busiest airport in South Africa and third-busiest in Africa. Most flights from the United States have a layover in either Amsterdam Airport Schipol or Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.

Best Times to Visit: The best time for a Cape Town beach holiday is from late January to late April at the tail end of the city’s dry summer months.

Things to do:

Indulge at the local wineries. Cape Town’s wine region offers more than just world-class vino. Along with the stunning grapes, you can expect beautiful drives through the wine region, warm and inviting South African hospitality, farm-to-table dining experiences, and luxurious accommodations. For a list of the top 10 best wineries & tasting rooms in Cape Town, click HERE.

Visit Table Mountain. We recommend planning this trip at the beginning of your trip as it offers breathtaking views of the city. Take a tram ride to the top and spend the day exploring or sipping some vino while taking in the sights of South Africa. There is also a restaurant at the top that offers snacks (but a limited selection). It is best to reserve your spot on the gondola in advance and plan for first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds.

Tour Robben Island. If you are looking to add a little history to your trip, consider exploring Robben Island. This is where Nelson Madela was imprisoned for 18 years. The tours are given by former inmates, so the connection you get to history is unparalleled! Make sure to book your tickets online in advance!

See the Boulder Beach penguins. South Africa is known for it’s unique wildlife so spend some time at Boulders Beach where you can see the penguins! Rent a car or schedule a private/group tour of the Cape. It can get incredibly crowded on the viewing platform, so get to the beach as early in the day as possible. After Boulders Beach, head father south to the protected wildlife reserve at the Cape of Good Hope where you can see more indigenous animals and visit the lighthouse on the cape.

Feature Hotels: Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, One&Only Cape Town, Ellerman House, Arabella Hotel and Spa

• This is a tipping nation. This is a tipping country and visitors should expect to tip for anything from a lunch out, to gas station attendants, to car watchers… yes, car watchers. Almost anywhere you park in South Africa has a “car guard” to ensure that your vehicle remains safe while you go and explore.

• There are three capitals. If you’re visiting South Africa you should know there is no truly defined capital city. But instead, there are three – Pretoria (executive capital), Bloemfontein (judicial), and Cape Town (legislative). 

• The South African Rand is king. Rand is the nation’s currency and currently trades at 1 Rand : .07 USD.

• No vaccinations are necessary. Unless you are coming from a country where Yellow Fever is prevalent.