Where to Sleep:
There’s nothing quite like the 13-room Daddy Long Legs Art Hotel (from $120) on the heart of Long Street. Each room is thematically decorated by a different local artist — choose from a cosy chamber decked out like a cottage, a modern room filled with hundreds of pictures of sunsets, or a luxe room accented with beautiful maps.
Wallet a little more flush? Check into the Mount Nelson Hotel (from $475), a historic luxury property with six wings, each with its own private gardens and facilities. Pop into the Librisa Spa for the two-hour Sodashi Jet Lag Recovery Treatment ($195), or head to the hotel’s signature Planet Restaurant.
Where to Eat:
When in South Africa, eat as the South Africans. It may be touristy, but Mama Africa on Long Street is one of the best places to find traditional fare. For a taste of game (think ostrich, kudu, springbok, and crocodile), try the assorted meat platter.
For something a little more off the beaten track, head to Five Flies. This local favourite is great for drinks or a quality steak in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
What to Do:
Activities abound in Cape Town — it’s hard to pack everything into a week. Start with the must-dos: hiking up Table Mountain, strolling the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, and heading out to Robben Island, the jail in which Nelson Mandela was famously imprisoned.
Next, venture to Camps Bay, where the sandy beach includes views of the Twelve Apostles mountain range. Fancy a little shopping? The boutiques along Upper Long Street are worth an entire afternoon (just bear in mind that any summer pieces you purchase won’t make sense at home for another few months). Our favourite: David West, a local designer known for his signature prints and unique silhouettes.
Sweet Travel Tip:
Day trips are a must, and easy enough with a bit of planning. Take a bus tour to the wine regions of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek or Paarl — or even all three. Alternatively, rent a car and drive south, stopping in Simon’s Town to see African penguins before heading to Cape Point, one of the most southern points of Africa.