Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Why I Choose to Stay with Bric Rentals in Playa Del Carmen

Bric Rentals in Playa Del Carmen

As one of the Riviera’s trendiest cities, Playa Del Carmen is the place to be. Its world-class diving and flawless beaches have made it one of Mexico’s coolest hot spots for the rich and famous from around the globe.

Ready to soak in the sun and party the night away on the Yucatán Peninsula’s Riviera Maya? You have got to check out Bric Vacation Rentals in Playa Del Carmen.

I’ve was just there for a week and had an amazing experience. I’m already planning my next trip back. These professionally-managed rentals have made my vacation incredibly comfortable and totally stress free.

Here’s why I chose to stay with Bric Rentals in Playa Del Carmen!

Bric Rental Kitchen

Why Stay with a Professionally-Managed Rental Company?

Sure, there are lots of beautiful places to stay in and around Playa Del Carmen, but it’s far too easy to end up with unnecessary drama. In a world of unreliable Airbnb hosts and makeshift hostels, Bric Rentals are a breath of fresh air. Their vacation rentals are professionally managed and it makes all the difference. Their top-class service means that you can always enjoy a worry-free trip.

Featuring spas, housekeeping, and gyms, you can have all of the amenities of a hotel while enjoying the privacy of a private home. It’s really the best of both worlds. Founded in 2005, Bric is now the largest property management company in Playa del Carmen and it’s easy to see why.

Bric Rental in Playa Del Carmen

My Experience with Bric Rentals

As soon as you check into your Bric Rentals accommodation, you are met by a personal ambassador. It is a great personal touch and it means that you won’t have to guess how anything works or wander around searching for things. You are taken on a tour of the property and given all of the info you will need for your stay.

Bric Rental Amenities

My Bric Rentals ambassador was incredibly patient and took his time explaining the area and answering all of my questions. Best of all, you get your own VIP bag when you check in! The goody bag is packed with tasty snacks and top-quality toiletries.

Bric Hotel and Spa

The company also runs a quaint hotel and spa in Playa Del Carmen. The Bric Hotel and Spa has comfortable accommodations and a top notch spa with treatments from traditional massages to Ancient Mayan Herbal massages (of course, I had to try!).

Condo Rental in Playa Del Carmen

Our Condo

I am completely in love with the condo I’m stayed at with Bric Rentals. It was a two-story penthouse with an ocean view and rooftop patio that I would be totally happy to spend the rest of my days in. This chic, cozy condominium development features two pools and a state-of-the-art gym.

While I’d be more than content just lounging around the condo all day, there is so much to do right outside of the door! Centrally located on 5th Avenue in downtown Playa Del Carmen, the condo couldn’t be in a better location. All of the shops and restaurants are right here and, of course, it is beachside.

Bric Vacation Rental View

This place is the perfect blend of tranquility and downtown convenience. On top of it all, the condo is in the center of the nightlife. If Cancun is a bit too “spring break” for you, you will love the cool vibe of Playa del Carmen after sunset.

Riviera Maya Mexico

Introducing TravelYucatan.com

When it is time to start planning your trip, check out TravelYucatan.com. Launching in the next month, it’s a priceless resource for the Riviera Maya area.

Its newly-launched blog and constantly-updated content mean that you can always stay up-to-date with all of the current events in the area. It will even have a hotel feed directly from Expedia.com and Hotels.com so you check out all of your accommodation options.

So, who is ready to join me? With its white-sand beaches, internationally-renowned diving, and hip nightlife, Playa del Carmen is one of the most up-and-coming destinations on the globe and there is no better way to enjoy the city than from a Bric Rentals accommodation.

READ NEXT: The Solo Female Traveler’s Guide to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico

 

SHOP my favorite Riviera Maya Inspired essentials!

Special thanks to Bric Vacation Rentals for hosting me as their guest. As always, the content & opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Why I Choose to Stay with Bric Rentals in Playa Del Carmen is a post from: The Blonde Abroad



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Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Top 5 Photo Editing Apps for Travelers

Top Photo Editing Apps

When you’re on the go traversing the world, it’s not like you can haul heavy and expensive photo equipment wherever you go. So how then do you capture unforgettable travel moments? These apps are impressive enough that even the layman can take a quality photo and add extra spice to a travel album.

Here are my top photo editing apps recommended for travelers!

San Diego Parasailing

Snapseed

  • iOS and Android

Snapseed is a photo editing application launched in June 2011. It’s an all-around app for editing and retouching your photos with tools, including crop, rotate, and brighten. You can also apply various filters from grunge to glamour glow. The app even includes a healing brush that removes unwanted photo bombers. This app is sure to not disappoint.

Facetune

  • iOS, Android and Windows

Facetune is the photo editing app for your face. It was built for selfies and those close-up flashes in the touristy bar. Its tools let you remove blemishes, smooth skin, reshape your jaw line, and whiten teeth. If you’re not feeling your best, no worries—Facetune has got you covered.

West Coast Vibes

VSCO

  • iOS and Android

VSCO Cam is used by professional mobile photographers to take exceptional pictures. Often billed as “what Instagram used to be,” VSCO stands out from the rest of the free photo editing apps with an intensive arsenal of filters.

It’s easy to use and has a stylish yet minimalist interface.

VSCO is certainly no amateur when it comes to pro work—its staff has built filters for Adobe’s Lightroom desktop app and for Apple Aperture. Note that while the app is free, VSCO does have in-app purchases of filter packs.

Touch Retouch

  • iOS, Android, and Windows

Touch Retouch is an app that’s designed to deal with unwanted content in your photos.

Is that skyscraper ruining your skyline? Are there too many tourists in front of the Pantheon? Do you have a nasty case of photobomb? You can easily make those things vanish by using Touch Retouch’s smart tech, which takes cues from the background to replace the missing piece.

Hwy 1 Colors

iWatermark

  • iOS and Android

iWatermark is an app for photographers and designers. Simply upload your photo to the app, add a watermark of your choosing, and share on social media. Avoid the nasty surprise of finding your photos at an unauthorized URL.

You can apply a logo, signature, or QR code that protects your intellectual property instantly. The QR can hold up to 4,000 characters of information and can be read with a smartphone—a handy way for users to share contact info and promote their company.

READ NEXT: Top Five Apps for Female Travel

 

Check out these travel & flight essentials!

Top 5 Photo Editing Apps for Travelers is a post from: The Blonde Abroad



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Monday, June 6, 2016

5 Different Ways Travel Opens Our World

Open Your World

5 Ways Travel Opens Our World

Travel Tips

People travel the world for different reasons. Adventure. Curiosity. Escapism. Or maybe just to chase those epic Instagram shots. But something else happens too.

No matter what your reason for traveling is, there’s no denying that travel can change a person. I’m certainly not the same person I was when I started traveling more than five years ago.

In fact, I’m not even the same person I was just one year ago. The more of the world you see, the more you learn about that world and about yourself — plus where you fit into the mix.

“Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” – Mary Ritter Beard

They say that travel is one of the best educations. But it’s not just facts and historical dates you learn as a traveler. Travel also opens your eyes – and in turn opens the world to you.

This month I’ve partnered up with the flight search experts at Momondo to share some of the different ways travel has opened my world after 5 years of travel adventures.

Be Open

Eating Scorpions in Thailand

1. Be Open

Mark Twain once said that “travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” When you travel to countries very different than your own, you’re given a chance to set aside your conceptions (or misconceptions) and observe how things really are.

When you set aside your prejudices and open yourself to new cultures and experiences, you’re not just opening your mind to new languages or food or music – you’re also opening your mind to new ways of thinking, living, and understanding.

Even though you may feel like you have nothing in common with the person sitting across from you on the bus 10,000 miles from home, the reality is that, as humans, our similarities far outnumber our differences. Once you are open to this concept, you quickly start noticing the things that all strangers – regardless of race or religion or way of life – have in common.

And suddenly the world becomes a lot less intimidating.

Talk To Strangers

Making New Friends In South Africa

2. Talk To Strangers

Growing up, your parents probably taught you all about “stranger danger.” But forget about that when you’re traveling. When you’re open and open-minded on your travels, you’ll want to talk to that stranger on the bus or that tuk-tuk driver or that surfer who just caught that awesome wave. It’s the locals in a destination who know the best places to eat or the best spot to catch a sunset.

When you talk to strangers, you also help break down barriers. When you can share a joke with someone who doesn’t speak your language or make an effort to communicate with a shy kid on the street, you make a connection. And connections are what help strangers become friends.

Be Open

Moto Taxi Ride

3. Just Say Yes

You don’t have to be an adrenaline junkie to enjoy traveling. In fact, you don’t even have to be all that outgoing at all (I know plenty of people who identify as introverts who still love to travel). The trait you do need is the ability to just say YES.

Travel is sometimes just about the destination – the beaches and colorful towns and snowy landscapes. But often it’s just as much about what happens along the way. Say yes to a ride on the back of a motorbike. Say yes to that scorpion on a stick. Say yes to a polar plunge in frigid Arctic waters. To steal Nike’s slogan: “Just do it!” You’ll be surprised at how much you’re capable of doing if you allow yourself to be spontaneous once in a while.

Stay Curious

Trekking in Greenland

4. Stay Curious

We’ve already talked about being open and open-minded on your travels. And one of the best ways to facilitate this to stay curious and continue pushing yourself.

Talk to that stranger on the bus even if you’re a bit shy. Hike a little further to see what’s over that next ridge even if you’re tired. Find out what will happen if you face your fear of heights or spiders or deep water. I think all travelers are inherently curious people, but cultivating and expanding that curiosity on the road is important, too.

Inspire Others

Playing with Northern Lights in Iceland

5. Inspire Others

When you talk to strangers and say yes to adventure and open your mind to things that are “different,” you often become kind of different yourself. As a travel blogger, I’m always aiming to inspire people to get out of their comfort zones and open themselves up to the world.

I want to convince people that traveling doesn’t have to be scary, and I do this by showing people the world through my eyes.

You don’t have to be a travel blogger to inspire others though. Simply telling your friends and family about the great new dish you had in Mexico or the interesting history you learned about mosques in Turkey can go a long way in inspiring others to travel and open their minds, too.

And, the more people who travel, the more the world opens up.

Let’s Open Our World!

My friends at Momondo believe that “the world is open to those with an open mind,” and want to know how traveling has affected YOUR view of the world around you.

They’re even running an Instagram competition where you can win a 360fly camera by showing them how you’re playing your part in breaking down barriers and opening your mind.

Visit LetsOpenOurWorld.com to learn more & enter for a chance to win. ★

READ NEXT: 33 Cool Travel Jobs For Travel Addicts

How has travel opened your world? Let me know in the comments!

Momondo Flight Search

This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.



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Sunday, June 5, 2016

5 Romantic Places for Couples in Rome

Romantic Places for Couples in Rome

Walking around Rome is romantic in and of itself. The architecture, the people, the food, the wine, the music, the smells…literally everything emanates romance. However, there are certain areas and attractions in Rome that we think raise the romance bar even more.

Here are our favorite romantic places for couples in Rome!

Trevi Fountain

Trevi Fountain

It is so nice that the fountain is no longer under construction. We have both been to the Trevi before and have seen her beauty, but our last trip was during construction and the entire fountain area was covered by walls and construction.

Go enjoy the newly renovated fountain with your partner and toss a coin backward over your head into the fountain so you can make whatever wish your heart desires.

St. Peter's Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica is arguably the most famous church in the world. Neither of us want to get married in a traditional church style wedding, but it really would be an incredible cathedral for a wedding ceremony.

St. Peter’s is literally MASSIVE. Go walk around with your lover and you’ll find yourself in awe at the art and architecture.

Colosseum

Colosseum

Don’t just look from the outside, go inside! It’s crazy that a structure that was used historically for such gory acts and events can still be so romantic. Read up on the history of the Colosseum while you’re there and you’ll be flabbergasted at the work that went into building this stadium.

Spanish Steps

(source)

Piazza Della Spagna

Piazza Della Spagna is absolutely gorgeous. The Spanish steps can be a bit over crowded and even have a massive billboard over top of them, but the piazza as a whole is beautiful.

The wide open space, the buildings, the fountain, etc. all set a gorgeous ambiance for couples. Walk around here at night and the lights will add a bit of sex appeal as well.

Tiber Rome

(source)

Tiber River

There’s nothing quite like walking along a beautiful body of water with your better half. The Tiber is amazing because you can enjoy the river, beautiful bridges, and incredible architecture as you walk through history.

Or maybe you just want to sit on a bridge over the river and enjoy a nice bottle of wine or some delicious Roman carbonara? GO for it!

READ NEXT: What to Do in Rome in Three Days

 

Check out these Italy travel style essentials!

5 Romantic Places for Couples in Rome is a post from: The Blonde Abroad



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Thursday, June 2, 2016

The Best Time to Go to Italy

Best Time to Go to Italy

Ciao, bella! Ready for the ultimate Mediterranean getaway? From Milan to Sicily, Italy is one of the best destinations on the planet.

With its fascinating history, breathtaking natural beauty, delicious food, and endless entertainment options, Italy is the place to be 365 days a year.

Whether you lounge on the beach in Cala Mariolu, explore the Christmas market of Aosta Valley, or wander through the ruins of Rome, you can have an Italian dream vacation at any time of year.

Here’s tips on the best time to go to Italy!

Positano

Summer in Italy

  • Months: June – August

La dolce vita is in full swing during the sizzling months of summer. Festivals are everywhere and there’s always a reason to party.

Join the locals in celebrating the national Italian holiday Festa della Repubblica on June 2 or watch the fireworks on August 15 while you partake in Ferragosto, another one of Italy’s biggest celebrations.

While there is ample opportunity for fun in the sun, summer is also peak tourism time in Italy. In August, many Italians go away on holiday to the mountains and countryside, so if it’s your dream to sit in a quint café surrounded by locals, pick another time of year.

During the peak months, you’re more likely to rub shoulders with one of your own compatriots.

Highlights: Festa della Repubblica & Ferragosto

Amalfi Coast Restaurant

Autumn in Italy

  • Months: September – November

While summers can be scorching in Italy, the fall months are gorgeous. Even in the northernmost areas, you’ll often find afternoon temperatures in the 70s and 80s through September.

While tourist favorites like Rome, Florence, Venice, and the Amalfi coast often stay crowded into October, you will find fewer travelers throughout the country as the season goes on.

Local food and wine festivals called sagres are everywhere in the fall. Celebrate your love of chocolate, wine, truffles, and chestnuts like a proper Italian. On your way, be sure to explore the countryside to take in the stunning fall colors in the vineyards starting in the middle of October going through November.

Highlights: Food & Wine

Venice Canals

Winter in Italy

  • Months: December – March

Crowds are at a minimum in the winter so you can explore museums and galleries to your heart’s content. The theatre and opera season is in full swing so it’s really the peak time of year to take in Italian culture.

Beginning the first week of December, you can also start shopping Christmas markets around the country.

In the mood for a ski getaway? Unlike France and Switzerland, Italy is known for its chill ski resorts. While a serious competitive attitude prevails at many Europeans ski resorts, places like Cortina d’Ampezzo, Madonna di Campiglio, and Cervinia are perfect for skiers who are looking for a little fun in the snow.

Highlights: Christmas Markets & Skiing

Amalfi Coast

Spring in Italy

  • Months: April – May

Italy is at its vibrant best during the spring. With flowers coming into bloom, every stall and street corner is filled with gorgeous displays. You can beat the summer rush of tourists while enjoying all the colors and sunshine of April and May.

And have I mentioned how much I love Italian spring food? The cuisine is very seasonal here so even if you were just at the fall food fests, you can eat your way through the country once again. Go pick wild strawberries in the hills outside Rome then travel to the countryside to sample this season’s grapes.

Highlights: Grapes!

The Yacht Week Italy

Time Stands Still Here

Did you know that people in Sardinia have some of the longest life expectancies in the world? Just 120 miles off the coast of mainland Italy, people are living to well over 100 years old. Once you go there, you will see why.

The area abounds with fresh food, perfect walking weather, and a laid-back approach to life. Anywhere, anytime in Italy, you can feel this sense of timelessness that will make you feel like you never want to leave!

READ NEXT: How to Travel Italy on a Budget

 

SHOP my favorite Italy travel essentials!

The Best Time to Go to Italy is a post from: The Blonde Abroad



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Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Tips for Feeling Fresh on a Long-Haul Flight

Feeling Fresh after Long Haul Flight

A long-haul flight can take a lot out of you. The A/C is blasted sky-high and drying out your skin; you’re stuck in the same clothes for hours upon hours. Let’s be honest—you barely got sleep last night and refreshed is the last word anyone would use to describe you.

But don’t fear! There are a few easy steps you can take to refresh your skin and sanity during and after a flight. These can go a long way to perk you up and get you ready to face your destination (and jet lag).

Here are my tips for feeling fresh on a long-haul flight!

Moisturize

Keep your face and skin moisturized by packing a small bottle of lotion. (Be sure it’s travel-sized so it passes security.) Apply the lotion liberally whenever you feel that your skin is getting dry.

Try to keep your makeup to a minimum, or opt out of it altogether—your skin wants to breathe. And stay away from alcohol—it will dehydrate you faster than anything.

Always Sheer Dailies

Pack Always Sheer Dailies Liners and Wipes

The Always brand makes these amazing Sheer Dailies liners and wipes to cancel out odors you’d rather not be stuck with. They’re really absorbent and keep you smelling clean all day.

Be sure to opt for liners instead of pads—liners are usually small and light enough that you don’t notice even them. The wipes are handy to keep around when you want a quick pick-me-up. They are small enough to take on the go, are individually wrapped, and have a light fragrance.

Drink Lots of Water!

Staying hydrated is the number one way to keep refreshed on the plane. Though airplanes usually offer water on board, it’s never enough! Take an empty stainless steel water bottle with you and fill it up just before boarding the plane.

View from the plane on the flight to Queenstown

Get Some Rest

I know, sometimes it’s impossible, but try to sleep a full eight hours the night before your flight. You’ll be able to handle the stress and foreign environment of air travel with greater ease.

If you can, try to sleep on the plane too—after a long-haul flight, you’ll probably be dealing with jet lag. If you’re traveling to Europe, red-eye flights are quite common, and they can mess up your body’s schedule. More sleep means more sanity when you’re on the ground!

Pack a Change of Clothes in your Carry On

Sometimes you just want to get out of the same old clothes you’ve been in all day from airport to airport. Dress yourself in comfy and loose-fitting clothes before you board. Then you can swap back into your dress or whatnot when you land.

The Ultimate Carry On Bag

Keep the Essentials Handy

There’s something magical about items like the toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wipes, and hand sanitizer after a long flight. Clean skin and teeth can keep you feeling refreshed.

While on the plane (or right after it lands) be sure to brush your teeth, apply deodorant, and wash your face and hands. If you’re prone to bad breath, bring along some mints or a breath spray. This will also help to minimize germs you’re exposed to on the plane.

Be careful not to overdo it with the wipes and hand sanitizer; they can dry out your skin.

READ NEXT: The Ultimate Survival Guide for Long-Haul Flights

 

SHOP my favorite flight essentials!

This article was written in partnership with Always. As always, opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Tips for Feeling Fresh on a Long-Haul Flight is a post from: The Blonde Abroad



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Monday, May 30, 2016

The Ultimate Cape Town Travel Guide

Ultimate Cape Town Travel Guide

On my first trip to the continent of Africa, I was lucky enough to spend about a week exploring the wonders of Cape Town. It truly has stunning natural landscapes, delicious and diverse cuisines and so many activities for all ages.

Check out all of my tips in the ultimate Cape Town travel guide!

What to expect in Cape Town

What to Expect in Cape Town

Cape Town is a cosmopolitan city with a wealth of historical sites, café culture, and lively nightlife.

  • Language: South Africa claims a whopping eleven official languages but the most common you’ll hear in and around Cape Town is English—the lingo of business and media—followed by Afrikaans and Xhosa on the streets.
  • Currency:The South African rand
  • Credit Cards and Banks: The majority of retailers and restaurants accept debit card as payment.
  • Climate: Humidity is quite low in Cape Town, so while the summers are hot, they aren’t too muggy. Wintertime, however, is chilly with the ocean winds blowing in from the southeast.

The best times to visit are the cusp months, October and November, springtime in South Africa, or from December to February when the days are at their longest and warmest. Winter from June to August tends to be rainy and cold.

Aerial Cape Town

Getting Around Cape Town

Getting Around Cape Town

Cape Town is rather spread out and with many things to do around the Cape, I recommend renting a car. It will save you from spare you from the somewhat unreliable public transportation and pricey taxis.

Getting Around Town

I highly recommend renting a car—especially if you plan to do road trips. Overall, the best way to get around Cape Town is by car, because although the street signage can be a bit confusing, you’ll find that the city is auto-friendly with ample parking and not a lot of traffic.

Uber enjoys a healthy clientele in and around Cape Town, so you can use the Uber app to get around if driving on your own doesn’t sound like a great idea.

Getting To Cape Town

From Cape Town International Airport, you can rent a car, take a metered taxi (about R300 to R400) or catch the MyCiti shuttle bus (about R64 per person but depends on your destination) into the city centre.

Where to stay in Cape Town

Where to Stay in Cape Town

Cape Town, and South Africa in general, is filled with beautiful, luxury boutique hotels. Note that in Cape Town, hostel prices are fairly high, so unless you’re traveling on your own, you might as well stay in a hotel.

The Best of Budget Accommodations in Cape Town

  • The Backpack Cape Town: A colorful and trendy hostel with dorms for up to eight people, private rooms, and a studio apartment with a kitchenette. The premises also boast an outdoor pool, a café and bar, free continental breakfast, and free Wi-Fi.
  • Fritz Hotel: The budget but charming House Fritz Guest House is in the center of town, just 15 minutes away from the Green Market Square. Tucked away in a quiet residential area, the B&B offers spacious rooms with hardwood floors, some with private gardens or balconies with views of Table Mountain.
  • Ashanti Lodge Gardens: This lodge is a former Victorian mansion that has been converted to a beautiful hostel just a brief walk from the Iziko South African Museum. Accommodations are geared toward a variety of travelers: simple dorms, campsites, and private rooms with bathrooms en suite.
MannaBay Sunrise

The Best Luxury Accommodations in Cape Town

  • South Beach in Camps Bay: South Beach is a gorgeous collection of waterfront apartments with ocean-view balconies and kitchens. As you can imagine, they are fairly luxurious and have modern amenities, flat-screen TVs, free WI-FI, and continental breakfast served in-room. Ask for the upgrades if you can—these come with direct pool access and whirlpool tubs.
  • MannaBay Boutique Guest House: Mannabay is a sophisticated hotel with eclectic decor and offers a beautiful swimming pool, a fire pit, and complimentary airport transfers. Each one of the eight luxury rooms is distinctly decorated and can host up to 16 guests. The rooms are huge and have spacious bathrooms, walk-in showers, and under-floor heating—ingredients for a heavenly stay! Enjoy complimentary drinks served every afternoon at High Tea.
  • Cape View Clifton Beach House: The stylish and flawless Cape View Clifton is the perfect place to relax. The rooms are spacious with stunning panoramic views and made-to-order breakfast. Book a romantic deluxe or junior suite or spring for a two- or three-bedroom suite with your band of girlfriends. The Clifton area is a beach lover’s paradise with four coves protected from the famous southeasterly winds.

What to Do in Cape Town

What to Do in Cape Town

Surrounded by so many natural sights, there are endless adventures you can get into in Cape Town!

  • Cape Point Road Trip: Take a drive along the beautiful coastal road to scenic Cape Point. The highway will take you through historical Hout Bay and Sentinel Peak and to the winding Chapman’s Peak Road. Cape Point is located in the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and has dramatic views of the ocean, a charming historical lighthouse, and dangerous rocks that have led to many a shipwreck in olden times.
  • Lion's Head

  • Hike Lion’s Head: Need to escape the city? The options are endless around the mountains and national parks. One of the more popular is Lion’s Head, a slightly challenging but rewarding climb.
  • Cable Car up to Table Mountain: You can hop on the cable car to scale nearby Table Mountain and see its panoramic views over Cape Town.
  • Helicopter Tour

  • Helicopter Tour: Several helicopter companies offer scenic flights of Cape Town with stunning views of the city and the Cape of Good Hope. 
  • City Bus Sightseeing Tour: Cape Town hosts a wonderful hop-on and hop-off double decker that will take you through all the main highlights: The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the Clock Tower, Foreshore, 81 Long Street, Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, and Camps Bay. It’s a great way to get a brief overview of town! Plus you can buy cableway tickets to Table Mountain onboard and skip the lines! 
  • Kirstenbosch Botanic Garden

  • Kirstenbosch Botanic Garden: The Kirstenbosch Botanic Garden is home to a large collection of African plants and offers trails carved out for trekkers and stone sculptures set in the gardens for artists. In summertime, you´ll often find live concerts held on the grass on Sundays. 
  • Shop at Watershed: The Watershed is an indoor market on the waterfront that offers a variety of treats, including artist exhibitions, workshops, and products for your mind and body.
  • Cape Town Street Art

  • Woodstock Art Walk Tour: Since 2010, Woodstock has been the epicenter for street art, and these days you can hire a guide to take you around to see more than 40 pieces of artwork from local and international artists. Truly a place to get inspired!

Where to eat in Cape Town

Where to Eat in Cape Town

There’s no end to delectable restaurants and cheerful cafés in Cape Town. The city’s rich history of colliding cultures has led to hearty, award-winning cuisine . . . you’ll find samosas, curries, chakalaka, imifino patties, pizza, and gelato.

  • Willoughby & Co: Willoughby & Co on Victoria Wharf is the locals’ much-loved, go-to restaurant for sushi.
  • The Biscuit Mill: The Old Biscuit Mill is a heartfelt collaboration between chefs, designers, photographers, and other artists in and around town. Once a biscuit factory, it now hosts a market featuring more than 100 specialty traders every Saturday.
  • The Biscuit Mill

  • Mama Africa: As the restaurant claims, “If you haven’t been to Mama Africa, you haven’t been to Cape Town.” A vibrant yet cozy oasis where you can enjoy authentic live music, traditional foods, such as shaved meats and game kebab, and a gift shop open in the evenings.
  • Codfather: Codfather Seafood & Sushi is a lively restaurant that’s always full of hungry patrons. Your taste buds will thank you after the heaps of deliciously prepared fish, prawns, langoustines, crayfish, and more.
  • Truth Coffee or Tribe Coffee: Grab your daily cup of joe at Truth Coffee or Tribe Coffee—both exceptional cafés in the heart of Cape Town. Truth Coffee boasts a relaxed yet trendy steampunk vibe, while Tribe Coffee is an unassuming café just a brief walk from the Woodstock train station.
  • Coffee in Cape Town

  • The Test Kitchen: Located in The Old Biscuit Mill, the Test Kitchen is a blend of South African and Latin cuisine with inventive dishes, including home-smoked trout with parsley jellies and saffron pickled onions, light curry-glazed kingklip, and cauliflower salad with caper and pine nut salsa.

Read Next: 20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Cape Town

 

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The Ultimate Cape Town Travel Guide is a post from: The Blonde Abroad



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