I have been living in Cape Town for some months now: originally I visited on and off, and when I could finally move here, I jumped at the opportunity to live down south. During my times around town I have witnessed some truly magnificent sunsets, composed of all the reds, oranges and pinks your eyes could possibly imagine. My Cape Town sunset list will give you an idea of how my early evenings are spent around this pretty city. From mountain hiking to glamorous rooftop chill sessions, here’s my list of favourite places for sunset in Cape Town.
Signal Hill with a twist: the almost secret spot for sunset
I know you are thinking that everyone goes to Signal Hill for sunset, so it can’t be much of a secret, right? Here you would be totally correct, the spot is known by locals and tourists alike for its stunning ocean views and Lion’s head and Table Mountain silhouettes when the sun is setting. It has incredible views of the mountains and the Robben Island in the horizon.
What everyone doesn’t do is move from the main area and follow the path down to Sea Point side. If you follow the gravel path for about 4 minutes, you will find a rooftop that offers the best secret spot for sunset in Signal Hill.
Here’s a photo of Simba… because I only took pictures of him
Newest rooftop bar: SunSquare rooftop bar and pool
Recently refurbished, the new Sunsquare hotel in Bree St and Buitengragt St offers visitors panoramic views of Cape Town and delicious cocktails. It also has an indoor and warm splash pool that can be enjoyed if you buy a drink there. It is still relatively new and not overly crowded, so that’s another plus! You can enjoy the last of the sun’s rays while unwinding in the hammocks outside and enjoy the pool all to yourself if you’re lucky!
The classic: Camps Bay Beach
It is one of Cape Town’s favourite sunset locations and there’s a reason for that. The extensive beach offers many different and secluded spots for couples, groups of friends and families to enjoy a picnic on the beach. The tidal pool and the rocks are just two of the most wanted spots. The sun setting directly in front of the beach offers great colours in the sky and gorgeous reflections in the water. Make sure to grab some drinks and snacks and don’t forget your camera!
For the mountain lovers: Kloof corner
Kloof corner is one of the routes which starts closest to the Table Mountain Cable car and one that takes you all the way to the top of the mountain. This short hike, however, will only take the first 20 minutes (approximate time depending on speed and fitness level) until you arrive at a rocky corner on your right. It has great views over Cape Town, Lion’s Head silhouette and Camps Bay beach. It is a short and manageable walk if you feel that going to the top of Lion’s Head is too long. I have revisited often over the past two months since a friend first took me up there. It is very nice, not too difficult to hike and boasts majestic sunsets.
360-degree view of the city and the mountains: Cloud 9 Boutique hotel
Since the first time I visited Cloud 9 hotel I have fallen in love with it. Located in the upper CBD this boutique hotel boasts a rooftop bar with amazing cocktails, oven pizzas and a very upbeat playlist. It has two levels, the first one holds the bar, seating area and a little pool, the upper deck is on the rooftop with a 360-degree view of the city and mountains. This makes it the best spot to chill at the end of the day. There is nothing better than the freedom of choosing which side of the city you want to face when the sun goes down.
How many of this epic Cape Town spots have you tried for sunset? Leave more suggestions in the comments below!
Imagine a crackling fire, campfire food, the soothing sound of crickets and falling asleep in all the comforts a cottage can provide. Welcome to Bush Buck Suite, in the Platbos Forest.
Located 2h30 from Cape Town this indigenous forest features different suites and camps for guests in in the Overberg area. I stayed at the Bush Buck Suite.
Quick facts:
Good for: small families, couples, friends
Starting from: 1050 ZAR per night (57€)
Location: Western Cape, South Africa
Bush Buck Suite
Tucked inside of the indigenous Platbos Forest, with trees that have been around for more than 1000 years, the Bush Buck suite is a cottage with one peculiarity: one of the walls is made of canvas.
You can literally roll it up and have no wall between you and the forest around you. The roof is see-through and allows for the light to illuminate the cabin always.
Inside Platbos Forest suite there’s a canopy queen bed, an indoor fireplace with two chairs, the kitchenette with a gas stove and sufficient pots, pans and cutlery for two people. There is also a big kitchen table with chairs around it and camping chairs to use outside.
On the outside there are two benches surrounding the camp fire. They invoke a certain feeling of seclusion – having your own private space – just for you!
The cabin with the canvas rolled up achieves a perfect cabin-in-the-woods vibe connected with its surroundings.
There is an outside bathroom, also with see-through roof. It has a flushing toilet and an outside shower that is warmed up by the “boiling donkey” next to it (you light a fire and it heats the water).
The suite does not have electricity so it is an ideal spot to catch up on reading material and go for a lazy walk in the forest paths surrounding the suite.
There are solar lanterns for your use, but I recommend bringing some more of your own lanterns if you feel like doing something after the sun has set as they don’t provide much light.
What’s to love
Each suite or camping area is far away from the others. There is plenty of “feeling alone in the forest” which is in my opinion one of its biggest selling points. The wooden cabin is cosy and has everything necessary to make your stay comfortable.
The experience of sleeping in a comfy bed but being able to feel like you’re in the middle of the forest. The soothing sound of crickets while drifting into sleep and the birds in the morning really make the whole stay wonderful.
What could be improved
The suite is in the middle of the forest, but there is a little path that connects your suite (and every other) with one of the walking routes in the forest. There are signs stating private suites but when you arrive at the suite there is no way to lock it or keep your valuables safe.
I had my laptop and my camera with me and when I decided to go on a walk I felt safer taking them with me, just in case. It is a small inconvenience that would not change my overall experience but it is worth mentioning nonetheless.
I would totally recommend Bush Buck Suite in the Platbos forest as a splendid getaway for a weekend close to Cape Town.
There is no better way to start my new series of posts “Cape Town Getaways” than with a visit to the most beautiful garden I’ve have ever been to: Babylonstoren. Babylonstoren is one of the biggest farms I have seen in my life. The extension of land surrounding the farm is ginormous.
Where Is It, How To Get There & Entrance Costs
Babylonstoren is in the winelands region of the Western Cape, South Africa. Driving time from Cape Town is about 50 minutes following the N1 direction to Paarl. Follow the N1 until the exit 47, turn right and go over the bridge. Take the next left onto R45 and after 6 km you will see the Babylonstoren sign.
Babylonstoren opened its doors to the public in November 2010, one year after the gardeners started planting the seeds for the garden we can see today. It is one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms in the area dating back to 1692.
There are entrance fees into the property. During weekends and public holidays adult entrance is R20 and kid under 12 R10. During the week the fee is R10 for both adults and kids.
Sleep at Babylonstoren
The Farm Hotel has 13 cottages with three room categories: one-bedroom cottages, one-bedroom cottages with a lounge area and two-bedroom cottages with a lounge area.
Eat at Babylonstoren
They have the Babel restaurant on the farm. The restaurant serves breakfast and dinner every day of the week (open to the public) and lunch from Wednesday to Sunday. The cuisine is seasonal and based on their garden produce.
The Garden at Babylonstoren
With a variety of plants and trees from different parts of the world, the gardens are structured in 15 different sections. There are ponds, footpaths, bridges and wooden paths to walk on. The gardens present fruits, vegetables, and indigenous plants. Every detail of the garden has been taken care of, marked paths with flowers or different sections correctly signed. There is even a big swing hanging from a tree where kids (and myself) played for a bit.
Walking around Babylonstoren garden feels like entering heaven’s garden. The sound of the river, the leaves dancing and different trees and plants everywhere around you.
There were other groups, families and couples walking around, but everyone just walked at their own pace to enjoy the surroundings.
There is a daily garden tour at 10h00 but visitors can walk the premises at their own pace.
After the walk there is a Tasting Room for wine, a Bakery, a cheese shop and a curio shop.
Have you ever been to Babylonstoren? What was your favourite part? Mine is the cactus garden!
Some weeks ago I found a magic Instagram account called Planet Xancara. After watching their promotional video I was sold – I needed to go.
Planet Xancara has built a group of fans that spread the word, slowly but surely, about the magic of this hidden gem.
I packed a bag for the weekend and made my way to Planet Xancara, right before Elandsbaai, South Africa. The drive took about 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Quick facts:
Good for: families, couples, friends
Starting from: 2000 ZAR per night per person (108€)
Location: Western Cape, South Africa
Where the magic happens – Planet Xancara
On arrival the sun had just set, and we were picked up from the parking lot by a quad carrying a trailer. 10 minutes of gravel bumpy road later we got to the camp. Everything was pitch dark so we could only see silhouettes and colourful lights coming from the inside.
From where the quad stopped we could see walls about 2 metres high that had a little gap between them and the stretch tent on top. That is where the colourful lights were coming from.
What was our surprise when after rounding the corner we were transported into another planet.
Here’s where our magical weekend retreat started. We were in for a weekend away and some music vibes. We got a bunch of friends, incredible and relaxed experiences and some party.
At arrival the group that was already there seemed to be dancing to groovy vibes, played by two awesome dj’s: dj biaggi and Isaac, one of the owners.
The music captivated us and made us feel ready for the night ahead. We were eager to discover, with our torch, which one would be our glamping tent.
Planet Xancara is a big venue that hosts few people, sixteen to be exact. That means that if you want to, you get to know everyone there and make friends. The night passed quickly chatting with everyone, drinking beers and dancing to the most incredible music. By around 12 we were ready for bed.
Glamping tents at Xancara
The next morning, at around 6:30 am, the light coming from the outside and the birds chirping waked me up. You see, the tent we were staying at had no real walls, it was all mosquito nets and curtains.
Because of our late arrival I had not realised the “walls” were not but mosquito nets surrounding the tent.
With daylight I could finally appreciate where we were at. Planet Xancara is built between rocks, using the shapes of the area to build the Lounge-dancefloor and pool area around it.
The tents are located sparsely around, giving privacy to each guest and using nature’s shapes to have a very interesting setting.
Our spacious tent included a double bed, two tables with lamps and a closet. Without a door to separate the bathroom area (only canvas and open space) the wc was the only furniture in our bathroom.
They work on a full inclusive basis which means your accommodation, food and drinks for your stay are covered. We ate delicious food, tasted from fresh crayfish to oven-made bolognese. The drinks where also flowing (if you are into that!)
Activities available at Planet Xancara
During our stay we had the chance to explore around. We were guided by Isaac to the bushman paintings and even climbed the highest rock for sunset.
What you’ll love about Planet Xancara
Planet Xancara is the definition of a place you never knew you needed and now you can’t stand the thought of having to leave.
It is so difficult to put into words how the chilled music during the day and the more animated techno at night made a group of strangers become friends, exchange stories and dance with the stars. But this is what we did.
The weekend was spent reading, hiking, exploring and sleeping. There was a lot of reading.
Oh! I almost forgot! I paid a little extra for a massage that was so good it put me to sleep.
The veredict
I know where I want to spend my next birthday! No, seriously. It is an experience everyone should be able to have.
To get out of the city on a Friday and come back relaxed and happy on a Sunday, with a feeling of accomplishment and I was just a guest there. If you and your friends are around Cape Town and looking for an out of this world weekend retreat, Planet Xancara is where you should be headed.
Planet Xancara is a magic place. Tucked between rocks, with glamping tents, natural rock pools, outdoor showers and a stargazing bed.
Barcelona is the city where I was born and raised, and Barcelona is home. Loving the city is so easy millions of people come every year to discover what my home city has to offer. And being one of the most visited capitals in Europe, Barcelona shows off to every traveller that wants to discover it. Located on the Mediterranean Sea, Barcelona has monuments, gardens, views and restaurants for every type of traveller. Narrowing the list to the most important things to do and see has been hard but if you have limited time in the city these attractions and sights are the ones you can’t miss.
10 Must do things in Barcelona
1. Parc Güell
One of famous architect Antoni Gaudí’s most emblematic work, the park is on the hills of the Carmel neighbourhood, boasts incredible city views and offers its visitors the option to pose with the world-known “dragon”. Other attractions inside the park include the hypostile room and the 100 columns.
Local tip: walk away from the crowds after visiting the attractions listed above and follow paths up the mountain to fins better viewpoints of the city
2. Sagrada Familia
Another one of architect Antoni Gaudí’s works and one of Barcelona’s symbols, this work of art shows on the skyline with its towers. Designed by him, the plans weren’t finish when he died and it has only been built thanks to donations and trying to follow his same style (although, if you ask my humble opinion, the old part of the Sagrada Familia has way more charm). This is the reason the construction of the Sagrada Familia is still on-going. The inside is spectacular and domes and stained glass windows are the main sights.
3. Les rambles
The street located between Barcelona’s city centre and the beach is wide and full of restaurants and shops on each millimetre. On your walk along the pedestrian middle of the street you will see live statues and flowers, newspapers and bird little stalls. If you are walking towards the beach on your right you will find La Boqueria market, possibly Barcelona’s most tourist market and a colourful and loud market to try some of the Catalan cuisine in a very informal ambience. Also on your right hand sand the Liceu, Barcelona’s theatre, hosts almost nightly functions for those wanting to see a ballet or an orchestra.
4. Gothic quarter
The gothic quarter is the oldest of the old town of Barcelona’s quarters, and it has the government headquarters together with the city hall. The gothic quarter has a charm like no other and we can find the cathedral of Barcelona, the plaça Sant Jaume and a little bit off the beaten path the little square of Plaça de Felip Neri. The neighbourhoods boasts a wide range of alleys and cobbled streets that can be discovered every day by tourists and locals alike. Walking around the gothic quarter means travelling back to the roman ages and discovering the roman Barcino with the palaces and the gothic churches.
5. Montjuïc mountain
This mountain has five attractions you can’t miss all in the same place. Montjuïc has a long avenue leading to the MNAC, the Nacional museum of art of Catalonia. Right before the impressive museum, where romanesque parts of catalan churches are exhibited, the magic fountain has lights and water shows at night giving all visitors an unbeatable sunset view. Continuing walking up the mountain we will find different gardens – all of them with incredible views of the city. The Castle of Montjuïc can also be located at the summit of the mountain. It can be accessed by car or by foot and there’s also a cable car. Around the MNAC we can find the olimpic game stadium, built for the 1992 games.
Located in the “5th Avenue” of Barcelona, another of Gaudi’s architectural stars shows its winding shapes and towers to every tourist that walks or drives past the Passeig de Gràcia, the avenue with the luxury shops.
7. Barceloneta neighbourhood and promenade
It can’t be a great city if, located next to the sea, one of the most interesting quarters isn’t the one right by the beach and the promenade. With more than 3 km on the main area of beach, the promenade hosts bikers, walkers, runners and more every day. The views are unbeatable and the ones that want a more village-like experience just need to get into the streets of La Barceloneta. Clothes hanging from the windows, old people sitting on the balconies and restaurants that can’t be traced back because they’ve always been there are it’s main stars.
8. El born
El born is another of Barcelona’s oldest neighbourhoods. We can find the basilica Santa Maria del mar. It rivals the gothic quarter as one of the favourites of the general public. It combines the old Barcelona with some new and innovative buildings. Easy to stroll without a direction around the maze-looking cobbled streets and discover the charm of the city by foot. It is one of the best neighbourhoods to sit down for a beer and a tapa or two, and embrace the Catalan gastronomy.
9. Bunkers del Carmel – Turó de la Rovira
Arguably the best views of the city, the Bunkers del Carmel receive groups of friends every day that just want to spend time sitting on the edge of the platforms. Located on top of one of Barcelona’s hills, arriving is easy by car or bus and after a little walk you are rewarded with incredible city views.
10. Barcelona city centre
The central skeleton of the city is without a doubt Plaça Catalunya. It is not the prettiest square but it’s where all buses, metro and train stations converge. Where people set meeting points and connects with the Passeig de Gràcia, the commercial avenue with all the luxury brand shops. On the other end it connects with Les Rambles, another important street.
Need more recommendations for your time in Barcelona? Don’t hesitate to message me for more tips!
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