You know those trips where everything feels like it just clicks? That's how it was for me in Cape Town. I don't know what I was expecting when I booked my flight, but the best things to do in Cape Town ended up being far from what I could've imagined.
This spot? Total surprise.
So, the first day, I grabbed a coffee — which, by the way, is divine over there — and just wandered. I'd heard about the V&A Waterfront but hadn't really put much thought into it. Honestly, I wasn't expecting much. Just another tourist trap, right?
But oh my god, once I got there, I was blown away. The sun was shining, and the way it sparkles on the water? I could've stared at it for hours. It had this lively, vibrant energy – street performers, artisanal shops, people chatting over gelato. I found this little art gallery tucked away, filled with stunning local artwork. I don't know why I ended up there, but I spent longer than I'd planned just absorbing it all. Met this cool guy who was an artist; we chatted about his work, and I ended up buying a small painting that now hangs in my living room. It was one of those unexpected wins.
The afternoon that changed my whole mood
And then, there was this afternoon where I thought I'd just grab lunch. I had a vague idea in my head to head to the famous Camps Bay beach and maybe get a bite to eat by the ocean. I set off with a general sense of direction but, you know how that goes. My sense of direction is just a tad questionable — I ended up taking a wrong turn and stumbling into this tiny local joint called The Hussar Grill.
You guys, I'll never forget the steak there. I mean, it was practically perfect. Juicy on the inside, grilled to perfection on the outside, and paired with the creamiest potato side I'd ever had. I remember sitting down with my meal and this gorgeous view of the ocean, and suddenly, everything felt right. The waves crashing in the background, the smell of grilling meats — it was just one of those moments that shifts everything. I felt so grateful for the spontaneity of it all. I almost didn't want to leave.
I almost missed this, no thanks to my bad sense of direction
So, I know I'm not winning any awards for my navigation skills, but trust me, all my detours turned out to be gifts in disguise. There was this one moment where I was headed to the Table Mountain hike — I mean, when in Cape Town, right? Well, I took the cable car partway up and thought, “I'll hike the rest!”
I ended up wandering onto the wrong trail and found myself in a spot with fewer people. It was quiet and peaceful, like the kind of serene silence that pulls you inward. I could've kicked myself for getting lost, but I found this hidden nook with a view overlooking the city. The way the light bounced off the buildings made it all look ethereal. I sat there for a long time, just soaking it all in, feeling both small and incredibly connected to everything around me.
There's something deeply personal about moments like these. I shared a bench for a bit with an older couple, who were nice enough to chat. They told me about their travels and how they'd been visiting Cape Town for years, always finding something new. It felt like a small reminder that sometimes the best adventures aren't part of the plan at all.
The meal that left a mark
And speaking of unexpected finds, I have to share about this dinner I had at a place called The Test Kitchen. Man oh man, was that a game-changer. I had been hearing whispers about it from everywhere, but I thought, “Nah, it's bound to be overrated.” But something in me nudged to give it a go.
The ambiance was gorgeous: cozy yet sophisticated. Each dish that came out was like a piece of art. Honestly, I felt a bit out of my league with my casual summer dress amongst all the fancy diners, but the staff was so welcoming and friendly that I quickly relaxed. I mean, each bite was literally a new experience. There was this pork belly that melted in my mouth and a dessert that was just out of this world. I actually closed my eyes for a second after that one — it was like a hug for my taste buds.
I even met a couple next to me who were on their honeymoon. Their excitement was infectious; we ended up talking about our adventures. They kept telling me about the best things to do in Cape Town that I hadn't even tried yet. They invited me to join them the following day for a sunset cruise. I almost said no, thinking it was too spontaneous, but then I thought, “Why not?”
The sunset cruise that stole the show
The cruise ended up being a stunning highlight. We were all chatting, laughing, and drinking wine, watching the sun set over the ocean. There was this magical moment when the sky turned this deep shade of orange and pink, reflecting all across the water. At that moment, I realized that what mattered wasn't the itinerary, but the connections and experiences we made along the way.
And then, just as we were soaking in that sunset, that moment of doubt hit again. What if it was all going to end? What if this was a fleeting joy? But then I laughed at my own worries, because what good is life if you're always thinking about the “what ifs”?
Reflecting on it all
So here I am, back in my little apartment, coffee in hand, still rolling around the memories of Cape Town. Sometimes, I catch myself spacing out thinking about that incredible steak or the artists at the waterfront. The next few months, I'll probably replay those random conversations and those surreal moments over and over in my mind.
It wasn't just a vacation; it was an experience that unraveled bits of me I didn't realize I had lost. The best things to do in Cape Town weren't just the iconic spots, but those little surprises that life throws at you when you allow it.
And just like that, I've finished my coffee, but the memories? They linger.
