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I will never grow tired of hearing people big up Cape Town, and when the praise comes from one of the world’s premier travel publications, it’s even sweeter.

Just give us this one, Jozi, because you know we make less money than you and may well be renters for the rest of our days.

Released last Thursday, Condé Nast’s latest “Best Things to Do in Cape Town” list kicks off with a bang. Listen to this sweet intro:

Yes, Cape Town is beautiful—but it also has plenty of depth. From world-class museums to mountains, from centuries-old public parks to cutting-edge public art—not to mention one of the hottest food scenes in the hemisphere—there’s lots to keep you busy in the Mother City.

Tasty.

First on their list is Camps Bay Beach:

Camps Bay is Cape Town’s party beach: A beautiful, long stretch of white sand bordered by a promenade full of restaurants, clubs, and hotels for when you need a break from the sun. It’s fun and lively and can feel a bit crowded—and, fine, maybe a bit tacky—during the peak summer months of December and January. But the setting is absolutely gorgeous, with the Twelve Apostles mountain range making for a craggy backdrop.

Amid the loud beach bars you’ll find some dining gems, so it’s definitely worth a stop.

A day on the beach soaking up the sun is a must, and any local will tell you that a drink or two at Cafe Caprice helps smooth the edges.

If you happen to be there on a Tuesday, their Two-For-One special, which starts from midday and runs through until the kitchen closes, will help with soaking up the drinks and lining the stomach.

Oh, you want more culture? How about stopping in at the Zeitz MOCAA:

The Zeitz MOCAA is one of the most important new museums in the global art world: It’s the first-ever major institution dedicated exclusively to artists from across the African continent and diaspora. It’s also a must-see for architecture buffs; the building, a reimagining of an abandoned silo building, was designed by UK starchitect Thomas Heatherwick.

The result is a soaring, sculptural marvel that really is a work of art in itself. It’s modern and industrial, and Capetonians are rightly proud of the new landmark building.

Added local knowledge bonus – on September 24, which is Heritage Day, you can visit the Zeitz MOCAA for free between 10AM and 6PM.

Tick those cultural boxes, and then smash a braai with some good friends – nailed it.

Also cracking the nod was Company’s Garden, Lion’s Head (remember to take the stereotypical picture at the top looking out over the city whilst pretending to be zen), Cape Point and Robben Island Museum.

This one deserves another shout-out, because we’re all guilty of being useless on this front – Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden:

This is one of our favourite places in Cape Town: a beautiful, serene expanse on the slopes of Table Mountain, with more than 7,000 plant species, most of which are unique to this part of the world (keep an eye out for all kinds of proteas, birds of paradise, wild gardenia, and much more).

OK, they’re wrong about the birds of paradise, although you will find sunbirds and sugarbirds and, if you’re paying attention, an owl or two chilling out in the trees.

Rumour has it if you put your ear to the bark of one of the trees, you can actually hear Bryan Adams performing his summer concerts.

Maybe this is the year that we act like tourists in our own city, and make the most of what Cape Town has to offer.

[source:condenast]