Guideline of Cape Town
Cape Town is a great place to be a student. There are a ton of cool places to go to, fun things to do, and great people to meet. But one thing that is absolutely essential is food. Bree Street near the city centre is full great restaurants, as is Kloof Street. The Eastern Food Bazaar has many different delectable and affordable options to choose from. The Creamery is a must if you’re in the mood for something sweet, and Dean Street (where one of them is located) has a few other great places to grab a bite. If you’re in the mood for large portions of Mexican food, Panchos in Observatory is one of the best options, and they sell delicious margarita jugs too. Although slightly pricey, Gibsons at the V & A Waterfront has some of the best burgers and milkshakes in Cape Town. I can promise that you’ve seen a larger variety of milkshakes in your life!
Cape Town does not fall short when it comes to nightlife! Long Street is the most well-known and popular destination for a night out. Packed with a huge variety of bars, restaurants, and clubs, you are sure to have a great time here! Best on Friday and Saturday nights, you can pop by Aces and Spades if you’re in the mood for rock, Stones if you’re in the mood for pool, Bob’s Bar if you’re in the mood for (very!) cheap shots, The Manila Bar for karaoke, or Fiction if you feel like some EDM. To mention just a few! However, you must be warned to keep a hand on your bag or pocket when walking down Long Street at night, as there are pick-pockets around. Claremont is another great night time destination. With clubs like Boogie (great place for a really fun night), Tin Roof, and Zhivago, this too will be a night to remember.
"Don't forget! Thursdays are the student nights. You can get discounts in some places, carry your student card with you!"
The beaches of Cape Town and the surrounding areas are one of the main attractions (although they all have rather cold water!). Muizenberg is a great place to learn to surf, whilst Camps Bay is beautiful and great for sundowners. Clifton 4th beach is definitely one of the best, and with white sand and clear blue water, it is stunning. However, it can get very crowded on a hot day! Another essential thing to do in Cape Town is to climb Table Mountain (or take the cable car up, but this is expensive and not nearly as good as the hike). Platteklip Gorge is a quick and easy route, whilst Skeleton Gorge goes up through beautiful natural forest. India Venster requires a little bit of climbing and is great is you’re in the mood for adventure.
In the holidays travelling up either coast is a fantastic idea. Jeffery’s Bay is one of the best surfing spots in South Africa, and you’re guaranteed to have a good time there, as it is very popular with students. It is an 8 hour drive away, but there are plenty of beautiful and interesting places to visit on your way there, such as Sommerset West, Hermanus, Mossel Bay, George, and Knysna. Traveling up the West Coast is another good option, and you can see the Namaqualand flowers here during flower season (July to September), which is a must do!
