Cape Town is famous for so many things but did you know it’s also a pretty grand place to do shop, dine and, of course, stay a few nights?  Well, of course you (probably) did – but if you’re looking for some of the city’s in-spots, here are some pretty picks:  

Shop till you drop

Photo Credit  : telegraph.co.uk Cape Town has several excellent outdoor markets, which make tourist shopping endlessly easy. Some favourites – if you’re in search of keepsakes or mementos to take home to friends and family – include: Green Market Square in the CBD, Hout Bay’s Bay Harbour Market (held every Friday from 5–9pm and every Saturday and Sunday from 9.30 am – 4pm), and of course, the V&A Waterfront, which has wonderful boutique shops and stall areas, both inside and out of the Waterfront proper. Then there are the shopping malls themselves, like Canal Walk, Cavendish Square, Gardens Centre and, it goes almost without saying, the V&A Waterfront. Cape Town is also blessed with countless boutique stores, both in its city centre (especially in areas like Kloof and Long Street), as well as in its shopping centres and mall precincts. You will find everything from designer (and/or locally made) fashion and jewellery pieces to African curios, ensuring there’s a little something for every kind of shopper. Tourists, and even just those with a pretty penny to spend, love the above shopping options, though each choice caters to locals and those on a budget too, so don’t think you will have to break the bank to find something you love.  

Dine out in style

Photo credit: www.eatout.co.za The Mother City is constantly expanding its food ranks, especially where the more expensive or fine dining style restaurants are concerned, and after a busy day’s shopping, you’ll surely have worked up an appetite, which will require some careful sating. Recommended favourites include: The Roundhouse, Beluga, The Test Kitchen, La Colombe and the newest kid on the foodie block, Foxcroft. The Roundhouse, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a beautiful natural setting, good food and individual, delightful dining in the classy Camps Bay. Beluga, on the other hand, offers superb sushi and other fish/meat-based dishes in an elegant space in Green Point.  Photo credit: www.thetestkitchen.co.za The Test Kitchen, which has recently undergone an impressive revamp, is not a place one simply makes a casual over-the-phone booking to… In fact, it’s usually fully booked months in advance but for good reason! Still, if you’re lucky enough to get in, you’ll experience one of SA’s finest restaurants. It offers Latin cuisine, with a local twist, and is owned by famous chef, Luke Dale-Roberts. La Colombe allows you to indulge in quintessential Cape Winelands beauty, whilst enjoying French and Asian cuisine at one of the Western Cape’s most popular, well-acclaimed restaurants. It’s located in the heart of the Constantia winelands: Uitsig Wine Estate. Foxcroft, the hottest thing going in Cape Town since its September opening, has been receiving rave food reviews, putting Constantia firmly on the map as the city’s newest food destination. La Colombe’s sister-restaurant will tantalise your taste buds with its intriguing meals and delectable, artful desserts.  

Sweet Dreamin’ in the Mother City

Once you’ve got your shopping out the way and have enjoyed a memorable meal at one of the city’s best restaurants, you will no doubt be in search of a place to rest your head or see out your Mother City stay. Look no further than the Villas in Cape Town’s wonderful, luxury options, like: Bakoven Penthouse, The Pentagon Villa and Clifton Bungalow. For sophisticated beach accommodation – that’s within close driving distance from the Cape Town inner city and the Waterfront – try the Bakoven Penthouse.  Bakoven is an easy walk from Camps Bay’s trendy restaurants, chic shops and of course, the spectacular Camps Bay and Clifton beaches. It offers guests five air-conditioned en suite double bedrooms, and is complete with delightful amenities like: high speed WiFi, an eight metre glass pool and other modern appliances to name a few. Whereas, if you’re looking for high-end luxury, The Pentagon is your answer. This superb Villa, arguably one of SA’s finest, cuts a truly impressive figure in charming Clifton.  Aside from its double-volume art gallery, and garage (with parking for up to four cars), it’s complete with a: glass lift to Level 1’s Entertainment Level, private deck pool, Zen-like garden, with magnificent mountain views – and its own Presidential Suite, with a spacious, ocean-facing bathroom and queenly fitting room! Finally, there’s Clifton Bungalow… Its ocean views and luxurious offerings – such as its pool, which appears to swim off into the ocean and Beach Lounge – will leave you feeling like a celeb for sure.  It features five air-conditioned bedrooms, three of which are en suite, with four sea-facing ones providing stunning views of Clifton 3^rd. Other amenities include: a heated swimming pool, spacious patio, fireplace and instant beach access. Though the above Villas are all unique in their aesthetic nature and included amenities, one thing is assured to you: luxury living. Conclusion: There’s your standard luxury guide to shopping, dining and sleeping in the Mother City. Please note: prior booking, for both the above Villas and restaurants, is strongly advised, and in certain instances, accommodation will be on a price on application basis only.