Cape town Day 1 - The paradise that is Cape Town
The day began at six in the morning. Struggling to get out of bed when my alarm sounded I managed to get myself showered and dressed and out the front door by seven. The first property we had to visit was a good two hours drive away from home so we prepared for a beautiful scenic drive from Kleinmond to Simon’s Town. The weather was just perfect for such a journey, not a cloud in the sky and not too hot.
Arriving in Simon’s Town filled me with a great sense of nostalgia, reason for this being that as kids we spent a fair few summer holidays there. The hostel in question was only a few hundred metres from the home we used to frequent so this was familiar territory. The main street is filled with quirky little antique shops as well as lovely places to grab a bit to eat so it’s a really good spot to spend a bit of time shopping and eating and the main street also runs along the beach front so a beautiful view is always on hand.
The Simon’s Town Backpackers is in a beautiful spot. The front entrance is nestled in and amongst all the antique shop windows and at the entrance overlooks the sea.
The hostel itself boasts fantastic views of the ocean on the upper floors and it’s very clean and tidy. The greatest attraction to this property is by far its location. Simon’s Town is steeped in tradition with lots of great things to see, including the likes of Just Nuisance the Navy dog as well as the old Naval Base. This area is best known as the “historical mile”.
Following on from Simon’s Town we made our way to the city centre.
Hostelbookers have a number of properties within Long Street alone so we found ourselves spending the rest of the day there.
Long Street is a must to visit in Cape Town. With a variety of weird and wonderful shops to visit along with some beautiful and unusual restaurants there is plenty to keen one busy for a couple of days. I would highly recommend spending a day or two staying in one of our properties along this street. If you are inclined to enjoy a bit of clubbing or bar hopping again this is the perfect spot.
First up for a visit was the Daddy Long Legs Boutique Hotel, situated at number 134 Long Street is the first property you will find along the road. From all the properties I visited this was by far my favourite. The reason for this being that each room is uniquely decorated. Photographers, artists and designers have decorated previously sterile hotel rooms and transformed each into a unique work of art.
The staff are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable and there is a good fun and friendly vibe about the place.
Closely situated just a little further up the road are the Daddy Long Legs Apartments, these apartments are again a great choice for any traveller. The option of having ones own apartment makes it possible to experience complete privacy while still being in a lovely and lively area of the city. These apartments come with everything you may need as well as lovely balconies that overlook the street below.
A little further down Long Street you can find Cat and Moose Backpackers. This property is an 18th Century building which gives it incredible character. With friendly staff and wonderful clean facilities again this property comes highly recommended.
Having met with John is not surprising to know that their slogan is something along the lines of “arrive as a guest – and leave as a friend”.
Blue Mountain Backpackers is at no 208 Long Street. Another beautiful property both because of its location and because of its character it’s a fine choice for anyone wishing to visit the city centre. With very clean rooms and excellent staff and like most other properties along this famous street a view of Table Mountain this is another excellent choice for budget accommodation.
The last property along this stretch of road is Carnival Court, situated at number 255 Long Street. This place had a special feeling about it. A beautifully restored building with its original and restored woodwork it has a majestic feel.
With balconies that boast views of Signal Hill and the ocean it’s a fantastic choice. This property also has a very lively and character filled bar where you will be sure to meet many fellow travellers.
Rooms are clean and tidy and there are many activities offered to keep you busy day and night. Also on hand is a travel desk where staff will help you plan activities throughout your stay in Cape Town.
Cape Town Backpackers is situated on Church Street in the trendy Kloof Street area. This area is buzzing with trendy bars and café’s and many a delightful restaurant.
Rooms range from dorms to honeymoon suites all of which are incredibly clean and tidy. Staff are really fun and social and most importantly very keen on making your stay in the Cape as memorable as possible. With a laid back atmosphere and plenty of activities to keep you occupied within the building it’s a fine choice of accommodation.
After a day of meetings with the hostels it was time to head back to Kleinmond for a traditional South African braai. The sun only sets at around 7:30 so there was the perfect opportunity to watch is disappear behind the majestic mountains that that surround the lovely little town of Kleinmond.
