Why Cape Town should be No 1 on your agenda

Summer is finally on the horizon and all we can think about is where we’re going to spend our vacations. From lounging on one of Greece’s pristine beaches to sleeping beneath the stars above the Great Barrier Reef, our options for adventure this season are infinite. However, one destination continues to hold the number one spot in our wanderlust-filled hearts: Cape Town.
Trust us, if you’re going to travel anywhere this year, it should be to Cape Town. (It should be noted that our summer is their winter, so be prepared for cooler-than-summer temps.)

We know we can’t sell you on opinions alone, so here are the facts

Cape Town has it all: beaches, mountains, harbors and gardens

You can have the view without the climb

If hiking isn’t your thing, you can take a cable car all the way to the top of Table Mountain. Once you’re at the top you can enjoy a delicious lunch at the cafe, sip on a glass of local wine and take in the seemingly endless views.

Beneath the mountains are some of the most picturesque beach communities you’ll ever see.

From Clifton to Camps Bay there’s really not an inch of sand that you wouldn’t want to sprawl out on.

There are plenty of beachfront bars to enjoy a sundowner at.

With a Savanna Cider in hand, the awe-inspiring sunsets will make you wonder where this beautiful place has been all your life.

Just outside the city is a beach filled with penguins (as if the clear blue water wasn’t enticing enough).

Boulders Beach is home to about 3,000 adorable penguins. Just imagine the Instagram potential of this place.

If the beach isn’t your thing, the city has a gigantic and public seaside pool.

Set overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the Sea Point Swimming Pool is arguably one of the most scenic places to swim laps in the world. As an added bonus, it’s open all year round, so no matter when you visit it will be there waiting for you!

Looking to really relax? Kirstenboch Gardens will transport you to a tranquil world.

While wandering through the abundant exotic plants and flowers you almost forget that a large city sits right outside the gates.

The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is a tourist trap (but in the best way possible).

Embrace it and you’ll love it. There are amazing restaurants with unique dishes (like springbok), open bar catamaran cruises and shopping galore.

The weather is almost too perfect.

Described as having a Mediterranean climate, the city is paradise in the summer and wet and cool (but not freezing) in the winter.

Long Street is pretty much Bourbon Street, but it’s not nearly as over-crowded or over-priced.

The nightlife in Cape Town is unmatched. The drinks are cheap, the bars are fun and the music scene is taking off.

Two words: Royale. Eatery.

You haven’t had a real burger until you try one of Royale’s tantalizing treats paired with a thick milkshake. Not only is this place a great lunch spot, but there’s also a rooftop bar which makes the transition from dinner to drinks almost seamless.

Bo-Kaap is one of the most vibrantly-colored neighborhoods you’ll ever stroll through.

We used to think Riomaggiore, Italy was the most vibrant destination until we saw Bo-Kaap.

The Neighbourgoods Market at Old Biscuit Mill is the most epic weekend market of all time.

Spend a Saturday roaming through the stalls and we assure you, you’ll never want to leave. Exotic food creations are not limited and the Ostrich burger should be at the top of your list.

Thinking about studying abroad? Cape Town is home to one of the most breathtaking universities in the world.

Set on the side of Table Mountain, The University of Cape Town is unlike any college campus you’ve seen before.

BRAAIS.

Life doesn’t get much better than, beer, food, friends and music… and that’s exactly what a braai is all about. If you don’t have the pleasure of being invited to one, we recommend checking out Mzoli’s.

By Huff Post