Cape Town

• Soak up 360 Degree Views from Lion's Head Mountain

  You'll hear all about Table Mountain (it's all the rage), and you'll see it before you even get off the plane- however, the less prominent Lion's Head Mountain is my top pick for a hike with a view. Standing at 669 meters above sea level, it offers 360 degree views of Cape Town. The views are far more beautiful than that of Table Mountain's- the closer proximity to the ground makes for more beautiful photos and a challenging but more manageable hike.

• Explore Colorful Bo-Kaap

  I mean, look at those colors! Bo Kaap is a hot spot for local Malay culture, as represented by the local mosque, restaurants, and Bo Kaap Museum. The cobbled streets and rainbow of houses are picture-perfect, and if you're lucky, the local who owns the insta-famous blue car in the picture will be home!

• Hang with Penguins at Boulders Beach!

  A bit outside of the city, you can take a short trip (an hour or so drive depending on your departure point) to Simon's Town where you'll find Boulders Beach. The beach is home to beautiful endangered African Penguins, which can be found roaming freely. Forget the zoo- check out these amazing animals in a protected natural environment, and go for a swim while you're at it!

• Hit One of Cape Town's Flawless Beaches

  The water may be a little colder than expected (ok, a lot) and you're likely going to be surrounded by Cape Town's filthy rich and beautiful (this may or may not be good news), but the beaches in the area are AH-MAZING. The four Clifton beaches are my personal favorites, and are located in the swankiest part of town. You'll find vendors selling cold drinks and ice cream, chairs and umbrellas for rent, and soft powdery white sand.

• Indulge in a Wine Tasting

  Cape Town is famous for its wine and gorgeous vineyards. There are tons to choose from, and Cape Town Mag offers some of their favorites in and around Cape Town. The Stellenbosch area is particularly popular, and I can personally speak for Boschendal and Asara Wine Estate. Go check them out- wine not?

• Stop and Smell the Flowers (and Cross the Tree Canopy Walkway) at Kirstenbosch

  At Kirstenbosch you'll find one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world. Abutting the eastern slope of Table Mountain, you could easily spend a day exploring, picnicking, enjoying a Sunday Summer Sunset concert, grabbing a bite or afternoon tea at the onsite restaurant, and taking a walk along the tree canopy walkway, famed for its stunning garden and mountain views.

• Road Trip to the Cape of Good Hope

  Take a ride to the most south-western point of Africa with this great tour offered by Kiff Kombi Tours. The scenic drive will take you along Chapman's Peak to the Cape of Good Hope, where you'll likely be greeted by some crazy baboons. Hide yo' wife, hide yo' kids- these things will go after anything, and even try to eat your sunscreen. Aside from that, you'll enjoy the area's natural beauty, lunch, and even make a pitstop at Boulders Beach to see the aforementioned penguins!

• Take a Scenic Cruise from the V&A Waterfront

  Grab some friends and head to the V&A Waterfront for a scenic catamaran ride around Cape Town. Take in the views and sip champagne as you cruise along the city's stunning coast.

• Test Your Fitness with a Hike up Table Mountain - (or, there's always the cable car...)

  I considered myself a reasonably fit human being until I went and hiked to the top of Table Mountain. There's multiple routes to take to get there, and they're all quite physically challenging. If the words "physically challenging" have you saying "I'm out", no worries. Skip the sweat and take the cable car to the top. Cape Town can get pretty windy so check the site to make sure it's running before heading over.

• Learn About South Africa's Most Influential President, Nelson Mandela, on a Trip to Robben Island

  Departing from the V&A Waterfront, you will take a ferry over to Robben Island, the former home of political prisoners like Nelson Mandela. Take a bus tour around the island's grounds, and jump off for a prison tour with a former inmate. The history is astounding- while the rest of the world was moving forward, lawful segregation known as apartheid was in place until 1994.

• Snorkel with Cape Fur Seals

  If you've ever wanted to snorkel with seals, Cape Town is the place to do it. I took a great tour through Animal Ocean, who prepares you well for a dip in the chilly Atlantic. Expect to see seals up close and personal as they swim around you like little torpedos! You'll be provided with a head to toe wetsuit, snorkel mask, flippers and gloves. You'll also be grateful for the hot chocolate and biscuits post-snorkel on the boat, as well as the hot water that they'll pour right into your wet suit!

• Explore Muizenberg’s Beach & Bath Houses

  If ever I saw an Instagram-worthy spot....this is it. The colorful beach houses at Muizenberg will add color to your feed, and your life! Bask in the sun, give surfing a go, or grab some food at one of the local restaurants.