Affectionately known by locals as the Mother City, Cape Town combines a breath-taking backdrop with a glittering waterfront and heaps of heart. Originally a stop for the East India Company, the city’s European influence can be seen in metal-balconied frontages and traditional gables that run the length of Bree Street, which houses a colourful mix of craft beer bars, brunch spots, and interior stores putting African prints and local artwork in the spotlight. A well-established starting point for visitors is the top of majestic Table Mountain — take on the hike or zip up in the cable car in minutes — and Signal Hill is a magnet for those in search of unforgettable sunrise views. The sprawling V&A Waterfront is filled with boats big and small and home to Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa’s fascinating collection in a decommissioned grain silo. Two-mile-long Sea Point Promenade offers another perspective, from rugged beaches to period apartments.

Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is the country’s second-busiest, serving domestic routes along with flights to and from international destinations. Located 20 kilometres from the city centre, bus and road routes are the main ways to get to your Cape Town villa and the heart of the action, with Bree Street’s hip bars and brunch spots just a 20-minute hop away. Once you’re settled in Cape Town itself, it’s pretty easy to make your way around on foot, and MyCiti bus services run throughout the city centre and along the Atlantic coast for harder-to-reach spots. There are purpose-built cycle lanes around Cape Town — but beware the steep hills you’ll have to contend with — and the Cape Metro Rail offers mainly daytime and Saturday morning rides.

With year-round events and a temperate climate throughout the seasons, Cape Town is always a popular choice for visitors. However, winter (June-August) brings half of the city’s annual rainfall, whereas heatwaves are a common occurrence in January. Sun protection is always a sensible precaution whatever the weather, and the Atlantic Ocean is plenty cool enough for a refreshing dip — be prepared: it’s likely to be chillier than you’re expecting. It’s also worth noting that winds can often cloak the summit of Table Mountain in dense clouds — locals call it the tablecloth. Whale watching is a huge draw all along South Africa’s generous coastline, with peak boat trip season on the Western Cape stretching from July to December, so factor this in if you’re a keen wildlife-spotter.

Lounge on the beach at Camps Bay

Dreamy, sweeping beach? Check. Majestic mountains? Check. Camps Bay is an enduring favourite for a reason. Take a drive or ride out to Camps Bay, and prepare to be wowed by the epic scenery. Framed by the towering Twelve Apostles mountain range, the palm-lined beach boasts Blue Flag status, while a bevy of balconied restaurants and cocktail bars beckon for sundowners with knockout vistas.

Browse at The Old Biscuit Mill

Make the 10-minute trip out of the downtown area to dive into artsy Woodstock’s food and creative scene. Explore the district’s murals and public artwork, then swing by this converted factory and pick up some of South Africa’s excellent wine, artisanal chocolate, and handmade ceramics. There’s even locally made furniture, so you might be tempted to take some of Cape Town home with you.

Go green at Kirstenbosch

The city’s treasured pocket of calm comes in the form of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, where manicured lawns framed with native fynbos melt into the towering mountains above. This gleaming emerald in Cape Town’s crown is a popular spot for picnics — although you’ll find a tea room and restaurant on-site — and its raised treetop walkway makes a picturesque path for wildlife spotting. No head for heights? Meander through the Protea Garden and admire South Africa’s national flower.