Who says history has to be boring? Some of Cape Town’s most prized historical feats are dazzling locals and foreign visitors even more today…
For example, the famous “Pink Lady” and grande dame of Cape Town hotels – the Belmond Mount Nelson. Nestled in one of the most beautiful gardens in the city, in a location so central that the Company Gardens and vibrant Kloof Street are mere minutes away, this hotel and spa is the last word in luxury and has been one of the city’s top five star hotels for decades. Opening its doors in 1899 (originally to the first-class passengers of a luxury British liner), it has gone from strength to strength, establishing itself as an icon of style among the well-heeled. To quote Winston Churchill, the hotel is: “a most excellent and well-appointed establishment”. These words still hold true and today, famous celebs (from Lenny Kravitz and the Dalai Lama to Tiger Woods and Oprah Winfrey) have stayed here. Apart from the stellar accommodation, the restaurant is famous among local foodies for its excellent fare, their High Tea is the stuff of legend and if you’re looking for a chic venue for after-work drinks, look no further than the sumptuous Planet Bar.
The Bo-Kaap Museum, managed by Iziko Museum, is a must for locals and tourists alike and features fascinating depictions of how this historic area became home to many Muslims and freed slaves after the abolition of slavery. Giving visitors a proper glimpse of Islamic culture and heritage, it’s ideal to combine it with a visit to the Bo-Kaap – where the brightly coloured houses, pretty cobbled streets and muezzin’s calls will add a modern-day spin to the story.
The Stack – a private member’s club and public brasserie – has given the 160-year-old Leinster Hall a new lease on life and nowadays, this beautiful old Victorian building is shining again after surviving a brutal fire, a mere six days after The Stack was opened in 2015. This led to the rebuilding and restoration of this historic property (including a few new improvements and additions) and guests are treated to a singular experience that includes the delectable French-style brasserie and bar downstairs and the private upstairs club with its lavish lounge, verandah and meeting rooms.
Capetonians are quite proud of the Company Gardens – and so they should be! It’s the oldest garden in the country and originates from Jan van Riebeeck’s vegetable garden, which used to feed the colony back in 1652. This expansive public park and botanical garden is like a heartbeat in the centre of the city and features a rose garden, Japanese garden, fishpond and aviary. The park is especially popular at lunchtime, provide a calm respite for urban office workers, and it’s also where you’ll find a range of worthwhile places to visit, such as the South African Museum, the Planetarium and the South African Art Gallery.
