Cape Town
In three words: Colorful, laid-back, picturesque.
Three must-see things: Table Mountain, Bo-Kaap, Robben Island.
Getting around: Mainly Uber or taxi.
Favorite neighborhoods: Bo-Kaap (iconic colorful traditional homes), Central Business District (downtown), V&A Waterfront, Long Street (nightlife hub), De Waterkant.
How about a museum? District 6 Museum, Khwa Ttu San Heritage Centre, Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa. Also: Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was held as a political prisoner. Tours are guided by those formerly incarcerated at the prison.
Three must-try foods: Gatsby sandwich, bobotie (minced meat with custard and eggs), koeksisters (South African sticky doughnut).
How much is a pint of beer? 28 ZAR / $1.55 USD / 1.42 EUR
Can you drink the tap water? Yes.
Do people tip here? Yes, 15-20% at restaurants and most places.
Least favorite thing: You won't want to leave -- Cape Town has everything!
Safe to walk at night scale — 1 = riskiest to 5 = safest: 3. Generally safe in the Central Business District and major pedestrian areas, but better to Uber. Avoid walking alone, in an empty or unknown place or in townships at night.
Caution: South Africans drive on the left. Don't venture into the townships. Avoid showing off valuables and looking like a "tourist".
Currency: South African Rand (ZAR). 1 USD = 18.13 ZAR (Updated April 2020)
Electric plug type: Type D
Nearest getaway? Johannesburg (2 hours by plane); Windhoek, Namibia (2 hours by plane); Lesotho (2 hours by plane)