Many technical difficulties trying to post this... I received a PM last week asking for my recommendations for Cape Town. Sharing here in case it is helpful for you, too. Would love to also hear your own recommendations. Let's see if it works...
Hi Allison!
Funny enough, I am too! Haha. Curious as to what time of the year you'll be going. I tend to go during their winter season, and I quite enjoy the colder weather there. I also wonder how long you'll stay and if you are going to other places in SA or only Cape Town. In any case, would love to share recommendations:
For Hotels...
When I visit Cape Town (affectionally abbreviated cpt), I have stayed in Airbnbs. I find that these are in close proximity to everything I would want to do and visit and quite less expensive. It also provides a more cozy atmosphere at least for me. I don't know if you're keen to only stay in a hotel, but if an Airbnb is an option, let me recommend some areas that would yield some excellent places to stay.
The Waterfront is very close to all of the things you'd probably want to do and an excellent home base. The V&A Waterfront is a central area, both well known and vibrant. There are some excellent apartment/condo buildings in this area.
The Waterfront area bleeds into another area, Greenpoint. Greenpoint sits right along the Atlantic seaboard. Also close to the V&A with easy access to the city. Another area to look would be Seapoint. Seapoint is a main drag along the Atlantic as well, with a lovely promenade. Staying in any of these areas gives you close proximity to all you would want to do!
Transport - use Uber or Bolt. I've never had an issue with either. Both are readily available, affordable, and in my experience quick to arrive. Use one of these services to get from the airport to where you are staying. Quick tip: no need to be paranoid at all, but rather remain cautiously aware. Major cities across South Africa are known for smash and grabs, so keep your phones low in your lap or in your pocket when in a car (esp at stoplights (known as Robots in South Africa)). Just a tip; I've never had an issue, but remain situationally aware.
Must see things to do...
Oh so many.
Do you like wine? I know you are travelling with your children, but if you and your partner like wine, you have to make a stop by an estate or do a wine tram. Linking some here: https://winetram.co.za/ | https://winetractor.co.za/ If you cannot take a day to do one of these I will recommend making a stop to Groot Constantia which is the oldest wine farm in South Africa: https://grootconstantia.co.za/ ... you can actually access this one on the Red Bus, so no need to make a separate plan to visit. Make sure to do one of their tastings and/or pairings. Very affordable and no reservations needed. IF you choose to do the wine trams which I mentioned above, you can also book these through Red Bus and they have transport to and from the departure site of the trams so you don't have to worry about fetching an Uber. Just relax and enjoy!