January 23, 2013
Top 10 reasons why Liezel van der Westhuizen loves Cape Town
Fazielah Williams
Fazielah Williams has lived in and loved her Mother City since birth. Having lived all over the Peninsula during her childhood, she now calls the picturesque City Bowl home and likes nothing more than watching the sun set over Table Bay from the window of her apartment.
A lover of the arts and proud Cape Town fanatic, Fazielah began her writing career by spending many hours as a child conjuring fantastical stories that featured independent heroines from faraway lands who saved the Prince instead. This Capetonian princess has enjoyed stints as a magical arts PRO and TV publicist before finding her calling as a travel writer.
When not waxing lyrical about the Fairest Cape’s most loved attractions and activities and embarking on unexpected adventures, Fazielah can usually be found taking in a show at one of the City’s fabulous theatres.
TV and radio personality Liezel van der Westhuizen shares her top 10 reasons to love Cape Town. All photos courtesy of Liezel van der Westhuizen
I moved to this beautiful city 849 days ago (I am still counting, and enjoying every day in this fantastic city). Over the past two years I have spent a lot of time exploring Cape Town. Every corner you turn is like unwrapping a new gift, as there’s always something amazing to be discovered.
Here are my top 10 reasons to love Cape Town:
10. Museums: there are over 25 museums in the Mother City. You might think it boring, but it’s a brilliant way to learn more about the history of beautiful Cape Town. My favourites include Iziko Museums, the Bo-Kaap Museum, the Heart of Cape Town Museum and the SA Rugby Museum.
9. Winters: one of the best-kept secrets of this city is winter; I always keep my eyes open for the fantastic winter specials on offer at the wide variety of restaurants and hotels.
8. Golf courses: I have enjoyed a round of golf at several courses in Cape Town and its surrounds. My favourite spot is Milnerton golf course, with its perfect view of the sea and mountain.
7. Markets: my favourite markets are the City Bowl Market on Hope, the Bay Harbour Market in Hout Bay, Palms, Stellenbosch, the Ports Market and the V&A Market on the Wharf.
6 Hiking: there are so many trails ideal for any hiking/walking enthusiastic, from relaxed strolls to more challenging hikes, with many routes in Cape Town. My favourite hikes are the Lion's Head full moon hike, and the beach hike from Noordhoek to Kommetjie.
5. Wine and cuisine: Cape Town is blessed with the finest restaurants and beautiful winelands. I have too many favourites to list here, but some of them include Babylonstoren and Pierneef à La Motte.
Running along the Sea Point Promenade is just one of Liezel's top reasons to love Cape Town
4. The people: Capetonians are extremely chilled out, friendly and active. The perfect example is looking out of your window daily and seeing someone on a bike, or a run or hiking. Perfect places to meet new people are on a run on the Promenade, a moonlight mass cycle, or moonlight stand-up paddling on the V&A Waterfront canals.
3. The sunsets: there are many places in and around the city to enjoy beautiful sunsets. My favourite sunset spots include Blouberg beach and Bakoven beach.
Stand-up paddleboarding at the V&A Waterfront canals is one of Liezel's favourite new activities
2. The beaches: I spend a lot of time on the beaches, but have only recently started surfing and stand-up paddling. I surf in Muizenberg, and love SUPing on Clifton fourth beach.
1. My number one spot goes to my favourite place, Table Mountain. The Table Mountain Café has amazing food, so whether I am hiking up or taking the cable car, it’s always a number one for me.
Liezel van der Westhuizen is a bubbly radio and television presenter, MC, model and voiceover artist with a passion for Cape Town and completing running marathons. Follow her on Twitter at @liezelv or join her Facebook fanpage, www.facebook.com/Liezelonline, for updates.
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