If Cape Town isn't on your travel radar yet, it should be. Zooming into first place on The New York Times's list of places to visit recently, it's a vibrant mix of natural beauty and creativity. We're doing some armchair exploring, with the help of writer Eleanor Grattan...  

Cape Town seems to be one of those places that people refer to in serious tones as 'the best holiday' they've been on. Located between ocean and mountains on the south western tip of South Africa, close to safaris and in handy proximity to excellent vineyards, the city itself is awash with much to do and plenty to enjoy.

Its richness of cultures and diversity - once a source of conflict - is what gives Cape Town its creativity. It was named World Design Capital in 2014, and it is home to passionate champion of creativity, Ravi Naidoo, who is the founder of the Design Indaba Conference, an annual design platform that showcases the work of the world's top designers alongside that of local talent. It's with this in mind that we explore the city and surrounding areas.

Image via archdaily.com

Located on the southern slopes of the ever-present Table Mountain are the Kirstenbosch Gardens, renowned for being one of the best botanical gardens in the world. When you get there you can enjoy aerial views of hundreds of South Africa's indigenous tree species via the galvanised steel and timber walkway structure, which stands 11 metres above ground level.



If you like to keep your feet on the ground, then there are plenty of markets to captivate you. With such great local produce, you'll find fantastic food markets like the weekly Neighbourgoods Market, plus fashion, craft and interiors, all of which can be found at Bay Harbour Market at Hout Bay. For more shopping, a less touristy option than Long Street is Broad Street, where there are chocolatiers, bakers and fantastic coffee.



At the Anura Vineyards, outside the city in the foothills of the Simonsberg mountain range, minimalist architecture fuses contemporary, clean lines with nature so sensitively that it seems like the perfect place to enjoy some wine tasting.

Image - WOW architects

When it comes to interiors, Cape Town style mixes natural textures and materials with the colour and charm of locally made elements. This industrial design features polished granite flooring, cool steel beams and lots of glass windows, all softened with patterned rugs, timber details and stools with woven fabric seats. This space is personalised with artwork, plants, great pendant lights and books.

Image - SAOTA architects

In a similar fashion, this impressive home designed by Cape Town architect firm Stefan Antoni Olmesdahl Truen Architects, embraces outdoor living with stunning views of the valley, Table Mountain and the bay.



An increasingly popular district to live in is Bo-Kaap, located at the foot of Signal Hill. Once the Malay Quarter, where Malaysian slaves were 'permitted' to rent homes and allowed to paint and decorate as they wished, it is now just as colourful but much more multi-cultural.



A popular place to enjoy a glass of beer is the Taproom at Devil's Peak brewery. The main area includes exposed brickwork, plenty of natural light, plus an eclectic mix of accents and props. Lots of leather keeps the seating comfortable, and neutral tones ensure the artwork and sports paraphernalia doesn't get lost. Artfully styled rugs and lamps add warmth.



A view from high on Table Mountain reveals Camps Bay, a popular holiday spot for locals and foreigners. It looks as hard to resist as the intriguing mix of melting-pot cultural heritage and innovative creativity. Perhaps Cape Town deserves a place on your own must-visit list.