Offbeat Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa

Parading the V&A Waterfront, going wine-tasting in the vineyards, exploring Cape Point, Boulders Beach, Robben Island and Table Mountain, just a grab of the many must-do’s when visiting Cape Town. But before soaking up South Africa’s moving history on Robben Island, indulging yourself to good food, delicious wine or taking selfies from the top of Table Mountain overlooking the magnificent views of the City Bowl, there is one activity that deserves a little more attention: discovering the real Cape Town with a local.

It is in front of the Prins and Prins Diamond store and museum that we meet the passionate Ursula, our South African guide who grew up in the Mother City and who knows all of its secrets and backstreets. After giving each of us the elevator look and telling us which piece of jewellery to put away (after all, this is still South Africa!), she claims enthusiastically: “There is a story at every street corner!” As we follow her eyes to admire the beautiful colonial building: “Take Prins & Prins for instance, this used to be the wine cellar of the Huguenots back in the 17th century.” ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).