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)