Barbados or Cape Town

[sunhuntress]

I have a week in late November where I can go and get some winter sun. On holiday I like a mixture of sitting on the beach, wandering shops, eating at local cafes and restaurants, and exploring museums/historical sites.

I have been to the Caribbean a few times, and have visited Kenya a couple of times. But not been to either Barbados nor Cape Town. Where would you go?

Cape Town, a millions times over. Easy on the jet lag as same time zone as Uk, so many organised tours you can do (so you don’t need to drive) and history a plenty (as well as wildlife).

I live in Caribbean though (not Barbados) and would love to go back to Cape Town ❤️

Capey Capey Capey Cape Town one billion percent.

If you do want to drive there are great drives such as Chapman’s Peak.

I’ve been to both and would also say Cape Town!

I wasn’t mad on Barbados, I think it’s my least favourite Caribbean island.

Cape Town always. Heard Barbados is boring.

I've travelled solo twice in South Africa - Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, Garden Route.

Fabulous country, fabulous nature, wonderful people.

Enjoy, wherever you go.

Definitely Cape Town. It’s a beautiful part of the world with so much history, culture, wildlife & flora to discover. And the beaches are great. And the wine is delicious.

I do like Cape Town but each time I've visited I've felt it's increasingly unsafe. Probably won't go again. Love Barbados. What about St Lucia?

Cape Town. Barbados is more fly and flop. Cape Town has the fantastic Chapmans Peak area, Cape Agulhas, smaller towns on the Cape, wineries, Hermanus for whales (if they haven’t migrated), and wow places for a cocktail, eg The Silo. The historic sights like Robben Island are interesting and there fantastic places to stay for not silly money. There’s beaches at places like Camps Bay if you want that. Good food everywhere. Be careful at night though.

I loved Barbados. Plenty to see if you do your research, but also has the most beautiful beaches and sea. The people were so kind and friendly too and never felt unsafe.

Cape Town. Lots to see and do for a week with no jet lag. 12 hour overnight flight. I came home wanting to live there !! Friends own a restaurant in central CT.

Absolutely Cape Town.

Everyone has to visit at least once in their lifetime.

Another vote for Cape Town- my favourite city! Been to several Caribbean Islands and enjoyed them but can't hold a candle to CT. The food, the people, the views, the wine - all absolutely wonderful!

I feel like this is comparing apples and pears, there respective target market is two completely different types of holidays. Barbados great if you want to swim and chill on the beach, eat nice food in a beautiful environment. Cape Town great if you want to be out seeing stuff pretty much all the time, and for me that's more appealing. I don't think you will get much beach time in Cape Town.

I seconded the view that Cape Town isn’t really a beach destination but the surrounding countryside is beautiful so if you want to be doing things, it’s great. The V&A Waterfront area is nice but the rest of the city centre feels quite risky to walk around, even during the day.

I agree but the beaches are beautiful, I had half a day on a stunning beach called Bikini beach.

Cape Town is incredible. Camps bay is my favourite.

Beautiful scenery
Lovely people
Amazing food scene
Good wine
Penguins
Excellent value
No jetlag

Barbados every time. Such a Beautiful island with beautiful people. So much to see and do or do nothing and lie on the beach and get that beautiful sun on you

@WineBeforeWhine Never felt lying on a beach met beautiful people! @angelcake20 The beach front towns near Cape Town are beach/seaside locations and very smart. Fantastic guest houses with pools and views if you go back a bit from the beach. Central Cape Town obviously has its attractions but you can easily opt for a sea side area.

My post was for the OP

@WineBeforeWhine Still didn’t make much sense for others who are reading it though. There are “beautiful people” in SA too! It will depend what op wants to do and see but Cape Town has much more variety than Barbados. I’ve been to both.