Cape Town to Riyadh Flights

  About Cape Town

Located on the west of South Africa is the second-most populous city and culturally diverse Cape Town. The city is particularly famous for its diverse habitants and a thriving culture. Its urban setting close to the harbour makes it one of the most important cities in South Africa. Tourist spots such as Table Mountain and Cape of Good Hope tend to take up all the attention of tourists for the right reasons. Aside from the beautiful locales that the city is blessed with, the food and lifestyle of the city are exquisite. You will find delectable dishes from all over the world in the best possible global fusion scenario. The city further stands in the frontline as an advocate of climate change mitigation. The city sees an excellent footfall of travellers coming over from various parts of the world.

Best time to visit Cape Town

Cape Town's seasons are a contrast from the Indian months. Unlike how India witnesses summers between March to June, Cape Town sees summer from December to February. The same goes for most of their seasons. Although the summers of Cape Town sees tremendous tourists, it is the autumn month from March to May that is considered to be the best time for tourism. The season comes with several events and festivals, including the wine harvest month. The city easily turns its streets into a carnivalesque theme. During this season, the wineries around Cape Town allow tours and events for tourists to engage in. It is quite the gathering as you get to interact with wine connoisseurs from around the world.

You can also indulge in some of the fun activities by participating in the ones that take place during these tours. The temperature is also at an agreeable 20 degree Celsius to 25 degree Celsius. In the second half of the fall, the hotels start to drop their prices, making accommodation affordable. Festivals and events such as Cape Town Carnival, Infecting the City, Cape Town International Jazz Festival and Constantia Food and Wine Festival are some highlights that take place in March and May. This could be a good time for you to book hotels in Cape Town and relish the vibrant environment.

Not just the fall but even the springtime in Cape Town is quite beautiful. The popular attraction of Cape Town, Table Mountain blooms during this season and the temperature is also very favourable. For budget-travellers, this is the best time to visit the city. The hotel deals in Cape Town during this time is worth nabbing as they come at an affordable rate. Plus, festivals like Cape Town Diwali Festival and Cape Town International Kite Festival also adds to the city's vibrant atmosphere.

Places to visit in Cape Town

Cape Town has an audience for literally everything the city in the city! The biggest attraction in the city, though it has got to be Table Mountain. Towering over the gorgeous city of Cape Town, this place attracts tourists like fire does to moth. It's nestled within the Table Mountain National Park, which also encompasses Boulders Beach and the Cape of Good Hope as some other tourist attractions. You shouldn't miss any of those three as they each possess an interesting backdrop. You also have Camps Bay, which lies on the we3stern edge of Table Mountain. The quaint spot is perfect for soaking in all the cool breeze that the city boasts. In the city, you should walk around the District Six Museum and take a look at the city's compelling history. Bo-Kaap is known for its colourful street and indeed a sight for sore eyes. It is predominantly acquired by descendants of Cape Malays (slaves brought in from Malaysia, Indonesia, parts of African, by the Dutch). In the city, you also have Two Oceans Aquarium, located close to the confluence of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The aquarium will blow your mind with the plethora of marine creatures it hosts.

Things to do in Cape Town

Cape Town has far too many things to do as it is quite a vibrant city. However, you can start with a small tour to the Constantia Valley and explore the exquisite vineyard. From crisp whites to robust reds, you will get to witness how some of the finest wines are made in the city. Plus, the mansions where the wine is preserved in barrels is another lovely trip. After some wine tasting, you should also check out some of their restaurants with their abundance of cuisines, styles and flavours at your perusal. The Cape of Good Hope also houses adorable penguins that you can check out. They simply walk the shores of Cape Point and have a good time. As for the ardent shoppers, Greenmarket Square can be your source of entertainment.

Food and Restaurants in Cape Town

The city of Cape Town is a haven for global cuisine and a food-enthusiast. Not only does it entertain the plethora of dishes from around the globe but also caters to the varied tourists who flock over for wanderlust. Cape Town's unique food culture is popular and probably one of the highlights of the city. While there are some dishes that manage to stand out as Cape Town's classic dishes, much of the food is a global fusion. Since Cape Town was under the colonial rule of the Dutch and British, their menu reflects the same in terms of flavours, styles and techniques. Interestingly, Cape Town is also big on Indian food and has reserved a special spot for Indian cuisine. The best part about the city is how it brings together food from around the world and makes for rich food culture. The classic food includes fish and chips, grilled meat (your regular chicken, pork and beef), gatsby (a large sandwich stuffed with an array of meats, sauces and chips), bunny chow (classic South African delicacy made from chicken or beef), bobotie (minced beef mixed with milk and eggs custard) and more. Interestingly, the city also has the best sushi that won't disappoint you.

With so many dishes to try, don't forget to leave room for some dessert. Traditional sweets such as milk tart, koeksisters, malva pudding, etc., deserve your attention. These recipes are quite famous and definitely a good way to end a wholesome meal. To enjoy the best food in Cape Town, you should head to Kalky's, Snnoekies, The Golden Dish, Cosy Corner, Mzoli's Chef's Warehouse, Mzansi, to name a few. You will not run out of restaurants and food joints. Don't just spend time in the fancy restaurants but also check out some of the food joints by the corner of every street. They make just as amazing and delicious food that you'll probably not find elsewhere.

How to reach Cape Town (Transportation)

By Air

After Johannesburg, Cape Town is noted to be the second most popular city in South Africa which sees a great turnout of tourists from around the world. The best way to reach South Africa's Cape Town from India is easily by air. Major cities in India such as Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Bangalore have flights that fly to and from Cape Town. Although there are no direct or nonstop flights that fly from India to Cape Town, these flights mostly have layovers and travellers would often have to rush for connecting flights in the airport terminal. Airlines such as Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Emirates and South African Airways, Kenya Airways are a few that directly connect to Cape Town. In terms of flight connectivity to Cape Town from India, it is quite decent as there are frequent flights available to the city.

Often the layovers or connecting flights would have to be taken from cities such as Istanbul, Addis Ababa, Dubai Johannesburg and more. The travel duration of flights to Cape Town is quite a lot depending on the international route that you pick. Since there are various options for layovers and routes to Cape Town, often people go for the cheap tickets. From India to Cape Town, flight tickets would be less expensive with more duration. Similarly, for shorter flight duration, the ticket cost of flights to Cape Town would be high-priced. Hence, you will have to be very mindful about your trip to Cape Town. Cheap flight tickets to Cape Town would come at the cost of flight duration.

By Rail

Many travellers often opt for flights to Johannesburg to reach Cape Town. Not only does this enable them to visit two cities during the trip but also check out the famous luxury train from Pretoria. Known to be one of the most opulent rails, Pretoria's domestic rail route connects to Cape Town, but it's a 27 hours long journey. The views through the trip though, along with the luxury of the train's services, is definitely worth the time. You will be pampered by the coach's posh treatment, not to mention how it will also be a good way to meet new people from other nationalities.

  About Riyadh

Riyadh is the capital of the desert country of Saudi Arabia. It is the financial hub of the city and has been recognised to play a pivotal role in contributing to the country's economy. The city is also famous for its religious heritage.

Best time to visit Riyadh

For a desert city, the only time that would be pleasant is during the winters. Riyadh too enjoys pleasant winters as it welcomes a quaint and cool air. Winter months in Riyadh are from November to March. However, it is from December to February that the city enjoys the best winter breeze and cool air. The temperatures during winters range from 9 degree Celsius to 26 degree Celsius. As the temperature is capable of dropping to such lows, it is best to pack appropriate clothes for the trip. The days might not be as cold as the nights, but they will have brisk winter wind passing through the city streets. A light jacket is recommended when planning for a vacation in Riyadh during winters. The season does see a peak in tourists too as it is one of the most favourable weathers for Riyadh. The city is packed with tourists who wish to explore the desert capital of Saudi Arabia. Hence, the hotel prices also skyrocket during this time. It would be difficult for you even to get reservations at restaurants owing to the excess crowd in the city.

You will be amazed by how the city has very favourable winter temperatures in contrast to their unbearable summers. As Riyadh is quite close to the Tropic of Cancer, much of the temperature is hot and dry. Add the desert fact and the summers can be next to impossible to deal with. The temperatures during summer cross 44 degree Celsius. You will not be able to step out in the city as the summer heat would lead to health perils. From dehydration to heat strokes, your body might be susceptible to such health concerns during summer. Avoid summers at all cost. Even though the hotel and other prices in the city drop during the offseason, the heat is not worth it. The summers are from late March to October. Interestingly, the city does witness thunderstorms and monsoon between May to September. The storms are not ideal for engaging in tourist activities. Out of these months, April and October are the only favourable ones when you can enjoy the cool breeze of the desert without having to spend exorbitantly on the hotel and other services.

Places to visit in Riyadh

Center Point is a colossal skyscraper that is located in Riyadh. It is the fifth tallest skyscraper in Saudi Arabia while being the third-towering building with a void, after the Shanghai World Financial Centre and 85 Sky Tower in Taiwan. The second famous tourist attraction is the Masmak Fortress. The structure is created by clay and mud-brick. It once played a pivotal role in safeguarding the city of Riyadh from attacks. You should also visit the King Abdulaziz Historical Center, which is basically the National Museum of the country. It is the largest in Saudi Arabia and was established back in 1999. Not just the exhibits within the museum premise but even the architecture of the building is quite exquisite. The Riyadh Zoo is also recognised in the neighbourhood for inhabiting a slew of desert animals, including desert elephants and tigers. The setting has a very cool vibe with brown structures and green lawns. Adding to your historical excursion would be to visit the Murabba Historical Palace. It is a historic building and has been strategically built.

Things to do in Riyadh

Riyadh has a handful of things that can be done in the city. Indulging in some fun sheesha bar scenes and nightlife is something the city raves. Riyadh does have some of the finest restaurants and food establishments. You can actually make reservations for some luxe restaurants and indulge in their fusion food and international cuisine. You can further engage in some shopping too as the city does have a plethora of options available. Aside from this, you can enjoy a walk in Salam Park. It has an artificial waterbody built within the park to give it a serene vibe. Visiting the Wadi Hanifah valley would also be quite a treat. You can actually dip your feed in the waterbody that flows in the valley. Many people flock over to this spot to get some impeccable social media-worthy pictures. To add to your delight, you can further explore the cuisine and authentic Arab food that you'll find in the Najd region's village. Al Hokair Land is also an option that you can check out in Riyadh. It is basically a fun amusement park that has rides and make-believe castles.

Food and restaurants in Riyadh

Once known to be a barren desert with nothing interesting to do, Riyadh has now managed to transform into a thriving capital city of Saudi Arabia. The city has managed to bring forth a new image, that of a flourishing city which has equal tourist opportunities as its other Middle East counterparts. Over the years, Riyadh's food culture has seen a tremendous change from being traditionally strict to Western. It has acquired the taste of Western food culture and has incorporated the same in its own streets. There are many authentic Arabic food establishments. Simultaneously, the city also has room for international cuisine with many Asian, Mediterranean and European cuisine. To start your Riyadh rendezvous, you should visit The Globe. It is the most famous and expensive establishment that caters to an exclusive fine-dining experience. It is nestled atop the Al Faisaliah Tower and overlooks the exquisite city. The place serves a lovely melange of European and Arab dishes. However, it is their High Tea that attracts the most attention.

Elements, which is associated with Four Seasons chain of hotels, is a perfect place to indulge in breakfast and brunch meals. The place has dedicated cuisine for each day. Spazio, in Riyadh, has a fan in the royal family. Prince Waleed bin Tala has a soft spot for Spazio, and once you visit the Italian setting with its fancy art deco, you will realise why the place is so good. To get to the roots of the traditional Saudi dishes, you should head to Najd Village. Prevalent in the food industry since 1996, the establishment offers authentic Saudi meals such as moqalqal (a peppered lamb dish) and matazzez (Saudi dumplings). The place also offers vegetarian food as well as caters to the meat-loving crowd. The area can accommodate up to 1000 guests and offer exemplary services. Do not miss Set Al Sham too. The place is well-known in Riyadh for its slew of dishes inspired by the Syrian, Egyptian and Lebanese cuisine. The decor is also quite fancy while the buffet spread is perfect if you wish to go back with a full tummy and a happy soul.

How to reach Riyadh

Flight connectivity to Riyadh from India is quite good. Much of the Middle Eastern countries are well-connected with Indian cities. Riyadh too, has good connectivity with Indian cities such as Mumbai, Kochi, Goa, Bangalore, Delhi, Chennai, to name a few. Delhi is probably the only city in India with nonstop direct flights to Riyadh. Most of the other cities have flight layovers before reaching Riyadh. Airlines such as Srilankan, Air Arabia, Etihad Airways, flydubai, Gulf Air, Emirates, Oman Air, Saudia, IndiGo, have excellent flight connectivity to Riyadh. These airlines ensure to keep dedicated flights flying to Riyadh. The most popular routes often picked to reach Riyadh are from Dubai, Jeddah and Abu Dhabi. As for other international routes to Riyadh, they are connected by Middle Eastern cities such as Sharjah, Bahrain, Muscat, to name a few. International cities such as Cairo and Colombo also have flight connectivity to Riyadh. The layovers do take some time and extend the flight duration to Riyadh. Ideally, you can reach Riyadh in approximately six hours and ten minutes.

Flight tickets to Riyadh are comparatively pricey than its other Middle-Eastern counterparts. The ticket prices to Riyadh range from INR 24,000 to INR 30,000. This could be steep if you look at the ticket prices of other Middle-East cities. However, depending on where you get your flight from in India as well as the airlines you choose, the ticket prices could vary. Riyadh is also a popular city and much-visited by the Indian crowd. Hence, you can make your flight bookings to Riyadh online and even earn some discounts or cheap deals. It is essential that you first check which season you are booking your ticket for. That factors a major chunk of your flight ticket price to Riyadh. Depending on the same, you will be able to further receive more online flight deals and discounts to Riyadh. It is recommended that you book your flight tickets and make hotel reservations to Riyadh together. When you combine the two bookings, you might receive some good online flight and hotel deals to Riyadh. This would also enable you to bring down the cost of your trip.