From breathtaking wineries in Stellenbosch to buzzy local fare at the Oranjezicht Night Market, I explored Cape Town’s best hidden gems with the help of local friends.

Dead seals are washing up along beaches in South Africa’s port city of Cape Town, a coastal management official told CNN Friday, amid an outbreak of rabies in the marine animals.

The victory, however, did not stop there. Cape Town, the crown jewel of South Africa, has also ultimately stepped into the spotlight by winning the highly coveted award of Best City in the World.