Cape Town Travel Guide
Located at the southern tip of Africa, Cape Town is an eclectic blend of cultures and traditions, and one of the world's most beautiful cities. Flower sellers, parking attendants, office workers and tourists all rub shoulders in a setting of both historical and modern buildings, backed by the city's most famous landmark, Table Mountain. The colourful Malay Quarter, the remains of District Six, St George's Cathedral and the old Castle are historically interesting, but the main attraction is the wonderful beaches and spectacular mountain scenery.
Cape Town's unique setting means that views of the city can be enjoyed from various spectacular vantage points. Table Mountain, Lion's Head, and Signal Hill provide breathtaking vistas over the city bowl and the Cape peninsula. Trips to Robben Island offer a dramatic sweep of scenery across to Table Bay, while harbour tours and old buildings await exploration at the cosmopolitan Waterfront. Many scenic routes meander along magnificent stretches of coastline leading to special places like Cape Point and Chapman's Peak, which boasts one of the most picturesque stretches of road in the world.
Best time to visit Cape Town
December to February (summer) is peak season for Cape Town, although the weather can be lovely in spring and autumn, when days are often crisp, clear and ideal for sunbathing and sightseeing. The December holiday season can be uncomfortably hot at times and tends to be crowded with local tourists. Winters in Cape Town can be cold and rainy and are usually avoided by travellers.
What to see in Cape Town
-Visit the District Six Museum for a peek into Cape Town's tumultuous history.
-Tour the infamous Robben Island prison, where Nelson Mandela was held for nearly 30 years.
-Say hello to the marine life at the Two Oceans Aquarium.
-Visit the Winelands for more specacular scenery and some of the continent's best restaurants.
What to do in Cape Town
-Walk, or take a cable car to the top of the iconic Table Mountain for a spectacular view of the city.
-Encounter penguins at Boulders Beach.
-Have a picnic and listen to a concert in the stunning Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
-Soak up the sun on some of the world's finest beaches.
Beyond Cape Town
Cape Town is well-situated to be part of a larger holiday in South Africa. Tourists can take a trip through the Cape Winelands, drive along the Garden Route, explore the beaches on South Africa's West Coast, or fly up to Johannesburg for a safari in Kruger National Park. Popular weekend getaways include wine-tasting in Stellenbosch, whale-watching in Hermanus, bird-watching in Knysna and shark cage-diving in Gansbaai.
Getting there
Cape Town International Airport is located 13 miles (20km) east of Cape Town, and there are buses and taxis available into the city. Flights to Cape Town are available from a number of major international airports, including Amsterdam, London, Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, and Dubai. Many airlines offer flights with layovers in Johannesburg. However, travellers should make sure they have plenty of time to clear customs.
Did you know?
-Cape Town's two nicknames, the 'Cape of Storms' and the 'Cape of Good Hope', were given to it by the Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias in 1486.
-Every day except Sunday, the Noon Day Gun booms across the city to signal 12pm. The cannon is located on Signal Hill, and tourists can attend the ceremony.
-The world's first heart transplant was performed by Dr Christiaan Barnard at Cape Town's Groote Schuur Hospital in 1967.