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Dec
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Cape Town Travel Guide
Filed Under South Africa
A trip to Cape Town
Cape Town is one of the most popular destinations in South Africa. It boasts stunning beaches, a vibrant nightlife and an abundance of daytime activities. There are a number of cultural and natural gems, with the most famous being Table Mountain. The mountain is popular with hikers who want to get a panoramic view across the city. If hiking isn’t your thing, you can take the Table Mountain Cableway.
Flights to Cape Town
Cape Town’s international airport is extremely efficient and the second busiest airport in South Africa. Most people arrive in Johannesburg and take a two hour connecting flight to Cape Town. Regular shuttle buses transferring passengers to the city centre can be caught outside of the terminal, although taxis are the most popular mode of transport from the airport.
There is an overnight train from Johannesburg to Cape Town that is comfortable and very popular with tourists. A less expensive and less comfortable travel option is a 14 hour bus ride.
Sightseeing in Cape Town
Undeniably, both locals and visitors alike make the most of the stunning beaches. The prosperous Clifton has a pristine beach and a wide selection of restaurants and cafés lining its glistening shores. If you like penguins, Boulders Beach is famous for its colony of African penguins, while surfers can catch a wave at Camps Bay.
A popular attraction for visitors and a popular meeting place for locals is the historic city centre. Overflowing with eclectic architecture, cobbled lanes and old-world charm, the city is purely irresistible. Other noteworthy attractions include the vibrant Greenmarket square and the Good Hope Castle Fort while the Bo Kaap museum is filled with interesting artefacts from the city’s past.
Fun by day - shopping and activities
A visit to the recently restored Victoria and Albert Waterfront is a wonderful way to spend the day and see some truly historic sites. The waterfront houses an aquarium and charming cafés. It is very popular with tourists looking for a bite to eat before indulging in some shopping. Locals frequent the waterfront at weekends which is a lively time to visit and a great way to experience local culture. For a more laid back and leisurely experience, you can sit and watch the sailing charters sail by.
The waterfront also has a wide selection of shops and boutiques to choose from.
Canal Walk is one of the largest shopping centres in Africa and has every major store represented. The Montebello Design Centre has an impressive selection of shops selling jewellery, handicrafts and artworks.
Fun by night – eating drinking and partying
Cape Town boasts an explosive nightlife. There are bars and clubs filling the streets with a large concentration of popular night spots along the Camps Bay and Clifton coastline. Jazz is extremely popular in the city as is R&B and Reggae music. The trendy area of Long Street houses a number of funky dance clubs and is the place to be seen around town.
Daytrips
Cape Town is surrounded by fascinating places to visit. The world-famous Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden makes for a great day out and visitors can enjoy picnics in the tranquil gardens or watch musical sunset concerts from December to March on the lawns.
Even if you’re not a wine connoisseur, head to the wine region of Stellenbosch to enjoy beautiful scenery, historic villages and wine tasting. The oldest town in the country lies at the heart of the wine region, where all of the classic wine grapes are represented as well as the unique Pinotage.
Situated just outside the city is the infamous Robben Island, once a prison for those seen as political trouble makers. Take a tour of the island where Nelson Mandela was once incarcerated and meet some of the ex-prisoners who now work as tour guides.
Must-see attractions
South Africa’s most visited attraction is the colourful Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town. The harbour is as busy in the evening as it is during the day, boasting an aquarium, a fantastic selection of shops and restaurants, and the opportunity to take boat trips. Dominating the skyline in the background is the imposing Table Mountain, another of Cape Town’s must-sees.
The fantastic Two Oceans Aquarium is home to more than 3,000 species of fish, mammals, reptiles, invertebrates and birds, and is a wonderful place for children and adults alike to learn about the oceans. Visitors can dive with sharks and a number of activities here will keep children occupied.
Sports lovers should head to the Green Point Stadium Visitor Centre to soak up the atmosphere of the 2010 FIFA World Cup venue. Learn about the history of the stadium and its surrounds with live theatre performances, a virtual tour and an impressive photography display.
Best time to go
Situated between the Atlantic and Indian oceans, Cape Town experiences pleasant weather year-round, with summer temperatures climaxing at around 27°C and winter temperatures peaking at 20°C. A moderate amount of rain falls throughout the year and tourists often visit at any time of year. Annually, between the months on February and April, the Cape Town Festival takes place. This is a great time to visit and experience the many vibrant cultures of Cape Town.
Rainy day suggestions
Despite Cape Town experiencing few rainy days, a number of indoor attractions deserve to be seen. Sub-Saharan Africa’s oldest museum, the South African Museum, features some of the world’s best rock art among other fascinating objects. Bertram House depicts the colonial English way of life during the 19th century in Cape Town, while the Jewish Museum tells the history of Jewish settlers in the region. Other museums of interest include the Koopmans De Wet House and the South Africa Cultural History Museum.
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A fab summary of the Cape Town sights - thank you! It is indeed a must-see City for anyone visiting South Africa … you can go from the beach to the top of Table Mountain to scenic vineyards all in a day and be back in town in time for a sunset cruise or great nightlife options.
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