Cape Town isn’t just one of the most beautiful cities in the world - it’s also circled by magnificent beaches, rugged mountains and idyllic vineyards, all located on the stunning shores of Table Bay. Situated at the foot of Table Mountain, Cape Town inhabits one of the most enviable settings in the world. Soaring mountains, fertile valleys, sweeping beaches and a sunny climate are the norm here, while the city’s attractions include museums, gardens, historic buildings and superb restaurants to savour. Cape Town's spectacular setting on Table Bay, beneath the 1,082-meter (3,550-foot) Table Mountain and Lion's Head, seldom fails to take one's breath away, whether you are a local or a visitor.
If Johannesburg is South Africa's New York, this port city of four million, settled by traders from the Dutch East India Company in 1652, is its San Francisco. With a rich array of restaurants, galleries, vineyards and countless beaches, as well as a Mediterranean climate, life on the Cape Peninsula, which stretches for some 70 kilometers (43 miles) from downtown to the most southerly point, Cape Point, is genteel and all about good, healthy living and staying outdoors as much as possible.
Must-See Attractions in Cape Town
Cape Town's most famous attraction, Table Mountain, has its own dedicated Aerial Cableway that delivers you from ground to summit in just five minutes. To say the views are spectacular is an understatement. Central Cape Town also offers plenty to explore, from the 18th Century Koopmans de Wet House and the Old Town House on Greenmarket Square - a small gallery housed in a former City Hall.
Culinary Delights: A Gastronomic Haven
Cape Town is a gastronomic haven for foodies. The proximity to the sea means the freshest local catch is never in short supply and the city is now home to several popular sushi restaurants, while fish and chips - a British favourite - is also widely represented. For a truly authentic taste of South Africa try a traditional braai (BBQ) and choose Boerewors - a native South African sausage, popular throughout the region. A diverse selection of restaurants serving a variety of cuisines can be found along Victoria and Albert waterfront.
Top 10 Things to Do in Cape Town
Shopping in Cape Town: Souvenirs and More
From flea markets and malls to specialist boutiques, the shopping choices in Cape Town are infinite and the city offers a wealth of ways to source that all important holiday keepsake. Gold, diamonds and semi-precious stones are widely available while African woodcarvings and woven goods make great souvenirs. The flea market, held at Greenmarket Square, is the place to source these kinds of crafts and the Square itself is a delightful place to visit. Alternatively, head to Victoria and Alfred Waterfront where Cape Town locals shop and eat.
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Venturing Beyond Cape Town: Day Trips
Travelling beyond Cape Town unlocks more of South Africa’s salt white beaches and world-famous wineries. Several Cape vineyards are within an hour of the city and a historic double-decker tram travels between them, rewarding you with incredible views as you voyage. Also, just an hour from Cape Town is Simon’s Town - one of South Africa’s oldest towns - where you’ll be able to get up close to native African penguins at Boulders Beach. If venturing beyond Cape Town, the verdant vineyards of Stellenbosch and the historical architecture of Simon’s Town are little more than an hour’s drive away.
The Table Bay side of the city, known for its luxurious seaview properties and bustling nightlife, is countered by equally intriguing False Bay, which lies behind Table Mountain and is home to quaint, cobblestoned fishing villages like Kalk Bay, as well as the city's famous penguin colony. There, too, you'll find the oldest (and some of the best) vineyards in Africa, such as Constantia Uitsig and Buitenverwachting.
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