Guide to Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town (the ‘Mother City’) is the legislative capital of South Africa, the second largest city and the capital of the Western Cape Province. Cape Town is located in the South West corner of the country, near the Cape of Good Hope, where the Atlantic meets the Indian Ocean.

Top reasons to visit Cape Town

Explore the world-famous Cape Winelands of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek.

Take a trip up one of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World - Table Mountain, either hike to the summit or try the rotating cable car.

Jump on a Ferry to Robben Island, an offshore prison where the ex-President Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for over 27 years.

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Main areas of Cape Town

Cape Town metropolitan area covers an area from Durbanville and Somerset West in the east, to Cape Point in the south, and Atlantis in the North.

City Bowl/Long Street

main city centre area, with government offices, bars, nightlife, shops

Seaboard/Green Point

based around the stadium, sea-fronted area running southwards

V&A Waterfront

prime tourist location on the harbour

Die Waterkant

trendy shopping area with boutiques and hipster-orientated coffee shops, galleries etc.

Bo Kaap

historical Muslim and Malay Quarter, famous for pastel coloured buildings

When to go to Cape Town

Summer months are December to February, with hot days and a little humidity. March to May bring cooler temperatures and some rain, but less tourists around and better deals for accommodation and food. June to August tend to be wet, and chilly at night, and warmer weather comes in Spring (September) although can be windy (the so-called ‘Cape Doctor’).

Top Attractions in Cape Town

• brightly coloured houses of the Bo-Kaap
• Castle of Good Hope
• Cape Peninsula and Cape Point
• Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
• Robben Island
• Ratanga Junction theme park
• Coastal communities and beaches - Kalk Bay, Fish Hoek, St James, Camps Bay, Clifton, Sandy Bay.
• V&A Waterfront
• Die Waterkant
• Two Oceans Aquarium
• Cape Town Science Centre

Shopping in Cape Town

The V&A Waterfront is the best place for department stores, food markets, mall and general shopping.

Die Waterkant is a funky area for designer good and boutiques.

Eating in Cape Town

Cape Town local delicacies include:-

• Bunny Chow — curried chicken in a carved-out half loaf of bread
• locally caught seafood
• Cape Malay influenced dishes (mossaman curry etc.)

Recommended restaurants include Beleza, Arnold’s, The Test Kitchen, La Colombe, Il Leone, 95 Keesom, Posticino, Den Anker, Bizerca Bistro, Mazola’s, Mama Africa, Dunes and Nobu.

Nightlife and Entertainment in Cape Town

Long Street, in the centre of Cape Town, is the centre of the bars and nightlife.

• Bars - Dunes, Asoka, Andiamo
• Wine - Savoy Cabbage, The Hussar Grill, La Moquette
• Coffee - Truth Coffee Roasting
• Cocktails - Kitima, Care Mojito, Neighbourhood
• Museums - Bo-Kaap Museum, District Six Museum, Groot Constantia, Slave Lodge, South African Jewish Museum
• Art galleries - South African National Gallery, Galleria Gibello
• Theatre and Performance Arts - Armchair Theatre, Baxter Theatre, Richard Supper Stage, Artscape Theatre

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