The soaring Table Mountain provides an alluring backdrop to the diverse attractions of Cape Town. Its multicultural population of Christians, Muslims, Jews and many traditional African tribes gives the cuisine, buildings and sights an endless variety. Natural wonders are far from limited to the imposing mountain: there are many other delightful natural landscapes within the national park that encircles it. Outdoor activities are at a premium here: try your hand at surfing from the golden beaches, hike or mountain bike through entrancing scenery, paraglide off Lion’s Head or abseil from the top of Table Mountain. Cultural pleasures also rival the natural splendour: there’s stunning architecture everywhere, museums and galleries to visit, Afro-chic restaurants to relax in and stunning street art to admire. Take a trip a little further and you can wander amongst the pastoral villages and estates of Winelands or spot whales breaching the waters and sharks lurking under them.
Areas & Neighbourhoods in Cape Town
Bo-Kaap – Just southwest of downtown, is the mainly Muslim area, first inhabited by descendants of slaves from Southeast Asia. Colourful buildings, atmospheric streets, magnificent mosques, fantastic street food snacks and wonderful views over Cape Town can all be enjoyed here. The Noon Gun is fired every day nearby: watch the ceremony and then cover your ears before the bang!
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens – Cecil Rhodes donated the land to the South African people and Kirstenbosch ensures his gift has been made the most of. It is one of the world’s most enchanting gardens. Its setting below the Castle Bustress cliffs of Table Mountain help, but so too does its collection and display of hugely diverse plants and flowers from the Cape.
Robben Island – Located just off the coast from Cape Town is the island where political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela and Walter Sisulu, were held during the dark days of apartheid. Take a tour of the island, meet a former political prisoner and, incongruously, spot African penguins who make this grim historical place almost a scenic delight.
Victoria and Alfred Waterfront – Shop till you drop at this huge shopping and entertainment area on the slopes of Table Mountain. Visit the Aquarium or the Marine Museum, take a harbour tour or jump on a helicopter flight for panoramic views over the Cape Peninsula.
Table Mountain – You can take a cable car up the mountain or strap on your hiking boots and head for the summit under your own steam. Platteklip Gorge is the most accessible, and therefore the most popular, route. Enjoy the views however you choose to make your ascent.
Winelands— Tour the beautiful Constantia Valley wine estates and continue imbibing in Cape Winelands’ historic university town of Stellenbosch and the established food capital of the Cape, Franschhoek.
Things to See in Cape Town
Check out the views of, and from, Table Mountain before heading out to take in the sights and wines of the nearby wine estates. Many museums offer an insight into the troubled history of South Africa, including Robben Island and District 6. There are many fine galleries to view holding national and international collections. Dolphins, penguins, whales and sharks can be spotted on boat cruises or dives in the surrounding waters.
Things to Do in Zanzibar
Take a helicopter tour to see the Cape in all its glory or dive down in a cage to encounter great white sharks. Explore the Cape Floral region, including the Table Mountain National Park and the beautiful Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, to discover blankets of wildflowers. Swim, surf, kitesurf, jet ski or try your hand at a wide range of watersports from the beaches. By ball means go on a shopping frenzy at the wonderful Victoria and Alfred mall but, if this exciting city should somehow appear a little tame, you can always head out on a Big Five Cape Town safari: there are numerous safari game reserves within a couple of hours of the city.You can also book top Cape Town hotels and great Cape Town package deals right here on Expedia.co.uk.
