Cape Town – the Jewel of South Africa
Written by Katie
Cape Town is the second largest city in South Africa (behind Johanessburg) and is the most southern city in Africa. The metro area of the city huge, though the city center covers a relatively small area between Table Mountain and Table Bay. Cape Town has had a long history with Europe and is the most European of the African cities. It’s a cosmopolitan city home to as many historical sites and natural wonders as it is trendy bars and restaurants. The best times to visit are October and November (spring) and December to March (summer months).
Cape Town is serviced by an International Airport, the second largest in South Africa. Flights do connect direct from New York and DC, but most visitors will break up the long flight (and save money) by stopping in Europe on the way. Roads in the area are very well-maintained and there is so much to see and do outside of the city center, that most people choose to rent a car when visiting. You can get around the city center easily by foot and taxi as well.
There is so much to see and do in Cape Town, you’ll need to narrow down your many options to just a few activities so that you still have time to relax and just wander and explore the city. The most popular attractions are the viewing the seals at the waterfront, watching penguins near Cape Point, wandering the Victoria and Alfred waterfront and strolling past the colorful houses of the Bo-Kap neighborhood, viewing the Victorian architecture of the City Hall, and marveling at the castle of Good Hope.
You can also view the diverse collection of plants and flowers at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, learn about local life on a township tour, visit the jail where Nelson Mandela was held as a poloicatl prison on Robben Island, and tour the South African Parliament.
There are several information museums to visit – the Bo-Kaap Museum, the District Six Museum (which traces the history of apartheid in the area), South African Jewish Museum, and the Slave Lodge. You’ll also want to take time to visit the majestic Table Mountain, which rises over the City Bowl. You can hike to the top, or ride the cable car, which costs about $20.
The Cape is home to several great beaches at Camp’s Bay, Hout bay, False Bay and Fish Hoek. Cape Town is one of the world’s best places to surf or kitesurf, deep-sea fish, sea kayak, sail and scuba dive. Adventure junkies can sand surf or swim with sharks, while those looking for a more relaxed day will be please to know that the region is surrounded by dozens of world-class wineries. It’s worth devoting a whole day to visit the wineries in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
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