| Cape Town History | ||
| Districts | ||
| The V&A Waterfront | ||
| The V & A Waterfront is a large complex in the old docks offering an incredible variety of restaurants, cinemas, bars and over 240 shops, with craft markets, curio stores and up-market boutiques. South Africa's largest aquarium, the Two Oceans Aquarium, has 300 marine species including sharks, seals and penguins. The IMAX Cinema features a five-storey screen and wrap-around sound. There are numerous companies offering boat trips, including the Robben Island Ferry and fun things such as jet skis and helicopter trips. |
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| City Bowl | ||
| The city centre is surprisingly small and is best explored on foot. Walk up St George's Mall from Thibault Square. Stop at Greenmarket Square, the colourful heart of the City which overflows with African crafts, funky clothes, eccentric characters and good vibes. At the top of the Mall visit the Cathedral and continue up the tree-lined Government Avenue, past the Houses of Parliament, S.A. National Gallery and the peaceful Company Gardens. These beautiful gardens are the oldest in South Africa and house the S.A. Museum and Planetarium, as well as a large number of friendly squirrels. Return down Long street, the liveliest street in town, which is lined with restaurants, bars and cafes. Other areas of interest include the Grand Parade, bordered by The Castle and City Hall as well as the suburb of Bo-Kaap, with its steep cobbled streets and brightly coloured homes. | ||
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| Atlantic Seaboard | ||
| A few minutes from town is the lively suburb of Sea Point. The suburb's bustling nerve centre - main road - is lined with a great array of cafes, restaurants and shops. The seaside park and promenade, popular with dog walkers, roller bladers and joggers, are ideal for a pleasant sunset stroll. The Atlantic Seaboard boasts a spectacular selection of unspoilt beaches. Take a drive along Victoria Road, the beautiful coastal road set against steep mountain slopes, and enjoy the white sands of Clifton, Camps Bay, Llundudno and Hout Bay. | ||
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| Hout Bay & South Peninsula | ||
| The picturesque Hout Bay Valley has a busy fishing harbour and Mariner's Wharf where fish are sold fresh from the boats. Kids and adults will love the boat trip to Duiker Island to see the seals. Other places worth visiting include the World of Birds and the spectacular, cliff hugging Chapman's Peak Drive. There are some great beaches along the South Peninsula including Noordhoek Beach and a magnificent coastal drive via Scarborough. The Cape Point Nature Reserve has a wide variety of indigenous flora and fauna including baboon, springbok and ostrich. The views from the high sea cliffs at the tip of the reserve are breath-taking. Don't miss the colony of penguins at Boulders Beach or the interesting coastal towns of Simonstown and Kalk Bay. There are magnificent views over Muizenberg beach from Boyes Drive. | ||
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| Southern Suburbs | ||
| The lush Constantia Valley is home to the most historic wine farm in South Africa, Groot Constantia, as well as other award-winning estates such as Klein Constantia and Buitenverwachting. The forested mountain slopes have extensive hiking and horse riding trails. Kirstenbosch Gardens boasts a dazzling diversity of Cape flora, set amongst rolling green lawns. There is also an impressive collection of sculptures and a sensational herbal garden. Definitely worth a long, leisurely visit. Above Rondebosch, on the slopes of Devil's Peak are the beautiful ivy-covered buildings of the University of Cape Town. Nearby is the neo-classical Rhodes Memorial built in memory of Cecil Rhodes and guarded by eight large granite lions. | ||
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| Winelands | ||
| If you are in Cape Town for more than 24 hours don't miss the winelands. 45 minutes from the city, they have great charm, terrific natural beauty and fine wine. Stellenbosch is the oldest and by far the most attractive town in South Africa. Walk down Dorp Street; visit the Stellenbosch Museum and Botanical Garden; stand on Die Braak (central square). Drive up the Idas Valley (R44) towards Paarl. Stop at the wine farms along the way for tastings. Paarl main street is very historic, take a slow drive past the fine architecture. The Backsberg and Fairview wine estates are popular for tasting. Franschhoek is set in a lovely valley and has excellent restaurants. Take a drive up the pass or on the back roads beyond the town. Boschendal is an historic estate and the journey back to Stellenbosch via Helshoogte is most magnificent. | ||
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