There really are not many cities which, like Cape Town, can say that they have an enormous mountain right in the middle of their city centre. Table Mountain has become a true iconic symbol of Cape Town, along with the neighbouring mountain peaks of both the Lion's head and the Devil's Peak.Home to South Africa's very impressive Houses of Parliament, the very spot where Nelson Mandela became the country's first ever democratically elected president, Cape Town has grown to become a city of great standing and importance. Its bustling Victoria and Albert Waterfront and undeniable cultural scene are both just as appealing as its wonderful beaches, botanical gardens and its famous penguins from Boulders Beach, next to Simon's Town.
Tourism is thriving in Cape Town and tourist information is available from a number of outlets all over the city, including the airport, seaport, the waterfront and in the very city centre itself, which is known as the 'City Bowl'. Other important districts include Bo-Kaap, the Gardens, Green Point, the Observatory and False Bay.
Cape Town Tourist Information and Tourism: Top SightsThere is so much to do in Cape Town that tourists usually find that it is difficult to cram everything in to just one visit. Most agree that a trip to the Two Oceans Aquarium along Dock Road is a must, and some are even brave enough to take a dip into the shark's tank itself. Robben Island should also be at the top of any itinerary, being just a short sail across Table Bay and now a UN World Heritage Sight. Also of interest in Cape Town is the 17th-century Castle of Good Hope, the Planetarium, and the very famous Groote Kerk Church. More information about Cape Town Tourist Attractions.
The landmarks in Cape Town don't come any bigger or more important that Table Mountain, and the views from the very top are just as majestic. Hiking up Table Mountain is incredibly popular, although if you don't quite have the energy, you can reach the summit in a matter of minutes, by cable car. On the eastern side of Table Mountain, look out for the Rhodes Memorial, while close by and in the centre of Cape Town itself, visitors simply must enjoy a stroll along City Bowl's rather bohemian Long Street, before visiting the City Hall on Darling Street, and then checking out the De Tuynhuys building on Government Avenue, where in 1992, the end of apartheid was announced to the entire world. More information about Cape Town Landmarks and Monuments.
There is much history to Cape Town and tourists are able to learn a host of information by visiting some of the city's innumerable museums. The main topics covered include the history of the Bo-Kaap community and the former District Six area, the gold of South Africa, slavery, African art works and sculptures, and much more besides. Many of these cultural attractions are just a short walk from each other, being concentrated on Cape Town's very own Museum Mile. More information about Cape Town Museums and Cape Town Art Galleries.
If you feel the need to venture outside of Cape Town, then there is plenty to see and enjoy in the surrounding area and peninsula. Tourists often find that a trip to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve is one to remember, as are the vineyards of Paarl, and the colonial buildings within Stellenbosch. Whilst the restaurants in Cape Town are excellent and in very good supply, it is the neighbouring town of Franschhoek which ranks as South Africa's culinary capital, and so understandably entices visitors from far and wide. More information about Cape Town Attractions Nearby.More Cape Town Information / Fast Facts and Orientation
- Country: South Africa
- Location: Metropolitan Municipality - City of Cape Town
- Status: city / capital of the Western Cape
- Area: approximately 948 square miles / 2,455 square kilometres
- Population: approximately 3.5 million
- Languages: Afrikaans / Xhosa / English
- Currency: South African Rand (ZAR)
- Time zone: SAST (UTC+2)
- Country dialling code: +27
- Telephone area code: 021
- Average daily Cape Town January temperature: 27°C / 81°F
- Average daily Cape Town July temperature: 18°C / 64°F
