Cape Town Travel Guide

Cape Town Tourist Information

Cape Town has a vibrantly eclectic cultural mix, stunning landscapes and an excellent tourist network, Cape Town is one of Africa's most popular destinations. The old and the new are mixed together in a city that displays the high-rise structures of a modern developed city, while the old is presented in the many fine buildings in various colonial styles.

The vibrancy of Cape Town has been forged by the many ethnic groups who have inhabited this 300-year-old city. The 'City Bowl' contains many fine examples of Edwardian, Victorain and unique Cape Dutch architecture, which stand alongside the towering office blocks of the commercial world. From Cape Town it is easy to explore its fantastic coastline and visit the world famous vineyards.

Cape Town Tourist Attractions

Cape Town's Greenmarket square provides visitors the perfect opportunity for a stroll along the quaint cobbled streets of a bygone day where remains of the old town can be observed all around. The area around Long street is a particularly charming place to enjoy a leisurely walk.

For those wanting to discover the historical significance of the city, the District Six and Bo Kapp museums are good places to start. The Good Hope Castle Fort - situated across the large area in front of the city hall - is of particular interest as the fort is the oldest example of early Dutch and British occupations. Other architectural and historic attractions include Tuin Huis (the president's residence) and the Parliament buildings.

The Bo Kapp district is an incredibly colourful area mainly inhabited by Cape Malays, a mixture of decedents from Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India and Malaysia. To learn about the history of the Cape Malays, visit the fascinating Bo Kaap Museum, also one of the oldest buildings in the area.

The Victoria and Albert Waterfront has many attractions and tourist activities, including an aquarium, fine restaurants, shops, boutiques and nightlife. The Waterfront is also where trips to Robben Island Prison Museum depart from. Here you can learn about the former prison and its most prominent inmate, Nelson Mandela, who spent 27 years on the island.

Attractions outside Cape Town

Table Mountain can be reached by cable car and is a must-visit spot for those wanting to take in sweeping panoramic views of the 'fairest cape of them all'. Also of interest - at the foot of the mountain - is the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, where visitors can view a magnificent display of the many indigenous plants and flowers of South Africa.

While Cape Town is a safe destination, it is strongly recommended that you purchase travel insurance before you travel to safeguard yourself against any emergencies.