Explore Cape Town, one of the world's most beautiful and cosmopolitan cities, cradled in the amphitheatre formed by Table Mountain, Lion's Head and Devil's Peak.
Things to do in Cape Town:
Rising 1087 meters above the "Mother City", the grandeur of Table Mountain can be seen 200 kilometres away from sea, and for centuries provided a welcome site to the exhausted sailors who visited the "Taverns of the Seas" after spending an average of 6 months at sea. The sight of Table Mountain with its flat top must surely be the most well known landmark in the Southern hemisphere. Weather permitting, we undertake a cable car ride to reach the summit from where one has the perfect 360ยบ view of the "fairest Cape in the world".
The Castle of Good Hope, oldest European structure in South Africa, was built to protect the early Dutch Settlers against possible attacks by other European powers. Walking through its formidable entrance one is transported back in time to the late 1600's on experiencing the cobblestone floors, sundials on the original walls and the beautiful balcony that was the stage from where the Governor made his important announcements. Aside from the Changing of the Guards ceremony that is still performed, the Castle today protects valuable collections of Chinese Porcelain, old Cape furniture, Artwork and Cape Silverware.
The Malay Quarter, also referred to as the Bo-Kaap (when translated meaning Upper-Cape) is an extremely colourful area situated on higher ground than Cape Town itself and reminds one of the Mother City's days gone by. It boasts a distinctive Muslim flavor with beautiful small mosques, as many of the people who live in the Bo-Kaap are direct descendants of the former slaves from far away places like Malaysia, Java, Indonesia and the various Portuguese Spice Islands.
The oldest garden in South Africa, the Dutch East India Company Gardens started as a fruit and vegetable garden to provide for the many sailors on their long journey from Europe to the Spice Islands in the East. The purpose was to reduce the number of people who suffered from scurvy. As the Cape developed and more farms was established, the Garden gradually changed into the botanical pleasure garden it is today, still frequented by many a Capetonian on their lunch breaks.
Cape Town's link with the sea, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, is a result of reclaiming the historic waterfront of Cape Town, and reuniting the Capetonians with their heritage - the sparkle of the sea. The V&A Waterfront offers a wide variety of entertainment, present-day shops and restaurants to enjoy in Victorian style.
Suggested Lunch options are restaurants around the vibrant Green Market Square in the centre of Cape Town with its flea market and interesting mix of "characters" or the V&A Waterfront with its endless choice of restaurants.
Interested in taking a tour of Cape Town? Check out cape town tours
