An Introduction to Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town, at the southern tip of Africa, is a city like no other on earth. Around every corner a new sight greets you, and just when you think you’ve seen it all, you are saluted by another.

In short, the scenery is spectacular and delightful to the senses. You will be spoiled for choice: You can move from Mediterranean-like beaches to lush forests, and from spectacular wine farms to wonderful mountain views - all in one day!

When to visit:

Cape Town’s summer starts around October and it can be hot well into April. In mid summer the days can be extremely hot and dry, with January and February probably the warmest months. If ‘sun and beach’ is what you’re looking for, this is the best time to visit. Average summer days reach 81 º F (27 º C) with 11 or more hours sunshine a day. If you are looking for slightly cooler weather but still sunny days - September, October, March and April are good months to visit too.

Cape Town's attractions:

The list of Cape Town attractions is endless. First time visitors should concentrate on the following top attractions:

1. Table Mountain

South Africa’s most famous mountain rises 1000 meters above the city - visible to approaching ships over 95 miles (150 km) away. With so many different moods it’s hard not to fall in love with it. As the South Easter blows fog onto it, clouds fall mysteriously over its edges, creating an almost eerie waterfall over the big rock. A cable car and several hiking trails take visitors to the summit.

2. Signal Hill and Lions Head

These mountains provide fascinating views over the city, Table Mountain, Sea Point, Robben Island and the Atlantic. Signal Hill look-out point is a popular spot to enjoy sunsets from. An hour and a half walk will take you to the top of Lions Head from where you can enjoy amazing 360 degree views.

3. Clifton, Camps Bay and Llandudno

Three of Cape Town’s most beautiful beaches are hidden just a few minutes from the City Centre. Clifton is divided into 4 smaller beaches – each one with its own unique character and atmosphere. If you are looking for a good meal or snack, head to Camps Bay. Llandudno beach is quieter – almost undiscovered – with wonderful mountain views and crystal clear water.

4. Hout Bay

Hout Bay is a popular seaside village famous for its good seafood, relaxed atmosphere and working harbor area. A boat trip to Seal Island with around 5000 seals offers a pleasant experience. Chapman’s Peak drive provides fantastic views over the town and ocean.

5. Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

South Africa’s most visited attraction will certainly keep you busy. The shops are stocked with Africa’s finest art, jewelers and curio collections, and the harbor area is packed with restaurants, coffee shops and wine bars.

6. Kirstenbosch Gardens

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens can be considered one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. It was established in 1913 as a celebration of South Africa’s abundant plant life. Outdoor concerts are held during summer evenings.

7. Blouberg Beach

Head to Blouberg Beach for the famous postcard view of Table Mountain. Nothing beats a fresh early morning walk enjoying the extraordinary views. Big Bay beach, just north of Blouberg, is more secluded and worth a visit.

8. Organized Township Tours

Discover South African township life first hand – a life so different yet so friendly and inviting. No-where else are the drumbeats of Africa louder than here – the true heartbeat of the city. Taste the food, hear the stories and get an insight into the day to day lives of millions of South Africans. Only to be visited on an organized tour.

9. Robben Island

Home to imprisoned ex-president Nelson Mandela for 18 years, the destruction of apartheid is probably the most tangible here. The empty cell is a symbol of South Africans been set free, and beautiful Table Mountain seen from the island an indication of what all South Africans want their future to look like. You will visit the maximum prison museum, get the chance to interact with an ex-political prisoner and be taken around the island by bus.

10. Cape Peninsula and Cape Point

The Cape Peninsula stretches from Cape Point at the most southern tip to the city in the north, with a distance of 43 miles (70 km) between them. It holds some of the most dramatic scenery in South Africa – mostly magnificent mountain ranges, forests, crystal clear beaches, and mountain passes.

11. Boulders Beach

Boulders is world famous for its colony of African Penguins, and no trip to the Peninsula is completed without visiting this intimate beach. You can easily spend a day on the picturesque spot observing these interesting creatures.

12. Cape Town City Centre

The Cape Town city centre has experienced tremendous growth over the last few years. It’s a mix between European and African cultures, with some wonderful architecture and interesting sidewalk cafes. St Georges Mall and Greenmarket square are vibrant areas with loads of colorful African markets.

13. Long and Kloof Streets

Long Street, with its many wine bars and restaurants becomes alive with people and city lights as the sun sets. Antique shops, second hand bookstores and other specialist shops make the street an exciting place to visit during daytime too.

14. Sunset walk, Sea Point Promenade

Young and old gathers here to enjoy the late afternoon sea breeze every day. The famous promenade runs all the way from Mouille Point to Bantry Bay. The air is fresh, the atmosphere is buzzing and the sunsets beautiful!

15. Rhodes Memorial

The memorial was constructed in remembrance of Cecil John Rhodes, and is situated against Devil’s Peak behind the University of Cape Town. He has played an important role in the formation of the sub continent at the end of the 19th century.

16. The Constantia Valley

The Constantia Valley is one of Cape Town’s official Big 6 tourist destinations. A visit to the oldest Wine Estate in the country, Groot Constantia (established in 1685) is unforgettable. It is one of the world’s great wine brands and situated within the city borders in the heart of the breathtaking Constantia Valley.

17. Strand and Gordon’s Bay

The ocean is much warmer here than the western beaches, and thousands of holidaymakers gather together over summer. If you are looking for dramatic mountain-meets-ocean-scenery, take the impressive coastal road towards Betty’s Bay.

18. Vergelegen Wine Estate

Vergelegen is one of the most beautiful Wine Estates in the country and is frequently visited by the International renown. It's been honored by the visits of Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh, as well as Nelson Mandela and Bill Clinton with their First Ladies.

19. Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch, beautifully situated in the heart of the Cape Winelands, is the second oldest town in South Africa. A walk through Dorp Street and a visit to Oom Samie se Winkel (Ungle Samie’s Shop) introduce you to the fascinating history of this famous University town. The Jonkershoek Valley with its many day hikes is a must visit for all nature lovers.

20. Franschhoek

South Africa’s very own "French Quarter", one of South Africa’s top 5 tourist destinations, is situated on the banks of the Berg River against the backdrop of the Drakenstein Mountains. The charming town is packed with specialist shops, boutiques, galleries and restaurants, and is best explored on foot. The French Huguenot Monument rises into the sky in remembrance of the French that found the town in 1688.

21. Hermanus

Cape Town’s most popular seaside town offers the best whale watching site in the world between August and beginning December each year.

22. The West Coast

Here you will find the charming towns of Yzerfontein, Langebaan, Paternoster and Lambert’s Bay. The West Coast’s vast openness and unique village atmosphere provide a great escape for the tired city soul. The area is famous for its Cray fish dishes. A feast at one of the outdoor seafood restaurants should be high on any seafood lover’s priority list.

The Mother City will not disappoint and is the perfect destination to relax in comfort and beauty. It is one of the most happening places on the African continent, and the world’s new playground.

For more information on Cape Town attractions visit the web’s favorite online travel guide to Cape Town at http://www.capespirit.com