Cape Town Tourist Places to Visit in Cape Town, South Africa, Africa

Cape Town Tourist Places to Visit in Cape Town, South Africa, Africa

Cape Town is the legislative capital and the second largest city of South Africa, following Johannesburg. It is home to Parliament House, functioning as the capital of the Western Cape province. Located on the western coastline in the far southwest of the country, Cape Town is a global city, centre of South Africa’s tourism, highlighted by the iconic attractions Table Mountain and Cape Point.

Designated as the World Design Capital for 2014, Cape Town is also famous for its healthy climate, upgraded infrastructure and striking beaches, which have promoted Cape Town as the capital of Africa’s tourism. Cape Town sprawls over a total area of 2,445 sq. km, while its geographical coordinates measure 33°55′31″ S 18°25′26″ E.

History of Cape Town:

The history of Cape Town begins with the arrival of the Dutch in the middle of the 17^th century, who developed it as a supply station. The first permanent European settlement in Cape Town was built up by the Dutch colonial administrator, Jan van Riebeeck. Until the discovery of gold mines in Johannesburg, Cape Town had the status of the largest city of South Africa. Currently Cape Town is the cultural and tourism capital of South Africa.

How to reach Cape Town?

The Cape Town International Airport is situated around 20 km southeast of the heart of Cape Town and operates flights from Durban, Johannesburg, Mauritius, London, Singapore, Istanbul, Doha and many other world destinations.

By both train and bus, Cape Town is linked to Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth, East London and Queenstown.

Metro train, public buses, taxis and rental cars are the options for local travel in Cape Town.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Cape Town:

Cape Town is the city of dozens of grand festivals, including Cape Town Minstrel Carnival and Cape Town Jazz Festival. Green Market Square is one of the best traditional markets of Cape Town. V&A waterfront in Cape Town is famous for plenty of typical traditional and modern food corners.

Things to do in Cape Town:

Climbing Table Mountain
Surfing
Kite Surfing
Swimming

What to see in Cape Town?

Cape Town City Hall:

The Cape Town City Hall is a landmark structure, featuring the Edwardian style of architecture. This iconic building was constructed using honey-colored oolitic limestone in 1905 during the British colonial rule.

Bo-Kaap:

Bo-Kaap is one of the residential areas of Cape Town, highlighted by houses of different colors. Other than houses, the neighborhood is also famous among visitors for antique buildings, mainly mosques. Atlas Trading in Bo-Kaap is one of the best traditional shops in Cape Town.

The Castle of Good Hope:

Being the oldest surviving structure of South Africa, the Castle of Good Hope is one of the identities of both South Africa and Cape Town. Constructed between 1666 and 1679, the castle is located at Buitenkant Street. Entrance fee is R28.

Two Oceans Aquarium:

Situated on V&A Waterfront, the Two Oceans Aquarium is open for visitors from 9:30AM to 6PM. It features seven exhibition galleries with a wide range of sea creatures, including sharks. Scuba diving can also be enjoyed here. Admission fee is R105 (adults) and R48 (adults).

Groot Constantia:

Groot Constantia is South Africa’s one of the oldest wine estates, situated in the suburb of Constantia in Cape Town. It is allowed for visitors from 10AM to 5PM on all days of the week and admission fee is R8.

Other places of interest in Cape Town include:

Masque Theatre
Baxter Theatre
Armchair Theatre
South African National Gallery
South African Jewish Museum
District Six Museum
Victoria and Alfred Waterfront
South African Parliament
Rhodes Memorial
Robben Island

When to visit Cape Town?

Cape Town features a warm-summer Mediterranean climate and the best time to visit Cape Town is from October to May.

Where to stay in Cape Town?

Hundreds of hotels in Cape Town, ranging from hostels to world class hotels with amazing amenities. Mid range hotels in Cape Town generally charge between R500 to R1000. Some top end hotels in Cape Town are listed below: