Cape Town – Table Mountain, Robben Island and much more in the Mother City
Sitting snugly between the harbor and Table Mountain, and affectionately known as the Mother City, Cape Town is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Add to this the rich history of the city, the cultural diversity of its citizens and the well developed tourism industry which offers a host of activities, and it is easy to see why Cape Town is one of South Africa’s top tourist destinations attracting visitors from far and wide.
Referred to as the city bowl because of the way it is contained between mountain and sea, the heart of Cape Town incorporates neighborhoods of great historical significance such as the Bo Kaap, Tamboerskloof and Oranjezicht. Within the city limits, visitors can take a trip into the past by following the Footsteps to Freedom walk or visiting the Castle of Good Hope and the Slave Lodge. The beautifully landscaped Company Gardens with its views of Table Mountain and its tree-lined avenues has within its boundaries both the South African National Gallery and the South African Museum and is a must-see for visitors to Cape Town. The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden set on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain is often used for outdoor concerts and is another attraction that nature-lovers will appreciate.
Long Street and Greenmarket Square are well known for their relaxed arty atmosphere where visitors can enjoy exploring the antique shops, book shops, as well as the little shops containing a mish-mash of African curios and fascinating souvenirs, while the many coffee shops, restaurants and bistros invite visitors to take some time out to relax and watch the world go by. Night-life in the city is vibrant with theaters, clubs, live music venues and restaurants offering both local and international entertainment and cuisine. The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is one of Cape Town’s biggest attractions, incorporating an abundance of speciality stores, offices, hotels, exciting entertainment options and the fascinating Two Oceans Aquarium which every member of the family is sure to enjoy.
There is so much to see and do in Cape Town that you could literally spend weeks exploring it, so if your time is limited it would be a good idea to make an itinerary of the places you would like to visit, and if you get side-tracked along the way, that will give you a good reason to return to the beautiful Mother City of South Africa – again and again.