Cape Town Tourism

Often referred as the tip of Africa, the Cape of Good Hope is also known as Cape Point. Sitting majestically at the corner of the Table Mountain National Park, this particular tourist spot attracts visitors from all parts of the world. Occupying 7750 hectares, the spot is home to a large number of species of birds and various plants. People often indulge in taking scenic walks while the other adventurous folk, like touring the premises in bicycles. Another prominent feature of it is having a funicular, going by the name of the Flying Dutchman, which spans from the restaurant to the counter right beside the Old Lighthouse.

One of the most famous botanical gardens in the world, Kirstenbosch loans its premises for concerts which are hosted by many of the famous musicians in the world. Spanning about 1300 acres, the gardens were formed and established as early as 1913 as a result of which, it has the distinction of being one of the first botanical gardens in the world. Home to about 22,000 species of solely indigenous plants, Kirstenbosch can also be used as a hiking route right up to the table-mountains. Tourists often take part in guided tours which expose visitors to a Braille trail, a kopje (hill) and a beautiful conservatory.

A handsome villa sitting on the coast of Cape Town, Casa Labia was built in the year 1930 by native architect Fred Glennie. This villa was home to the Italian delegate to Cape Town, Count Natale Labia and his South African partner. Beautifully designed by an interior decorator from Venice, the sight is now host to major cultural events which include concerts, lectures and exhibitions. Currently owned by Labia’s son, this cultural centre has also held very famous art exhibitions by hosting works of Irma Stern and Gerald Sekoto. In its premises is also present an African Nova arts and crafts shop.

If Cape Town is known for anything, it is this. Without doubt the most prominent feature of the city, the Table Mountains are a natural specimen. Being a flat-topped mountain in nature, they are an active tourist destination. Visitors usually reach the top through a cableway, while the more adventurous ones prefer to hike to the top.

Renowned the world over as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Robben Island lies about seven kilometres off the coast of Cape Town. The island is famous for holding Nobel Laureate Nelson Mandela and many other pioneers of South African racial struggle as prisoners. It is now turned into a museum which is owned by the state.

The city is an amalgamation of various cultures has various different yet brilliant restaurants and other such eateries. Boasting of all types of places from fine dining areas to street side cafes, Cape Town has it all. Mzoli’s is a famous joint which sees a lot of important personalities; they’re famous for their grilled meat. Roundhouse is another elegant eatery which provides delicious native food along with other different cuisines. The native cuisine of South Africa includes some delicious components such as Koeksisters, Boerewors and the traditional African stew, Potjiekos.

Boasting of one of the best nightlife spots in the entire continent, Cape Town has everything ranging from clubs and discos, right up to the cocktail bars and other dazzling forms of entertainment. Bossa Nova is a very famous club which sees a lot of famous Dj’s playing every week, as is Tin Roof which is located at Claremont. Karma Lounge at Camps Bay is the best place for live music as it’s a beach lounge bar. In addition to that, one is bound to find a bar or a pub in every nook and cranny of the city. Baraza, The Dutch Drunken and Cafe Vespa are a few famous bars and pubs in the city.

Since it is a very popular tourist destination, Cape Town is a heaven for shopping enthusiasts. Boasting of humongous departmental stores of all the major global brands, the town offers a beautiful mix of street shopping and indigenous markets. The Milnerton Flea Market is a popular spot to buy native products. City Bowl Market is a beautiful shopping space which is situated in an old building surrounded by beautiful gardens. If one is a street shopper, the Cape Union Mart Adventure Centre Cavendish Square is the right place to be. 

Africa is essentially the land of adventure, and Cape Town is no different. Right from indulging in treks and hikes, or having a wildlife safari at the various national parks, this place never ceases to entertain. Whale watching, and shark cage diving are other adrenalin filled activities which tourists can do.

All major resorts and hotels provide massage and spa facilities. Amani Spa at the Waterfront is a beautiful experience which is not to be missed. Same is the case with the Angsana Spa at the Vineyard Hotel which was the winner of 2013 World Luxury Spa award.

As mentioned previously, Cape Town has a unique and beautiful natural habitat of its own. The Cape of Good Hope trail, the Steenberg Vineyards and the various Ostrich farms are some of the more potent places to visit for tourists. From mountains, to lush green forests and finally to the beautiful clear seas, the city has it all.

Built on limestone rock imported from Bath, United Kingdom, the City Hall in Cape Town was built as early as 1905. Currently located on the Grand Parade, what is intriguing about this structure is that it was built as a result of a public competition which saw Harry Reid and Frederick Green emerges as the winning architects. Turned completely into a historical monument, the City Hall lends out its auditorium regularly for concerts and other such events. This place has so much historical significance that Nelson Mandela made his first official public appearance here after his prison release in 1990. 

Cape Town is a place ideal for the young ones primarily because the city offers a wide variety of things to do for children. In this town, you can easily let your hair down and relax because your children will always be catered to. The Drakenstein Lion Park is a popular destination for kids wherein they can indulge in feeding lion cubs and other such rehabilitated animals. They can also enjoy other leisures like Kenilworth Go Karting, Butterfly World and The Ice Station at Grand West Casino.  Since Africa is the home of so many animals, the city is infested with zoos and animal centers, and the Eagle Encounters Raptor Rehabilitation Centre is no exception. 

With the interiors sculpted by Anton Anreith and Jan Graaff, Church Square consists of Groote Kerk, which is the head church of the Dutch Reformed Church. Filled with beautiful architecture, the materials required to construct this church date back to the year 1704. However, it was constructed in the year 1841, by Herman Schuette. A significant feature of this church is that it is one of the oldest places of worship in Africa. In addition to that, the church boasts of South Africa’s largest organ, with 5917 pipes. 

Currently part of the Table Mountain National Park, this is a memorial dedicated to Cecil John Rhodes. Rhodes was a South African politician, who was an ardent believer of British colonialism. It is said that the memorial was built on his favourite spot at Table Mountains, which has a wonderful north-east facing view. The Memorial was constructed by Sir Herbert Baker, who ensured it's completion in the year 1912. The structure was to like the Greek temple of Segesta; however its architecture was more aligned with that of Pergamon. The Rhodes Memorial is located on the lower areas of the Devil’s peak. 

Its subsequent reformation was due to the fact that South Africa was hosting the Fifa Football World Cup in 2010. Since then the Green Point Urban National Park has become a sight from tourists all over the world because of its beautiful diversity in addition to those wonderful views. The park directly overlooks the Lion’s Head, Signal Hill and the Cape Town stadium which makes it a very picturesque picnic spot. Along the parks premises one is bound to find a wide array of indigenous plants. There is also a structure which shows how the Khoe san tribe used to reside in Africa.