Cape Town is the second most populous city in South Africa after Johannesburg and also the legislative capital of South Africa. Colloquially named the Mother City, it is the largest city of the Western Cape province and forms part of the City of Cape Town metropolitan municipality. The Parliament of South Africa sits in Cape Town.
The other two capitals are located in Pretoria (the executive capital where the Presidency is based) and Bloemfontein (the judicial capital where the Supreme Court of Appeal is located). The city is known for its harbour, for its natural setting in the Cape Floristic Region, and for landmarks such as Table Mountain and Cape Point. Cape Town is home to 64% of the Western Cape's population. The city was named the World Design Capital for 2014 by the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design.
In 2014, Cape Town was named the best place in the world to visit by both The New York Times and The Daily Telegraph. Cape Town was one of the host cities of the tournaments of 1995 Rugby World Cup and 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Located on the shore of Table Bay, Cape Town, as the oldest urban area in South Africa, was developed by the United East India Company (VOC) as a supply station for Dutch ships sailing to East Africa, India, and the Far East. Jan van Riebeeck's arrival on 6 April 1652 established VOC Cape Colony, the first permanent European settlement in South Africa.
Cape Town outgrew its original purpose as the first European outpost at the Castle of Good Hope, becoming the economic and cultural hub of the Cape Colony. Until the Witwatersrand Gold Rush and the development of Johannesburg, Cape Town was the largest city in South Africa.
Where is Cape Town
Cape Town, city and seaport is legislative capital of South Africa and capital of Western Cape province. The city lies at the northern end of the Cape Peninsula some 30 miles (50 kilometres), at its southernmost boundary, north of the Cape of Good Hope. Because it was the site of the first European settlement in South Africa, Cape Town is known as the country’s “mother city.”
Cape Town is a city found in Western Cape, South Africa. It is located -33.93 latitude and 18.42 longitude and it is situated at elevation 25 meters above sea level.
Cape Town has a population of 3,433,441 making it the biggest city in Western Cape. It operates on the SAST time zone.
History of Cape Town
The city of Cape Town had its origin in 1652, when the Dutch East India Company established a refreshment station for its ships on the shores of Table Bay. The location was magnificent, on well-watered, fertile soil, beneath the precipitous walls of Table Mountain.
The indigenous inhabitants provided cattle but not labour, and the company imported slaves, mainly from East Africa, Madagascar, and the Bay of Bengal area. The slaves brought with them something of their culture and—especially in the case of the Muslims from the East Indies—their religion. Mixed-race unions took place, but strong racial and ethnic characteristics remained.
In 1781 the French established a garrison to help the Dutch defend the city against British attack, and the French presence influenced local architecture and culture. British occupation in the 19th century brought new parliamentary and judicial concepts and freedom for the slaves. Cape Town was the gateway to Europe’s penetration of the South African interior, and close ties with continental Europe were maintained.
Things to Do in Cape Town
Explore the V. and A. Waterfront
The first thing I typically do whenever I get to a new place is walking to the market. I intended to do this in Cape Town too, and started making my way to Oranjezicht City Farm. This is meant to be one of the places to visit in Cape Town. I thought it would be a good place to get fresh produce to cook dinner at my hostel that night.
But then, on my way there I went to the V&A Waterfront and it was so much fun to explore that I just stayed there for a few hours. Exploring the V&A Waterfront is by far one of the coolest things to do in Cape Town. This is the oldest working harbor in the Southern hemisphere, and the entire area is scattered with interesting attractions (ie the Clock Tower, or Robinson Dry Dock – they can all be visited during the walking tour that departs every 30 minutes from Chavonnes Battery Museum).
Eat
Who knew that the food in South Africa would be so tasty? Cape Town is one of the best destinations I have been when it comes to food, and no matter your tastes, your budget, your dietary requirements, you are bound to find something delicious. One thing I recommend doing is joining a braai – a South African style barbecue. It’s not vegetarian friendly, so perhaps not a good idea if that’s your diet. If not, you are bound to have a blast. Needless to say, it comes with lots of wine and beer! I also recommend taking a food tour.
Walk around Bo-Kaap
One of the simply unmissable things to do in Cape Town is visiting Bo-Kaap. This neighborhood is located at the foot of Signal Hill and is famous for the bright colored houses and cobblestone streets. It’s where the Muslim community (the Cape Malay) of Cape Town is concentrated, so it is not uncommon to hear the call to prayer coming from mosques (though I have to say, the area is actually quite multi-cultural).
Bo-Kaap was originally established as a slaves quarter by the Dutch. Here there’s the oldest mosque of the southern hemisphere, Auwal Mosque (which was built in 1793). The area is scattered with nice cafés and restaurants, which serve Cape Malay food – an interesting fusion of local and Malaysian flavors.
Hang out on Long Street
A walk on Long Street is one of the unmissable things to do in Cape Town. I walked along Long Street every day when I was in Cape Town, either on my way to other places, or just to enjoy the interesting architecture (I love the Victorian style ironwork balconies), to browse the many lovely shops, or to get a bite in one of the many fantastic restaurants in the area.
If partying is one of the most fun things to do in Cape Town, Long Street is where to do it. There’s many bars with live music.
Visit Kirstenbosch Garden
Kirstenbosch Garden is one of the most famous places to visit in Cape Town, and quite rightly so: this botanical garden is one of the most beautiful in Africa, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004. The park is enormous, and a fantastic place to have a picnic on a sunny day. It’s a venue for concerts, art exhibitions and more.
Go to Groot Constantia
One of the unmissable things to do in Cape Town is visiting Groot Constantia. This is a fantastic wine estate, one of the oldest ones in the country. It was established in 1685. It is located in Constantia Valley, an idyllyc place named after Governor Simon van der Stel’s daughter which is very easily reached even on the Hop On Hop Off bus.
The grounds of Groot Constantia are simply gorgeous (beautiful views, impressive vineyards). There’s two fantastic restaurants (Jonkershuis and Simon’s) and historical buildings to explore. I was a bit unfortunate with the weather when I visited, so I just took it easy having lunch at Jonkershuis (I think I had one of the best salads ever!) and then went for the wine tasting tour (one of the best things to do in Cape Town, anyways!).
Take the Hop On Hop Off Bus
I’ve never been keen to take the Hop On Hop Off bus, until I actually tried it, in Cape Town, and finally got the point. It’s a super easy way to get around town, get to all the most important Cape Town attractions, while listening to some explanations about them, and it saves a lot of time and effort (and money) to move around.
There’s several places around town where to get the tickets and where the bus stops. There’s also various routes. I got on at Long Street and took the blue line, that goes to Mount Nelson, Kirstenbosch Gardens, Constantia (where I connected with the pink line to explore the valley), as well as Mariner’s Wharf (Hout Bay) and the V&A waterfront.
Explore Cape Point Peninsula
One of the most popular things to do in Cape Town is touring around Cape Point Peninsula – this is part of the Cape Floral Region, a UNESCO site. It’s a full day trip, and a great one I should add. The first place to stop when exploring Cape Point Peninsula is Hout Bay. From Mariner’s Wharf it’s easy to access the harbor and get on a ferry that goes to a fur seal colony – they are a fun sight.
To be fair, there are also a few hanging right at the harbor, along with some guys who claim to be their owners and demanding money in order to take pictures.
guins at Boulders Beach
I had seen the penguins years ago when I went to Peninsula Valdes, in Argentina. They are such cute animals, I like them so much, that when I found out that there’s a penguin colony at Boulders Beach, in Cape Town, I told myself I could not miss the opportunity to see them. Yes: going to Boulders Beach is one of the things to do in Cape Town.
Boulders Beach is gorgeous: it has incredibly fine, white sand and the clearest waters one could possibly hope for. Sure enough, the penguins got themselves a sweet spot. The whole area is invaded with them. They are highly protected, but as they are everywhere it’s very easy to take good photos. Going to Boulders Beach is what to do in Cape Town to admire some wildlife (on a side note, depending on the season it’s also possible to see whales and whale sharks).
Go to Table Mountain
Hiking Table Mountain is possibly the best of all the things to do in Cape Town. I wish I could say I did it – except I haven’t. As it was impossible to hike, I decided to go up on the cable car, only to realize that all I could see was fog. I couldn’t see anything around myself, let alone the iconic view of the city.
Hike up Lion’s Head
Going up Table Mountain is a must to take in the views from there. But where are the best views of Table Mountain itself? It’s a fact that one of the things to do in Cape Town is hiking Lion’s Head, from where the views of the city below and, most importantly, of Table Mountains are stunning.
My first tip for those who want to hike Lion’s Head is to go there only if they can see it – if the weather isn’t ideal, if Lion’s Head is actually covered in clouds, chances are that the view from there will be covered and the hike will end up be a struggle more than anything else. Provided that the weather is nice, hiking Lion’s Head is one of the most fun things to do in Cape Town.
Visit Robben Island
Once again, this is one of Cape Town attractions that is highly subject to weather conditions. The ocean in this part of the world can be really rough, and when that happens, the ferry to Robben Island doesn’t run. There’s 3 ferries (and 3 tours) daily, the first one departing at 9:00 am from the dock at V&A waterfront. This is the one that always has the highest chances to go, as the sea conditions tend to worsen as the day goes by.
Go to Muizenberg Beach
One of the loveliest small towns that are part of the greater Cape Town is Muizenberg. Chilled, fun and simply beautiful, visiting is a must. This is the kind of place where on a sunny day (well, really on any day!) people go to the beach to play, hang out, surf or just relax. The beach itself is beautiful: long, the sand as white as it gets. The small cabins where people get changed add a touch of color and are an unmissable sight! Visiting Muizenberg is definitely one of the things to do in Cape Town.
Go surfing
If there is one thing you shouldn’t miss on when you visit Cape Town, that’s surfing. To be fair, the water in this part of the country is very cold, and you will definitely need a dry suit or else you’ll freeze. If you are a pro-surfer, head straight to Muizenberg and join the crowds. If you just want to give it a try, you can even take some lessons.
Drive around the greater Cape Town
One of the nicest things to do in Cape Town is visiting its metropolitan area. Indeed, the Mother City is surrounded by a bunch of smaller ones that can all be visited in one day. The best way to do it is by car (renting one is fairly cheap!). The obvious first stop would be Muizenberg, followed by Simon’s Town where there is a beautiful penguin colony.
But there’s way more! Fishhoek is nice and chilled, especially on a Sunday. Kalk Bay is packed with small vintage, antiques and art shops and there are some lovely cafès to enjoy an excellent brunch or lunch (my favorite is Olympia, and judging by how packed it is every time I go, locals love it too!).
Getting out of the city for a wine tasting tour – clearly one of the best things to do in Cape Town
Take a day tour to Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch deserves way more than a day tour from Cape Town. This lovely city is the heart of the Wine Country of South Africa. I spent 4 full days there, and visited the nicest vineyards. Yet I understand that some people have limited time to travel. If that’s the case, then a day trip to Stellenbosch is one of the nicest things to do in Cape Town, to have at least an idea of what it is all about.
Sports & nature
The city of Cape Town has to be one of the most astounding places one can ever visit. No amount of photos, you tubing or research can quite prepare you for the sheer beauty of this place or the diversity of things to do here. Table Mountain majestically looms over the city. This provides a dramatic backdrop almost everywhere you go. But between the golden beaches, vineyards and mountains there is so much more to discover in Cape Town. So for anyone looking for some tried and tested recommendations, find Top 10 Things to do in Cape Town.
Reach the top of Table Mountain
Visiting Cape Town without going to the top of Table Mountain would be like going to Paris without going up the Eiffel Tower. Visitors have the option to either catch the cable-car up or hike up (two very different experiences I can assure you!). If you want more of a leisurely experience or will be tight for time like I was, the cable car is a charming experience. There are about 5 different table mountain hiking trails which range from 45 minutes to 4 hours depending on route and fitness level (click the link for some really handy info on the trails). Once at the top, paved walkways lead the way to breathtaking 360 degree views of Cape Town. Allow about an hour or so to get stroll the whole way around and find a sunny spot to stop, sit, and take it all in. Table Mountain is firmly fixed on the tourist trail of Cape Town. If that bothers you then swallow your alternative-traveler pride because missing out on this would be a tragedy.
Robben Island
Best known for being home to the Prison where Nelson Mandela spent 19 years of his imprisonment, Robben Island is now a museum that brings the struggles of the apartheid’s political prisoners to life. Guided prison tours are conducted by ex inmates, which is included in the ticket price.
The Penguins at Boulders Bay
A visit to Boulders Bay is an utterly charming experience whether you’re 7 or 70. Home to Cape Town’s largest penguin colony, Boulders Bay is scattered with hundreds of Penguins that supposedly stemmed from two penguins ‘left behind’ during migration season. The natural boulders that surround the beach and the jade green waters further add to the beauty of this special little spot. A raised boardwalk stretches down to the bay, but to protect the penguins you can’t actually walk along the beach itself. Fear not though, many penguins come up close to the boardwalk so you can still get up close and personal with these enigmatic creatures!
Wine Tasting at Steenberg Estate, Constantia
What could be more glorious than to spend an afternoon of your trip doing some wine tasting on a working Capetonian vineyard? Between Stellenbosch and Constantia there are so many vineyards to choose from. You will go through a tasting of 4 of Steenberg’s top wines along with a pairing of tasty canapés.
Lunch and Shopping on The Waterfront
With chic al-fresco cafes, live music and lively street entertainers, The Waterfront is a one of Cape Town’s most most busy areas. Boutique shops sell local African art and souvenirs and the Victoria Wharf shopping center has lots of the big brands. Umbrella stalls line the marina where you can book your fishing tours, whale watching and for those who dare, shark diving excursions.
Camps Bay & Clifton Beaches
Camps Bay and Clifton sit right next to each other and are two of the most affluent areas to live in Cape Town. With new-build dream beach houses making up prime real estate, the area even has its very own Millionaire’s Row. Camps Bay Beach is one of Cape Town’s most famous beaches and has been a Blue Flag Beach since 2008. Clifton has 4 separate beaches known, quite simply, as Clifton 1, 2, 3 and 4. All 4 of the beaches are incredibly scenic and a perfect place to relax for the day, but if you’re not into nudist beaches give Clifton 4 a miss. Spend the day hopping from beach to beach and watching surfers take on the waves but beware; the sea is freezing as it’s on the Atlantic side of Cape Town so you may need a wetsuit if you want to join them!
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Another must-see is Cape Town’s Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I visit to Kirstenbosch is the perfect way to unwind. Pick up a map and follow the winding paths or just get lost on the trails. With a little café and gift shop, you could definitely spend a relaxed morning or afternoon here.
The Test Kitchen
A booking at The Test Kitchen is the hottest ticket in town right now in Cape Town, and it’s no wonder. The restaurant was voted ‘Best Restaurant in Africa’ and took 48th place in the World’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards in 2014. On average it takes 6 months to get a table at this foodie hot spot, which offers incredibly creative fine dining in a relaxed and informal setting.
Shopping in Kalk Bay
For some relaxed beachfront retail therapy, Kalk Bay is a must. This quaint little coastal town has a waterfront road lined with independent shops selling art, jewellery, clothing, art and design pieces. It’s the perfect place to pick up something authentic from Cape Town without the rip off tourist prices.It’s completely hassle free and shop vendors are happy for you to roam in and out of the shops without giving you the hard sell. The Kalk Bay Co-op is a fantastic collection of shops selling products and clothing made by local designers.
Muizenberg Beach
Muizenberg Beach is one of Cape Town’s longest beaches stretching a staggering 20 km along the coastline. With a strong Atlantic wind, Muizenberg is a mecca for Cape Town’s surfing community and the waves further add to the bracing beach experience here. Primary colored beach huts line the sands which can be hired for the day. In the summer months Muizenberg is a hive of activity and is lined with ice cream trucks, sun-worshipers and surfers. The area is also kid-friendly with some lovely beach-front play areas.
Nightlife info
This is a list of our ten favorite Bars and Nightclubs in Cape Town for your enjoyment. These we recommend to travelers visiting Cape Town. Some are here in Camps Bay, while others are a short drive away. They are not in order of preference, but rather in order of the establishment's distance from Camps Bay.
St Yves
St Yves is one of the hottest night clubs in Cape Town. With its breathtaking views of the Camps Bay beach and its exquisitely designed interior, St Yves is also an ideal setting for enjoying a quiet cocktail while the sun sets.
Café Caprice
Caprice is a stylish pavement café with a relaxed, yet trendy, atmosphere. Open for breakfast, lunch, sun-downers and dinner, with a simple range of dishes and drinks. An ideal location with wonderful views of the beach.
La Med
With its relaxed atmosphere and exceptional ocean and mountain views, La Med is very popular with tourists and locals alike for sun-downers, dinners (gourmet pizzas and seafood) and dancing after dark.
Bascule Whiskey Bar and Wine Cellar
Situated on the water's edge of the international yacht marina on Cape Town's Waterfront. By day Bascule is a lively coffee destination, and by night it is the perfect place to ease into the evening, whisky in hand.
Opium
Opium is a stylish cigar lounge, whiskey bar and night club situated in trendy De Waterkant, which is a firm favorite with locals. Open till late, it boasts an impressive interior and some of the finest DJs.
Hemisphere
Hemisphere is a sophisticated and stylish Cape Town club, bar and cocktail lounge. It is smart but relaxed, the décor is stylish but comfortable, and the the 180 degree city views offered from its 31st floor vantage point are unrivaled.
Planet Champagne & Cocktail Bar
Planet Bar is a hot spot where fashionable Capetonians and international visitors gather to sip champagne and exotic cocktails. A full-service bar and cocktail menu is offered as well as an assortment of decadent light meals.
Oblivion Wine Bar
A funky, European style Wine Bar for over 23s, which has become an institution in the Southern Suburbs. With an extensive wine list and the best pizza in Cape Town. Dance the night away on Fridays and Saturdays.
Tiger Tiger
Tiger Tiger is one of Cape Town's favorite gathering spots for party enthusiasts. It is open on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights and comprises of 6 luxurious bars and one spacious dance floor. Music generated by a state of the art sound system.
Polana
This cocktail lounge is built literally on the rocks at Kalk Bay Harbor, only meters away from the crashing waves. Relax on leather sofas and sip a pre-dinner cocktail while soaking up the sea views.
Culture and history info
The first Europeans known to have climbed Table Mountain were Portuguese seamen under Antonio de Saldanha, whose ships were part of a fleet on its way to India in 1503. They had a fracas with the local people, the Khoi, nomadic cattle herders known to Europeans for centuries as ‘Hottentots’. There was a more serious skirmish in 1510, when many Portuguese were killed. Even so, European ships began putting in to Table Bay for fresh water and meat until in 1647 a Dutch ship, the Haarlem, was wrecked in the bay. The survivors returned to Holland to report that the place was fertile and suitable for growing vegetables and fruit, against scurvy, while the natives were not cannibals as reported, but friendly and, if kindly treated, could be converted to Christianity and used as servants. In 1651 accordingly, the directors of the Dutch East India Company, the Seventeen, decided to establish an outpost at the Cape, where their ships could put in for water and supplies and the sick could be treated. Jan van Riebeek reached Table Bay on April 6th, the following year with an expedition some ninety-strong in three ships and went ashore the next day to select a place for a fort. Today’s Grand Parade in the center of Cape Town is on the site.
Van Riebeck, who had been in serious trouble with the Company four years before engaging in private trading, threw himself into this opportunity and reported that he himself worked as engineer, mason, smith, carpenter and farmer. What turned the original outpost into the first European colony in South Africa was the Company’s decision to let sailors and soldiers in its service settle at the Cape and start their own farms. In 1658 the first slaves were imported, from the East Indies and Central Africa, and when van Riebeek left for India in 1662 the little settlement had a fort, a hospital, a jetty, workshops and a granary, as well as houses.
The early settlers interbred with the Khoi and the colony's population was swelled by European immigrants who included girls from Dutch orphanages and Huguenot exiles from France, shipped out by the Company. By the 1690s the settlement of De Kaapsche Vlek (the Cape hamlet) had a couple of hundred houses and a European population of about 1,000, of whom two-thirds were Dutch and one-sixth French, with smaller numbers of Germans, Swedes, Danes and Belgians. There were also a hundred or so Africans and Asians, and almost 400 slaves.
Care was taken to integrate newcomers from other European countries with the Dutch, speaking the Dutch language and conforming to the Reformed Church, and the eighteenth century saw the gradual evolution of the Afrikaner people as the little settlement grew into a town, now called Kaapstad (Cape Town). When the British seized it in 1795, the town had about 1,000 houses and a population of some 14,000.
