« SOUTH AFRICA • Discover South Africa • Cape Town
Discover Magical Cape Town
Cape Town has several notable cultural attractions. The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, built on top of part of the docks of the Port of Cape Town, is now one of the city's most popular shopping venues, with several hundred shops and the Two Oceans Aquarium. Part of the V&A's charm is that the Port continues to operate and visitors can watch ships enter and leave.
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» Old Biscuit Mill
Housed in a Victorian-era biscuit factory in the middle of Woodstock, Cape Town's Old Biscuit Mill now houses day and night markets where local and traveling foodies flock to sample some of the city's best bites. On any given day, the market teems with diners and shoppers enjoying the mill's many restaurants and designer shops, but it's on Saturdays that things really get lively. Each Saturday the Neighbourgoods Market takes over the Old Biscuit Mill, with more than 100 local vendors selling craft food, organic produce, artisanal chocolate, beer, cheese, clothes and crafts …
» Paarl
The town of Paarl is not far from Cape Town and known around the world for its wine production. Founded in 1688, Paarl was immediately recognized as an ideal climate in which to farm. Settlers began growing grapes and planting orchards of various fruits. To this day, Paarl is known as a prominent fruit-growing area in South Africa. In addition to the wineries you can visit around Paarl, the town is also worth a visit for its historic Cape Dutch architecture, many of which date from the 17th century. The town is also famous as the place where the Afrikaans language was born …
» Robben Island
For nearly 300 years, Robben Island was a place of isolation, where political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, were imprisoned and cut off from the rest of the world. It also served as a voluntary sanctuary for lepers. Despite this unsavory past, Robben Island is an important piece of South Africa's history, as well as a reminder of the difficult road to South African Democracy and the victory over apartheid. Robben Island was declared a World Heritage Site in 1999 …
» Signal Hill
Once known as 'Lion's Rump,' Signal Hill is a relatively flat peak next to Lion's Head and Table Mountain. The summit of this landmark once flew flags to signal changing weather and anchoring directions for ships that came to port. A well-paved road takes visitors to the top of Signal Hill, where spectacular Cape Town views await. Along the way, travelers can stop at the impressive tombs of several Muslim missionaries or spend the night at Appleton Scout Campsite …
» Simon's Town
Simon's Town has long been an important military base and, more recently, a popular tourist destination near Cape Town. Sitting on False Bay, the town has been home to the South African Navy since 1910 and was even founded in 1680, with many of the historic buildings dating back to the Victorian era. The most popular attraction in Simon's Town is the penguin colony at Boulders Beach - one of only three mainland colonies of African penguins in the country. Other things to see in town include the Simon's Town Museum and the picturesque St. George's Street …
» Stellenbosch
The town of Stellenbosch near Cape Town is world-famous for its beautiful scenery and especially its wine. It was founded in 1679 - only Cape Town is an older European settlement in the province. It wasn't long before the settlers began growing grapes, giving rise to the region's now-legendary wine industry. Along with Paarl and Franschhoek, Stellenbosh is part of the Cape Winelands wine region, the second-oldest wine region in the country. It's known for Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, and South Africa's signature Pinotage grape …
» Stoney Point Penguin Colony
In the small town of Betty's Bay near Cape Town sits a colony of African penguins at a promontory called Stony Point. The colony is not as well-known as the one at Boulders Beach, but there are thousands of the little penguins in Betty's Bay - and, usually, fewer tourists. The colony is fenced in to protect it from predators, and there are raised walkways that allow visitors to watch the birds without disturbing them. African penguins - also called Jackass penguins for their donkey-like braying - typically nest on islands …
» Swartland Wine Route
Located about 40 minutes north of Cape Town, the region known as the Swartland is famous for its wheat fields, sheep farms and wineries. With its largely dry growing conditions, Swartland produces renowned full-bodied, reds, ports and fortified wines. Unlike many of the world's great wine regions, where vineyards and cellars center on a single town, Swartland covers a larger geographical area with several towns, each with its own unique character. The Swartland Wine Route comprises 20 wine- and olive-centric cellars, wine merchants and cooperatives …
» Table Mountain and Cableway
If you're visiting Cape Town, Table Mountain is a must-see. Whether you choose to hike or drive to its flat-topped summit (hence the name) or take the Aerial Cable Way, you'll be treated to spectacular views of the city, Devil's Peak and Lion's Head. Once you're at the top, there a 3 different walking paths to take: the 15-minute Dassie Walk, the 30-minute Agama Walk (providing you with a panomramic view of Cape Town and the peninsula), and the Klipspringer Walk …
» Table Mountain National Park
Table Mountain National Park is one of the region's most-visited attractions - with good reason. This vast world heritage site stretches from Signal hill to Cape Point, and includes some of the area's best hikes and most scenic views. Despite its proximity to the ever-popular Long Street, Table Mountain feels far removed from the hustle of Cape Town. Hop a taxi from the main drag, or walk the short - but very vertical - distance to the bottom of the hill …
» Twelve Apostles
Just beyond the peaks of Table Mountain and Lion's Head, lies the Twelve Apostles, a range of rocky cliffs that line the coast of the Cape Peninsula. Travelers can enjoy the views during a scenic drive from Cape Town, or while relaxing on the sandy shores of Camps Bay. Grab lunch along the bustling promenade and then head to the trails, since a climb to the top of the Twelve Apostles offers an unmatched view of Clifton and the bay …
» Two Oceans Aquarium
Located on the Victoria & Albert Waterfront in Cape Town, the Two Oceans Aquarium is - as the name suggests - a celebration of the unique collection of marine life that lives off the coasts of South Africa. The Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet off the country's southern shore at Cape Agulhas, 138 miles from Cape Town. There are two galleries in the aquarium, one for each of the two oceans in the name, among seven total galleries with large windows to see the sea life. Among the creatures in the Atlantic Ocean Gallery …
» Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Originally a jetty built in 1654 to refresh sailors for the Dutch East India Company, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is now one of the most-visited attractions for foreigners in South Africa. The area is a development consisting of two harbors, retail shops and museums, seascapes and mountain views, and plenty of places to bed down, drink up or eat away. The V&A Waterfront describes itself as a "Haven for Sailing Enthusiasts" and offers full amenities alongside historical charm …
» Wilderness National Park
The Garden Route offers visitors one of the most smooth and scenic drives in all of South Africa. The well-paved road winds through rolling hills, densely populated towns and small, subsistent farms. It's a look at African life in the vast open countryside, with plenty of stopping options for destinations off the beaten path - like Wilderness National Park. The rivers, lakes and beaches of this popular spot are protected by thick forests marked by hiking trails and nature paths …
» World of Birds
The Garden Route offers visitors one of the most smooth and scenic drives in all of South Africa. The well-paved road winds through rolling hills, densely populated towns and small, subsistent farms. It's a look at African life in the vast open countryside, with plenty of stopping options for destinations off the beaten path - like Wilderness National Park. The rivers, lakes and beaches of this popular spot are protected by thick forests marked by hiking trails and nature paths …
« SOUTH AFRICA • Discover South Africa • Cape Town
