Travel Guides: All Countries / Africa / South Africa / Western Cape / Cape Town
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| | | Visit a vineyard |  | Why go on holiday to Cape Town?
Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world - dominated by the 1,000m-high Table Mountain and surrounded by superb mountain walks, vineyards and beaches. It's a superb long haul break minus the jet lag.
How much does it cost?
Costs vary hugely between seasons so shop around. At time of writing, a one-week package costs from around £800. Mid-range hotel accommodation costs about £20/£25 for a single/double room.
When should I go?
There are no extremes of temperature, though it can get relatively cold and wet for a few months over winter (down to about 10C/50F). Cape Town gets crowded in the school holidays and prices tend to go up.
Maximum summer temperatures are around 26C (79F). The Western Cape is often windy with the south-easterly Cape Doctor reaching gale force at times and the weather can change rapidly and often.
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| | | Stunning views |  | What should I do when I'm there?
No trip to Cape Town would be complete without a trip up Table Mountain. It might not seem worth the effort but it is. You can walk or take the cable car and there are good walks on the top.
The views are stunning, and it's home to more than 1,400 species of flowering plants, best seen in spring.
A strange natural phenomenon can be seen on top of Table Mountain for much of the summer. A seemingly motionless cloud drapes itself neatly across the summit and looks for all the world like a giant tablecloth.
Afrikaaner legend has it that an old burgher, fond of his pipe, is attempting to outsmoke the devil in a competition. There is another, meteorological, explanation but it remains a hypnotic sight.
Where can I soak up some culture?
A clutch of museums includes the Bo-Kaap, District Six, Bertram House, Jewish Museum, Cultural History Museum and the South African Museum. Try to see the Houses of Parliament, National Gallery and Castle of Good Hope.
What's along the waterfront?
The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront development is primarily aimed at tourists, but has given the whole city a boost. Packed with restaurants, bars, music venues and shops, it's busy both day and night.
What's outside the city?
One of the most popular places is Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent much of his prison life. It is no longer a prison but has been left intact for visitors to see, and tours are run by former inmates. It is a ferry ride from the waterfront.
The Cape is famous for its wines, and one of the best centres, Stellenbosch, is only 46km from Cape Town. With three dozen wineries open for sales and tastings, you might be best advised to take the train.
Cape Point lies 70km by road south of the city centre, and is not in fact the southernmost point of Africa - that is Cape Agulhas.
The Cape is the meeting point of two great ocean currents that have a major effect on the climate of South Africa. Its extraordinary indigenous flora is protected within a nature reserve.
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| | | Buzzing nightlife | | Where's good for nightlife?
Cape Town buzzes at night, especially along the Waterfront area, Sea Point and lower Cape Town. There are plenty of pubs and clubs plus live music, theatre, and dance of all kinds.
In summer there are sunset concerts at Kirstenbosch botanical gardens. Cape Town has its own symphony orchestra and ballet company.
What's the food like?
Traditional Cape cuisine is an interesting mix of Malay and Dutch and you'll find it alongside all the usual international offerings.
Boerewors (farmers sausage) is popular. African dishes include rice and stew, a cheap food often sold around minibus taxi parks. Seafood is top quality, ditto the locally-produced wines to wash it down with.
Plentiful eateries can be found at the Victoria and Albert Waterfront, Sea Point for more budget places and Camp's Bay is pleasant for an evening meal if the wind's not too strong.
What should I buy?
Quality wine is a good buy - ship a case home. Crafts abound, although few come from the Cape Town area unless they come from the townships - try the craft market at the Waterfront for ideas.
Antiques and collectables make a good souvenir - try the flea market at Church Street. Check local papers for days and times.
What is there for children to do?
Fantastic beaches with swimming and surfing (safe tidal pools for tiny children), whale watching (peak viewing in October) and getting up close and personal to wildlife at places like the Cape of Good Hope nature reserve.
Take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain.
Tourist office
South African Tourism, 6 Alt Grove, Wimbledon, London, SW19 4DZ. Tel. 08701 550044 (national rate) for enquiries and brochure requests.
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| | Available rental properties in Cape Town |
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