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| Cape Town, Africa |
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Experience Africa in Cape Town
As the second largest city in Africa, Cape Town is a bustling city with much to recommend to visitors. In southern Africa, Cape Town is known as the Mother City. The history of Cape Town dates back centuries; however, today it has acquired a definitive world-class charm that is attractive to the many visitors who make their way to Cape Town each year.
When visiting Cape Town, it is important to remember that summer runs from November through April. The ideal times to visit the area are in late spring, if you want to avoid the heat of summer. Of course, if you want to enjoy all of the beauty of the area, there is no better time to visit than during late summer when you can enjoy daylight up to around 8:30 pm everyday.
Hotels & Resorts
Everything from budget hotels to luxury accommodations is available in Cape Town. There are numerous guesthouses and other establishments that specifically cater to backpackers, with many located on Long Street. For privacy, consider one of the quaint B&Bs that abound in the city as well as in the suburbs.
Of course, if you are looking to splurge during your visit to Cape Town, you will find plenty of options ranging from five star resort hotels to private villas available for rent. Visitors looking to get away from the noise of the city may consider checking into one of the many establishments situated in the suburbs and then traveling into the city for sightseeing.
Restaurants
The fertile area surrounding Cape Town is highly regarded as an excellent fruit-growing region. As a result, the wines of Cape Town are celebrated. Other wonderful delicacies in Cape Town include seafood, frequently caught fresh locally. When in season, the oysters of the area are considered to be excellent.
Many of the most popular restaurants in Cape Town are located along the waterfront. Long Street also offers a number of restaurants as well as cafes, many of which frequently boast multi-ethnic cuisine. For trendier spots, consider stopping in at one of the hip restaurants in Camps Bay that overlooks the beach.
Attractions
There is much to see and do in Cape Town, including numerous museums, galleries, performing arts centers and general sightseeing. The South African National Gallery contains one of the largest displays of South African art in the region while Groot Constantia provides an interesting look at wine production in the region. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon as you wander through gardens that boast a stunning array of flowers from around the world.
Two Oceans Aquarium is definitely worth a visit, especially if you want to see some of the native sea life from the region. For shopping, be sure to visit Victoria and Albert Waterfront, an expansive entertainment and shopping district that features not only numerous entertainment venues, shops and restaurants but also harbor tours. Township tours also abound throughout Cape Town, offering an opportunity to soak up local culture and heritage.
Dining & Nightlife
Long Street tends to be the center of nightlife in Cape Town, with numerous bars, nightclubs and restaurants lining the district. Visitors will also find that many of clubs in the area are multi-racial and multi-ethnic. Live entertainment is always offered at many of the clubs and bars in Cape Town, providing an interesting look at the popular music in the area. In addition to Long Street, Camps Bay is also famous for offering a night scene that is vibrant and alive with numerous clubs and bars.
Historical Attractions in Cape Town
Cape Town abounds with historical attractions. The first European settlers arrived in the area in the early 17th century; however, even before that time this area that is now Cape Town was inhabited by a people known as the Khoi. Bo-Kaap is a neighborhood definitely worth visiting while in the area. Located in the southwest section of downtown, this neighborhood is frequently referred to as the Malay Quarter, referring to its historical ties to Muslim slaves. Today the neighborhood serves as a popular location for film shooting.
Robben Island was used during apartheid as a location for holding political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela. Numerous tours are scheduled throughout the day so it is easy to visit this island, located just off the coast of Cape Town. Many of the tour guides on Robben Island were actually once prisoners when the island served as a prison, so they are able to provide a unique insight into the island and the days of apartheid.
Transportation
The easiest way to get into Cape Town is to fly in via Cape Town International Airport. Visitors may also choose to arrive using the train station situated in the center of town. Trains travel on a weekly basis.
Once in Cape Town, there are numerous ways to get around. The commuter trains are an easy and comfortable way to travel between Cape Town and the outlying neighborhoods. If you choose to travel by car around Cape Town you will find that most of the roads in the region are well-maintained; however, you should take care to be aware of pedestrians who frequently travel on the roads and highways in and around Cape Town. There are numerous car rental agencies in Cape Town, making the process of renting a car quite easy. Metered taxis and minibus taxis are also quite popular as ways to get around in Cape Town. |
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