1988 saw the birth of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront Company, which was permitted to lease 83 hectares of the old Cape Town harbour area. Today it houses the Two Oceans Aquarium , numerous craft markets, an Imax Theatre and immense shopping complex. This makes the V&A Waterfront the ideal place to while away a few hours. A number of boat cruises are available, ranging from harbour trips to watch seals, to romantic sunset cruises along the Peninsula on modern yachts or an old-fashioned sailboat.

 

Visitors can also board a steam locomotive to the Spier Estate in Stellenbosch at the Waterfront and sip champagne en route to Spier, where activities include live music, horse-carriage rides, a cheetah park, lakeside picnic options and a bevy of fine restaurants which afford you the opportunity to sample Cape wines.

The citysightseeing bus is possibly one of the most convenient ways to explore the Mother City and includes stops at the Table Mountain cableway and various museums and attractions in the City in its Red Route. The Blue Route includes a trip to Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, as well as a township tour in Kronendal near Hout Bay, where you will also be able to visit the Mariner's Wharf and spend time on the beach. Included in the tour is a trip through Camps Bay and Sea Point, as well as a visit to the enchanting World of Birds. En route you will also pass the first lighthouse in South Africa, which is still fully functional. There are almost 50 popular surfing spots within an hours drive from Cape Town and you may very well opt for a stunningly scenic drive along Chapman's Peak to simply enjoywindsurfing at Noordhoek or relaxing on the beach.

Approximately 10 km from Cape Town, towards the Northern suburbs, you will encounter Century City, which encompasses a residential area, business park and the Canal Walk shopping centre, as well as the Island Club hotel and Ratanga Junction theme park. Unusual architecture reminiscent of the heyday of Cape Town, complete with a replica of the original fort, can be seen at the nearby GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World. Cape Town sport options range from abseiling the highest commercial “long-drop” (112m) in the world, to shark diving (at approximately ZAR 1000 per person), rock angling, tennis, golf, horse-riding and a number of hiking trails such as the Contour Path between Rhodes Memorial and Kirstenbosch, Platteklip Gorge nearby the cableway and the relatively easy Pipetrack from Camps Bay. A visit to the most south-westerly point of the African Continent at Cape Point affords marvellous views and an opportunity to enjoy the natural flora at this World Heritage Site. Visitors can also gain an understanding of local culture by participating in one of the available Township Tours.

Art enthusiasts would enjoy a trip to the Irma Stern Museum, whilst the literary minded could browse the vast collections at the National Library as well as the Centre for the Book, which is also a splendid example of Edwardian architecture.The most centrally located theatre and opera house in the Mother City is the Artscape, but dinner and theatre packages are also available at the Theatre on the Bay, situated approximately 10km from the CBD.

Clubs, pubs and Nightlife

The Dockside at Century City offers the biggest dance floor in South Africa and often hosts international DJs. Sub-divided into various areas with different music, it has been described by Frommers as being "more like a mall with 5 dance floors and 14 bars".
For lovers of Motown, Soul and Funk, 169 on Long is the happening place from 8 till late, Wednesdays to Saturdays. Situated in Long Street, it is near a number of nightclubs, restaurants and bars such as the well-known Purple Turtle. Visitors wanting a stylish, upmarket club would do well to visit Rhodes House, where themed parties are regularly held. There are also a number of gay guest houses, restaurants and pubs such as the Manhattan Cafe and Bronx Action Bar. In terms of gay rights South Africa is one of the most progressive countries and Cape Town hosts an annual Pride Festival each February.

Shopping and Dining

Cape Town offers a wide selection of shops, including the biggest mall in Africa which is situated at Canal Walk. The unusual Ice Lounge at the V&A Waterfront provides a cool venue for pre-dinner drinks and is located conveniently close to both the Hildebrand Restaurant and the lively Quay Four restaurant at the waters edge. A visit to Cape Town would be incomplete without exploring the eclectic mix of shops, bars, clubs and cosmopolitan restaurants to be found in Long Street and for those wishing to experience truly African cuisine, a visit to the Africa Café is recommended. Fine dining can also be found at Ginja and Madame Zingara. If you wish to enjoy the harbour lights whilst having dinner, or want to entertain guests aboard a yacht, the Sea Horse is the answer. For those who wish to combine a day at the beach with a seafood dinner, the ideal solution is a visit to the nearby suburb of Fish Hoek, where you will find the Galley Seafood Restaurant right on the beach.

Festivals and Events

A highlight on the Cape social calendar is the annual J&B Met which occurs each January, showcases top horseracing events and is followed by a large after-party. During the first week of January, Cape Town also experiences the Minstrel Carnival, an ongoing series of song and dance performances by members of the local community to herald in the New Year.

Late November to early April sees a range of summer sunset concerts at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, with many visitors enjoying the sunset, music and picnics on the extended lawns. Another popular musical event is the Symphony of Fire fireworks at the Waterfront, as is the International Jazz Festival which occurs in March. Also of interest is the Cape Town World Cinema Festival which is held at various venues each November. Cyclists would enjoy the Cape Argus Pick 'n Pay Cycle Tour which covers a distance of more than 100 km, starting in Cape Town and routing through the Southern Suburbs, along the False Bay coastline and back via the very scenic Chapman's Peak Drive.

 

Copyright: South African Tourism