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Cape Town is the provincial capital of the Western Cape, as well as the legislative capital of South Africa and is referred to as the "Mother City". Famous for its harbour and well-known tourism landmarks such as Table Mountain and Cape Point. Often been regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Cape Town is a popular South African destination for tourism.
Originally developed as a refreshing by the Dutch with the arrival of Jan van Riebeeck on 6 April 1652, making it the first permanent European settlement in South Africa. Cape Town quickly outgrew its original purpose and was the largest city in South Africa until the growth of Johannesburg and Durban.
Tourists come to Cape Town due to its good climate, natural setting, and rich historical value. The city has several well-known natural features that attract tourists, most notably Table Mountain forming a large part of the Table Mountain National Park. One can get to the top of the mountain either by hiking up, or by taking the Table Mountain Cableway.
Many tourists drive along Chapman's Peak Drive, a narrow road that links Noordhoek with Hout Bay, for the views of the Atlantic Ocean and nearby mountains. It is possible to either drive or hike up Signal Hill for closer views of the City Bowl and Table Mountain.
Cape Town's beaches are a big tourist attraction, and due to the unique geography of the city, it is possible to visit several different beaches in the same day, each with a different setting and atmosphere. The beaches on the Atlantic Coast are better developed with restaurants and cafés, with Camps Bay offering a vibrant strip of restaurants and bars accessible from the beach.
Cape Town has several cultural tourist attractions, including The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, which is one of the city's most popular shopping venues. One will also find the Two Oceans Aquarium here. An attraction of the V&A Waterfront is that it continues to operate as a Port, allowing visitors to watch ships, enter and leave. The V&A also hosts the Nelson Mandela Gateway, through which ferries depart for Robben Island.
Cape Town is noted for its architectural heritage, with the highest density of Cape Dutch style buildings in the world and is most visible in Constantia, the old government buildings in the Central Business District, and along Long Street.
Night life in the city caters for all tastes and sexual preferences, with a range of restaurants and cafes that are generally recognised as including some of the finest eateries in South Africa (both in food quality and decor terms).
Cape Town has a variety to offer tourists with large range of accommodation to suit ones needs and budgets. It promises to offer an unforgettable holiday to anyone who visits. |
