Cape Town may be the only city in the world in which an energetic traveler can enjoy cosmopolitan city life, complete with impressive museums, galleries, restaurants and bars, swim in perfect beaches, sip world-class wine, hike to unforgettable panoramic vistas, learn about the country’s turbulent history, and even snap photos of penguins and whales, all within a limited amount of time.
The second largest city in South Africa, historically influenced by the Dutch, German, French and others, Cape Town is a diverse destination with a lot of cultural offerings. Some things not to miss during your stay in Cape Town include a walk through the colorful cobble-stoned neighborhood of Bo-Kaap, where you can get great views of the city, sample interesting street food, and visit the Bo-Kaap Museum. Another museum of importance is the centrally located Castle of Good Hope, which houses military paraphernalia, art works and other artifacts.
The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is a haven for serious shoppers and food and wine connoisseurs, and is the base from which trips leave to Robben Island, a prison which housed Nelson Mandela for over 2 decades during Apartheid. Interesting tours of the island are given by former political prisoners.
The V&A Waterfront is situated by Table Mountain, an absolute must for photographers and anyone else who appreciates a breathtaking view. A cable car can be taken to the top of the mountain, but the more adventurous will be up to the challenge of the 2 hour climb to the top. Other outdoorsy activities include swimming in the beaches of the warm False Bay, as well as excellent surfing, fishing, kayaking, diving, and hiking. Cape Town also offers whale watching and of course its famous winelands—take a tour of the Constantia Valley and sample excellent wine and food.
October through March are the warmest and most popular months to visit Cape Town, though it has a fair, Mediterranean climate all year long. Don’t be surprised if it’s quite windy during your stay in Cape Town – the city gets treated frequently by the “Cape Doctor,” strong wind from the south-east that blows away pollution and cleanses the air. Come in 2010 and you can watch the World Cup in the new 70,000-seat African Renaissance Stadium currently being built for the occasion.