Cape Town city guide

Main attractions in Cape Town Table Mountain One of the most significant landmarks of Cape Town, Table Mountain is a flat-topped mountain which is one of the most tourist attractions in the city. Offering stunning views over Cape Town, Robben Island and the ocean Table Mountain is worth to be at the top of your to do & see list while in Cape Town. Cable-car rates: R145.00 (return). For further information please check the website: www.tablemountain.net Victoria & Alfred Waterfront This is one of the liveliest areas of Cape Town serving as the cultural, entertainment and tourism centre of the city. Visited by over 10 million people from around the world, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is another must-visit spot in Cape Town. Robben Island Located 12 kilometres from Cape Town Robben Island is a picturesque island which was formerly used as a place of banishment for the criminals, social outcasts and political troublemakers. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the island offers a wonderful insight to the history of Cape Town. The island also houses a splendid museum. Individual tours to the island are not permitted. The tours are organised by the Department of Arts and cost R150 per person including the guided tour and transfers. Boulders Boulders is a picturesque area located in Simon’s Town near Cape Town which is house to a beautiful beach as well as the lovely African penguin colony. In Boulders you will have the chance to see these gorgeous animals in their own habitat and also the chance to enjoy safe and enjoyable swimming. Iziko South African Museum and Planetarium South African Museum and Planetarium is South Africa’s oldest museum which hosts an extensive collection on natural history and the human sciences providing the guests with an invaluable insight into the natural beauties and treasures of South Africa. Entrance fee: R15 South African National Gallery South African National Gallery is South Africa’s premier art museum which boasts splendid collections including pieces from South African, African, British, French, Dutch and Flemish art. Entrance fee: R15. Two Oceans Aquarium Located at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront this is a huge aquarium which has a large display on the marine life in Indian and Atlantic oceans, offering entertainment for everyone of every age. Entrance fee: R82.00 Dining and where to eat in Cape Town With its numerous restaurants and cafes serving tantalising dishes from local and international cuisine Cape Town invites you to an unforgettable culinary experience. Mama Africa Mama Africa is one of the best restaurants in Cape Town serving delicious food from African cuisine. Very popular among locals as well as the tourist crowd Mama Africa invites you to an unforgettable journey into the tantalising local flavours of South African kitchen. Address: 178 Long Street Rozenhof Located in a historic 19th century house, Rozenhof is a budget-friendly restaurant serving good value food in a warm, friendly atmosphere. Address: 18 Kloof Street Savoy Cabbage Right next to Heritage Square, Savoy Cabbage is a trendy restaurant where you can enjoy delicious food from international cuisine in a decent atmosphere. Address: 101 Hout Street Anatoli Anatoli is an excellent Turkish restaurant which serves mouth-watering specialties from Turkish cuisine for affordable prices attracting a great number of visitors, day & night. Traditional doner kebab is a must-try. Address: 24 Napier Street Africa Café Africa Café is another spot where you can enjoy different tastes from South African kitchen served by attentive waiters in a cosy atmosphere. Address: 108 Shortmarket Street 95 Keerom 95 Keerom is a wonderful Italian restaurant located at the city centre offering a fine dining experience with its extensive menu, intimate atmosphere and friendly service. Address: 95 Keerom Street Bars and Nightlife in Cape Town Regarded as the party capital of South Africa, especially during summer months, Cape Town is a city which lives 24/7 offering the best entertainment for everyone, and every taste. Club Roosevelt Club Roosevelt is a great place which appeals everyone of every age with its exclusive lounge and club both of which invite the guest to a memorable night out. Address: 160 Bree Street Galaxy Galaxy is a popular night spot among the young locals. With the various live music and dance events it hosts throughout the year, the club is one of the shining stars of Cape Town’s nightlife scene. Address: College Rd., Rylands Estate, Athlone Rhodos House Situated in one of the historic houses in Cape Town, Rhodos House with its exclusive lounges and spacious dance floor is another hot spot which is well worth to check out. Address: 60 Queen Victoria St Ignite Located right beside the beautiful Camps Bay beach, Ignite is a small, cosy club packed with people especially at weekends. Address: Victoria Rd., Camps Bay Café Camissa Hosting various live music performances and comedy shows, Café Camissa is another place which is worth dropping by. Address: 80 Kloof Street Jo-burg Jo-burg is the place for those who choose to spend their nights in a tranquil setting, drinking a couple of drinks while enjoying a nice talk with the friends. Address: 218 Long Street Wafu This is an award-winning roof-top bar where you can enjoy the best of food, drinks and entertainment in the town. Widely famous for its nice location overlooking the city Wafu is a place not to be missed while in Cape Town. Address: Beach Rd From the airport and around Cape Town Located 22 kilometres east of Cape Town, Cape Town International Airport is the second largest airport of South Africa providing easy access to Cape Town. Upon arrival at the airport you will find various companies which operate 24 hour door-to-door shuttle bus services. The services provide convenient transportation from the airport to the city centre. The ride takes around 20-30 minutes and costs R180 – R120 depending on the number people on the shuttle bus (max. 7 people) Cape Town city centre is very compact making the city easy to explore on foot. However, the city cannot be said to have the most efficient and safe transportation system in the world. This makes going from somewhere to another a very hard task. Yet, the city still offers some rail and bus services to provide transportation in and around. Operated by Metro Rail the trains serve within 4 areas in Cape Town and the surrounding area. Further information about the routes, timetables and fares is available at the company’s website: www.capemetrorail.co.za Car hire is a very popular method of transportation among the visitors to Cape Town. There are numerous car hire companies around Cape Town. Here some of the major car hire companies in Cape Town: Avis (www.avis.co.za), Europecar (www.europcar.co.za), Cape Car Hire (www.capecarhire.co.za), Hertz (www.hertz.co.za). Key events in Cape Town Maynardville Shakespeare Season (Annual, January-February) This is an open-air theatre festival celebrating William Shakespeare and his plays through various theatrical performances which take place at Maynardville Open-Air Theatre, Wynberg. Aqua Opera (Annual, February) Held in V&A Waterfront, Aqua Opera is a spectacular event featuring a series of opera performances bringing great number of opera lovers into Cape Town. Cape Town Pride Festival (Annual, February) One of the biggest gay pride events in the world, Cape Town Pride Festival is a 10-day celebration which takes place in various venues throughout the city. Cape Town Festival (Annual, March) Aimed at promoting unity within the city, Cape Town Festival is a colourful event featuring numerous live music and dance performances. Cape Town International Jazz Festival (Annual, March) Cape Town International Jazz Festival is the biggest of its kind in Africa attracting a great number of visitors annually. Cape Town Gourmet Festival (Annual, May) One of the most colourful festivals in the city, Cape Town Gourmet Festival is the most extensive food and wine festival in South Africa. Whiskey Festival (Annual, October/November) Held in Cape Town International Convention Centre annually, this festival gives the world-famous whiskey producers the chance to introduce their products to the visitors. Cape Town World Cinema Festival (Annual, November) During this festival hundreds of local and international films are screened at various places all around the city. Obz Festival (Annual, December)Obz Festival is a colourful street festival which features live dance and music performances celebrating the beginning of the summer http://www.gtahotels.com/cities/cape_town.htm