Where the warm currents of the Indian Ocean meet the icy Atlantic, the reputably beautiful Cape Town lies near the tip of Africa. The city, suitable for both daytime activities and nightlife, offers something new for everyone, whether it's hang gliding, surfing or trotting about
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Two Oceans AquariumAlfred Basin, Dock Road(V & A Waterfront)Tel. +27 (0) 21.418.3823 www.aquarium.co.zaThe Two Oceans Aquarium is ideally positioned to showcase the incredible diversity of marine life found in the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. More than 3,000 living underwater animals, including sharks, fish, seals, turtles and penguins can be seen in this spectacular underwater nature reserve. Be sure to catch a shark feeding while you are there—it’s a good reminder as to why it’s better to watch these monsters through the glass. The Aquarium also offers adventure diving with sharks, environmental education programs and activities for kids.
Table Mountain National ParkTel. +27 (0) 21.780.9204www.cpnp.co.zaThe most visited of the 22 South African national parks is practically on top of the city of Cape Town. Showcasing it’s famous Table Mountain, as well as the gorgeous Cape of Good Hope, the Park boasts dozens of fun activities, many of which you have probably never tried or even thought of for that matter. Enjoy a cable ride to the top on a clear day. Spend an afternoon scuba diving in the Marine-Protected Area. Overnight hiking tours are also available if you’re up for it.
Robben IslandTel. +27 (0) 21.409.5100www.robben-island.org.zaThis small, Alcatraz-like island served as a brutal prison for society’s castaways for nearly 400 years. Now, it is a museum focusing on the struggles of Nelson Mandela and the Freedom Fighters who were banished there during apartheid. Take a boat trip out to experience the low point of the Freedom Fighter’s struggles and be glad that you, unlike the prison’s old inhabitants, get to take the ferry back to your hotel.
Victoria & Alfred WaterfrontTel. +27 (0) 21.408.7600www.waterfront.co.zaThis is the shopping and dining center of Cape Town. Go for the people watching, but be prepared to find it a bit touristy. The working harbor of Cape Town adds a bit of authenticity to the outdoor mall. Named after Prince Albert, son of Queen Victoria, the buildings are a fine example of Victorian industrial era architecture.
Jardine185 Bree Street (Greenpoint)Tel. +27 (0) 21.424.5640Jardine’s constantly smiling staff will have you wondering at first why everyone is so darn happy. When you see the spacious open kitchen and take a bite of the incredible Euro-South African fusion cuisine, you’ll be smiling too.
Manola30 Kloof StreetTel. +27 (0) 21.422.4747http://www.manoloeat.co.za/The current hotspot to see and be seen, Manola presents a fantastic African fusion menu served in an old Victorian house, with three distinctively different spaces. In high season be sure to hit the garden. Dinner is best in the later hours and is followed by the hazy, dim-lit cigar bar for those who just can't say good night.
Olympia Cafe & Deli134 Main RoadKalk BayTel. +27 (0) 21.788.6396This beachside restaurant is wildly popular for Sunday brunch. They don't take reservations, so get there early and while you’re waiting have a drink and enjoy a Sunday at the beach in Cape Town. The menu changes as fresh ingredients come in, so come prepared to look it over.
Ginger121 Castle StreetTel. +27 (0) 21.426.2368www.ginja.cjb.netThose who venture to South Africa are bound to have a bit of an adventurous streak. This restaurant was made for you. Though reading the menu too closely may not be advisable, you will be pleasantly surprised. Try the coffee and chocolate sauce over Springbok (small African antelope) Bresaola with a side of BBQ corn flavored ice cream. Anything goes at Ginger and sets the restaurant apart from any other.
La ColombeConstantia Uitsig Estate, just outside of CapetownTel. +27 (0) 21.794.2390 28th on the "World's Best List." One of the Cape’s most respected restaurants, chef Franck Dangereux’s legacy remains despite his departure in 2006. An epicurean experience, the quality of the food and wine and the superb service set this restaurant apart. Reservations essential.Bukhara33 Church StreetTel. +27 (0) 21.424.000http://www.bukhara.com/Located down an offshoot of one of the city’s main thoroughfares, Bukhara was voted the best Indian restaurant in all of South Africa last year. Its perfect for those lingering evenings and communal dining is definitely the way to go - order as many spicy and aromatic dishes as you think you can and share!
Clarkes Bookshop 211 Long StreetTel. +27 (0) 21.423.5739www.clarkesbooks.co.zaEstablished in 1955, this shop is one of Cape Town's oldest bookstores. Clarkes specializes in new and out-of-print books, as well as maps and prints of southern Africa. There is also an excellent stock of general secondhand books, including reams of Africana. Of the new books in this spacious store, there is a particularly good selection of literature on South Africa, film and antiques. It’s a lovely spot to pick up some beachside reading or browse the shelves.
Molweni Hout Bay 30 Victoria RoadTel. +27 (0) 21.790.3697This store serves authentic wares of Africa, from handcrafted textiles designed by the women of the Xhosa tribe, to driftwood models of boats, yachts and fish. A wide variety of items can be found in this attractive shop including glassware and ceramics. You are sure to find some inimitable souvenirs to bring back with you. Greenmarket Square Central Business District Greenmarket Square is the perfect location to watch South Africa’s “rainbow nation” in all its glory. Once the scene of slave markets, this is now the site of one of the city’s most vibrant flea markets, where clothing, jewelry, knickknacks and souvenirs are on sale every day. Tourists and business people alike frequent the many sidewalk cafes that surround this busy cobbled square, each with his or her own story and agenda. On the west side of the square is the Old Town House, dating from the mid 18th century, which is a wonderful example of Cape Dutch architecture.
Cape town BeachesClifton is the beach of choice for those visiting Cape Town and chic locals as well. Go show off that bikini body you worked so hard for on Beach 1 or 2, where the fabulous types kick off their shoes and work on their tan. If you would rather play Frisbee in the sand with the little ones, then try Glen Beach. It's family-friendly and unpretentious.
Wine RegionFor those who know their grapes, a trip to South Africa wouldn’t be complete without a glass of locally made chardonnay. Plan a little jaunt through the wine route to the Stellenbosch Region. Two fantastic wine estates to visit are Kanonkop and Beyerskloof. Both are family owned, inviting and would love to have you in for a discussion about the family business and a glass or two of vino! Check www.kanonkop.co.za or www.beyerskloof.co.za for more details.
Rhodes House60 Queen Victoria StreetTel. +27 (0) 21.424.8844One of the more dressed up venues in Cape Town, there’s plenty of space here to sit and relax, watching the South African "in" crowd enjoying themselves. Call ahead, as there are a variety of “theme nights,” requiring a strict dress code.
Planet Champagne BarMount Nelson Hotel76 Orange StreetTel. +27 (0) 21.483.1000This is the best place in Cape Town for early evening cocktails. Keep in mind it gets crowded and you will definitely want a table in the main bar, so get there early.
Mercury Live43 De Villiers StreetTel. +27 (0) 21.465.2106www.mercuryl.co.zaWhen South Africa’s leading rock acts roll into town, they usually end up here and so should you.
OpiumTel. +27 (0) 21.425.4010www.opium.co.zaOpium is a dark nightclub, fashioned to look like a castle. The lighting is red, the deep house music is loud and the drinks are potent. There are a whole slew of events on the schedule from live music to DJ’s. Check out the site before you go to make sure the entertainment is something you are interested in.
