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City map
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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 to elegant shops and emerging More...
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Print Destination Info
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Two Oceans Aquarium
Alfred Basin, Dock Road (V & A Waterfront)
Tel. +27 (0) 21.418.3823
www.aquarium.co.za
The 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 Park
Tel. +27 (0) 21.780.9204
www.cpnp.co.za
The 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.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Rhodes Drive
Tel.+27 (0) 21.799.8783
www.sanbi.org
Part of the Table Mountain National Park, the gardens were founded in 1913 and spread across 1400 acres on the eastern slope of Table Mountain.
Robben Island
Tel. +27 (0) 21.409.5100
www.robben-island.org.za
This 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 Waterfront
Tel. +27 (0) 21.408.7600
www.waterfront.co.za
This 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.
Jardine
185 Bree Street (Greenpoint)
Tel. +27 (0) 21.424.5640
www.jardineonbree.co.za
Jardine’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.
Manola
30 Kloof Street
Tel. +27 (0) 21.422.4747
http://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 & Deli
134 Main Road
Kalk Bay
Tel. +27 (0) 21.788.6396
This 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.
Ginger
121 Castle Street
Tel. +27 (0) 21.426.2368
www.ginja.cjb.net
Those 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 Colombe
Constantia Uitsig Estate, just outside of Capetown
Tel. +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.
Bukhara
33 Church Street
Tel. +27 (0) 21.424.000
http://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!
Foodbarn
Noordhoek Farm Village
Village Lane
Tel. +27 (0) 21.789.1390
www.thefoodbarn.co.za
Down the road from one of Capetown's most beautiful beaches, this bright and airy bistro specilizes in French-Asian cooking.
Bizerca Bistro
Jetty Street
Tel. +27 (0) 21.418.0001
www.bizerca.com
Another trendy French-Asian bistro; this one set in a former Bible study center near Cape Town Harbor.
Clarkes Bookshop
211 Long Street
Tel. +27 (0) 21.423.5739
www.clarkesbooks.co.za
Established 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 Road
Tel. +27 (0) 21.790.3697
This 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 Beaches
Clifton
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.
Glen Beach
If you would rather play Frisbee in the sand with the little ones, then try Glen Beach. It's family-friendly and unpretentious.
Wine Region
For 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 these sites:
www.kanonkop.co.za
www.beyerskloof.co.za
Rhodes House
60 Queen Victoria Street
Tel. +27 (0) 21.424.8844
One 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 Bar
Mount Nelson Hotel
76 Orange Street
Tel. +27 (0) 21.483.1000
This 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 Live
43 De Villiers Street
Tel. +27 (0) 21.465.2106
www.mercuryl.co.za
When South Africa’s leading rock acts roll into town, they usually end up here and so should you.
Opium
Tel. +27 (0) 21.425.4010
www.opium.co.za
Opium 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.
Roosevelt
160 Bree Street
Tel. +27 (0) 21.426.0738
www.theroosevelt.co.za
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