Cape Town ‘The Mother City’ is a city of cultural diversity, natural wonders and sophisticated amenities. Cape Town is the second largest and oldest city in South Africa with a Mediterranean climate. The splendor of Cape Town is in her natural beauty, historical landmarks and sophisticated amenities, offers something for everyone, every moment of every day. Cape Town is a happy hunting ground for the outdoor enthusiast, serious shopper, party animal, historian or botanist. If you're lucky enough to visit, here are some fun things to do in Cape Town.
One of the oldest living traditions is the firing of the Noon Gun, each day at precisely twelve o’clock. Originally the gun was fired as a time signal for ships anchored in the bay; today Capetonians rely on the noon gun for accurate time. The noon gun is maintained and fired by the South African Navy. Traditionally one should pause for two minutes after the gun has sounded. The first minute is a time for thanksgiving and the second minute to remember those who have passed.
Not feeling energetic? Hop on the Red Bus, an open double decker bus which stops at all the main attractions in Cape Town. There are numerous museums and galleries to visit: The South African National Museum and Planetarium, the National Gallery, and the District Six Museum which tells the story of the people who were forcibly removed in the 1960’s and the buildings bulldozed. To this day the area known as District Six remains undeveloped and uninhabited. Other museums include the Slave Lodge, South African Jewish Museum, and South African Maritime Museum. You can hop on or off the Red Bus whenever you find something of interest. Short on time? Then book a Helicopter Tour and view this magnificent city from the air.
Gliding up to the summit on the aerial cableway, one has a breathtaking 3600 view of the city, the ocean, Robben Island and neighbouring peaks.
Table Mountain is a World Heritage site with over 1500 different species of plants. The animal life of Table Mountain includes baboons, dassies, porcupines, mongooses, girdles lizards, snakes and butterflies. There’s a dazzling variety of wild flowers blooms and is the natural home of the famous shimmering Silver Trees. For the ornithologist there are several indigenous bird species, including Red-winged Starlings, Cape Eagles, Rock Kestrels and Sunbirds.
There are excellent refreshment facilities at the top of the mountain. If you choose to walk up and take the cable car down, be sure to check the weather forecast as the cable car does not run in high winds. Remember to carry your own water, wear a hat and sunscreen and tell someone else your route and timings. Each year there are tourists that get lost, stuck or die on the mountain.
No one who has seen Table Mountain with its famous tablecloth of cloud neatly laid and spilling over its towering cliffs and crags can doubt that he has witnessed one of the most awesome splendours on earth.
During the Second Boer War (1899-1902) the castle was used as a prison. The cells remain today and are believed to be haunted. The castle is a national heritage site and is still used for military parades and ceremonies.
Water sport fanatics aren’t forgotten: Jet-Ski from Mouille Point, dive for crayfish, or wind surf at Bloubergstrand. Clifton, Camps Bay and Llandudno on the Atlantic Seaboard are some of the finest beaches in the world. Clifton beaches are well sheltered coves; Camps Bay is a long sandy stretch of beach with trendy restaurants, street cafes and bars across the road. Llandudno is a favorite with locals for sunset picnics and great surf.
The breakwater for Cape Town’s harbor was constructed by HRH Prince Alfred, Queen Victoria’s second son and is still a working harbor with one of the oldest operating docks of its kind in the world dating back to 1882.
The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront boasts designer shopping, fine dining and wine tasting, high end residential properties and luxury hotels. Exploring the Waterfront, you will discover preserved historical sites, local musicians and mimes, shows at the Amphitheatre and The Two Ocean Aquarium. Watch the sharks being fed and for the brave you can scuba dive in the tank.
The Waterfront is the gateway to Robben Island and pleasure cruises on yachts, catamarans or the Spirit of Victoria masted vessel.
City Shopping - Adderley Street, Long Street, Loop Street
Shopping in the city centre is a journey of discovery, from major retail chain stores to specialist stores selling African curios, fine jewelry and quirky fashions. Meander through the pedestrian walkways and arcades for Antiques and local art.
Since 1997 Robben Island is a living museum and a heritage site. The Robben Island Ferry leaves from the clock tower precinct in the V&A Waterfront. It is advisable to book ahead and be prepared for the weather. The ferry does not run with high seas.
More structured entertainment is the Artscape Theatre complex with an Opera House and smaller theatres. See international standard productions and South African plays and musicals. Smaller independent theatres within the city offer local productions and musical theatre. Cinema complexes are found in shopping malls. The Cape Town City Hall is home to the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra and regularly plays host to visiting international musicians and singers.
Cape Town ‘The Mother City’ is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, reflecting its role as a major destination for tourists to South Africa.