Capetown, South Africa

INTRODUCTION

South Africa’s “Mother City,” Cape Town is dominated by Table Mountain and surrounded by the wild Atlantic Ocean, giving it an unquestionably jaw-dropping backdrop. It was once described by Sir Francis Drake as “the fairest Cape in all the circumference of the earth,” and since the 16th century, seafarers have been drawn to its dramatic coastline and strategic location on the southwestern tip of the African continent. Cape Town leads South Africa in developing attractions to appeal to visitors, and it is now one of the world’s top travel destinations.

Cape Town’s highlights include the historical center, cutting-edge museums, the famous Constantia wine estates, and Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. There is also a variety of trendy restaurants and nightclubs, as well as some of the best shopping opportunities in Africa.

Beyond Cape Town, a stunning coast road winds its way around the Cape Peninsula as far south as Cape Point, where there are pristine beaches, quaint seaside villages, and marine wildlife such as penguins and seals. The Winelands is South Africa’s oldest and most beautiful wine-producing area, and the scenic valleys are covered by the vineyards of historic estates that have been cultivating grapes for more than 300 years. The southern coast is dubbed the Whale Coast, and it claims to have the best land-based whale-watching in the world. In season, sightings are almost guaranteed from the clifftops in Hermanus.

Cape Town’s appeal also lies in its fascinating mix of nationalities and identities—African, European, Asian— and its history is compelling, too, from the early hunter-gatherers to the arrival of the Europeans, the Boer War and the breakdown of apartheid. In fact, it’s Cape Town’s mix of culture and lifestyle that makes it one of the world’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities.

MUST SEE OR DO

Sights—Panoramic views from Table Mountain; wild, rugged coastlines at Cape Point in The Cape of Good Hope; history at the Castle of Good Hope and Robben Island; sandy beaches and ocean waves along Cape Town’s trendy Atlantic Seaboard; flowers and picnics at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden; entertainment, shopping and eating at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.

Museums—Learn about the country’s cultural and biological diversity at the South African Museum; see classical and cutting edge-art at the South African National Gallery; explore Cape Town’s apartheid history at the District Six Museum; celebrate the Islamic contribution to the city at the Bo-Kaap Museum; visit the fine 17th-century Cape Dutch manor house at Groot Constantia.

Memorable Meals—A communal feast at Africa Cafe; award-winning French food at La Colombe; new South African dishes at Aubergine; ghosts and gorgeous views at The Roundhouse; deli delights at Giovanni’s Deliworld; food and wine pairings at Planet Restaurant.

Late Night—Cocktails and sunsets at The Grand Cafe & Beach; dancing to modern grooves at The Assembly; people-watching at stylish Cafe Caprice; nightcaps at the Cape Grace Hotel’s Bascule Whisky & Wine Bar; watching crucial sports matches with a beer at the Fireman’s Arms.

Walks—To wild and isolated Diaz Beach at Cape Point; up Lion’s Head for a breathtaking all-around view of Cape Town; a meander through Kirstenbosch to the tranquil Dell; down Government Avenue past the Houses of Parliament and on to The Company’s Garden; up to the top of Table Mountain to gaze across Table Bay.

Especially for Kids—Waddling with penguins at Boulders Penguin Colony; picking gemstones and minerals at the Scratch Patch; thrills at Ratanga Junction; sea life at the Two Oceans Aquarium; summertime splashing at Sea Point Swimming Pool; exploring on a famous red City Sightseeing Cape Town open-top bus.

GEOGRAPHY

Situated on the southwestern point of the African continent, Cape Town lies in the shadow of Table Mountain, which towers to 3,563 ft/1,086 m above the city and harbor. The central part of the city faces north, toward Table Bay, and is cradled in the City Bowl between Table Mountain (to the south), Lion’s Head and Signal Hill (to the west) and Devil’s Peak (to the east).

Cape Town proper is a relatively compact area. The loosely demarcated districts include City Centre (the central downtown area); Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (just north of City Centre, on the harbor); Gardens (south of City Centre); and Bo-Kaap (west of City Centre).

Immediately west of City Centre and Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is Green Point, which forms the tip of the landmass that shields Table Bay and the harbor from the Atlantic. Following the coast south from Green Point, you’ll pass through the Atlantic Seaboard suburbs of Sea Point, Bantry Bay, Clifton, Camps Bay, Llandudno and Hout Bay, all home to beaches, restaurants and nightspots.

Other communities spread east and south out of City Centre (the opposite side of Table Mountain from the Atlantic Seaboard). Woodstock is the first of what’s known as the Southern Suburbs, followed by Observatory, Rondebosch, Newlands, Claremont and Constantia. If you continue south far enough, you’ll reach False Bay and the coastal communities that spread down the east coast of the Cape Peninsula, including Muizenberg, Kalk Bay and Simon’s Town. Farther east and beyond the metropolitan area are Stellenbosch and the other towns in the picturesque Winelands.

HISTORY

Among the first residents of the Cape area were the Khoikhoi, a group of nomadic hunters and herders. Early visitors to the area may have included the Phoenicians, and later, in the 15th century, the Portuguese arrived but never stayed. In 1652, the Dutch arrived and began using the Cape to supply the large trading ships of the Dutch East India Company—then the most powerful mercantile force on Earth—as they sailed to and from Java. Creating vegetable gardens and vineyards, the Dutch used the Khoisan people as laborers and brought in Malays from Indonesia as slaves. At this small, remote outpost named Da Kaap (the Cape), a separate language emerged, called Afrikaans, essentially a form of kitchen Dutch that incorporated elements of Khoikhoi, Malay and other languages.

Both French and British ships regularly docked at the port. Its strategic position on the shipping lanes led the British to try to occupy it (they called it the Gibraltar of India). When Dutch shipping went into decline in the late 18th century, the British took over without much bloodshed. Many of the Dutch settlers (known as Boers and then Afrikaners) left when the British abolished slavery. The majority headed into the interior with their ox wagons to establish new colonies in the northeast. This became known as the Great Trek, and the pioneers as the Voortrekkers (Afrikaans for “fore-movers”). But the Cape Colony thrived in the 1870s following the discovery of diamonds at Kimberley and gold in the Boer Republic of the Transvaal (centered on present-day Johannesburg). Ultimately, these riches set off the Anglo-Boer War (1898-1902) between the Afrikaners and the British. With the establishment of the Union of South Africa in 1910, Pretoria became the administrative capital, while Cape Town became the seat of parliament and the legislative capital of the country.

Following World War II, the National Party came to power in South Africa and fostered the apartheid system of racial separation. In Cape Town, one of the government’s actions was to forcibly remove nonwhites from District Six, a precinct adjacent to the center of Cape Town. Buildings were bulldozed and people forcibly relocated to townships on the Cape Flats, and today much of the land still stands vacant as a testament to forced removals and segregation during apartheid. Nelson Mandela and other dissidents were imprisoned on Robben Island, situated in Table Bay, off the coast of Cape Town.

In the 1980s, the city was racked by civil unrest, but this period gave birth to the United Democratic Front, one of the most important and instrumental antiapartheid organizations of the time (it had the support of around three million members by 1985). Archbishop Desmond Tutu waged his antiapartheid campaign from Cape Town, and peaceful protests in the city sparked similar demonstrations throughout South Africa. Mandela was eventually released from prison in 1990, and democratic elections were held in 1994, which instigated sweeping positive changes across all of South Africa.

Since then, despite facing challenges with unemployment, poverty and crime, Cape Town has grown into a sophisticated city where most of its residents enjoy a lifestyle that even other South Africans envy. It has also established itself as a world-class tourist destination and is often ranked as one of the top must-see cities in the world. This was further boosted when the 2010 FIFA World Cup mobilized the city to embark on major cleanup and citywide rejuvenation programs. Today facilities and infrastructure for visitors are of a very high standard, and Cape Town now attracts some 80% of the foreign tourists who visit South Africa—estimated to top 10 million per year.

POTPOURRI

Cape Doctor is the name given to the southeasterly wind that blows across the Cape Peninsula in summer, often forming a wispy, white cloud that covers Table Mountain in the shape of a tablecloth.

The Cape Floristic Region covers 34,749 sq mi/90,000 sq km and is home to nearly 20% of Africa’s flowering plant species, making it the smallest and richest floristic region per unit of area in the world.

Able Seaman Just Nuisance was an enlisted and adored sailor in the Royal Navy from 1939 until his death in 1944. However, he was guilty of many misdeeds and often went AWOL or got into fights, and he enjoyed his beer as much as any other sailor—the only difference being that he was a Great Dane. A bronze statue of him is in Simon’s Town.

Painting white lines on roads originated in South Africa. Adderley Street in Cape Town had lines painted as far back as 1922.

If a Capetonian tells you he will do something “just now,” it means “in the near future but not immediately.” “Now now” means “right away.” You will hear these phrases frequently in Cape Town.

Cape Town is known as the Pink Capital of Africa, in large part because of its annual Cape Town Pride Festival and Mother City Queer Project, two of the world’s biggest gay festivals.

With around 2 million visitors every month, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront undisputedly outperforms any other tourist attraction in Cape Town. The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is the second-most-visited attraction, with about 100,000 people per month going up the mountain.

LOCATION

Cape Doctor is the name given to the southeasterly wind that blows across the Cape Peninsula in summer, often forming a wispy, white cloud that covers Table Mountain in the shape of a tablecloth.

Painting white lines on roads originated in South Africa. Adderley Street in Cape Town had lines painted as far back as 1922.

Cape Town is known as the Pink Capital of Africa, in large part because of its annual Cape Town Pride Festival and Mother City Queer Project, two of the world’s biggest gay festivals.

SHORE EXCURSIONS

Typical shore excursions in Cape Town include exploring the inner-city museums and the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood, along with a cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain. You can also take township tours; day trips around the Cape Peninsula to visit Cape Point in the Table Mountain National Park, the penguins at Boulders and the historical Constantia wine estates; and scenic drives through the wine regions of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek.
Check with your travel agent for additional information.

SIGHTSEEING

Cape Town’s majestic setting puts nature at the top of the sightseeing list. Plan to visit Table Mountain, centerpiece of the eponymous national park, on the first clear day available, because you cannot ascend it in cloudy weather.

The easiest way of doing so is to ride the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway. At the top, you can enjoy the view or hike some of the many trails that meander across the plateau. Visitors also can hike up or down in combination with a one-way ride on the cableway or make a day hike out of the round-trip.

A journey through the Cape of Good Hope sector of Table Mountain National Park, at the southern end of the Cape Peninsula, will introduce you to several animal species endemic to the Cape Floristic Region. Several remote beaches are also part of the reserve.

A more cultivated, though still lovely, side of nature can be seen in the city’s parks and gardens. The two standouts are Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, a spectacular collection of more than 4,700 species of indigenous flora on the slopes of Table Mountain; and The Company’s Garden, a former vegetable garden of the Dutch East India Company that is now a park filled with trees, decorative flower beds and elegant fountains in the heart of the city.

A handful of historical sites conjures up the Cape’s past. The 17th-century Castle of Good Hope is the country’s oldest surviving building. Cobbled Greenmarket Square was once a slave market and the site of the first city hall built in 1755. The Houses of Parliament, which date from 1884, will remind you of England’s influence on the area. The most infamous and striking reminder of the apartheid era is Robben Island, the bleak outcrop in Table Bay where Nelson Mandela and other dissidents were imprisoned.

Several museums should be a part of your Cape Town visit. The South African Museum and Planetarium focuses on natural science and anthropology. Two poignant reminders of Cape Town’s more infamous past are the District Six Museum, which is a moving memorial to the residents of this once-vibrant neighborhood, and the small Bo-Kaap Museum, which highlights the lives of 19th-century Muslims. For art lovers, museums of note include the South African National Gallery, which hosts temporary exhibitions on a range of subjects, and Rust en Vreugd, which is located in a 1700s town house with a period garden. Finally, the Two Oceans Aquarium at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront celebrates the undersea world off the coasts of South Africa.

Lovers of wine and beautiful scenery won’t want to miss a drive inland to the Winelands of the Western Cape, where the vineyards of award-winning wineries unfurl along some of the world’s finest wine routes. The most popular trip follows the Stellenbosch Wine Route, which lies in the heart of the Winelands, a 45-minute drive from Cape Town. The Paarl and Franschhoek wine routes are farther away and can be seen on a day trip from Cape Town. Older than all of these, the Constantia Wine Route lies on the Cape Peninsula south of Cape Town and includes several legendary estates with wonderful Cape Dutch architecture.

CASINOS

The minimum gambling age in South Africa is 18.

GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World

This multifaceted casino has more than 2,500 slot machines and 79 gaming tables. Entertainment options include a huge cinema, an ice rink, ten-pin bowling alley, children’s activity center and a 5,000-seat auditorium for live entertainment. Two hotels and numerous restaurants are part of the complex. 24 hours daily. 1 Vanguard Drive, Goodwood. Phone 021-505-7777. http://www.suninternational.com.

HISTORIC SITES

Castle of Good Hope

This imposing pentagon-shaped fortification dates from 1666 and was the original Dutch fort built to defend the Cape from rival European powers. It’s home to the Iziko Museums of Cape Town William Fehr collection of furniture, porcelain, silverware and paintings. Other sights at the castle include the Castle Military Museum, the Dolphin Pool and an inexpensive courtyard restaurant called De Goewerneur (The Governor). Daily 9 am-4 pm, last entry at 3:30 pm. A Key Ceremony takes place Monday-Friday at 10 am and noon, followed by the firing of the Signal Cannon. R30 adults. Buitenkant Street (at Castle Street, opposite Grand Parade), City Centre, Cape Town. Phone 021-787-1260. http://www.castleofgoodhope.co.za.

Houses of Parliament

One of South Africa’s centers of government, the Houses of Parliament were built in 1884 and are recognized as architectural masterpieces. There are three different chambers to see: the National Council of Provinces, the Old House of Assembly and the National Assembly. One-hour guided tours Monday-Thursday at 9, 10 and 11 am. On Friday (when parliament is not in session), tours are at 2 and 3 pm. Reservations required—to be on the safe side, reserve your place at least a week in advance; a copy of your passport is required. Free. Parliament Street (to enter, use Visitor’s Centre Entrance at 120 Plein St.), Cape Town. Phone 021-403-2266. http://www.parliament.gov.za.

Josephine Mill

Cape Town’s only surviving water mill was built in 1840 and is still in working order. It is a beautiful redbrick building on the leafy banks of the Liesbeeck River. There’s an organic wheat shop and restaurant on-site. The Mill Museum can be visited Monday-Friday 10 am-4 pm, Saturday 10 am-2 pm. Stone-milling demonstrations are Monday-Friday at 11 am and 3 pm. R10. 13 Boundary Road, Newlands. Phone 021-686-4939. http://www.josephinemill.co.za.

Noon Gun

A Cape Town tradition worth visiting, if only for the novelty value. The Noon Gun is fired daily from the slopes of Signal Hill. It dates from the days when it was needed as a time check for ships: Their chronometers had to be aligned for accurate navigational calculations. Somehow it became a tradition, though the only purpose it serves now is to scare the pigeons. Monday-Saturday at noon. Free. Military Street (off Buitengracht Street in the Bo-Kaap), Cape Town.

Rhodes Memorial

Cecil John Rhodes, prime minister of the Cape Colony in the late 19th century, dreamed of a British Empire stretching from Cape Town all the way to Cairo. He didn’t quite manage it, but this edifice was built in his honor anyway. Set on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, it’s a lovely spot to admire the views of Table Bay and the city’s Southern Suburbs, and a charming restaurant and tea garden offers breakfast, lunch and tea. Daily 8 am-6 pm May-September, 7:30 am-7 pm October-April. Restaurant open daily 9 am-5 pm. Free. Groote Schuur Estate (off Highway M3, 10 minutes from City Centre), Rondebosch. Phone 021-687-0000. http://www.rhodesmemorial.co.za.

Robben Island

The maximum-security prison on Robben Island is where Nelson Mandela and other dissidents of the antiapartheid movement were incarcerated (Mandela spent 18 years on the island). There, they faced miserable conditions, inhabiting tiny cells and toiling in a lime quarry, and the tour of the prison is a moving experience. While on the island, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, you may get to see some of the penguins, antelope and other wildlife that call it home. An Anglican church designed by Sir Herbert Baker and a distinctive lighthouse (one of two in the world that flashes on and off) built in 1863 are other attractions. Ferries to Robben Island leave daily at 9, 10 and 11 am and 1, 2 and 3 pm, weather permitting, from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront Clock Tower. The island tour lasts three-and-a-half hours, including boat transfers in both directions and a 45-minute bus tour around the island. It’s a popular excursion, so we advise booking ahead. R280 adults, R150 children younger than 18. Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town. Phone 021-409-5100. http://www.robben-island.org.za.

St George’s Cathedral

The cornerstone of this Anglican church (referred to as St George’s) was laid in 1901, at the height of the Anglo-Boer War, on the site of an older church that opened in 1846. It has magnificent stained-glass windows by Gabriel Loire. It was a focal point of antiapartheid activity from the 1960s onward, and Nobel Peace Prize winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu has presided over services on several occasions. Guided tours on request. Monday-Friday 8:30 am-4 pm, Saturday 9 am-1 pm. Services Monday-Friday 7:15 am and 1:15 pm; Saturday 8 am; Sunday 7, 8 and 9:30 am and 6 pm. Free, but donations are welcome. 5 Wale St. (at the entrance to Government Avenue), City Centre, Cape Town. Phone 021-424-7360. http://www.sgcathedral.co.za.

MUSEUMS

Bertram House

Situated off the top of Government Avenue and built in 1839, this late-Georgian mansion is furnished as it might have been for a colonial family during the early years of the British occupation of the Cape. The best things about it are the collections of English silver, porcelain and furniture, mostly keeping with the date of the house. Monday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm. R20 adults, R10 children ages 6-18. Hiddingh Campus, Orange Street, City Centre, Cape Town. Phone 021-481-3972. http://www.iziko.org.za/museums/bertram-house.

Bo-Kaap Museum

This museum examines the early history of the Bo-Kaap, the area of Cape Town that was settled by former slaves from Dutch Indonesia who gained their freedom in the 1830s. The neighborhood, with its steep cobbled streets and colorful houses, is still home to many of their descendants and remains predominantly Muslim. The museum is housed in a building dating from 1763 and furnished as a 19th-century Muslim home. Monday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm. R20 adults. 71 Wale St., Bo-Kaap, Cape Town. Phone 021-481-3938. http://www.iziko.org.za/museums/bo-kaap-museum.

Cape Town Holocaust Centre and South African Jewish Museum

This is Africa’s only center dedicated to the World War II holocaust. Exhibitions include archival documents, film footage, multimedia displays and artifacts. In the same complex, you’ll find the South African Jewish Museum (http://www.sajewishmuseum.co.za), which is in a landmark building whose facade is made of Jerusalem stone. Its displays trace the social, political, intellectual and cultural contributions made by Jews in South Africa—many of whom emigrated from Europe after the holocaust. The Holocaust Centre is open Sunday-Thursday 10 am-5 pm, Friday 10 am-2 pm; the Jewish Museum is open Sunday-Thursday 10 am-5 pm, Friday 10 am-2 pm. Admission to the Holocaust Centre is free; Jewish Museum R40 adults, free for children younger than 16. 88 Hatfield St., Gardens, Cape Town. Phone 021-462-5553 (Holocaust Centre), 021-465-1546 (Jewish Museum). http://www.ctholocaust.co.za.

Cape Town Science Centre

Let the kids build a house out of genuine materials, experience the weightlessness of space in a simulator, or play chess on a giant board. Monday-Saturday 9 am-4:30 pm, Sunday 10 am-4:30 pm. R40 individuals, R140 for a family of four. 370-B Main Road, Observatory (10 minutes east of the City Centre), Cape Town. Phone 021-300-3200. http://www.mtnsciencentre.org.za.

District Six Museum

Commemorates one of the most startling apartheid-era events in Cape Town. District Six was once a multiethnic neighborhood of more than 50,000 people. In 1966, the government declared it a whites-only area and bulldozed nearly all the buildings to force out residents. It’s still undeveloped. Exhibits are mostly photographs and artifacts donated by former residents. Monday-Saturday 9 am-4 pm. Guided tour R45; self-guided tour R30 adults. 25-A Buitenkant St., Gardens, Cape Town. Phone 021-466-7200. http://www.districtsix.co.za.

Groot Constantia

At the heart of South Africa’s oldest wine estate (established in 1685), this Cape Dutch manor house is furnished with 17th- to 19th-century period pieces reminiscent of the household of a well-to-do farmer and vintner of that time. Includes antique furniture and copperware of the period. The picturesque estate is surrounded by vines and also offers wine tastings and sales, cellar tours and two highly rated restaurants. Monday-Friday 9 am-6 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am-6 pm. R30 adults, R15 children ages 6-18. Groot Constantia Road, Constantia. Phone 021-794-5128. http://www.grootconstantia.co.za.

Heart of Cape Town Museum

Located in Groote Schuur Hospital, this fascinating museum uses re-created scenes to tell the story of the first successful human-heart transplant, including the operating theater in which Dr. Christiaan Barnard performed the operation in 1967. The collection also includes original letters and odd artifacts commemorating the event. Tours daily 9 am-3 pm, every two hours. Reservations are essential. R200 adults. Groote Schuur Hospital, Main Road, Observatory, Cape Town. Phone 021-404-1967. http://www.heartofcapetown.co.za.

Koopmans-de Wet House

This beautiful building dates from 1701, and many of its murals and furniture are still very much in their original state. The highlights are the large selection of Japanese, Dutch and Chinese porcelain. Monday-Friday 10 am-5 pm. R20 adults. 35 Strand St., City Centre, Cape Town. Phone 021-481-3935. http://www.iziko.org.za/museums/koopmans-de-wet-house.

Michaelis Collection at the Old Town House

This impressive collection of art showcases some world-renowned works by 17th-century Dutch and Flemish old masters, including Frans Hals, Jan Steen, Jacob Ruisdael and Anthony van Dyck. The building once served as the city hall and later as a magistrate’s court and police station. Monday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm. R20 adults. Old Town House, Greenmarket Square, City Centre, Cape Town. Phone 021-481-3933. http://www.iziko.org.za/museums/michaelis-collection-at-the-old-town-house.

Planetarium

Housed in the South African Museum, the Planetarium has a variety of excellent programs about stars and planets. Shows run daily, but times and programs change regularly—phone for details or check the website. Combination tickets for the planetarium and the South African Museum are available. R40 adults, R20 children younger than 18. 25 Queen Victoria St., City Centre, Cape Town. Phone 021-481-3900. http://www.iziko.org.za/museums/planetarium.

Rust en Vreugd

Housed in a Dutch town house built in 1778, this museum exhibits the William Fehr Collection of Africana art (watercolors, drawings, etchings) from the late 16th to early 19th century. The landscaped garden reflects the original 1786 garden design. Monday-Friday 10 am-5 pm. R20 adults. 78 Buitenkant St., City Centre, Cape Town. Phone 021-481-3903. http://www.iziko.org.za/museums/rust-en-vreugd.

Slave Lodge

The Slave Lodge was built in 1679 to house the slaves that worked the adjacent Company’s Garden. It houses a series of artifacts and multimedia displays relating to slavery at the Cape Colony, as well as the trans-Atlantic slave trade between the west coast of Africa and the Americas and Caribbean. Monday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm. R30 adults. 49 Adderley St., City Centre, Cape Town. Phone 021-467-7229. http://www.iziko.org.za/museums/slave-lodge.

South African Museum

A natural-history and anthropology museum. Exhibits cover a wide range of topics, including some excellent examples of prehistoric rock art, as well as traditional cultures of Africa and life in the oceans. The popular Whale Well includes a collection of whale skeletons. The Planetarium is part of the museum but has its own admission fee. Daily 10 am-5 pm. R30 adults. 25 Queen Victoria St., City Centre, Cape Town. Phone 021-481-3800. http://www.iziko.org.za/museums/south-african-museum.

South African National Gallery

Stages changing exhibits of art from southern Africa and around the world. The permanent collection includes works by many leading British artists, including members of the Bloomsbury group, and a huge collection of African beadwork. Daily 10 am-5 pm. R30 adults. Government Avenue, City Centre, Cape Town. Phone 021-481-3970. http://www.iziko.org.za/museums/south-african-national-gallery.

Springbok Experience

This modern rugby museum offers an insight into South Africa’s most adored sport. It also touches on rugby’s role in the country’s political journey. When the South African team, the Springboks, defeated New Zealand’s All Blacks in the 1995 Rugby World Cup, then-president Nelson Mandela and white Springbok captain Francois Pienaar held aloft the trophy together—a poignant moment that demonstrated that all races had a common cause for celebration. In the museum’s Springbok Trials zone, visitors can attempt various kicking, passing and fitness tests to determine whether they’d make the national squad. Daily 10 am-6 pm. R50 adults, R30 children ages 6-18. Portswood House, Dock Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (at Portswood Road), Cape Town. Phone 021-418-4741. http://www.sarugby.net.

NEIGHBORHOODS & DISTRICTS

Bo-Kaap

This part of central Cape Town was settled by former slaves from Malaysia, whose descendants still inhabit the area. The name means “upper Cape,” and the district hugs the lower slopes of Signal Hill above the city center. The narrow cobbled streets are lined with small, boxy houses that have been famously painted in bright colors, and Islamic culture gives this neighborhood a distinctive character. The Bo-Kaap has its own small museum, which gives some insight into the area’s history and way of life. But the highlight is walking the streets just to soak up the atmosphere, which is enhanced further when themuezzin calls ring from the various mosques.

De Waterkant

Adjacent to and below Bo-Kaap, on the slopes of Signal Hill, lie the narrow cobbled streets of De Waterkant. The focus of this cosmopolitan neighborhood is the Cape Quarter, with courtyard restaurants, art galleries and decor shops situated around two central piazzas. Many of the cottages in De Waterkant have been renovated to preserve their 18th-century original design with flower boxes under the windows and sprawling balconies, and have been turned into guesthouses as part of a collective called De Waterkant Village. The neighborhood is also a vibrant evening destination, boasting some good bars and Parisian-inspired cafes.

Green Point and Sea Point

From the city center and De Waterkant, the first residential suburbs that curve along the Atlantic Seaboard and the fringes of Table Bay are Green Point followed by Sea Point. They feature modern, and mostly luxury, high-rise apartment blocks that climb up the lower slopes of Signal Hill, while many of the older Victorian houses have been restored into fine guesthouses. Main Road neatly dissects the area and is renowned for its string of restaurants offering international cuisine as cosmopolitan as the community that lives there. Sea Point Promenade follows the length of Beach Road from Mouille Point to Bantry Bay, a distance of about 4 mi/6.5 km—it’s ideal for a stroll, especially at sunset, and the stunning open-air Sea Point Swimming Pool is easily Cape Town’s most popular place to swim.

Kalk Bay

The quaint village of Kalk Bay is located a 40-minute drive from central Cape Town. Since its establishment by the Dutch East India Co. in 1742 as a small port to ferry supplies and construction materials to and from Simon’s Bay (now Simon’s Town), Kalk Bay has been home to whalers, shipwrecked Filipino crew and refugees, and emancipated slaves from the Cape who turned to fishing for income. Today, Kalk Bay is a bohemian collection of antiques shops, art galleries, craft shops and boutiques. Cafe culture is seriously entrenched, and there are countless restaurants and coffee shops fringing the main road. Visit the picturesque working harbor, sunbathe on one of the small beaches or swim in the Kalk Bay tidal pool (the water is warmer there).

Long Street

If the Mother City had a heartbeat, then Long Street would be her main vein. You can spend a whole day wandering its length, exploring the various offerings from local designer boutiques to bookshops and antiques arcades. And you won’t go hungry—restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars abound. Try Pickwicks for a milkshake or Royale for a burger; both are Cape Town institutions. The road is steeped in history, too—Long Street Baths has been cooling off the local population since it first opened in 1908, and Palm Tree Mosque gained its official status in 1825. Keep on walking up toward Table Mountain and you’ll hit Kloof Street. With an entrenched cafe culture on its tree-lined pavements, this street is the meeting place of yuppies, hippies, arty types and emo rockers alike.

Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

Located just north of City Centre, along the harbor, this waterfront area (named after Queen Victoria and her son Alfred) is the centerpiece of Cape Town’s tourism industry. Opened in the early 1990s, it’s similar to the shopping and entertainment districts in many U.S. cities. The renovated warehouses have loads of stores, but plenty of other activities are based there, too: the Two Oceans Aquarium, the ferries to Robben Island, the Cape Wheel, two cinemas, helicopter rides, sunset and harbor boat trips, and lots of bars, restaurants and hotels. Phone 021-408-7600. http://www.waterfront.co.za.

Woodstock

Lying just to the east of the city center, Woodstock is one of the oldest suburbs in Cape Town and is a blend of seedy streets, secondhand stores and unique finds. It has seen a massive revival in recent years and has become a thriving design hub and home to some of Cape Town’s finest art galleries, photography studios and decor shops housed in cleverly converted and revamped warehouses. The Old Biscuit Mill is the most popular of these and hosts the Neighbourgoods Market every Saturday 9 am-2 pm—a thriving foodie mecca and an eclectic craft market (phone 021-447-8194; http://www.neighbourgoodsmarket.co.za). 373 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town.

PARKS & GARDENS

Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve

This is the most southerly part of the Table Mountain National Park and also lies within the Cape Floristic Region. The Cape of Good Hope section encompasses the southern tip of the peninsula—Cape Point—and more than 17,300 acres/7,000 hectares of indigenous fynbos (heath). It’s home to antelope, ostriches and baboons, and it features scenic hiking trails and some amazing but well-hidden beaches—the best walk is down to Diaz Beach. At Cape Point, a funicular railway transports passengers from the parking area up to a viewing platform just below the clifftop lighthouse. You can also walk to the top of the cliff, a stiff but enjoyable climb. Also at Cape Point is a fantastic restaurant, Two Oceans, open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea (expect to find a crowd there). To get there, take Highway M4 through Simon’s Town and Miller’s Point, or Highway M65 through Kommetjie and Scarborough. Daily 7 am-5 pm April-September, 6 am-6 pm October-March. R110 adults, R55 children younger than 12. Phone 021-780-9526. http://www.sanparks.org/parks/table_mountain.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Founded on the eastern side of Table Mountain in 1913, Kirstenbosch is renowned for the beauty and diversity of its indigenous flora (more than 4,700 species, including several types of protea and prehistoric cycads), but it’s also a great spot to look for birds endemic to the fynbos of the Western Cape. A variety of small mammals are also resident, and there’s an especially gorgeous display of wildflowers and a scent garden for the blind. The former estate of Cecil Rhodes, it now includes a restaurant, gift shop, bookshop and garden center. Sunset concerts are held on the lawn of the gardens every Sunday December-March, and there’s a craft market on the last Sunday of the month September-May. Garden open April-August daily 8 am-6 pm, September-March daily 8 am-7 pm. R50 adults. Rhodes Drive, Newlands. Phone 021-799-8783. http://www.sanbi.org/gardens/kirstenbosch.

Rietvlei Wetland Reserve

This large wetland area and the floodplain of the Diep River has more than 190 bird species in residence, including large flocks of flamingos and pelicans. The reserve also has a spectacular view of Table Mountain, and the springtime wildflowers are a wonderful sight. Daily 7:30 am-5 pm. R12 adults. Grey Avenue (take Highway R27 to Blouberg Road and follow the signs), Cape Town. Phone 021-444-0315. http://www.friendsofrietvlei.co.za.

Table Mountain

Cape Town’s biggest tourist attraction rises to 3,562 ft/1,086 m and is part of Table Mountain National Park, a vast protected area that stretches down the entire Cape Peninsula from Signal Hill in the north to Cape Point in the south. It’s worth getting a close look at the mountain itself, and the most popular way of doing so is to ride the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, which whisks you to the summit. (You may want to ride the cable car one way and walk the other.) Once there, you’re in for awesome panoramic views—provided the peak isn’t shrouded in clouds. Keep an eye out for black eagles, Himalayan tahrs, smaller indigenous antelope such as duiker and klipspringer, rock hyraxes, and such striking flowers as the protea. There’s also a decent self-service restaurant at the top of the mountain.

There are more than 20 hiking trails that run up the mountain from all sides—a leisurely climb takes about two to three hours. For details on the routes, purchase one of the trail guides available from bookshops or the park’s offices. There are many available, although we recommend the titles by Mike Lundy. If you’re planning to hike far, be sure you’re well-equipped with a map, provisions and gear: The mountain sees some rapidly changeable weather, and it’s easy to get lost. Always check the weather report first, carry a mobile phone and let someone know you’re out walking on the mountain.

The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway operates daily, although service can be interrupted by bad weather. The first car up is at 8 am throughout the year. The last car down departs anywhere from 6 pm in the middle of winter to 9:30 pm in the middle of summer (phone or check the website for exact times). It usually closes for two to three weeks over the cusp of July-August for maintenance.

Round-trip tickets are R225 adults; one-way tickets are R115 adults. Tickets are best bought online to avoid queues and to get the best price. Tafelberg Road (off Kloof Nek), Cape Town. Phone 021-424-0015. http://www.tablemountain.net.

The Company’s Garden

A garden as old as the city itself, this is the site of the vegetable garden founded by Jan van Riebeeck in 1652 to supply Dutch trading ships with fresh produce. Today the tranquil and expansive grounds running alongside Government Avenue contain green lawns, bright flower beds and beautiful fountains. The South African National Gallery and the South African Museum are there, as are a number of historic statues, a pleasant outdoor restaurant, and squadrons of inquisitive squirrels. Daily 7 am-6 pm June-August, 7 am-7 pm September-May. Free. Queen Victoria Street (at the top end of Adderley Street), City Centre, Cape Town. Phone 021-400-2521. http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/parks/facilities/Pages/CapeTownGardens.aspx.

AMUSEMENT PARKS

Ratanga Junction

Wholesome family fun in an environment that manages to avoid the tackiness that plagues some amusement parks. It offers the usual lineup of roller coasters and other things that make you scream. The park opens December and January daily 10 am-5 pm and during school holidays and some public holidays—check the website for regular updates. R172 adults. Century Boulevard (adjacent to the Canal Walk megamall, 15 minutes from City Centre), Milnerton. Phone 021-550-8504. http://www.ratanga.co.za.

WINERIES, BREWERIES & DISTILLERIES

Constantia Wine Route

South Africa’s tradition of award-winning winemaking dates from the arrival of the original Dutch colonists. There are several wineries south of Table Mountain in the Constantia Valley, which was chosen in 1685 by the first governor of the Cape, Simon van der Stel, as the site of his farm, Constantia. Wine estates there have excellent examples of old Cape Dutch architecture and include Buitenverwachting (which means “beyond expectations”), Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia and Constantia Uitsig. All offer a wine tasting and sales center, as well as on-site restaurants. Take Highway M3 south, then follow Rhodes Drive past the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden for a splendid dash through the forests. You can also take Highway M63 east from Hout Bay. Phone 021-709-0413. http://www.constantiavalley.com.

Stellenbosch Wine Route

This region, 25 mi/40 km east of Cape Town, is home to a large number of award-winning estates. Most offer daily wine tastings, cellar tours and sales, and many have restaurants and picnic facilities. Some offer luxury accommodations, as well. Among the finer wineries in the area are Boschendal, Hartenberg, Lanzerac, Middelvlei, Meerlust, Neethlingshof, Rust en Vrede, Simonsig, Tokara and Vergelegen—a top wine estate with magnificent camphor trees planted more than 300 years ago. The Spier Estate wines can’t match those of the better vineyards, but the facility has plenty of activities in the beautiful grounds dotted with lakes and offers tastings of wines made by other Stellenbosch vineyards. Stellenbosch itself was founded by Gov. Simon Van Der Stel in 1697 and is the second-oldest settlement in South Africa after Cape Town. It is well worth visiting for the fine Cape Dutch architecture and museums along historic, oak-lined Dorp and Church streets. Highway R310 is the most direct route by car. Phone 021-886-4310 for more information. http://www.wineroute.co.za.

ZOOS & WILDLIFE

Boulders Penguin Colony

Once home to just two pairs of African penguins, Boulders Beach now boasts a flourishing penguin population that numbers around 2,000. The huge granite boulders, which give this beach its name, form protected coves for penguin-watching, swimming and sunbathing. A wheelchair-friendly wooden boardwalk links Foxy Beach (the best penguin-viewing site) and Boulders Beach. The huge granite boulders, which give this beach its name, form protected coves for swimming and sunbathing, but take care not to get too close to the birds—they have the

right of way. Although it is in the seaside resort of Simon’s Town, it is administered as part of Table Mountain National Park. Daily 8 am-6:30 pm February, March, October and November; 8 am-5 pm April-September; 7 am-7 pm December and January. R55 adults. Boulders Beach (take Highway M4 south toward Cape Point), Simon’s Town. Phone 021-786-2329. http://www.sanparks.org/parks/table_mountain.

Butterfly World

A kaleidoscope of fluttering wings fills this 10,764-sq-ft/1,000-sq-m tropical garden situated at the crossroads of the Stellenbosch and Paarl wine routes. It is the largest butterfly park in South Africa and particularly enthralling for children. Best to visit on sunny days when the butterflies are most active, although the spiders (enclosed in terrariums), iguanas, meerkats and marmosets are busy year-round regardless of the weather. Daily 9 am-5 pm. R58 adults. Route 44, Klapmuts, Cape Town. Phone 021-875-5628. http://www.butterflyworld.co.za.

Two Oceans Aquarium

Africa’s largest aquarium, home to ragged-tooth sharks, large rays, turtles and about 300 species of fish, has a variety of exceptional exhibits. These include submarine kelp forests similar to those along South Africa’s west coast, intertidal zones, and wave pools with native plants and bird life. Sharks inhabit the Predator Tank, and eels and other unusual creatures can be viewed in the Fangs display. Phone ahead or check the website to find out the feeding times for seals, sharks and penguins. Daily 9:30 am-6 pm. R125 adults. Discounts are available for tickets purchased online in advance. Dock Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town. Phone 021-418-3823. http://www.aquarium.co.za.

World of Birds

More than 400 species of indigenous and exotic birds in more than 100 landscaped, walk-through aviaries. You can also meet squirrel monkeys in the Monkey Jungle, which are mischievous enough to attempt pickpocketing visitors. Daily 9 am-5 pm. R85 adults. Valley Road, Hout Bay. Phone 021-790-2730. http://www.worldofbirds.org.za.

RECREATION

One of the best aspects of Cape Town is that it offers a wealth of outdoor recreational activities at a minimal cost. Beach culture thrives up and down the Atlantic Seaboard, the West Coast and False Bay. Most are lively and full of bronzed sunbathers, competitive surfers, picnicking families and more. Cape Town’s environment is also excellent for hiking and walking, with lots of convenient and scenic routes to choose from, while the ocean—although cold—offers opportunities for surfing, boat rides and fishing.

BEACHES

Cape Town beaches have white sand and delicious surf, but remember that the Atlantic Ocean on the west side of the peninsula is cold—swimming or surfing requires bravery or a wetsuit. Beaches on the east side of the Cape, including those in False Bay, are warmed slightly by an Indian Ocean current but might still be a bit chilly for most in winter. Nevertheless, lots of attractive beach-goers hang out, playing volleyball and Frisbee and working up a sweat before taking a quick, icy plunge. Umbrellas and deck chairs are available for rent on the most popular beaches.

Even during the hottest months, the ocean on the Atlantic Seaboard is always cold for swimming where water temperatures rarely creep above 60 degrees F/16 degrees C. However, some beaches, such as Camps Bay, have tidal pools, which are ideal for a paddle. At beaches on the False Bay side of the Cape Peninsula, the water is a few degrees warmer and generally more sheltered from the wind. Be aware that strong rip tides characterize some of the beaches, and swimmers should exercise caution at all times. Lifeguards are only on duty during high season on the most popular beaches.

Camps Bay

Popular with the beautiful people, this palm-lined, sweeping beach has perfect white sand and a spectacular view of the Twelve Apostles (the spine of mountains running down the center of the Cape Peninsula), although it has very cold water and is unprotected from the wind. You can picnic on the grass or sand, and there is a string of trendy restaurants across the road from the promenade. Glen Beach, a cove at the northern end of the main beach, is a gem. It’s hidden behind boulders and is popular with surfers. Victoria Road, Camps Bay.

Hout Bay

With a long stretch of sand, this beach is lovely for walking, and it’s a good place to surf, windsurf or sail. However, swimmers should keep in mind that because of pollution, the areas on either side of the estuary are not suitable for swimming. It’s a good place to surf, windsurf or sail. There’s a charming historic harbor where you can watch fishermen hauling their nets off their colorful little fishing boats. Boat charters and cruises to Seal Island are available. Take Highway M6 to the harbor and follow the signs.

Kommetjie

The main attraction of this suburb on the Cape Peninsula is its wide, long, beautiful beach, which extends more than 5 mi/8 km. Its length and flatness make it a popular walking and surfing beach, and it is also a premier site for observing seabirds. About 2 mi/3 km down the beach, you’ll come across the wreck of the SS Kakapa, which ran aground in 1900. Another attraction is the white Slangkop (“snake head” in Afrikaans) Lighthouse, which stands 98 ft/30 m high and is the tallest cast-iron lighthouse on the South African coast. Take Highway M65 south of Noordhoek toward Cape Point. http://www.kommetjie.org.

Llandudno

A jewel set deep into the Atlantic Seaboard coastline and backing onto a wealthy neighborhood, this beach is popular with surfers and a favorite spot to watch the sunset atop the big boulders. Lifeguards and beach vendors are also there. Parking is limited: Those who arrive late are in for a long, steep walk to and from their cars. Sandy Bay, Cape Town’s only nudist beach, is an idyllic destination to the south of Llandudno. Be prepared for a longish walk (about 20 minutes) from the parking area to the beach, then enjoy an unspoiled environment. Off Highway M6, Llandudno.

Muizenberg

The long, flat beach at Muizenberg on False Bay may lack the dazzling turquoise ocean and dramatic boulders of other beaches around the Cape Peninsula, but it’s much warmer to swim there than on the Atlantic Seaboard side. The sea is generally calm and shallow with small waves, so it’s very child-friendly. It’s also a popular surfing spot, especially with novices, and there are plenty of surf shops and schools. You can drive there along Highway M3 or take the train to Muizenberg station and walk along Beach Road. Beach Road, Muizenberg.

St. James

If you want a safe family environment where you can watch your children paddle in the warm waves or the tidal pool, try the beach at St. James on the False Bay side of the Cape Peninsula. It’s best known for its row of quaint and brightly painted Victorian bathing boxes. You can drive there along Highway M3 or take the train to St. James station and walk under the subway. St. James Main Road, St. James.

BICYCLING

Cycling is one of the most popular activities in Cape Town, and on any given weekend you will see cyclists pedaling the scenic routes along the Atlantic Seaboard and Chapman’s Peak. However, the fever really sets in during the buildup to the Cape Argus Pick-n-Pay Cycle Tour held in early March each year.
For more leisurely rides, there are several dedicated mountain biking trails throughout Table Mountain National Park. Silvermine has a scenic gravel-and-dirt track that ends at the blissfully cool dam, and a selection of single tracks, from easy to difficult, wind through the pine trees in Tokai Forest. Permits can be obtained at both park gates. For more cycle route information, visit http://www.mtbroutes.co.za.

Dirtopia Trail Center

Situated on a farm between Stellenbosch and Klapmuts, Dirtopia is laced with a wide range of single tracks—from complicated, elevated wooden trails to the easier farm loop. Equipment and bikes can be hired; there’s a cafe; and nonbikers can go on bird-watching and vineyard hikes. Daily 8 am-5 pm. Trail permits start at R30 adults, R15 children younger than 10. Bike hire from R120 for a half-day. Delvera Agri-tourism complex, Delvera Farm, Highway R44 (near Stellenbosch), Cape Town. Phone 021-884-4752. http://www.dirtopia.co.za.

Downhill Adventures

This one-stop adventure center can organize mountain-biking day trips to the most popular spots, including Tokai Forest, the Winelands and the lower slopes of Table Mountain. One of the most popular tours is to the Cape of Good Hope for cycling, followed by a visit to the penguin colony at Boulders Beach and wine-tasting in the Constantia Valley. It also rents bikes and provides maps. Shop open Monday-Friday 8 am-5 pm, Saturday 8 am-1 pm; trips offered daily. 1 Overbeek Building (at the intersection of Kloof, Long and Orange streets), Gardens, Cape Town. Phone 021-422-0388. http://www.downhilladventures.com.

BIRD WATCHING

Cape Town is one of South Africa’s premier bird-watching destinations owing to its diversity of habitats, including coastal and mountain fynbos, Afromontane forest, wetlands and the ocean (Cape pelagic birding is world-famous). More than 70% of South Africa’s endemic bird species can be found in the Western Cape alone.

Popular spots include the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, where 125 species have been recorded. Look out for the African dusky flycatcher, Cape francolin, steppe buzzard and the spotted eagle owl, which often sits near the Dell. Farther out along the West Coast lies the Langebaan Lagoon, which hosts large populations of migrant waders during the summer months. Table Mountain National Park is excellent for fynbos endemic species such as Cape Rock-jumper, orange-breasted sunbird and Cape sugarbird. And, of course, the Boulders Beach African penguin colony is not to be missed.

Birding Africa

This tour operator specializes in short trips with as much exposure to the Cape’s diversity as possible. Day excursions around the peninsula and the West Coast, two-day raptor guides and longer desert-birding tours are all available. 4 Crassula Way, Pinelands, Cape Town. Phone 021-531-9148. http://www.birdingafrica.com.

Cape Town Pelagics

A sister company of Birding Africa, Cape Town Pelagics focuses on the rich variety of seabirds off the Cape coastline. Guides are seriously dedicated birders with a passion for conservation and research. Boat excursions leave from Simon’s Town harbor, and all the profits are donated to seabird conservation. 4 Egret St., Scarborough, Cape Town. Phone 021-531-9148. http://www.capetownpelagics.com.

BOATING & SAILING

Kaskazi Kayaks

With a shop conveniently located at Three Anchor Bay (between Green Point and Sea Point) where all the kayaks are stored just below on the beach, this operation offers gentle 2- to 3-mi/3- to 5-km kayak tours along the coast as far as Clifton on the Atlantic Seaboard. It’s a perfect way to see Lion’s Head, the Twelve Apostles and the boulder-strewn beaches, and you may spot whales in Table Bay in season. Trips last about two hours, cost from R275 per person and are suitable for novices. 179 Beach Road, Three Anchor Bay, Cape Town. Phone 083-346-1146. http://kayak.co.za.

Kayak Cape Town

Based in Simon’s Town, this company offers a variety of sea-kayaking tours ranging from a gentle two-hour paddle through the harbor and to see the penguins at Boulders Beach for R250 per person. It also offers more exciting trips all the way south to craggy Cape Point to see seals, dolphins and whales. Novices are welcome in most weather conditions, but experienced paddlers can up the adrenaline stakes by choosing to head out on a stormy day. Wharf Street, Cape Town. Phone 082-501-8930. http://www.kayakcapetown.co.za.

Nauticat Charters

Operates daily cruises from Hout Bay Harbour to see the seal colony on Seal Island—the boat has additional underwater windows in the hull to enable viewing of the seals as they are swimming, too. Departures every hour 8:45 am-3:45 pm; the trip lasts 45 minutes. R70 adults, R35 children younger than 12. Hout Bay Harbour, Cape Town. Phone 021-790-7278. http://www.nauticatcharters.co.za.

Simon’s Town Boat Company

With four kinds of boats, this company offers a variety of seafaring excursions, from whale-watching trips in season to a short guided harbor tour, which includes entertaining stories about the history of Simon’s Town and the naval dockyard. More exhilarating is a fast speedboat ride to Cape Point that includes a stop on the seaward side of Boulders Beach to see the penguins frolicking in the water. Simon’s Town Pier (off Wharf Street), Cape Town. Phone 082-257-7760. http://www.boatcompany.co.za.

Waterfront Charters

Offers several boats that depart from outside the Victoria Wharf shopping mall at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. You can choose from a sunset champagne cruise on a catamaran, a quick trip to see the working harbor and its resident seals on a tug, a sail along the coast on a traditional schooner, or a high-speed jet-boat ride in Table Bay. Departures throughout the day. Quay 5, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town. Phone 021-418-3168. http://www.waterfrontcharters.co.za.

FISHING

Hooked on Africa

This tour operator arranges deep-sea fishing charters for longfin and yellowfin tuna, and trips usually find these around Cape Point. Other species that are targeted off the peninsula coastline are dorado, snoek and mako sharks. Tackle, bait, a lobster lunch and beverages are provided. Hout Bay Harbour, Cape Town. Phone 021-790-5332. http://www.hookedonafrica.co.za.

GOLF

Mowbray Golf Club

An 18-hole championship course that’s deceptively difficult but has fine views of Devil’s Peak and the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. It has hosted the South Africa Open seven times and the Bells Cup three times. Daily 6:30 am-7 pm in summer; daily 7:30 am-6 pm in winter. Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons and Saturday all day are reserved for members only. 1 Raapenburg Road (just off the N2 en route to Cape Town International Airport), Cape Town. Phone 021-685-3018. http://www.mowbraygolfclub.co.za.

Steenberg Golf Club

Upmarket golf estate in the picturesque Constantia Valley with fantastic views over False Bay. An 18-hole, soft-spike course, the different seasons and the wind continually change the challenges and options of each hole. The estate is also the location of the deluxe Steenberg Hotel and two fine vineyard restaurants. Open daily 6 am-6:30 pm in summer. 10978 Tokai Road (at the corner of Tokai Road), Cape Town. Phone 021-715-0227. http://www.steenberggolfclub.co.za.

HIKING & WALKING

If you want to enjoy the scenery as you stretch your legs, there are more than 50 easy walking routes in the Cape Peninsula. Some are located very near the City Centre, so they’re easy to get to, and you can enjoy them for free. The Table Mountain National Park encompasses Table Mountain and can be accessed from the City Bowl, the Atlantic Seaboard and the Southern Suburbs. The two most popular walking areas are Newlands Forest and Cecilia Plantation on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain.

You don’t need a guide or equipment to walk these trails, but it is advisable to buy a publication explaining the intricacies of weather conditions, contour paths, ravines and so forth. Either of these books will help you choose the right route (available from newsstands or bookstores):Table Mountain Classics by Tony Louwrens or Best Walks in the Cape Peninsula by Mike Lundy.

Note: Exercise caution when going for a walk. Never walk alone, always check the latest weather report before you depart, carry a mobile phone and leave details about your hike (including your intended time of return) at your hotel or with friends.

HORSEBACK RIDING

Imhoff Equestrian Centre

This outfit offers two-hour guided beach rides along beautiful Noordhoek Beach toward Chapmans Peak and back. Reservations are essential. Three rides depart daily, and times vary depending on the season. R450 per ride. Suitable for novices, but minimum age is 12. Imhoff Farm, Highway M65, Kommetjie, Cape Town. Phone 082-774-1191. http://www.horseriding.co.za.

SCUBA & SNORKELING

Cape Town offers a number of excellent shore and boat dives.

Shark Diving Unlimited

Renowned “sharkman” Michael Rutzen leads cage-diving excursions off the coast of Gansbaai—stomping ground of the great white shark. The company arranges transport from Cape Town, and no diving experience is necessary. Also on offer are breaching trips and a PADI course specializing in great white diving. 1 Swart St., Kleinbaai, Cape Town. Phone 082-441-4555. http://www.sharkdivingunlimited.com.

Table Bay Diving

A PADI dive school with an office at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront from which tours depart to the best dive sites in the area, including kelp forests around the Cape Peninsula. It has two boat launch sites at Hout Bay on the Atlantic Seaboard and Millers Point south of Simons Town on the False Bay side (remember water temperatures vary between the two). Single shore dives start from R300, boat dives from R350. Quay 5, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town. Phone 021-419-8822. http://www.tablebaydiving.com.

SURFING

There are more than 50 surfing spots in and around Cape Town, some well-known and others hidden gems frequented by locals only. Some of the best breaks are on Noordhoek, Llandudno, Muizenberg and Bloubergstrand beaches. Remember that the sea is cold, so full wetsuits are essential.

Up-to-the-minute surf reports can be found at http://www.wavescape.co.za.

Downhill Adventures

This established one-stop adventure center can organize surfing lessons at either Big Bay or Muizenberg and promises to get complete beginners standing on a board and riding a wave in one day. Trips departing from the city center start from R650 and include all equipment and instruction. Also rents out boards and wetsuits to experienced surfers. Monday-Friday 8 am-5 pm, Saturday 8 am-1 pm; trips offered daily. 1 Overbeek Building, Gardens (at the intersection of Kloof, Long and Orange streets), Cape Town. Phone 021-422-0388. http://www.downhilladventures.com.

Gary’s Surf School

Gary Kleinham has been teaching surfing in Muizenberg since 1989, making this the oldest surf school in South Africa. Beginners are taught on longboards and may advance to a shortboard once they have mastered the basic skills. Two-hour lessons are held daily (times are dependent on tides) and cost R350 with equipment. 34 Balmoral Building, Beach Road, Muizenberg. Phone 021-788-9839. http://www.garysurf.com.

SWIMMING

Sea Point Swimming Pool

Also known locally as the Sea Point Pavilion, this wonderful outdoor Olympic-sized pool is often dubbed “the most beautiful public swimming pool in the world,” and for good reason—it’s located at the Bantry Bay end of Sea Point Promenade and sits on rocks right next to the Atlantic with superb mountain and ocean views. There are also two splash pools for kids, a springboard diving pool and terraces for sunbathing. Daily 8:30 am-5 pm May-September, 7 am-7 pm October-April. R20 adults, R10 children younger than 16. Beach Road, Sea Point, Cape Town. Phone 021-434-3341.

OTHER OPTIONS

Abseil Africa

With a drop of 367 ft/112 m, the abseil from the top of Table Mountain is considered to be the longest commercial abseil in the world. It provides a huge adrenaline rush, and there are also awesome views of Cape Town’s city bowl, as well as the Camps Bay and Clifton coastline at your feet. You can hike or take the cable car to the top. Operates daily 10 am-3 pm (weather permitting). R750 per person. 295 Long St., Cape Town. Phone 021-424-4760. http://www.abseilafrica.co.za.

NIGHTLIFE

Cape Town has an unusually lively nightlife—things are joyously raucous after dark, especially in summer. You can boogie in the luxury of a nightclub or step out under the stars at an impromptu outdoor trance party. A bewildering number of venues present live music—rock ‘n’ roll, jazz, soul, rhythm and blues, reggae (you name it, you can find it)—or featured DJs laying down the latest international grooves. Most places also have special theme parties weekly or bring in foreign acts: Look out for flyers or simply ask around—the cafes along Long Street in the City Centre are a good place to start.

Most of the best bars and clubs are in or close to the City Centre, especially up and down Long Street. Other nightlife districts include fashionable Victoria Road in Camps Bay and the thriving gay and lesbian scene based in the De Waterkant area, close to Somerset Road in Green Point. There are also a few places dotted around the Southern Suburbs, which especially cater to the lively student crowd from the University of Cape Town (UTC).

Most taverns and pubs open for lunch just before noon and serve alcohol until closing time, usually between 11 pm and 1 am, depending on the season—summertime is party time. City bars and nightclubs open by 9 or 10 pm and rock until the sun comes up. Generally speaking, the later they open, the later they close.

BARS, TAVERNS & PUBS

Asoka

This lounge bar has an edgy atmosphere and is set in an old Victorian house with a great internal courtyard for lounging with a unique cocktail. The Asian-inspired menu includes tapas-style platters to share. Monday-Saturday 5 pm-2 am. 68 Kloof St., Gardens, Cape Town. Phone 021-422-0909. http://asokabar.co.za.

Bascule Whisky & Wine Bar

Underneath the Cape Grace Hotel, overlooking the yacht basin and with magnificent views of Table Mountain, this is a busy meeting place on weekends, particularly Friday night, when tired but happy professionals congregate to drink whatever—although it does have the very best selection of whiskeys in the city. Daily 10 am-midnight. West Quay Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town. Phone 021-410-7100. http://www.capegrace.com.

Brass Bell

With a collection of pubs and restaurants, this Kalk Bay institution has a tidal pool, beach and marvelous view of the small fishing harbor. Take a train there and relax with the locals over a beer, or watch the sunset over a drink before having dinner. Daily 11 am-1 am (kitchen closes at 11 pm). Seafront, Kalk Bay, Cape Town.

Buena Vista Social Cafe

Feed on a platter of tapas, stir your blood with the photographs of Cuban revolutionaries, and prepare to make a night of it on mojitos and salsa music. The rooftop decks are perfect for hot summer evenings, and the fireplaces and cozy lounge are great for chilly winter nights. Daily noon-2 am. 15 Alfred House, Portswood Road, Green Point. Phone 021-418-2467. http://www.buenavista.co.za.

Cafe Caprice

The place for sundowners on the Camps Bay strip—although there’s a chance more time will be spent watching the beautiful people and celebrities who frequent Caprice than the sunset. Go early for a pavement table or late for hot DJ sessions. Daily 9 am-late. 37 Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town. Phone 021-438-8315. http://www.cafecaprice.co.za.

Daddy Cool Bar

Situated on the first floor of the famous Grand Daddy Hotel, this small bar is an ode to all things bling, decked out with white-leather sofas, gold wallpaper, gilt mirrors and jewels. Sip on champagne or let the bar staff bedazzle you with a cocktail shaker. The atmosphere is laid-back but cool. Head up to the Sky Bar on the roof for fresh air and spectacular city views. Wednesday-Saturday 4 pm-late. 38 Long St., City Centre, Cape Town. Phone 021-424-7247. http://www.granddaddy.co.za/drink.

Ferryman’s Tavern

Formerly a Victorian warehouse, this popular drinking hole at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront has something of an English pub atmosphere and plenty of outdoor seating for warm evenings. There’s beer on tap to wash down the inexpensive pub grub. Daily 10 am-midnight. East Pier Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town. Phone 021-419-7748. http://www.ferrymans.co.za.

Fireman’s Arms

Set in Cape Town’s first fire station dating from 1864 (you can still see the fireman’s pole in the bar), this tavern is the place to go to watch crucial soccer or rugby matches on big TV screens. The British-style pub-grub menu offers comfort food, and there’s an additional pizza oven. Monday-Saturday noon-10 pm. 25 Mechau St., City Centre, Cape Town. Phone 021-419-1513. http://www.firemansarms.co.za.

Foresters Arms

The legendary “Forries” is a traditional British-style pub and beer garden with Tudor decor and lots of charm. It’s popular pre- and post- match with spectators from the nearby Newlands rugby and cricket stadiums. The pub menu includes delicious steak-and-kidney pie. Monday-Thursday 11 am-11 pm, Friday-Sunday 9 am-11 pm. 52 Newlands Ave., Newlands, Cape Town. Phone 021-689-5949. http://www.forries.co.za.

Jo’burg

Inviting ruby-red sofas and industrial decor set this bar apart. Sip cocktails or play pool, but be prepared for the crowds, especially on the weekends, when it attracts a mixed clientele ranging from European backpackers to Francophile West Africans and local yuppies. Daily noon-4 am. 218 Long St., City Centre, Cape Town. Phone 021-422-0142.

Mitchell’s Scottish Ale House

Next to the Ferrymen’s Tavern and with a similarly unpretentious British feel, this pub is popular with real ale fans. In addition to the usual mass-produced on-tap lagers, it stocks the privately brewed Mitchell’s Raven, a smooth, medium-strength stout. Daily 10 am-2 am. East Pier Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town. Phone 021-419-5074. http://www.mitchells-ale-house.com.

Oblivion

Cozy, relaxed Euro-style wine bar with comfy leather sofas, warm winter fires, a rooftop deck and a fabulous range of wines served by the glass or bottle. Beers and spirits are also available. Sunday-Thursday 8:30 am-midnight, Friday and Saturday 8:30 am-3 am. 22 Chichester Road, Claremont, Cape Town. Phone 021-671-8522. http://www.oblivion.co.za.

Peddlars on the Bend

A lovely summer garden and ample secure parking are just two of the features that make this a popular social spot. It’s also not a bad place to eat, with more than just pub grub. The aged steaks and seafood bouillabaisse are the signature dishes. The extensive wine list has won awards. Daily 11 am-11 pm. Spaanschemat River Road, Constantia. Phone 021-794-7747. http://www.peddlars.co.za.

Planet Bar

This bar is in Cape Town’s grandest—and oldest—hotel. Smart, gorgeous locals mix with international visitors over swanky flutes of champagne in an interior designed as a mock-up of Africa-meets-Euro-funk in the Mount Nelson Hotel. Monday-Saturday 6:30-10:30 pm. 76 Orange St., Gardens, Cape Town. Phone 021-483-1000. http://www.planetbarandrestaurant.co.za.

Raya Lounge

A sophisticated spot with one of the best cocktail menus in Cape Town. Decor is opulent, service is faultless and the bar snacks keep on coming. If you get peckish, there’s an extensive lounge menu—a tempered version of the main restaurant. Tuesday-Saturday 5 pm-1 am, Sunday noon-3 pm for buffet lunch. Kronendal Manor, 140 Main Road, Hout Bay. Phone 021-790-8004. http://www.kitima.co.za.

The Grand Cafe & Beach

This is the opulent sister to The Grand in Camps Bay. Both are worth a visit—the latter for its swish old-fashioned ambience in the heart of Camps Bay, and the former for the bikini-clad clientele who can be seen dipping into cocktails on beach loungers or at the bar. Daily except Monday noon-late. Granger Bay Road (off Beach Road, Granger Bay), Cape Town. Phone 072-586-2052. http://www.grandafrica.com.

The Perseverance Tavern

Known to locals as Persies and founded in 1836, this is one of the city’s oldest taverns. There’s beer on tap, and pub grub includes the likes of bangers-and-mash and liver-and-onions. Daily noon-2 am. 83 Buitenkant St., Gardens, Cape Town. Phone 021-461-2440. http://www.perseverancetavern.co.za.

Tobago’s

This is one of the best-positioned hotel bars in Cape Town, in the Radisson Blu Hotel, right on the ocean’s edge next to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront with views of Table Bay and Robben Island. Popular for after-work drinks and for watching the sunset. It’s also renowned for its inventive cocktail menu. Daily 11 am-midnight. Beach Road, Granger Bay, Cape Town. Phone 021-441-3000. http://www.radissonblu.com/hotel-capetown.

Waiting Room

A Long Street institution, the Waiting Room is where Cape Town’s hippest folk drop their pretensions and kick-start their night’s revelries. The decor is retro, and it easily offers the best views of Long Street from the balcony. Look out for a small door next to Royale Eatery and a steep, narrow staircase. Monday-Thursday 7 pm-late, Friday 4 pm-late, Saturday 6 pm-late. 273 Long St. (above Royale Eatery), City Centre, Cape Town. Phone 021-422-4536.

COMEDY CLUBS

Jou Ma se Comedy Club

Set in a restored pump house at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Jou Ma se Comedy Club is the brainchild of comedian Kurt Schoonraad. Entertainment includes established comedians, emerging talents and open-mike sessions for novices. Patrons can dine while they watch the show, and the bar stays open until 2 am. Shows Wednesday-Sunday. Doors open at 6:30 pm, and shows start at 8:30 pm. Tickets from R95. The Pumphouse, Dock Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Observatory. Phone 079-495-3989. http://joumasecomedy.com.

DANCE & NIGHTCLUBS

For more information about clubs and events, parties and promotions, visit http://www.capetownlive.com.

Chrome

Centrally located off trendy Long Street, this upmarket nightclub has a large dance floor and a stylish VIP lounge with a slightly more relaxed atmosphere. It also has a separate champagne and cigar bar and a DJ that plays mainstream Top 40 and dance music. Wednesday 9 pm-4 am, Thursday-Sunday 10 pm-4 am. Cover charge varies. 6 Pepper St., Cape Town. Phone 083-700-6078. http://www.chromect.com.

The Assembly

This industrial-style venue hosts an array of brilliant local and international musicians with plenty of room to dance and a huge bar to boot. The crowd is unpretentious and eclectic, usually dictated by the genre of music, which ranges from indie to electronica. Keep your credit cards in your pocket and make use of the secure bar tab system instead. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 9 pm-4 am. Cover charge varies. 61 Harrington St., City Centre, Cape Town. Phone 021-465-7286. http://www.theassembly.co.za.

The Loop Club

An upmarket multitiered club with cool retro decor, inventive neon lighting, a red-carpeted entrance and a spacious balcony overlooking Pepper Street. DJs play R&B, house and techno. Open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 9 pm-4 am. Cover charge varies. 161 Loop St. (at Pepper Street), City Centre, Cape Town. Phone 072-539-1121. http://www.theloopnightclub.co.za.

The Springbok Pub

Quiet pub by day, popular dance club by night. Catering mostly to the local student market, the Springbok has five bars, a dance floor and a large beer garden. Given that it’s located between the Newlands rugby and cricket stadiums, it’s also a popular venue before or after a match. Monday-Saturday 11 am-2 am (Monday and Wednesday only till 9 pm). Cover charge after 8 pm. 1 Sports Pienaar Road, Newlands. Phone 021-671-4251. http://www.springbokpub.com.

Tiger Tiger

This is the largest nightclub in Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs with several bars and a large sunken dance floor. It is popular with local TV and sports celebrities. Mixed music but mostly commercial pop that’s easy to dance to. Open Thursday-Saturday 8:30 pm-4 am. Cover charge varies. 103 Main Road, Claremont. Phone 021-683-2220. http://www.tigertiger.co.za.

Trinity

Located in a converted redbrick warehouse in De Waterkant (Cape Town’s gay nightlife neighborhood), this trendy club is not exclusively gay and attracts a mixed, youthful crowd. Interesting features include giant Indian wooden carved entrance doors, an enchanting roof garden and a fountain in the middle of the dance floor. The restaurant specializes in Asian dishes and sushi. Open Monday-Saturday, restaurant noon-midnight, club 10 am-5 am. 15 Bennett St., De Waterkant, Green Point. Phone 021-418-0624. http://www.trinitycapetown.co.za.

LIVE MUSIC

Dizzy’s

A Camps Bay mainstay that features live music, cover bands and DJs in the evening. Reasonably good restaurant fare such as pizzas and gourmet burgers served until the small hours. Tuesday is karaoke night, Thursday is pub quiz night. Daily noon-4 am. 41 The Drive, Camps Bay. Phone 021-438-2686. http://www.dizzys.co.za.

Mama Africa

No visit to Cape Town is complete without a taste of the superior African music and amazing industrial decor at Mama Africa, one of the funkiest spots in town. Groove to such legends as marimba masters Abakhaya and Marimba Vibrations. The menu features African and game meat dishes. Monday-Saturday 6:30 pm-midnight for dinner and show, Tuesday-Friday noon-3 pm for lunch. Cover charge for those not dining. 178 Long St., City Centre, Cape Town. Phone 021-424-8634. http://www.mamaafricarestaurant.co.za.

Mercury Live & Lounge

Mercury is the best place to catch rock and alternative bands, and it regularly presents memorable special-event parties. On Friday, DJs play everything from the 1950s to the ’90s. Open Monday and Wednesday-Saturday 9 pm-2 am. Cover charge. 43 De Villiers St., City Centre, Cape Town. Phone 021-465-2106.

Straight No Chaser Club

This venue for true jazz enthusiasts is modeled in the fashion of a popular New York club, the Village Vanguard. It showcases local bands on a tiny stage and two shows—at 8 and 10 pm—are scheduled per evening. Limited seats and increasing popularity among locals means you’ll need to book well in advance. Tuesday-Saturday 7 pm-2 am. Cover charge varies. 79 Buitenkant St., City Centre, Cape Town. Phone 076-679-2697. http://straightnochaserclub.wordpress.com.

The Piano Bar

Modeled on the speakeasies that appeared on the East Coast of the U.S. in the 1900s, this sophisticated music venue is set in a historic house in the quaint cobbled streets of the colorful De Waterkant neighborhood. There’s a live performance every night, from African-infused jazz to classical piano recitals. Light meals are available, and the cocktail menu changes monthly. Daily 4:30 pm-midnight. 47 Napier St., De Waterkant, Cape Town. Phone 081-851-6000. http://thepianobar.co.za.

PERFORMING ARTS

Cape Town has a number of performing-arts venues across the city, and it also hosts various annual arts festivals.

Artscape in the City Centre is the largest venue that hosts opera, ballet and mainstream theater, including imported musicals, and there are many community and dinner theaters that host everything from contemporary dance and cabaret to stand-up comedy and pantomime.

Outdoor venues include the Spier Wine Estate and the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, both of which have a full program of events during the summer months, when the drill is to enjoy a performance along with a picnic and perhaps a bottle of wine on the lawns.

FILM

Multiscreen movie theaters can be found at Cape Town’s larger shopping malls, including the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Canal Walk and Cavendish Square. They are run by either Nu Metro (http://www.numetro.co.za) or Ster-Kinekor (http://www.sterkinekor.com). New movies are released on Friday.

The Labia

This quirky independent movie theater is Cape Town’s most popular. The building was once the Italian Embassy’s ballroom and was opened as a theater by Princess Labia in 1949. Shows off-beat and international films as well as occasional documentaries followed by audience discussions. 68 Orange St., Gardens, Cape Town. Phone 021-424-5927. http://www.labia.co.za.

THEATER

Artscape

Cape Town’s largest theater complex offers several auditoriums showcasing a variety of performances from musicals and plays to pantomimes and gospel choirs. It’s also the home of the Cape Town City Ballet, the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra and the Cape Town Opera. D.F. Malan Street, Foreshore, City Centre, Cape Town. Phone 021-410-9800. http://www.artscape.co.za.

Baxter Theatre Centre

With a main auditorium, studio theater, concert hall, and a number of foyers and galleries, this center is part of the University of Cape Town. It hosts an excellent variety of shows, reviews, concerts and exhibitions. Main Road, Rondebosch. Phone 021-685-7880. http://www.baxter.co.za.

Evita se Perron

About an hour’s drive from Cape Town but worth mentioning because of Pieter-Dirk Uys’s cult status in South African theater. This restaurant-cabaret venue is most famous for his one-man/woman shows navigating the disturbing, ironic and often hilarious waters of South African politics. At the heart of his satire is the fictional Tannie (Aunty) Evita Bezuidenhout, who gives the theater its name. Show times and dates vary, but they usually run Friday-Sunday. Old Darling Station, 8 Arcadia St., Darling. Phone 022-492-2851. http://www.evita.co.za.

Fugard Theatre

Cape Town’s most contemporary theater is located in a historical District Six warehouse with an old church hall serving as the foyer. It’s named after Athol Fugard, one of South Africa’s favorite playwrights. Expect a broad spectrum of performances, from serious plays to comedic musicals. The bars at the entrance and on the roof are popular for pre-show drinks. Caledon Street, District Six (at Lower Buitenkant Street), Cape Town. Phone 021-461-4554. http://www.thefugard.com.

Kalk Bay Theatre

The old Kalk Bay Dutch Reformed Church, built in 1876, has been converted into an intimate little theater and restaurant. Meals are served before the show, although drinks and desserts may be arranged for afterward. Shows run for up to eight weeks, and performances are Wednesday-Saturday. South Africa’s longest-running improvisation theater show Theatresports runs every Tuesday at 8 pm. 52 Main Road, Kalk Bay. Phone 079-361-8275. http://www.kalkbaytheatre.co.za.

Maynardville Open-Air Theatre

Situated in Maynardville Park, this popular outdoor theater hosts the annual Shakespeare-in-the-Park as well as wonderful performances by the Cape Town City Ballet. Locals flock there early for preshow picnics and wine on the lawns and under the trees. Tickets can be booked at Artscape or Computicket. 20 Piers St. (corner of Wolfe Road and Piers Street, Wynberg), Cape Town. Phone 021-761-0593. http://www.maynardville.co.za.

Theatre on the Bay

This lively theater is in one of the best locations in Cape Town—overlooking the beach at Camps Bay. It offers a good mix of musicals, popular revues, cabaret and light comedy. The Side Dish Theatre Bistro is open for dinner before the show, and the menu changes each time there’s a new theatrical production. 1 Link St., Camps Bay. Phone 021-438-3300. http://www.theatreonthebay.co.za.

TICKET BROKERS

Computicket

Handles tickets for theater shows, concerts and other performing arts, as well as many other events including sports fixtures. Has kiosks in all the major shopping malls and in Checkers and Shoprite supermarket chains. Phone 083-951-8000. http://www.computicket.com.

SPECTATOR SPORTS

Cape Town’s British history is reflected in its choice of sports. Rugby and cricket matches consistently draw the largest crowds and also have a relatively strong hold on corporate sponsorship. As a result, Cape Town has world-class rugby and cricket grounds, which are adjacent to each other in Newlands.

Soccer, called football, ranks third and is making gains in terms of big-money sponsorships, although its public support base is not as affluent as those of rugby and cricket. But after South Africa hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup, South African soccer has made an impression on a global scale, and the bar has been raised for local teams. The world watched all of the 2010 soccer games at the country’s world-class stadiums in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Bloemfontein, Rustenburg, Durban and, of course, Cape Town. Fittingly, the site of Cape Town Stadium—Green Point Common—is actually the birthplace of soccer in South Africa, where the first recorded public game was held in 1862. There are currently three Cape Town soccer teams in the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL): Ajax Cape Town, Engen Santos and Vasco da Gama.

Information and tickets for sports fixtures are through Computicket, which has kiosks in all the major shopping malls and in Checkers and Shoprite supermarket chains. Phone 083-951-8000. http://www.computicket.com.

HORSE RACING

Kenilworth Racecourse

Summer is the racing season at Cape Town’s Kenilworth Racecourse in the Southern Suburbs, one of only ten racecourses in the whole of South Africa. The center of the track is actually a nature reserve—the Kenilworth Racecourse Conservation Area—that protects a naturally occurring wetland and large patch of sand fynbos. The most prestigious annual horse racing events are the J&B Met and the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate (both in January), when the social aspects of dressing up and hospitality tents are just as important as the runners and riders. Rosmead Avenue, Kenilworth, Cape Town. Phone 021-700-1843. http://www.krca.co.za.

SOCCER

Cape Town Stadium

This massively impressive (and unmistakable) stadium in Green Point was especially built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and has a capacity of 55,000. It is now the home ground to Ajax Cape Town, the city’s most popular soccer team, which is always highly ranked in the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL). Like rugby, match day is always a great event attracting enthusiastic supporters in the tens of thousands. The stadium is also used for large concerts. Fritz Sonnenberg Road, Green Point, Cape Town. Phone 021-417-0120. http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/CapeTownStadium2.

OTHER OPTIONS

Newlands Stadium

The rugby season is from mid-May to mid-July, and international games and the ABSA Currie Cup are played at the famous Western Province Rugby Union ground in Newlands, home to both the Stormers and the Western Province teams. There’s always a party atmosphere on match days—even Boundary Road on the way to the stadium is lined with stalls selling Boerewors (South African sausage) rolls, rugby shirts and flags, and there are plenty of pubs in the vicinity. Boundary Road, Newlands, Cape Town. Phone 021-659-4600. http://www.wprugby.co.za.

Sahara Park Newlands

Home of the Western Province Cricket Club, this is a beautiful historic cricket oval where the first Test match between South Africa and England was played in 1889. The ground can accommodate up to 25,000 people and has hosted many memorable matches over the years. A few of the famous old oak trees remain, and it is still possible to watch a game from a grassy bank with Table Mountain as a backdrop. The cricket season is October-May. 161 Camp Ground Road, Newlands, Cape Town. Phone 021-657-3300. http://www.wpcc.co.za/newlands.

SHOPPING

If you’re after designer labels, the selection in Cape Town can match that of just about any large city in the world. But it’s the unique, creative items produced locally that stand out.

Items to look for include beaded jewelry, wooden sculptures, baskets, drums, fabrics, local paintings, sculptures, and items crafted from wire and other recycled materials (usually made by local people living in disadvantaged communities). These are sold in galleries, upmarket souvenir shops, and flea and curio markets. Other signature South African items include wine, diamonds and gold.

Shopping Hours: Standard shopping hours are Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm and Saturday 9 am-1 pm. Malls usually have longer hours: generally Monday-Saturday 9 am-6 or 7 pm, Sunday 9 am-1 pm, although the larger malls may stay open until 9 pm.

ANTIQUE STORES

Church Street Antiques Market

Cape Town’s original street market for antiques shopping is a delightful place for both the serious collector and the casual browser. Among the items you’ll find are glassware, china, kitchen utensils, ornaments, microscopes, nautical instruments and mirrors (but no furniture). Monday-Friday 9 am-4 pm, Saturday till 1 pm. Church Street, City Centre, Cape Town. Phone 021-438-8566.

The Long Street Antique Arcade

The warren of small owner-run stores in this compact arcade sells an interesting variety of trinkets, old leather-bound books, jewelry, vintage clothes and collectibles. Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm, Saturday 9 am-2 pm. 127 Long St., City Centre, Cape Town. http://www.theantiquearcade.co.za.

BOOKSTORES

Clarkes Bookshop

Established in 1956, Clarkes is one of Cape Town’s oldest bookstores. The shop specializes in new and out-of-print books, as well as books on southern African art. Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm, Saturday 9:30 am-1 pm. 199 Long St., City Centre, Cape Town. Phone 021-423-5739. http://www.clarkesbooks.co.za.

Kalk Bay Books

An excellent independent bookstore on Kalk Bay’s main road, with beautiful views of the sea. Browse a wide selection of handpicked fiction and nonfiction, or attend one of its book launches and weekly poetry evenings. There is an intimate restaurant on the premises, called The Annex, which stays open until 9 pm. Daily 9 am-5 pm, with extended hours during summer. 124 Main Road, Kalk Bay. Phone 021-788-2266. http://www.kalkbaybooks.co.za.

Quagga Art and Books

A collector’s mecca: The store buys and sells a wide variety of rare and unusual books, paintings, prints, maps, photographs and artifacts from Africa and elsewhere. Monday-Saturday 9:30 am-5 pm, Sunday 10 am-5 pm. 86 Main Road, Kalk Bay. Phone 021-788-2752. http://www.quaggabooks.co.za.

Select Books

This small, well-stocked bookshop has an excellent selection of secondhand books with a particular emphasis in the classics, antiquarian books, Africana, the Anglo-Boer War, Cape Town and its environs, botanicals, and sports (especially rugby and cricket). Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm, Saturday 9 am-1 pm. 232 Long St., City Centre, Cape Town. Phone 021-424-6955. http://www.selectbooks.co.za.

The Book Lounge

This award-winning independent bookstore is a warm, inviting space with excellent books and a coffee shop and lounge downstairs. Evenings are usually abuzz with book launches and other events. Children’s story time is held at 11 am on Saturday. Monday-Friday 8:30 am-7:30 pm, Saturday 9 am-5 pm, Sunday 10 am-4 pm. 71 Roeland St., City Centre, Cape Town. Phone 021-462-2425. http://www.booklounge.co.za.

DEPARTMENT STORES

Woolworths

South Africans’ favorite department store specializes in quality clothing, homewares, furniture, and food and wine. There are more than 50 branches in and around Cape Town; the main stores are located in the City Centre and the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Some branches have an in-store restaurant, Cafe W, and standalone food shops can be found attached to 24-hour filling stations. http://www.woolworths.co.za.

GALLERIES

Association for Visual Arts (AVA) Metropolitan Gallery

A nonprofit gallery exhibiting contemporary South African art, including paintings, drawings, sculpture, ceramics, photography, original prints, jewelry and functional art. Monday-Friday 10 am-5 pm, Saturday 10 am-1 pm. 35 Church St., City Centre, Cape Town. Phone 021-424-7436. http://www.ava.co.za.

Clementina Ceramics

This shop in the Old Biscuit Mill sells Clementina one-off ceramics, renowned brightly colored tableware, and the work of many contemporary South African ceramists. Also sells jewelry, felt, glass and basket ware. Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm, Saturday 9 am-3 pm. Shop 101, The Old Biscuit Mill, 375 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town. Phone 021-447-1398. http://www.clementina.co.za.

Joao Ferreira Gallery

Cutting-edge art is what characterizes Joao Ferreira’s gallery. He hunts down new, up-and-coming talent and showcases work that is quite unexpected. Popular, busy openings, with prices that range from affordable to exorbitant. Good for sussing out new local artists. Tuesday-Friday 11 am-4 pm, Saturday by appointment. 80 Hout St., City Centre, Cape Town. Phone 082-490-2977. http://www.joaoferreiragallery.com.

Kalk Bay Modern

One of several galleries and crafts shops running along the main drag through Kalk Bay, this showcases a wide selection of local modern art, as well as arty ceramics and other crafts. It’s conveniently upstairs of the Olympia Cafe & Deli. Daily 9:30 am-5 pm. 136 Main Road, Kalk Bay. Phone 021-788-6571. http://www.kalkbaymodern.co.za.

Michael Stevenson Gallery

This upmarket gallery exhibits the best in contemporary African art. The extensive exhibition spaces host solo and group exhibitions, as well as a fantastic permanent collection that features big names such as Pieter Hugo, Mustafa Maluka, Penny Siopis and Hylton Nel. Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm, Saturday 10 am-1 pm. Buchanan Building, 160 Sir Lowry Road, Woodstock. Phone 021-462-1500. http://www.stevenson.info.

Sophea Gallery

Set in an ivy-covered old homestead on the slopes above Boulders Beach, this Buddhist gallery exhibits local artworks that “exude a special kind of spiritual energy.” A craft shop sells artifacts from all over the world, and there’s also a Tibetan teahouse serving vegetarian food, as well as a sanctuary for meditations and spiritual talks. Daily except Monday 10 am-5 pm. 2 Harrington Road, Seaforth, Simon’s Town. Phone 021-786-1544. http://www.sopheagallery.com.

MARKETS

Bay Harbour Market

This is a smorgasbord of food and craft stalls, and lovers of retro threads are invited to get lost in a bygone age in the vintage clothes souk. Communal bench tables invite sociable chatting over craft beer or organic wine, and live music always ups the atmosphere. Once an abandoned fish factory, the venue is now home to more than 100 entrepreneurial traders and attracts more than 25,000 visitors a month. Friday 5-9 pm, Saturday and Sunday 9:30 am-4 pm. 31 Harbour Road, Hout Bay, Cape Town. Phone 082-570-5997. http://www.bayharbour.co.za.

Greenmarket Square

Originally opening as a farmers market in 1710, Greenmarket Square is now the city’s best-known flea market. Clothing, jewelry, souvenirs and curios are for sale, and tourists and businesspeople rub shoulders in the many surrounding sidewalk cafes. Monday-Friday 9 am-4 pm, Saturday 9 am-3 pm. Between Shortmarket and Longmarket streets, City Centre, Cape Town.

Pan African Market

Spanning three stories, this indoor market offers a wide selection of curios, art, jewelry and antiques from all over Africa. Vendors come from Cameroon, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, Senegal, Mozambique, Mali and, of course, South Africa itself. The Soul Kitchen serves tasty traditional snacks and drinks. Monday-Friday 8:30 am-6 pm, Saturday 9 am-3 pm. 76 Long St., City Centre, Cape Town. Phone 021-426-4478.

Red Shed Craft Market

Adjoining the Victoria Wharf center, this vibrant indoor market is filled with a mix of handmade merchandise and art. Gifts, textiles, jewelry, woodcarvings, fashion clothing, ceramics and wirecraft are just some of the many items offered. Monday-Saturday 9 am-9 pm, Sunday 10 am-9 pm. Dock Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town. Phone 021-408-7600. http://www.waterfront.co.za/Shop/markets.

SHOPPING AREAS

Canal Walk

This is South Africa’s second largest shopping mall, with more than 400 stores and loads of entertainment, including Nu Metro movie theaters. Daily 9 am-9 pm. Century Boulevard (in the Century City development, 10 minutes from Cape Town off the N1; take the Sable Road exit), Milnerton. Phone 021-529-9699. http://www.canalwalk.co.za.

Cape Quarter

This mall has a historical location in the trendy suburb of De Waterkant. Popular with craft lovers, its shops and galleries specialize in crafts, jewelry, decor and art—most with a local flavor—and there are several restaurants and cafes arranged around two attractive piazzas. Monday-Friday 9 am-6 pm, Saturday 9 am-4 pm, Sunday 10 am-4 pm. 27 Somerset Road, De Waterkant, Cape Town. Phone 021-421-1111. http://www.capequarter.co.za.

Cavendish Square

Large, chic and very upscale shopping center with more than 200 shops and a strong emphasis on fashion and decor. Additionally there are numerous restaurants and a 16-screen Ster-Kinekor movie theater. Monday-Saturday 9 am-7 pm, Sunday 10 am-5 pm. Dreyer Street, Claremont. Phone 021-657-5620. http://www.cavendish.co.za.

Montebello Design Centre

A rambling complex of more than 20 arts-and-crafts studios, workshops, an organic deli, historic greenhouse and nursery, and a restaurant. Located in the leafy suburb of Newlands, Montebello offers unique designer goods, jewelry and art directly from the artists or crafters who make them. Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm, Saturday 9 am-3 pm, Sunday 9:30 am-2:30 pm. 31 Newlands Ave., Cape Town. Phone 021-685-6445. http://www.montebello.co.za.

The Old Biscuit Mill

An outdoor shopping experience in the old Pyott’s biscuit factory in Woodstock. As well as hosting the Neighbourgoods Market every Saturday, The Old Biscuit Mill has a range of workshops, designer stores, cafes and galleries. Local favorites include adorable stationery and homeware at Mu&Me and handmade African crafts and decor at Heartworks. Monday-Friday 10 am-4 pm, Saturday 9 am-2 pm. 373-375 Albert Road, Cape Town. Phone 021-447-8194. http://www.theoldbiscuitmill.co.za.

Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre

A luxury shopping experience geared toward tourists, with more than 450 shops, some 70 restaurants, pubs and coffee shops, and two movie theaters. Among the offerings are a large branch of Exclusive Books and two large department stores: Woolworths and Edgars. Daily 9 am-9 pm. Granger Bay Boulevard, Cape Town. Phone 021-408-7600. http://www.waterfront.co.za.

SPECIALTY STORES

African Music Store

Stocks a large selection of local and continental African music, including jazz, kwaito, and dance and trance music. It also sells maps, clothing and African instruments. Monday-Friday 9 am-6 pm, Saturday 9 am-2 pm. 134 Long St., City Centre, Cape Town. Phone 021-426-0857. http://www.africanmusicstore.co.za.

& Banana

For high-quality gifts with an African theme, this contemporary handicraft shop in Hout Bay stocks an array of quirky goods, ranging from picture frames and candle holders to jewelry handcrafted from materials such as seashells, feathers, beads, ostrich eggshells and wood. Daily 10 am-5 pm. 35 Main Road, Hout Bay. Phone 021-790-0802. http://www.andbanana.com.

Artvark

This craft shop uses a unique style of contrasting rough and smooth surfaces of silver, copper and brass cutlery to create miniature artworks with a contemporary feel. It also sells a range of funky, handcrafted metal jewelry. Daily 9 am-5 pm, with extended hours during summer. 48 Main Road, Kalk Bay, Cape Town. Phone 021-788-5584. http://www.artvark.org.

Burr & Muir

If you love art deco and late-19th- and early-20th-century ceramics of museum quality, or if you’re a collector, then this shop is a must-see. The merchandise is world-class. Monday-Friday 9:30 am-4:30 pm, Saturday 9:30 am-1 pm. 82 Church St. (at Hudson Street), City Centre, Cape Town. Phone 021-422-1319. http://www.burrmuir.co.za.

Cape Union Mart

For high-quality outdoor clothing and equipment, head to this chain—there are branches in most of the larger malls, but the flagship store is at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. It has everything you need for camping, hiking, trail running, mountain climbing and for going on safari. It also stocks the stylish casual clothing brand Old Khaki. Daily 9 am-9 pm. Quay 4, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town. Phone 021-425-4559. http://www.capeunionmart.co.za.

Original T-Bag Designs

This unique shop showcases a range of beautiful handmade gifts such as notebooks, mirrors, coasters and placemats, all made from recycled tea bags by previously unemployed Hout Bay residents. You can visit the workshop on-site, as well. There are two other outlets with extended hours including the weekend at Bay Harbour Market at Hout Bay and at the Watershed craft and decor market at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Monday-Friday 9 am-4:30 pm. Klein Kronendal, 144 Main Road, Hout Bay. Phone 021-790-0887. http://www.tbagdesigns.co.za.

Scratch Patch

Gemstones and minerals, some set in jewelry. The store is named for the area where you can dig for your own stones—very popular with children. Daily 9 am-6 pm. 1 Dock Road (Waterfront Decks), Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town. Phone 021-419-9429. http://www.scratchpatch.co.za.

Shimansky Collection

A sophisticated store specializing in well-made platinum and diamond jewelry. There’s also a small diamond museum that documents South Africa’s diamond-mining history and has replicas of some of the largest stones ever found. Shimansky also has a duty-free store for departing passengers at Cape Town International Airport. Daily 9 am-9 pm. Top Floor, Clock Tower, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town. Phone 021-421-2788. http://www.shimansky.com.

Vaughan Johnson’s Wine & Cigar Shop

This cheerful and knowledgeably staffed wine emporium is the place to stock up on a few bottles of Cape whites and reds, whether you’re after a few vintage award-winners to stash in your luggage or quaffable and affordable own-label products for a picnic. Overseas shipping arranged for serious buyers. Monday-Friday 9 am-6 pm, Saturday 9 am-5 pm, Sunday 10 am-5 pm. Dock Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town. Phone 021-419-2121. http://www.vaughanjohnson.co.za.

Watershed

This section of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront contains more than 150 stalls offering a varied selection of locally made crafts and decor items from ceramics and furniture to textiles, fashion and jewelry. It also features spaces for changing art exhibitions. Dock Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (next to the Two Oceans Aquarium), Cape Town.

Young Designers Emporium (YDE)

YDE showcases offerings from South Africa’s talented new, hip, young designers. Its outlets around the country, including three in Cape Town, stock affordable designer fashion and accessories for men and women. Monday-Saturday 9 am-9 pm, Sunday 10 am-9 pm. Shop 225, Victoria Wharf, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town. Phone 021-425-6232. http://www.yde.co.za.

DINING OVERVIEW

Cape Town and the surrounding area offer an overwhelming amount of consistently excellent restaurants ranging from fine dining, French and Asian to fusion, seafood and African. The options vary from the opulently elegant to the conveniently casual. It’s not just type of cuisine or price that determines choice—because of Cape Town’s varied climate, a table on a sunny deck with a view is de rigueur in summer, while dining next to a cozy fireplace is preferable in winter.

The city is known for its “Cape cuisine,” which broadly is made up of the finest local ingredients and borrows from all points of the culinary compass. Local delicacies worth trying include crocodile, ostrich and a large selection of game fish (called line fish)—snoek and yellowtail are scrumptious. The selection of local shellfish includes crayfish (Cape rock lobster) and West Coast mussels. The most ubiquitous local delicacy is known as biltong (pronounced BILL-tong): spicy strips of dried venison, ostrich or beef. It is comparable to beef jerky, only better. Samosa (pronounced sa-MOO-sa) is spicy curried vegetables or meat in a triangular deep-fried pastry. Koeksisters (pronounced COOK-sisters) are syrup-soaked doughnuts.

Other local delicacies: bobotie (pronounced bo-BOO-tee), a spicy ground meat with a savory custard topping; bredie (pronounced BREE-dee), a stew of meat, often lamb, with vegetables; waterblommetjies (pronounced

VA-ter-blom-a-kees), a nutty-tasting flower that grows wild in ponds; and stuiwe pap (pronounced STAY-ve-pup), a firm cornmeal porridge similar to polenta. Tripe, known as upens (pronounced OO-pence) in

African restaurants, and mopane worms (dried caterpillars, pronounced mo-PAH-nee) are strictly for the daring palate. For something more traditional, you should try authentic African and local cuisines, such as Cape Malay (spicy food with its origins from the slaves from Malaysia) and Boerekos cooking (Afrikaans cooking with a strong Dutch influence).

The most concentrated restaurant districts in Cape Town are in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront; Long Street and its extension, Kloof Street (heading up the hill toward Table Mountain); Victoria Road on the Camps Bay Promenade (great views of the Atlantic Ocean, but pricey); Green Point (Somerset Road going into Main); Sea Point (an entire main street filled with delis, restaurants and bars); False Bay’s fishing villages; and the lush and historic Winelands.

Breakfast is generally served 8-11 am (if you want to eat earlier, hotels or established coffee shops are best); lunch runs noon-3 pm; dinner is 7-10 pm or later. Many of the more casual restaurants serve meals all day and also double as bars and cafes.

Expect to pay within these general guidelines, based on the cost of dinner for one, not including drink, tip or tax: $ = less than R100; $$ = R100-R200; $$$ = R201-R300; $$$$ = more than R300.

Africa Cafe

Menu items cover a wide range of African cuisines, from the Cape to Cairo. About 15 dishes make up the communal feast, a geographical and gastronomical delight that is served family-style. Prior to the meal, servers in traditional garb bring a bowl of rose water to the table so guests can wash their hands before dining. The place is a bit touristy, but locals like it as well. The African decor is a sight to behold, and you’ll see many diners making their way from room to room with camera in hand. Daily for dinner. Reservations required. $$$$. Most major credit cards.

108 Shortmarket St. (Heritage Square), City Centre, Cape Town.
Phone 021-422-0221.

Aubergine

Lovely dining in the former home of Sir John Wylde, first chief justice of the Cape in the 19th century. The architecture is old, but the menu is a blend of new South African and Continental. Even traditional Cape dishes are given a twist. In summer, you can dine in a leafy courtyard. Extensive wine list. Monday-Saturday 6-10 pm; Wednesday-Friday noon-2 pm also. Reservations required. Smart-casual dress. $$$$. Most major credit cards.

39 Barnet St., City Centre, Cape Town.
Phone 021-465-4909. .

Beluga

A culinary magnet smack in the middle of Cape Town’s movie and modeling district. Try the seared, sesame-crusted tuna with wasabi mayonnaise or the prime fillet with flaked sea salt, buttered pomme puree and spiced onion chutney. The additional sushi menu is considered to be one of the best in town. The walk-in wine attic suspended over the cocktail bar is reflected in a wine list to be taken seriously. Daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations required. Smart-casual dress. $$$-$$$$. Most major credit cards.

The Foundry, Prestwich Street, Green Point.
Phone 021-418-2948.

Bloemendal Restaurant

Country-style restaurant with Cape hospitality located on one of the highest hills in Cape Town’s northern suburbs. Feast on a buffet of traditional kos (food)—from bobotie to spit-roasted lamb—and enjoy the panoramic views of the Cape Peninsula. Monday-Saturday for breakfast, lunch and dinner; Sunday for lunch only until 4 pm. Reservations required. $$$. Most major credit cards.

Bloemendal Farm, Racecourse Road/Highway M13 (40 minutes from City Centre), Durbanville.
Phone 021-975-7575. .

Emily’s

Emily’s is an old Victorian house on vibey Kloof Street. It offers a bistro-style menu during the day and for dinner leans towards “Boer nouvelle”—new South African cooking with its roots firmly in Afrikaans culture. The chefs conjure up some interesting dishes such as smoked Springbok carpaccio with orange and capers, or baked ginger pudding with caramelized apples and “brandy & Coke” ice cream. It boasts an experimental wine list, too. Monday-Saturday 10 am-10 pm, Sunday 11 am-4 pm. Reservations required. $$$. Most major credit cards.

55 Kloof St., Gardens, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town.
Phone 021-424-0882.

Marco’s African Place

Marco Radebe delivers authentic African dishes in a congenial atmosphere. Choices range from a pan-African platter (grilled fillet of springbok, kudu and ostrich) and Mozambique prawns with couscous to traditional Xhosa dishes and home-brewed sorghum beers. Live music (African jazz, marimba and other varieties) keeps things lively. Daily noon-11 pm. Reservations recommended. $$$. Most major credit cards.

15 Rose Lane, Bo-Kaap, Cape Town.
Phone 021-423-5412.

Mzoli’s

An authentic cultural experience in the heart of Gugulethu and often visited as part of an organized township tour, Mzoli’s dishes up mouthwatering feasts fresh off the braai (barbecue). Pick your own cuts at the butchery and order pap and Mzoli’s secret sauce to accompany your meal. If you want to drink, either take your own or buy at the local
shebeen. Daily from 9 am. $. No credit cards.

Shop 3, NY 115, Gugulethu (off Klipfontein Road), Cape Town.
Phone 021-638-1355.

Planet Restaurant

Set on the ground floor of the prestigious Mount Nelson Hotel, this restaurant is known for its combination of stylish galaxy-themed decor and contemporary South African cuisine that incorporates all the latest global culinary trends. Adventurous dishes could include smoked crocodile and rooibos-cured ostrich or springbok. Monday-Saturday 6:30-10:30 pm. Reservations required. Smart casual dress. $$$$. Most major credit cards.

76 Orange St., Gardens, Cape Town.
Phone 021-483-1000.

Suikerbossie Restaurant

An institution perched on the hill overlooking Hout Bay with grassy slopes for the kids to play on. We like to go for the Sunday brunch buffet 9-11:30 am, when the chefs cook eggs to order. A lunch buffet is served Sunday from 1 pm with roast lamb, pork, chicken, veggies, salads and desserts. Afternoon tea with scones and cream is sublime. Tuesday-Friday 9 am-4 pm. Reservations required. $$. Most major credit cards.

1 Victoria Drive, Hout Bay.
Phone 021-790-1450.

Suikerbossie Restaurant

1 Victoria Drive, Hout Bay.
Phone 021-790-1450.

The Kirstenbosch Tea Room

This casual spot in Kirstenbosch serves up fresh, delicious food all day. The patio provides a great spot for enjoying the gorgeous gardens during an alfresco meal. You can also get a picnic to go and dine in the gardens. Daily 8:30 am-5 pm. $-$$. Most major credit cards.

Gate 2, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Rhodes Drive, Newlands.
Phone 021-797-4883.

The Square

This award-winning restaurant in the central courtyard of the Vineyard Hotel offers a good selection of Cape cuisine and other South African meat and seafood dishes, supplemented by a sushi menu. The restaurant has marvelous views of an expansive garden and Devil’s Peak. Daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Reservations required. Smart casual dress. $$$-$$$$. Most major credit cards.

60 Colinton Road, Vineyard Hotel & Spa, Newlands, Cape Town.
Phone 021-657-4500.

The Tasting Room

This world-renowned restaurant focuses on expertly prepared small plates from seasonal offerings. Ingredients are locally sourced, and each dish is a visual work of art. Everything there is exquisite: the food, the wine, the service and the hotel itself. Franschhoek is in the Winelands, not too far outside of Cape Town. It’s worth the drive. Tuesday-Saturday for dinner. Reservations required. $$$$. Most major credit cards.

Corner of Berg and Wilhelmina streets (in Le Quartier Francais hotel), Franschhoek.
Phone 021-876-2151.

The Tasting Room

Corner of Berg and Wilhelmina streets (in Le Quartier Francais hotel), Franschhoek.
Phone 021-876-2151.

ETIQUETTE

English is the predominant language of education and business, and the majority of Capetonians speak it as a first language. South African English has a few linguistic quirks. For instance, locals refer to traffic lights as “robots.” If you’re told “just now,” realize that is an open-ended term that, loosely interpreted, means “in a minute.” Or two. Or three. “Howzit” is a shortened or lazy word for saying, “how is it going?” or “how are you?”

Most Cape Town residents also converse in a second language—Afrikaans or another of South Africa’s 11 official languages. Some words are used across all the languages. Yebo means “yes,” or “for sure,” and is derived from isiZulu, while eish is an isiXhosa word used to express surprise, wonder or outrage.

PERSONAL SAFETY

South Africa has had more than its fair share of well-publicized crime problems, but despite the statistics, much of the serious, violent crime is often gang-based and occurs in areas that tourists are unlikely to visit. Visitors should experience few problems in Cape Town’s districts where the sightseeing, hotels, restaurants and shops are located. Nevertheless, listen to advice from locals about which areas to avoid.

Tourists may be targeted by petty crime, including purse snatching, mugging and pickpocketing. Using common sense, though, will help you avoid trouble: Don’t flaunt expensive jewelry, cell phones, large amounts of cash or expensive items, and don’t walk around alone at night, as the likelihood of being mugged increases sharply after dark—always take a taxi directly to and from your destination. If you have a rental car, lock valuables in the trunk, even when using parking garages with attendants. Keep car doors locked and windows closed while driving, and keep your handbag or wallet out of sight. At night, park in a secure, well-lit area. Don’t use an ATM at night if it’s in a lonely location. Rather, go to a shopping mall or a gas station with 24-hour security.

Only visit a township in the company of a tour guide, especially if you plan to go at night, and avoid public transport in township areas at all times. Do not hitchhike.

Day or night, hikers are at risk of being mugged while walking alone on the many hiking trails throughout the Cape Peninsula. Always walk with a partner or a group, and if you have a cell phone, take it along as a precaution. Always tell someone (such as a hotel clerk) where you are going to be walking before you leave.

You can reach the police at 10111 or ambulance service at 10177. For more information, contact your country’s travel-advisory agency.

HEALTH

Cape Town is not subject to many of the health risks that travelers may encounter in other parts of southern Africa: Sanitary conditions are good, the tap water is safe to drink, and the food in most restaurants poses no great hazard to visitors. It’s always a good idea to be up-to-date with basic immunizations such as tetanus and polio when traveling. If arriving from a yellow-fever-infected region, proof of a yellow-fever immunization is required to enter South Africa.

Travelers should be aware that South Africa has one of the highest incidences of HIV/AIDS in the world. As in most other African countries, transmission is predominantly through heterosexual sexual activity.

Although Cape Town is malaria-free, mosquitoes can be irritating and can carry other diseases. Ticks are always a risk, especially in the bush areas around Table Mountain. Ticks usually attach themselves to the lower parts of the body, often when you’re walking in areas of long damp grass, and they swell up as they suck blood. The important thing is to remove them gently, as they can cause a nasty infection. The best precaution for preventing both mosquito and tick bites is to cover up and use repellent.

Snakes in Table Mountain National Park are particularly active during the hot summer months. Only five species are dangerous: the puff adder, berg adder, Cape cobra, ringhals and boomslang. That said, if encountered on a walk, it is best to give all snakes a wide berth.
Public health facilities are substandard, so visitors should frequent the more expensive private facilities, for which you’ll need insurance or money (or perhaps both, as a deposit is sometimes required even if you have coverage). Always keep receipts for making a claim from your travel insurance.

In an emergency, there are two hospitals that are centrally located and easily accessible. Cape Town MediClinic (21 Hof St., Oranjezicht, Cape Town; phone 021-464-5500; 24-hour emergency hotline 021-464-5555; http://www.mediclinic.co.za); and the Netcare Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital (181 Longmarket St., City Centre, Cape Town; phone 021-480-6111; 24-hour emergency hotline 021-480-6271; http://www.netcare.co.za). For other private hospitals in the region, details can be found on both the Mediclinic and Netcare websites.

For more information, contact your country’s health-advisory agency.

DISABLED ADVISORY

Almost all public buildings and modern structures have wheelchair ramps, accessible toilets and parking facilities. Even so, hilly terrain and steep stairways mean that Cape Town is not the most user-friendly place for travelers with disabilities. The city does not have many buses that are wheelchair-accessible, but the newer MyCiTi buses (and their dedicated stations) have ramps and allocated space for wheelchairs. The best way for disabled travelers to get around is by metered taxi or by hiring a car. Most major car rental companies offer hand-control vehicles.

Another option is the Hop On-Hop Off City Sightseeing buses that are fully wheelchair-accessible, with hydraulic ramps and locked-in wheelchair allocations on their lower decks. This is an accessible and fun way to visit all the main museums and attractions in the city center and farther afield. Phone 021-511-6000. http://www.citysightseeing.co.za.
Wheelchairs are available at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, though you should call in advance to confirm. Kirstenbosch also offers a Braille-guided trail for the visually impaired.

Most of Cape Town’s museums managed by Iziko Museums are wheelchair-friendly. These include the South Africa Museum and National Gallery. http://www.iziko.org.za.
Table Mountain National Park also accommodates visitors with disabilities. Ramps and wooden boardwalks have been installed at a number of sites, including Boulders Beach, Cape Point and Table Mountain Aerial Cable.

Modern hotels have specially adapted rooms, but it is worth inquiring in advance at older hotels or more remote places.

Accessible Cape Town is an extremely useful site for information on accessibility to sightseeing destinations and transport for those with reduced mobility. http://www.accessiblecapetown.com.

Flamingo Tours is a local operator that can arrange day tours around Cape Town and longer tours of South Africa for the physically impaired. Phone 021-557-4496. http://www.flamingotours.co.za.

Public health facilities are substandard, so visitors should frequent the more expensive private facilities, for which you’ll need insurance or money (or perhaps both, as a deposit is sometimes required even if you have coverage). Always keep receipts for making a claim from your travel insurance.

DOS & DON’TS

Don’t go to Camps Bay Beach during a raging southeaster. Nobody does. It’s normally too windy. If you do, be prepared for the pitying looks from people in the bars and cafes across the street when the wind blows you flat on the sand. Hide from the wind on Clifton Beach instead.

Do use the traditional isiXhosa greeting when you can—local Xhosa-speakers will love you for it. Use molo (pronounced moh-loh) if you are greeting one person and molweni (pronounced mole-way-nee) if you are addressing a group.

Don’t stand in a long, time-consuming line to take the Ariel Cableway up to the top of Table Mountain. For greater convenience, buy tickets online before you get there and jump the queue.
Do go jogging or power-walking on the stretch of Victoria Road between Bantry Bay and Camps Bay. It’s the after-5 pm activity for singles who also need to exercise. Be sure to wear the latest designer active gear and don’t forget your shades.

Don’t cross the road to park on the other side, facing the wrong way. It’s illegal.
Do buy South African-made souvenirs to boost job creation and the local economy. Look out for the Proudly South African (http://www.proudlysa.co.za) logo in the eye-catching colors of South Africa’s flag.

Don’t go to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront during Christmastime, if you can avoid it; this hugely and deservedly popular attraction often gets so packed during December that it’s impossible to even get a phone signal.

Do drink South African wine if you want to partake in a tipple. Even if you don’t get to visit the celebrated Winelands, all restaurants have a great selection, and waitstaff are very knowledgeable about local labels.

Geostats

Passport/Visa Requirements: Most travelers to South Africa do not require a visa, including visitors from the U.S., Canada, European Union countries, Australia and New Zealand. A three-month entry stamp is issued on arrival. South African authorities state that at least one blank passport page is required for entry and that a passport must be valid for at least six months after the intended departure from South Africa. Proof of sufficient funds and onward passage or a return air ticket is also required. Proof of yellow-fever inoculation is required of anyone entering South Africa from an area infected with the disease. Reconfirm travel document requirements with your carrier before departure.

Population: 3,404,807.

Languages: South Africa’s 11 official languages are Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, Northern Sotho (or Sesotho sa Leboa), Sesotho, siSwati, Xitsonga, Setswana, Tshivenda, isiXhosa and isiZulu. English is the predominant language of education and business.

Predominant Religions: Christian, Islamic, Hindu, Jewish.
Time Zone: 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+2 GMT). Daylight Saving Time is not observed. Voltage Requirements: 220 volts.
Telephone Codes: 27, country code; 021, Cape Town city code;

Currency Exchange

The exchange rate of the South African rand to the U.S. dollar has witnessed some instability during the past few years. However, for the most part, South Africa is generally fairly inexpensive to North American visitors, and European nationals will find the exchange rate to the euro and pound sterling to be very favorable, as well.

The rand is very strong in southern Africa and can be used interchangeably with currencies in Namibia, Lesotho and Swaziland. It can also be used alongside metical in southern Mozambique and the U.S. dollar in Zimbabwe.

You can exchange currency at bureaux de change offices (available in most shopping malls and in the City Bowl area) and at many hotels and banks. ATMs are widely available, especially at shopping malls and petrol stations. They accept all major credit and debit cards. There is often a daily limit on the amount you can withdraw from a foreign card, but if you go into a bank and make a transaction over the counter, the daily limit is considerably more.

Crime at ATMs can be a problem. Never let anyone look over your shoulder and never accept help using the ATM. If possible, choose an ATM within the confines of a mall or cubicle, or one with a security officer on duty, rather than one along the street. If you do use one on the street, have a companion stand guard for you.

Taxes

All goods and services are subject to a value-added tax (VAT) of 14%. This is usually incorporated into the prices quoted at shops, restaurants, hotels and so forth.

Foreign tourists can get a refund on purchases of more than R250. A VAT refund guide is available at most shops. You need to claim your refund on departure at Cape Town International Airport (VAT refund desks can also be found at all of South Africa’s international airports and land borders). Be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to do this before boarding (there’s usually a long line). You’ll need the original tax invoices, your passport and the goods you bought ready for inspection. Be prepared to fill out some paperwork. http://www.taxrefunds.co.za.

Tipping

Tip a minimum of 10% for taxi drivers, waitstaff, and for tour guides if they have been interesting and informative; it’s fine to tip more if you feel the standard of service warrants it. Tip hotel bellhops and baggage handlers R5-R10 per piece of luggage.

At night, the popular tourist areas are regulated by parking attendants wearing bright, neon-colored bibs. They are employed by restaurants, bars and clubs to ensure the safety of vehicles. Feel free to tip them according to the length of time you leave your vehicle in their care. For a long night, tip them R10; for a two- or three-hour meal, tip R5.

At petrol stations, attendants fill up your car with fuel, wash the windscreen and, if desired, check your oil, water and tire pressure. A tip of R5-R10 is suggested for the service.

Weather

September-March is the peak season for good weather and (not surprisingly) for tourism. High temperatures range from 65 F/19 C in September to 80 F/27 C in February. There is little rain during this period, but strong southeasterly winds occur in January and February. Summer is also when daylight hours are at their longest. In Cape Town, this means lingering drinks or dinner while watching a sunset, and some of the attractions are open later—such as the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, which is open until 9 pm.

In the cooler winter months, the daily highs are usually in the low to mid-60s F/17-19 C. High rainfall occurs in winter, especially July and August, when icy northwesterly winds take heavy showers to the Cape Peninsula. Light snowfall can also occur in the mountains during this period. If you’re not crazy about beach culture and crowds, the autumn and winter months are good for visiting Cape Town. By Northern Hemisphere standards, the conditions are mild, and rainfall is often followed by warm, sunny days. Expect abrupt weather changes year-round. Fog is one cause: It spills down onto the city from the mountains, leading to sudden temperature drops.

If you’re going to walk on Table Mountain or negotiate other hiking trails, always check the weather before you leave. Also take a light backpack with additional clothing (a waterproof, windproof jacket is essential). The weather on top of the mountain is notoriously fickle. When surprised by poor weather, the most important thing to do is take shelter from the wind. Take particular care when standing on exposed, elevated view spots during strong winds. For weather reports, visit http://www.weathersa.co.za.

What to Wear

Cape Town’s temperatures are generally pleasant year-round. It’s advisable to take along a sweater or a light jacket even in summer, because the weather can change suddenly. A raincoat and umbrella are essential in winter. In summer, always wear a hat and sunscreen—the sun is unrelentingly fierce.

Generally speaking, Capetonians strive to look fashionably cool, although fashion trends are about as variable as the weather. Beachwear is acceptable in some restaurants during the day, but less so at night, although there are no restaurants that are particularly formal. The typical dress code is “smart-casual.”

If you’re visiting on business, a jacket without a tie is perfectly acceptable. Cape Town businesses have lost much of their stiff, English heritage, and in most cases, casual yet smart attire is the standard.

Telephone

Cape Town’s dial code is 021. The prefix must be dialed for all calls. Toll-free numbers begin with 08. For directory assistance, dial 1023 for local calls or 1025 for international calls.

Cell phone coverage throughout Cape Town is excellent. The three major service providers are MTN (http://www.mtn.co.za), Vodacom (http://www.vodacom.co.za) and Cell C (http://www.cellc.co.za). All three networks operate on GSM digital. If your phone is compatible, speak to your network operator about international roaming. You also can rent a cell phone at the airport or other centers or purchase a local SIM card. Cell phone numbers usually begin with 07, 082 or 083.

Internet Access

If you’re traveling with your own computer, tablet or smartphone, getting online is straightforward. Almost all hotels and guesthouses have Wi-Fi in the rooms, or at the very least Wi-Fi hot spots in their public areas. Alternatively, they often have business centers or at least one terminal where guests can use the Internet. Wi-Fi can also be found at the airport, the larger shopping malls, most coffee shops, and many of the tourist attractions such as the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway.

Although getting fewer and fewer, Internet cafes with terminals or access points to plug in laptops can still be found around the city. Travelers will also find them at the airport, in shopping malls, at the tourist office, and at branches of Postnet (a business services chain similar to a post office). Costs average around R20 per hour.

Mail & Package Services

Postnet

Mostly found in the shopping malls, Postnet has a full range of business services, including phone, fax, Internet, mail, courier, copying, printing, laminating, business cards and office supplies. The website offers a store locator. Hours depend on the branch and store location, but are generally Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm. Some stores in shopping malls are also open on weekends.

Toll-free 0860-767-8638.
http://www.postnet.co.za.

Post Office

There are post offices all over Cape Town, and every shopping mall has one. The website offers a store locator. Offices open Monday-Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm, Saturday 9 am-noon; longer hours in the shopping malls.

Toll-free 0860-111-502.
http://www.postoffice.co.za.

Newspapers & Magazines

In Cape Town, newspapers can be bought at most supermarkets, bookstores and petrol stations and are often sold by street vendors at the robots (traffic lights). Monday-Friday, international, national and local news is covered reasonably well by theCape Times (morning; http://www.iol.co.za/capetimes) and Cape Argus (afternoon; http://www.iol.co.za/capeargus) papers. The Cape Times carries a national daily business supplement, Business Report, and various other supplements on different days. The Sunday Times (http://www.timeslive.co.za/sundaytimes) tends toward tabloid-style fare with a full-size color lifestyle magazine. The Weekend Argus (http://www.iol.co.za/capeargus) is the most popular weekend newspaper; there’s a Saturday and a Sunday edition. Both include international and South African news and sports, as well as the Good Weekend supplement—a Cape Town entertainment guide. The Mail & Guardian (http://mg.co.za) is published weekly on Friday, and is perhaps the most intelligent read with a proud tradition of independence from government influence stretching back to its foundation during the apartheid era.

For the business traveler, Business Day (http://www.bdlive.co.za), published in conjunction with the Financial Times (London), offers a global and national perspective on commerce. It is available daily online and as a weekly supplement in the Sunday Times. Its market commentary is the most comprehensive of the South African newspapers. The same company publishes the Financial Mail (http://www.financialmail.co.za), a weekly magazine.

You can pick up a copy of The Big Issue (http://www.bigissue.org.za) at most traffic intersections. Proceeds from the sale of the magazine go to the vendors, most of whom are homeless people in need of an income.

Cape Etc (http://www.capeetc.com) is a thrice-annual magazine offering beautifully designed pages covering leisure and entertainment from mountain meanders to the virtues of viticulture. The annual Eat Out (http://www.eatout.co.za) reviews South Africa’s best restaurants (many of which are in Cape Town), and the monthly Getaway (http://www.getaway.co.za) concentrates on holiday destinations across South Africa and neighboring countries.

Times (London), offers a global and national perspective on commerce. It is available daily online and as a weekly supplement in the Sunday Times. Its market commentary is the most comprehensive of the South African newspapers. The same company publishes the Financial Mail (http://www.financialmail.co.za), a weekly magazine.
You can pick up a copy of The Big Issue (http://www.bigissue.org.za) at most traffic intersections. Proceeds from the sale of the magazine go to the vendors, most of whom are homeless people in need of an income.

Transportation

Getting to and from Cape Town is straightforward, and there are good international and local air and bus connections. Rail is another—albeit slower—option, and both regular and luxury trains connect Cape Town with Johannesburg.

Good freeways crisscross South Africa, and Cape Town is at the end of the country’s two major National Routes: the N1 from Johannesburg and Pretoria, and the N2 from Durban.
The easiest way to get around the City Centre is on foot. Walking between the City Centre and the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is quite manageable, but it’s quicker to take one of the regular MyCiTi or Golden Arrow public buses that travel this route. To explore Cape Town’s other attractions, you’ll need transportation, as some of the best sights and scenic routes are quite far from the City Centre. Using the public transport system is a good option,
and renting a car generally provides the greatest flexibility. Those with a youthful outlook may choose to rent a moped, especially if they’re only making an occasional excursion or want to get to and from the beach.

Taxis are available, though they can be expensive. There are also minibus taxis that are more affordable, but you’ll be sharing the ride with others—often many others. Although it may be cramped, a ride in a lively minibus is never boring: It’s a good introduction to Africa’s most popular form of local transport.

An alternative to renting a vehicle to visit Cape Town’s outlying sights—such as the Winelands or the Cape Peninsula—is to go on a half- or full-day tour with one of the many local tour operators. The added bonus is also having an informative local guide who will enhance the excursion.

Finally, Cape Town boasts the acclaimed City Sightseeing Cape Town bus tour on an open-air, hop-on, hop-off bus. It is an enjoyable and inexpensive way of seeing the city’s sights while experiencing the incredible views along its routes.

Air
As South Africa’s second-largest airport, Cape Town International (CPT) is one of the country’s main tourism gateways. It’s located 13 mi/20 km east of the City Centre, and outside of rush hour, it’s about a 20-minute drive. Although Johannesburg is the regional hub with numerous daily flights to and from North America, Europe, Asia and Australia, there are also connections between Johannesburg and Cape Town throughout the day (every two hours). A fair number of international carriers also fly directly to Cape Town.

Cape Town International Airport has a full range of facilities, and domestic and international arrivals and departures are linked by one long terminal and a retail mall. A two-level roadway runs along its length, with the lower level for arrivals and the upper level for departures. The building is flanked by a large piazza—the Transport Plaza—around which are multilevel parking decks, taxi ranks, a consolidated car rental facility and the terminal for MyCiTi buses. Phone 021-937-1200. For flight information, call 0867-277-888. http://www.acsa.co.za.

Connecting Transportation

Best way:

The cheapest and easiest way to get to and from the airport is by bus. MyCiTi buses run between the airport bus station, which is located on the concourse outside the arrivals halls, to the Civic Centre on Hertzog Boulevard near the railway station in central Cape Town. Some services continue on from there to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. From both, there are regular taxis for onward journeys, or from the Civic Centre you can swap on to another of the MyCiTi bus routes throughout the city. The buses depart every 20-30 minutes (depending on the time of day) 4:55 am-10 pm from the airport, and 4:20 am-9:40 pm from the Civic Centre. Outside of peak traffic hours, they take around 30 minutes (45-55 minutes in morning and evening rush hour). R65.60 per person, free for children less than 3.4 ft/1 m tall or younger than 4 (this is the policy on all MyCiTi buses). Toll free 0800-656-463. http://www.myciti.org.za.

Other options:

Take a taxi. The official airport taxi company is Touch Down Taxis, which has a kiosk in the arrivals area of the airport (phone 021-919-4659). The fee is generally R280-R350 to central destinations depending on traffic—still relatively inexpensive by international standards.
Another option is to use one of several door-to-door shuttle services. To go to the city center, they generally charge around R220 for one person and an additional R30 per person in the same party for up to six people. Expect to pay a little more for collections after 11 pm and before 6 am. Shuttle companies include Citi Hopper (phone 021-936-3460; http://www.citihopper.co.za); and Sport Shuttle (phone 021-447-4444; http://www.sport24hrs.co.za). To get to the airport, all services need to be booked 24 hours in advance. To get from the airport, all the shuttle services have kiosks in the arrivals terminal.

Major car rental companies have offices at the airport. The car rental facility is situated opposite the Transport Plaza—access is by two pedestrian subways on either side of the terminal building.

Bus

Intercity buses connect Cape Town to all the other major cities and towns in South Africa. There are also services over the borders to the capital cities of neighboring countries. Intercity coaches are modern and comfortable, with reclining seats, movies, toilets, air-conditioning and refreshments. Bear in mind, though, that some distances are long, so on many routes, buses travel overnight.

Intercity buses leave from outside the railway station on Adderley Street in the city center. There are three mainline long-distance bus companies with daily services: Greyhound (http://www.greyhound.co.za), Intercape (http://www.intercape.co.za) and Translux (http://www.translux.co.za). All bus tickets can be booked through Computicket, which has kiosks in all the major shopping malls and in Checkers and Shoprite supermarket chains. Phone 083-951-8000. http://www.computicket.com.

The Baz Bus is a safe, convenient, hop-on, hop-off, door-to-door bus service. It picks people up and drops them off at the backpacker hostels, which are often close to the main sightseeing points. The service runs along the coast between Cape Town and Durban, and it also operates a route between Durban and Johannesburg. Simply buy one ticket to your final destination and get on and off as often as you want en route. It’s important to remember that this service must be booked at least one day in advance. 32 Burg St., City Centre, Cape Town. Phone 021-422-5202. http://www.bazbus.com.

Car

The inner-city streets are laid out along a rectangular grid and are generally narrow, reflecting Cape Town’s European history. Outside of the central precincts, the streets follow the contours of the mountains. Road conditions are mostly excellent, and everything is well-signposted.

Capetonians drive on the left side of the road (steering columns of cars are on the right side), as is the case throughout South Africa. The legal driving age is 18. Wearing a seat belt is compulsory, and it is illegal to use a handheld cell phone while driving. Speed limits are 37 mph/60 kph in built-up areas, 50-62 mph/80-100 kph on other roads and 74 mph/120 kph on highways. The speed limit is mostly enforced by cameras. Drinking and driving is strictly policed. Petrol is available 24 hours a day from filling stations along the main roads. When necessary, petrol pump attendants check oil, water and tire pressure, as well as wash windshields, for which a small tip is expected.

On-street parking can be difficult to find. In the city center and outlying areas such as Green Point and Sea Point, you must pay official parking attendants, and parking costs R8 per hour. In other areas, there are informal “car-guards”—it’s customary to tip them R2-R5 for looking after your car. Parking garages are a far more convenient option. The cost is from about R10 per hour.

Car rental is easily arranged. The minimum age to rent a car is usually 23. Cars can be picked up on arrival at the airport and can be organized within an hour or two from the major hotels, though less so at the weekends when it is important to prearrange collection a day or two ahead.

Most international rental companies are represented in South Africa, and some partner with airlines. Good deals can also be found with the local car rental companies. Around About Cars is a reliable Cape Town agency, which has its own fleet in Cape Town or will find the best value-for-money car rental package on your behalf. 20 Bloem St., City Centre, Cape Town. Phone 021-422-4022. http://www.aroundaboutcars.com.

Public Transportation

Most of Cape Town’s oldest buildings, museums, galleries and the commercial center are concentrated in a relatively small area and are easily explored on foot. However, to explore more of the city, and to visit Table Mountain, the suburbs or the beaches, there are a number of public transport options. There are two bus services (Golden Arrow and MyCiTi), a suburban rail network known as Metrorail, minibus taxis and regular taxis. For all public transport questions, call the Transport Information Centre 24 hours, toll-free at 0800-656-463.

City Sightseeing Cape Town

This red, double-decker, open-top, hop-on hop-off tourist bus comes by each stop about every 20 minutes. They follow two routes around the city, each of which lasts little more than two hours if you don’t get off. But if you do, stops include the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, Camps Bay, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and all the city center museums. The buses go as far south as Hout Bay on the Cape Peninsula. Audio commentary is available, and the buses are wheelchair-friendly. The main ticket kiosk is outside the Two Oceans Aquarium at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. You can also buy tickets on the bus or online. A one-day ticket costs R150 adults, R80 children ages 5-15, free for children younger than 5. A two-day ticket is R250 adults, R170 children. Phone 021-511-6000. http://www.citysightseeing.co.za.

Golden Arrow

Golden Arrow buses mostly carry commuters and school children to and from the outlying residential suburbs, and there are few routes useful for tourists. A short journey costs around R6; half-price for children ages 5-11; free for children younger than 5. Payment is made onboard. The main bus station is on Strand Street across the road from the railway station and next to the Grand Parade. In the City Bowl area, Golden Arrow buses operate daily 5:30 am-7 pm. Toll-free 0800-656-463. http://www.gabs.co.za.

Metrorail
Another division of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), Metrorail (http://www.capemetrorail.co.za) serves all the metropolitan areas of the city from Cape Town Station in the city center. There are two classes of service—first and third. Always travel first class (the tickets are not expensive); third class is overcrowded and unsafe, and there is the danger of petty theft. Although steps are being taken to improve safety on trains and in stations, it’s always preferable to travel with a friend except during rush hour (7-8:30 am and 4-6 pm). The most popular and safest route for visitors is the scenic line, known as the Southern Line, which runs from the city center to Simon’s Town through the towns on the False Bay coast; a hop-on, hop-off rail ticket designed for tourists is available (valid 8:30 am-4 pm, outside of commuter hours). Many of the attractions for tourists in Observatory, Newlands, Muizenberg, Kalk Bay, Fish Hoek and Simon’s Town are within walking distance (or no more than a short taxi ride) from the stations.

Metrorail timetables are available from the Cape Town Station information kiosk, or contact the Transport Information Call Centre. Toll-free 0800-656-463

Taxi

Modern, metered taxis are available throughout the city, but they cannot be flagged down on the street. Special demarcated taxi stands (“ranks”) are easy to spot in town and at major tourist sites and shopping centers, such as the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Alternatively, taxis can ordered by phone—any hotel or restaurant can do this on your behalf—and one will appear almost immediately. Expect to pay in the region of R10-R12 per kilometer (they change depending on the price of fuel), and each taxi has a sticker on the passenger door displaying current rates.

Minibus taxis are 10-seat vans (some have a larger capacity) that follow certain routes in Cape Town and the surrounding area. They are ubiquitous, crowded and noisy—but they’re also easy, cheap to use, and they offer a fun way to meet local people. There are no formal stops, and to to flag down a minibus, simply extend your right index finger and point 45 degrees to the ground. Ordinarily, a trip traversing the city center will cost around R5. For those who want to go beach-hopping, this is the best method of transportation. Avoid them if you have a lot of luggage: Minibus taxis don’t have enough space. They don’t operate at night. The most popular route for visitors is from the city center along the Atlantic Seaboard as far as Camps Bay; these minibus taxis usually leave every few minutes from the corner of Strand Street and Plein Street and are a good way to get to the beach.

Rikki’s Taxis

Fitting somewhere in between regular taxis and minibuses, Rikki’s operates London-style taxi cabs and shuttle buses. Door-to-door 24-hour service is offered in the City Bowl area, along the Atlantic Seaboard and in Hout Bay. Passengers share the fare with other customers going in the same direction. Fares are determined by a fixed-zone system. Minimum fare is R15, maximum fare is R35 within the City Bowl. Phone 0861-745-547. http://www.rikkis.co.za.

Train

Several long-distance trains crisscross South Africa linking the major cities. Cape Town is at the end of the line from Johannesburg, and trains run between the two cities via Kimberley. Cape Town Station is in the city center with exits to Adderley and Strand streets. The station has an information kiosk next to the ticket sales office that can provide details on train services.

All public rail transport in the country is controlled by the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA). The long-distance rail division is known as Shosholoza Meyl (phone 011-774-4555; http://www.shosholozameyl.co.za). Service standards are good, although journey times are slow and the trains themselves are a little basic. Most trains travel overnight, and accommodation is in one- to four-sleeper coupes with a wash basin, fold-away table and bunk beds. Refreshments are available from trolleys, or there is a dining car for fast food. The route between Johannesburg and Cape Town runs on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday in both directions and takes 27 hours.

Also operated by Shosholoza Meyl, the Premier Classe (phone 011-773-9247; http://www.premierclasse.co.za) offers a more deluxe weekly service on the Johannesburg-Cape Town route with additional facilities such as air-conditioning and toiletries in the coupes and a proper sit-down dining car and lounge. Fares are obviously more expensive than the regular train but include breakfast, high tea and dinner. There is a dedicated Premier Classe lounge for departing and arriving passengers at Cape Town Station.

If you want to pamper yourself, choose a journey between Johannesburg and Cape Town with the legendary Blue Train (phone 021-334-8459; http://www.bluetrain.co.za) or the even more luxurious Rovos Rail (phone 012-315-8242; http://www.rovos.com). These are equivalent to five-star hotels but on wheels, with smart coupes, elegant lounge cars and fine dining. Again, the journey takes 27 hours.

Other

Mopeds, or scooters, are fast becoming a craze, especially in summer, when they provide cheap, relatively safe and fun transportation for beach-hopping or sightseeing. You avoid parking hassles, too. Renting a moped is easy. You should, however, have a valid motorcycle license from your own state or country, which should be in English (or a translation) with a photograph.

Scooters can be hired through Cape Town Scooter Hire (64 Main Road, Sea Point; phone 082-702-0192; http://www.capetownscooter.co.za) or Cape Bike Rentals (186 Bree St., City Centre, Cape Town; phone 021-426-5851; http://www.capebikerentals.com). Both also deliver and pick up at hotels or private addresses.

For More Information

Tourist Offices

The official website of Cape Town and Western Cape Tourism has a full list of local tourist offices in the province. http://www.tourismcapetown.co.za.

Cape Town Tourism Information Centre

Cape Town Tourism’s visitors’ information center has the city well and truly covered. It has a wide variety of brochures and other publications about Cape Town and agents who book accommodations and tours. There is also an Internet cafe, gift shop and restaurant. The website also has a full list of other tourism information centers around the greater Cape Town region. Open Monday-Friday 8 am-6 pm, Saturday 8:30 am-2 pm, Sunday 9 am-1 pm. Pinnacle Building (at the corner of Castle and Burg streets), Cape Town. Phone 0861-322-223. http://www.capetown.travel.

Victoria & Alfred Waterfront Information Centre

Provides information about area attractions and books tours and accommodations. Other services include selling temporary disabled-parking permits and renting out wheelchairs and strollers to get around the Waterfront. Daily 9 am-9 pm. Dock Road (next to Ferryman’s Tavern), Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town. Phone 021-408-7600. http://www.waterfront.co.za.

Events

With a calendar packed with fun festivals and top-notch theatrical and musical events, there is plenty for all to enjoy in Cape Town year-round.

The area’s geography lends itself to a wide variety of sporting events for both spectators and participants, as well.

For detailed information about upcoming events in the Cape Town area, contact Cape Town Tourism (phone 0861-322-223; http://www.capetown.travel). For information on upcoming events at the Cape Town International Convention Center, contact the information desk (phone 021-410-5000; http://www.cticc.co.za).

Also visit http://www.whatsonincapetown.com or http://www.capetownmagazine.com for a list of the city’s events. Computicket is also a good resource for what’s on and is a booking engine for tickets for theater shows, concerts and other performing arts, as well as major sports fixtures. It has kiosks in all the major shopping malls and in Checkers and Shoprite supermarket chains. Phone 083-951-8000. http://www.computicket.com.
To call any of the phone numbers listed in this calendar from outside South Africa, you must first dial your country’s international access code, then South Africa’s country code, 27, and the Cape Town city code, 021, followed by the number.

Information in this calendar is subject to change and should be confirmed.

October

Mid-Late October—Cricket The Western Province cricket team plays home games at Newlands Stadium. For information, call 657-3330. http://www.wpcc.co.za. Continues through early April 2016

2-4 Oct—Hermanus Whale Festival Cape Town greets the annual pilgrimage of whales to its shores with the crowning of the Prince and Princess of Whales. Arts, theater, music and drama celebrate the town’s famous oceangoing visitors. Street parties with live bands take place each weekend. Hermanus (75 mi/120 km southeast of Cape Town). For information, call 028-313-0928. http://www.whalefestival.co.za.

28-30 Oct—WineX Thousands of oenophiles assemble for South Africa’s premier public wine festival, which offers more than 1,000 wines from about 200 winemakers. Cape Town International Convention Centre, 1 Lower Long St. For information and tickets, call 011-482-5936. http://www.winex.co.za.

31 Oct—Cape Town International Kite Festival Kite-making workshops, Rokkakau kite battles, giant inflatables, a craft market and food stalls. Zandvlei, Muizenberg beach. For information, call 447-9040. http://www.capementalhealth.co.za/kite. Continues through 1 Nov

Throughout October—Opera For nearly 30 years, Cape Town Opera has been staging productions at various venues in Cape Town. For information, call 410-9807. http://www.capetownopera.co.za. Continues through late November

Throughout October—Rugby Western Province Rugby plays in South Africa’s premier domestic rugby league. Newlands Rugby Stadium, 11 Boundary Road, Newlands. For information, call 659-4600. http://wprugby.com. Concludes late October

Throughout October—Soccer Premier Soccer League matches are scheduled for two Cape Town teams: Ajax Cape Town Urban Warriors (Cape Town Stadium; phone 930-6001; http://www.ajaxct.com) and Santos The People’s Team (Athlone Stadium; phone 715-2500; http://www.thepeoplesteam.co.za). Season continues through early June 2016

Throughout October—Dance The Cape Town City Ballet has a long history of dancing excellence. Performances are held frequently at Artscape Theatre, D.F. Malan Street. Phone 650-2400 or 650-4673. http://www.capetowncityballet.org.za. Continues through mid May 2016

Throughout October—Performance Baxter Theatre presents year-round performances of music, drama, ballet and opera, as well as art and photography exhibitions. Main Road, University of Cape Town campus, Rondebosch. For information and tickets, call 685-7880. http://www.baxter.co.za. Continues through late December

Throughout October—Performance Artscape Theatre hosts a variety of classic and contemporary concerts, operas, conferences, and dance and theater performances year-round. D.F. Malan Street. For information, call 410-9800. For tickets, call 410-9838. http://www.artscape.co.za. Continues through late December

November

1 Nov—Cape Town International Kite Festival Kite-making workshops, Rokkakau kite battles, giant inflatables, a craft market and food stalls. Zandvlei, Muizenberg beach. For information, call 447-9040. http://www.capementalhealth.co.za/kite. Final day

7 Nov—Three Peaks Challenge Around 100 people attempt to re-create C.W. Shneeberger’s 1897 feat of climbing Cape Town’s three largest mountains (Devil’s Peak, Table Mountain and Lion’s Head) in one day. Participants leave from and return to Greenmarket Square after each peak. For information, call 508-1017 or 082-792-9380. http://hikecapetown.co.za/three-peaks-challenge.

Late November—Concert During the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concert series, you can picnic on the grassy slopes that look down toward the concert stage, set amid beautiful mountain scenery and the amazing Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. Rhodes Drive, Newlands. For information, call 843-5000 or 799-8800. http://www.sanbi.org.

Late November—Synergy Live This huge, three-day music festival features multiple stages and a wide variety of musical genres. Food and camping are available. Theewater Sports Club, Villiersdorp. For information, call 794-7087. http://www.synergylive.co.za.

Throughout November—Opera For nearly 30 years, Cape Town Opera has been staging productions at various venues in Cape Town. For information, call 410-9807. http://www.capetownopera.co.za. Concludes late November

Throughout November—Performance Baxter Theatre presents year-round performances of music, drama, ballet and opera, as well as art and photography exhibitions. Main Road, University of Cape Town campus, Rondebosch. For information and tickets, call 685-7880. http://www.baxter.co.za. Continues through late December

Throughout November—Performance Artscape Theatre hosts a variety of classic and contemporary concerts, operas, conferences, and dance and theater performances year-round. D.F. Malan Street. For information, call 410-9800. For tickets, call 410-9838. http://www.artscape.co.za. Continues through late December

Throughout November—Soccer Premier Soccer League matches are scheduled for two Cape Town teams: Ajax Cape Town Urban Warriors (Cape Town Stadium; phone 930-6001; http://www.ajaxct.com) and Santos The People’s Team (Athlone Stadium; phone 715-2500; http://www.thepeoplesteam.co.za). Season continues through early June 2016

Throughout November—Cricket The Western Province cricket team plays home games at Newlands Stadium. For information, call 657-3330. http://www.wpcc.co.za. Continues through early April 2016

Throughout November—Dance The Cape Town City Ballet has a long history of dancing excellence. Performances are held frequently at Artscape Theatre, D.F. Malan Street. Phone 650-2400 or 650-4673. http://www.capetowncityballet.org.za. Continues through mid May 2016

December

Early-Late December—Concert Cape Philharmonic Orchestra presents four concert series each season, totaling more than 100 concerts. Various venues. For information, call 410-9809. http://www.cpo.org.za. Continues through early June 2016

16 Dec—Day of Reconciliation Public holiday. 25 Dec—Christmas Public holiday.

26 Dec—Day of Goodwill Public holiday.

Late December—MCQP Royal Navy A celebration of gay culture, the annual party boasts eight dance floors booming hits from the 1950s to today. Popular with people of all sexual orientations. For venue, theme and other information, visit http://www.mcqp.co.za.

Throughout December—Soccer Premier Soccer League matches are scheduled for two Cape Town teams: Ajax Cape Town Urban Warriors (Cape Town Stadium; phone 930-6001; http://www.ajaxct.com) and Santos The People’s Team (Athlone Stadium; phone 715-2500; http://www.thepeoplesteam.co.za). Season continues through early June 2016

Throughout December—Cricket The Western Province cricket team plays home games at Newlands Stadium. For information, call 657-3330. http://www.wpcc.co.za. Continues through early April 2016

Throughout December—Dance The Cape Town City Ballet has a long history of dancing excellence. Performances are held frequently at Artscape Theatre, D.F. Malan Street. Phone 650-2400 or 650-4673. http://www.capetowncityballet.org.za. Continues through mid May 2016

Throughout December—Concert During the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concert series, you can picnic on the grassy slopes that look down toward the concert stage, set amid beautiful mountain scenery and the amazing Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. Rhodes Drive, Newlands. For information, call 843-5000 or 799-8800. http://www.sanbi.org.

Throughout December—Performance Baxter Theatre presents year-round performances of music, drama, ballet and opera, as well as art and photography exhibitions. Main Road, University of Cape Town campus, Rondebosch. For information and tickets, call 685-7880. http://www.baxter.co.za. Continues through late December

Throughout December—Performance Artscape Theatre hosts a variety of classic and contemporary concerts, operas, conferences, and dance and theater performances year-round. D.F. Malan Street. For information, call 410-9800. For tickets, call 410-9838. http://www.artscape.co.za. Continues through late December

January

1 Jan—New Year’s Day Public holiday.

16 Jan—Down Wind Dash Kite and sailboard competitors dash from Langebaan to Saldanha Bay. Organized by the Saldanha Beach Sailling Club. For information, call 082-350-0884. http://www.langebaandash.co.za.

Late January—Horse Races The J&B Metropolitan is one of the premier horse-racing events on the South African calendar. As many as 40,000 spectators descend on the venue, so book your picnic spots early. Kenilworth Race Course, Gate 4, Rosmead Avenue, Kenilworth. For more information, call 700-1808. http://www.jbmet.co.za.

Throughout January—Performance Artscape Theatre hosts a variety of classic and contemporary concerts, operas, conferences, and dance and theater performances year-round. D.F. Malan Street. For information, call 410-9800. For tickets, call 410-9838. http://www.artscape.co.za. Continues through late December

Throughout January—Soccer Premier Soccer League matches are scheduled for two Cape Town teams: Ajax Cape Town Urban Warriors (Cape Town Stadium; phone 930-6001; http://www.ajaxct.com) and Santos The People’s Team (Athlone Stadium; phone 715-2500; http://www.thepeoplesteam.co.za). Season continues through early June

Throughout January—Cricket The Western Province cricket team plays home games at Newlands Stadium. For information, call 657-3330. http://www.wpcc.co.za. Continues through early April

Throughout January—Concert During the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concert series, you can picnic on the grassy slopes that look down toward the concert stage, set amid beautiful mountain scenery and the amazing Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. Rhodes Drive, Newlands. For information, call 843-5000 or 799-8800. http://www.sanbi.org.

Throughout January—Dance The Cape Town City Ballet has a long history of dancing excellence. Performances are held frequently at Artscape Theatre, D.F. Malan Street. Phone 650-2400 or 650-4673. http://www.capetowncityballet.org.za. Continues through mid May

Throughout January—Concert Cape Philharmonic Orchestra presents four concert series each season, totaling more than 100 concerts. Various venues. For information, call 410-9809. http://www.cpo.org.za. Continues through early June

Throughout January—Performance Baxter Theatre presents year-round performances of music, drama, ballet and opera, as well as art and photography exhibitions. Main Road, University of Cape Town campus, Rondebosch. For information and tickets, call 685-7880. http://www.baxter.co.za. Continues through late December

February

Mid-Late February—Vodacom Super Rugby Newlands Rugby Stadium hosts action-packed international rugby matches between regional teams from South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. 11 Boundary Road, Newlands. For information and tickets, call 659-6700. http://www.sarugby.net. Continues through mid May

Late February—Opera For nearly 30 years, Cape Town Opera has been staging productions at various venues in Cape Town. For information, call 410-9807. http://www.capetownopera.co.za. Continues through late November

Late February—Exhibit Showcases new South African design in a variety of sectors, including architecture, jewelry, fashion, publishing, visual media and more. Also workshops and lectures. For information, call 465-9966. http://www.designindaba.com.

Throughout February—Performance Baxter Theatre presents year-round performances of music, drama, ballet and opera, as well as art and photography exhibitions. Main Road, University of Cape Town campus, Rondebosch. For information and tickets, call 685-7880. http://www.baxter.co.za. Continues through late December

Throughout February—Dance The Cape Town City Ballet has a long history of dancing excellence. Performances are held frequently at Artscape Theatre, D.F. Malan Street. Phone 650-2400 or 650-4673. http://www.capetowncityballet.org.za. Continues through mid May

Throughout February—Concert Cape Philharmonic Orchestra presents four concert series each season, totaling more than 100 concerts. Various venues. For information, call 410-9809. http://www.cpo.org.za. Continues through early June

Throughout February—Soccer Premier Soccer League matches are scheduled for two Cape Town teams: Ajax Cape Town Urban Warriors (Cape Town Stadium; phone 930-6001; http://www.ajaxct.com) and Santos The People’s Team (Athlone Stadium; phone 715-2500; http://www.thepeoplesteam.co.za). Season continues through early June

Throughout February—Cricket The Western Province cricket team plays home games at Newlands Stadium. For information, call 657-3330. http://www.wpcc.co.za. Continues through early April

Throughout February—Performance Artscape Theatre hosts a variety of classic and contemporary concerts, operas, conferences, and dance and theater performances year-round. D.F. Malan Street. For information, call 410-9800. For tickets, call 410-9838. http://www.artscape.co.za. Continues through late December

Throughout February—Concert During the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concert series, you can picnic on the grassy slopes that look down toward the concert stage, set amid beautiful mountain scenery and the amazing Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. Rhodes Drive, Newlands. For information, call 843-5000 or 799-8800. http://www.sanbi.org.

March

Mid March—Cape Town Festival More than 70,000 visitors attend events during the city’s premier cultural festival. Showcases a variety of performing, literary, visual, media and culinary arts. Local and international dance, concerts, exhibits, film, poetry readings, a parade and more. Venues throughout the Cape Town area. For more information, call 465-9042. http://www.capetownfestival.co.za.

Mid March—Cape Town Carnival This multicultural event is designed to bring together Cape Town’s diverse communities in a celebration of music, dance and creative expression. The three-day event includes Carnival balls, dancing and, of course, a Carnival parade. For information, call 406-2947. http://www.capetowncarnival.com.

6 Mar—Cape Town Cycle Tour More of a participation event than a spectator sport, this event draws nearly 40,000 entrants (both professional and amateur), who cycle a 65-mi/105-km route around Cape Peninsula. The route begins on Hertzog Boulevard and ends on Western Boulevard, Green Point. For information, call 681-4333. http://www.cycletour.co.za.

7-12 Mar—Infecting the City: The Spier Public Arts Festival This annual festival features performances of ballet, opera, classical music, contemporary dance and more in a modern open-air amphitheater. It’s an ideal place for evening picnics in balmy weather. Visual-art exhibits and crafts market. Spier Wine Estate, Baden Powell Drive (Highway R310), Stellenbosch. For information, call 150-5446. http://www.infectingthecity.com.

21 Mar—Human Rights Day Public holiday. 25 Mar—Good Friday Public holiday.

25, 26 Mar—Two Oceans Marathon More than 12,000 people participate in these historic annual full and half-marathons. The course winds through the Cape Town area, beginning at 6 am at SA Breweries on Main Road, Newlands, and going along Chapman’s Peak, Hout Bay and Constantia Nek. For information, call 657-5140. http://www.twooceansmarathon.org.za.

28 Mar—Family Day Public holiday.

Late March—South African Navy Festival Annual event at Simon’s Town Naval Base where the public can tour navy ships and see air-sea rescues, night gunnery shoots and the Dry Dock Concert by navy bands. Also children’s activities, a tea garden and beer tent. http://www.navy.mil.za.

Throughout March—Cricket The Western Province cricket team plays home games at Newlands Stadium. For information, call 657-3330. http://www.wpcc.co.za. Continues through early April

Throughout March—Vodacom Super Rugby Newlands Rugby Stadium hosts action-packed international rugby matches between regional teams from South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. 11 Boundary Road, Newlands. For information and tickets, call 659-6700. http://www.sarugby.net. Continues through mid May

Throughout March—Soccer Premier Soccer League matches are scheduled for two Cape Town teams: Ajax Cape Town Urban Warriors (Cape Town Stadium; phone 930-6001; http://www.ajaxct.com) and Santos The People’s Team (Athlone Stadium; phone 715-2500; http://www.thepeoplesteam.co.za). Season continues through early June

Throughout March—Dance The Cape Town City Ballet has a long history of dancing excellence. Performances are held frequently at Artscape Theatre, D.F. Malan Street. Phone 650-2400 or 650-4673. http://www.capetowncityballet.org.za. Continues through mid May
Throughout March—Concert Cape Philharmonic Orchestra presents four concert series each season, totaling more than 100 concerts. Various venues. For information, call 410-9809. http://www.cpo.org.za. Continues through early June

Throughout March—Performance Baxter Theatre presents year-round performances of music, drama, ballet and opera, as well as art and photography exhibitions. Main Road, University of Cape Town campus, Rondebosch. For information and tickets, call 685-7880. http://www.baxter.co.za. Continues through late December

Throughout March—Opera For nearly 30 years, Cape Town Opera has been staging productions at various venues in Cape Town. For information, call 410-9807. http://www.capetownopera.co.za. Continues through late November

Throughout March—Concert During the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concert series, you can picnic on the grassy slopes that look down toward the concert stage, set amid beautiful mountain scenery and the amazing Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. Rhodes Drive, Newlands. For information, call 843-5000 or 799-8800. http://www.sanbi.org.

Throughout March—Performance Artscape Theatre hosts a variety of classic and contemporary concerts, operas, conferences, and dance and theater performances year-round. D.F. Malan Street. For information, call 410-9800. For tickets, call 410-9838. http://www.artscape.co.za. Continues through late December

Throughout April—Performance Baxter Theatre presents year-round performances of music, drama, ballet and opera, as well as art and photography exhibitions. Main Road, University of Cape Town campus, Rondebosch. For information and tickets, call 685-7880. http://www.baxter.co.za. Continues through late December

April

Early April—Cricket The Western Province cricket team plays home games at Newlands Stadium. For information, call 657-3330. http://www.wpcc.co.za. Concludes early April

Early April—Concert During the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concert series, you can picnic on the grassy slopes that look down toward the concert stage, set amid beautiful mountain scenery and the amazing Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. Rhodes Drive, Newlands. For information, call 843-5000 or 799-8800. http://www.sanbi.org.

Early April—Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees The National Arts Festival celebrates Afrikaans arts with art exhibits, dance and theater performances, cabaret shows, poetry readings and other events. Oudtshoorn. For information, call 44-203-8600. http://www.kknk.co.za.

1, 2 Apr—Cape Town International Jazz Festival More than 40 acts, featuring both international and South African musicians, appear over two days. This award-winning festival stems from the prestigious North Sea Jazz Festival Den Haag in Holland. Cape Town International Convention Centre. For information and tickets, call 671-0506. http://www.capetownjazzfest.com.

27 Apr—Constitution Day or Freedom Day Public holiday.
Throughout April—Opera For nearly 30 years, Cape Town Opera has been staging productions at various venues in Cape Town. For information, call 410-9807. http://www.capetownopera.co.za. Continues through late November

Throughout April—Performance Artscape Theatre hosts a variety of classic and contemporary concerts, operas, conferences, and dance and theater performances year-round. D.F. Malan Street. For information, call 410-9800. For tickets, call 410-9838. http://www.artscape.co.za. Continues through late December

Throughout April—Dance The Cape Town City Ballet has a long history of dancing excellence. Performances are held frequently at Artscape Theatre, D.F. Malan Street. Phone 650-2400 or 650-4673. http://www.capetowncityballet.org.za. Continues through mid May

Throughout April—Concert Cape Philharmonic Orchestra presents four concert series each season, totaling more than 100 concerts. Various venues. For information, call 410-9809. http://www.cpo.org.za. Continues through early June

Throughout April—Soccer Premier Soccer League matches are scheduled for two Cape Town teams: Ajax Cape Town Urban Warriors (Cape Town Stadium; phone 930-6001; http://www.ajaxct.com) and Santos The People’s Team (Athlone Stadium; phone 715-2500; http://www.thepeoplesteam.co.za). Season continues through early June

Throughout April—Vodacom Super Rugby Newlands Rugby Stadium hosts action-packed international rugby matches between regional teams from South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. 11 Boundary Road, Newlands. For information and tickets, call 659-6700. http://www.sarugby.net. Continues through mid May

May

Early-Mid May—Dance The Cape Town City Ballet has a long history of dancing excellence. Performances are held frequently at Artscape Theatre, D.F. Malan Street. Phone 650-2400 or 650-4673. http://www.capetowncityballet.org.za. Concludes mid May

Early-Mid May—Vodacom Super Rugby Newlands Rugby Stadium hosts action-packed international rugby matches between regional teams from South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. 11 Boundary Road, Newlands. For information and tickets, call 659-6700. http://www.sarugby.net. Concludes mid May

1 May—Workers’ Day Public holiday.

Late May—Good Food & Wine Show South Africa’s premier culinary event showcases the country’s food, wine and hospitality industries. Major Cape culinary schools, celebrity chefs and restaurants host events throughout the month, and the highlight is the Good Food and Wine Fair held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. For information, call 702-2280. http://www.goodfoodandwineshow.co.za/show/cape-town.

Throughout May—Performance Artscape Theatre hosts a variety of classic and contemporary concerts, operas, conferences, and dance and theater performances year-round. D.F. Malan Street. For information, call 410-9800. For tickets, call 410-9838. http://www.artscape.co.za. Continues through late December

Throughout May—Opera For nearly 30 years, Cape Town Opera has been staging productions at various venues in Cape Town. For information, call 410-9807. http://www.capetownopera.co.za. Continues through late November

Throughout May—Performance Baxter Theatre presents year-round performances of music, drama, ballet and opera, as well as art and photography exhibitions. Main Road, University of Cape Town campus, Rondebosch. For information and tickets, call 685-7880. http://www.baxter.co.za. Continues through late December

Throughout May—Soccer Premier Soccer League matches are scheduled for two Cape Town teams: Ajax Cape Town Urban Warriors (Cape Town Stadium; phone 930-6001; http://www.ajaxct.com) and Santos The People’s Team (Athlone Stadium; phone 715-2500; http://www.thepeoplesteam.co.za). Season continues through early June

Throughout May—Concert Cape Philharmonic Orchestra presents four concert series each season, totaling more than 100 concerts. Various venues. For information, call 410-9809. http://www.cpo.org.za. Continues through early June

June

Early June—Soccer Premier Soccer League matches are scheduled for two Cape Town teams: Ajax Cape Town Urban Warriors (Cape Town Stadium; phone 930-6001; http://www.ajaxct.com) and Santos The People’s Team (Athlone Stadium; phone 715-2500; http://www.thepeoplesteam.co.za). Season concludes early June

Early June—Concert Cape Philharmonic Orchestra presents four concert series each season, totaling more than 100 concerts. Various venues. For information, call 410-9809. http://www.cpo.org.za. Concludes early June

Early-Mid June—Encounters: South African International Documentary Festival Explore South Africa with documentaries on such subjects as propaganda films and historical narratives. Screenings of more than 50 world-premiere, South African and international documentaries. Documentary filmmakers hold workshops and events for festivalgoers. Various cinemas. For information, call 465-4686. http://www.encounters.co.za.

16 Jun—Youth Day Public holiday.

Throughout June—Performance Baxter Theatre presents year-round performances of music, drama, ballet and opera, as well as art and photography exhibitions. Main Road, University of Cape Town campus, Rondebosch. For information and tickets, call 685-7880. http://www.baxter.co.za. Continues through late December

Throughout June—Opera For nearly 30 years, Cape Town Opera has been staging productions at various venues in Cape Town. For information, call 410-9807. http://www.capetownopera.co.za. Continues through late November

Throughout June—Performance Artscape Theatre hosts a variety of classic and contemporary concerts, operas, conferences, and dance and theater performances year-round. D.F. Malan Street. For information, call 410-9800. For tickets, call 410-9838. http://www.artscape.co.za. Continues through late December

July

Early-Late July—Rugby Western Province Rugby plays in South Africa’s premier domestic rugby league. Newlands Rugby Stadium, 11 Boundary Road, Newlands. For information, call 659-4600. http://wprugby.com. Continues through late October

Mid July—Bastille Day Festival Franschhoek Valley pays homage to its French heritage with a food and wine fair, outdoor sports activities, theater performances, concerts, youth art exhibits and other festivities. Any excuse will do to uncork a few more vintage wines from the region. Franschhoek Town Hall and other venues, Franschhoek (50 mi/80 km from Cape Town). For information, call 876-2861. http://www.franschhoek.co.za/bastille.html.

Throughout July—Opera For nearly 30 years, Cape Town Opera has been staging productions at various venues in Cape Town. For information, call 410-9807. http://www.capetownopera.co.za. Continues through late November

Throughout July—Performance Artscape Theatre hosts a variety of classic and contemporary concerts, operas, conferences, and dance and theater performances year-round. D.F. Malan Street. For information, call 410-9800. For tickets, call 410-9838. http://www.artscape.co.za. Continues through late December

Throughout July—Performance Baxter Theatre presents year-round performances of music, drama, ballet and opera, as well as art and photography exhibitions. Main Road, University of Cape Town campus, Rondebosch. For information and tickets, call 685-7880. http://www.baxter.co.za. Continues through late December

August

9 Aug—National Women’s Day Public holiday.

Throughout August—Performance Baxter Theatre presents year-round performances of music, drama, ballet and opera, as well as art and photography exhibitions. Main Road, University of Cape Town campus, Rondebosch. For information and tickets, call 685-7880. http://www.baxter.co.za. Continues through late December

Throughout August—Rugby Western Province Rugby plays in South Africa’s premier domestic rugby league. Newlands Rugby Stadium, 11 Boundary Road, Newlands. For information, call 659-4600. http://wprugby.com. Continues through late October

Throughout August—Performance Artscape Theatre hosts a variety of classic and contemporary concerts, operas, conferences, and dance and theater performances year-round. D.F. Malan Street. For information, call 410-9800. For tickets, call 410-9838. http://www.artscape.co.za. Continues through late December

Throughout August—Opera For nearly 30 years, Cape Town Opera has been staging productions at various venues in Cape Town. For information, call 410-9807. http://www.capetownopera.co.za. Continues through late November

September

24 Sep—Heritage Day Public holiday.

Throughout September—Performance Baxter Theatre presents year-round performances of music, drama, ballet and opera, as well as art and photography exhibitions. Main Road, University of Cape Town campus, Rondebosch. For information and tickets, call 685-7880. http://www.baxter.co.za. Continues through late December

Throughout September—Performance Artscape Theatre hosts a variety of classic and contemporary concerts, operas, conferences, and dance and theater performances year-round. D.F. Malan Street. For information, call 410-9800. For tickets, call 410-9838. http://www.artscape.co.za. Continues through late December

Throughout September—Rugby Western Province Rugby plays in South Africa’s premier domestic rugby league. Newlands Rugby Stadium, 11 Boundary Road, Newlands. For information, call 659-4600. http://wprugby.com. Continues through late October

Throughout September—Opera For nearly 30 years, Cape Town Opera has been staging productions at various venues in Cape Town. For information, call 410-9807. http://www.capetownopera.co.za. Continues through late November