Cape Town is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world
. It has pleasant weather all year round and is blessed with rich natural beauty.
The central business district of Cape Town is a mixture of the old and new. Colonial age buildings stand next to modern shopping centers and high rise buildings. Museums of art and culture provide a sanctuary for reflection in a city awash with banks and commerce. There are many reminders of the rich history of the city; the South African Parliament is located where it has been for hundreds of years next to the equally historic Company Gardens. Not far away, just on the other side of the city is the Castle of Good Hope built by the Dutch in the late 1600s, which also offers an insight into a bygone age.
Perhaps the most distinctive feature in the city is Table Mountain which forms part of the Table Mountain National Park. Visitors to the city can reach the top of the mountain either by hiking or by hitching a ride on the modern cable cars that operate each day.
Signal Hill also offers spectacular views of the city and is within even quicker reach by car or even on foot. The drive along Chapman's Peak shows off the mountain scenery and the coastline to spectacular effect as the road winds its way towards Hout Bay.
Stop off along the coastline to visit one of the many spotless beaches along the way. The water on the Atlantic Seaboard is a little cold so if you prefer the temperature to be a little higher, try surfing or swimming on the False Bay coast where the sea is pleasantly warm. If you'd prefer to enjoy some food or liquid refreshment there are plenty of restaurants, shops and cafes all along the coastline.
There is something for everyone on a visit to Cape Town, from shark cage diving to whale watching, from wine tasting on the Cape Winelands to experiencing an authentic taste of life in the vibrant townships of the Western Cape.