Cape Town Vacations & Travel

Overview

This world-renowned port city, legislative capital of South Africa, and modern metropolis is known for its diversity and is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. Lying off the coast of Cape Town is Robben Island, once a maximum-security prison where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned and today one of South Africa’s most visited museums and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In town, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, with Table Mountain as a backdrop, is one of the country’s most popular destinations. To take it all in at a glance, head to the top of towering Table Mountain, located in Table Mountain National Park where you will also find the Cape of Good Hope.

What To Do

Robben Island once served as a maximum-security prison for political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela who was imprisoned here for 18 years, the majority of his sentence. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a museum and one of South Africa’s top destinations. Robben Island, a symbol of the “triumph of the human spirit over adversity, suffering and injustice,” can be reached via ferry from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at Victoria & Albert Waterfront. A tour of the island is guided by a former political prisoner.

Upon returning to the Victoria & Albert Waterfront, experience Cape Town’s best dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Located at the foot of Signal Hill on Table Bay, the waterfront, part of the city’s working harbor, is home to Nobel Square, Two Oceans Aquarium, more than 20 heritage sites and landmarks, museums, hundreds of stores, a cornucopia of restaurants serving local and international cuisine, and much more.

No visit to Cape Town is complete without trekking through Table Mountain National Park, a Natural New 7 Wonder of the World. Take in panoramic views of Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula atop Table Mountain, which can be reached by cable car, and explore the Cape of Good Hope, home to secluded beaches, miles of trails, a wealth of flora and fauna, and some of South Africa’s most ruggedly beautiful scenery. On the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, view more than 20,000 native South African plant species at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, which is part of the Cape Floristic Region UNESCO World Heritage Site.

When to Go

If traveling to Cape Town for the beach scene, the best time to visit is from December through February, keeping in mind that the city lies south of the Equator and this is summer. However, to avoid summer hordes, shoulder season, March to May and September to November, is a great time to visit as the weather is ideal and the crowds thinner.