Historic Cape Town

Over the past 300 years Cape Town has become a cultural melting pot, but only by experiencing the wealth of heritage sites the city offers can one truly begin to get under the skin of this fascinating city.

Cape Town – A Port City

The arrival of the Dutch began South Africa’s colonial history and Cape Town’s voyage to becoming a cultural melting pot that included Dutch, Portuguese, French and British settlers, as well as Indian and Malay slaves, and the country’s indigenous inhabitants.

Then And Now

Cape Town is a city of contrasts. It tells a tale of two cities; one that boasts a thriving creative economy, premier tourist destination status and incredible natural beauty, juxtaposed by a city tarnished with social problems and poverty directly related to its troubled history. But when walking the streets of Cape Town and meeting its people, you will fall in love with a city of hope, inspiration and incredible spirit.

Cape Town Living Heritage

From nature and adventure, to history and culture, there is something for everyone to enjoy and explore in Cape Town. As a city of great natural beauty, creative freedom of expression and a melting pot of cultures, Cape Town reflects its heritage and modern history in its characters, architecture and stories.

2014: Bridging The Divide

The year 2014 represents a significant milestone for South Africa as it celebrates 20 years since the country’s first free and democratic elections. As World Design Capital (WDC) 2014, it is the perfect time for all South Africans to reflect on the challenges and gains of our transformation, celebrate the achievements of the past two decades and find solutions to the issues that haunt us.

Iconic Must See Itinerary

Explore the iconic must see attractions of Cape Town with this five day itinerary. It includes things to do, places to see, images and a map to download.

Sport and Adventure Itinerary

Explore Cape Town for five days through a Sport and Adventure lens. This itinerary includes things to do, places to see, images and a map to download.

Outdoor and Nature Itinerary

Explore Cape Town for five days through an Outdoor and Nature lens. This itinerary includes things to do, places to see, images and a map to download.

Histroy and Heritage Itinerary

Explore Cape Town for five days through a History and Heritage lens. This itinerary includes things to do, places to see, images and a map to download.

Shopping Fact Sheet

Cape Town is an interesting fusion of shopping streets, informal markets, boutique clusters and world-class shopping malls. The local décor and design scene is expanding, and you will find many designer clothing, object and furniture shops in trendy Woodstock and the Central City. Most of Cape Town’s shopping nodes also include interesting eateries and cafes, making a day of energetic shopping a people-watching experience too.

National Geographic Itinerary

Explore Cape Town for five days through a National Geographic lens. This itinerary corresponds to the documentary National Geographic produced on Cape Town, narrated by Andrew Evans and aired from May 2013. This itinerary includes things to do, places to see, images and a map to download.

Design Itinerary

Explore Cape Town for five days through a Design lens. This itinerary includes things to do, places to see, images and a map to download.

Arts and Culture Itinerary

Explore Cape Town for five days through an Arts and Culture lens. This itinerary includes things to do, places to see, images and a map to download.

Love Cape Town City Breaks: Winter Broadsheet 2013

This winter Cape Town Tourism, in conjunction with Thompsons Holidays, are offering great value domestic travel packages and specials called ‘Love Cape Town City Breaks’ from May to September 2013. In addition, the Winter Broadsheet shows details of the ‘Love Cape Town City Breaks’ cosy winter deals as well as a map of Cape Town central streets for visitors.

What's New in Cape Town Fact Sheet

This information was compiled for the Tourism Indaba in Durban, South Africa, May 2013. Read on for new hotels; restaurants and clubs; new tours, initiatives and creative hubs; and the latest region highlights, ideas and trends for 2013.

Iconic Attractions Fact Sheet

Known as the Big Six; Cape Town’s top attractions include Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Robben Island, Cape Point, the V&A Waterfront and the Constantia Vineyards - no itinerary is complete without them!

Transport Fact Sheet

Each area of Cape Town promises its own unique offerings and is easily accessible via the different modes of transport on offer in the city. In fact, Cape Town is one of the easiest cities to navigate in South Africa.

MyCiTi System Map

Find out more about the routes of MyCiTi, Cape Town’s rapid bus service. It currently operates a number of interconnecting services, including a main route of connecting the Airport and the V&A Waterfront.

V&A Waterfront Complete Guide 2013

The V&A Waterfront’s magnificient views of Table Mountain and Robben Island provide a backdrop to over 450 shops, more than 80 dining spots, numerous entertainment venues and world-class accommodation.They invite you to be their guest; to shop, play, dine, stay and discover what makes the V&A Waterfront South Africa’s most visited destination.

Official Cape Town Map

This is our new primary map, which shows the city centre and Cape Town’s various regions.

The Green Map

As one of the few cities in the world with a national park and two World Heritage Sites (Table Mountain National Park and Robben Island) contained within its boundaries, Cape Town is surrounded by incredible outdoor options. The ‘Mother City’ is also located in a ‘biodiversity hotspot’, the Cape Floristic Region, and is recognised globally for its extraordinarily rich, diverse and unique fauna and flora. The city offers many ways to experience the great green outdoors.

World Design Capital 2014 Fact Sheet

All eyes will be on Cape Town next year when the city enjoys its tenure as World Design Capital. The title is awarded bi-annually by the International Council for Societies of Industrial Design (ICSID) to give global prominence to cities that use design for their social, economic and cultural development.

Responsible Tourism Fact Sheet

Born of a need to sustain our planet mindfully; a new generation of responsible travelers are seeking real, meaningful and authentic experiences and are in tune with responsible lifestyle practices such as buying fair-trade products and experiences, and supporting community tourism. Cape Town has been working towards being a responsible and sustainable city and destination for many years.

Sustainable Cape Town Fact Sheet

Known around the globe as a place of beauty; Cape Town has exceptional diversity in a small geographical area. The sheer economic value of Cape Town’s natural and cultural heritage is driven largely by its importance to tourism.

Wine and Beer Fact Sheet

Cape Town is renowned for its beautiful wine estates and award winning wines and many offer tastings, lunches and events on a regular basis. Newlands Brewery, the oldest brewery in South Africa is situated in Cape Town and micro-breweries are popping up all over town as the hand-made beer trend continues to draw its devotees. Whisky and brandy tours, pairings and tastings, are a part of the Cape’s swilling adventures too…

Wellness Fact Sheet

Capetonians are proudly laid-back with a balanced outdoor lifestyle encompassing some of the most beautiful settings in the world. But why is it that Cape Town can restore one’s natural balance with more than just its natural wonders? It could be because the city’s location is regarded worldwide as an important energy centre, or perhaps because there’s something in its beauty and tranquility that allows people to just chill out… Here are a few more options for relaxing in Cape Town…

Nightlife Fact Sheet

If the city centre is the heart of Cape Town’s nightlife then Long Street is the main artery, with its energy emanating outwards along Kloof Street, Tamboerskloof and Somerset Road, Green Point all the way onto the Atlantic Seaboard and Cape Town’s sunset capital, Victoria Road in Camps Bay.

Nature and Outdoor Fact Sheet

Every major city in the world has its parks, and most seaside towns across the globe boast a clean strip of beach or commanding urban forest, but few city centres in the world come close to matching Cape Town’s vast treasure of natural beauty.

Kids Fact Sheet

Keeping children occupied is always a challenge for busy parents, but those on holiday in Cape Town have a wide choice when it comes to entertaining their little ones. Parents need not fear that their kids will suffer from cabin fever - not only is the climate conducive to plenty of outdoor rough-and-tumble, but there are also indoor activities galore to keep little people content; and even more activities that moms and dads will also take pleasure in doing.

History and Heritage Fact Sheet

The rich diversity of Cape Town’s natural and cultural heritage is part of the city’s authentic appeal; it is a colourful, intriguing, cosmopolitan city - a tapestry of people and traditions.

Gourmet Fact Sheet

The range and inspiration of Cape Town cuisine is diverse and exciting – a never-ending landscape for foodies to explore. Of course, inexpensive fast foods are available in many city lunch spots and fresh produce markets abound as part of the food scene. Cape Town also caters to upmarket dining experiences. Luxury restaurants and S. Pelligrino Top 100 rated restaurants are noted for traditional cuisine and innovative fusion.

Gay Fact Sheet

Known by many as the ’Pink Capital of South Africa’, Cape Town is renowned for its vibrant gay scene and - thanks to South Africa’s post-apartheid constitution, the gay community is an essential part of the diversity that constitutes the ‘Rainbow Nation’. With exquisite natural scenery, world-class luxury and countless gay-friendly guesthouses, bars, restaurants and coffee shops; it’s not hard to see why Cape Town is a favourite destination amongst ‘pink’ travelers.

Food Tours Fact Sheet

Cape Town has a lengthy history with food, having been established from the very start as a supply station to passing ships. Over the past few hundred years the city’s culinary story has weaved itself into a mix of traditional cuisines, influenced by all who have visited the city’s shores. Today travelers will find a colourful palate of cuisines from every corner of the globe. Nevertheless, Cape Town’s sensory fare makes for interesting food safaris.

Arts and Culture Fact Sheet

As a reflection of its own natural beauty and cultural diversity, Cape Town is crammed with art galleries, informal street art, great urban design, music, theatre, festivals and spontaneous expressions of creativity. Increasingly, art is also being absorbed into the cityscape through murals, sculptures, installations, public and performance art.

Adventure and Sport Fact Sheet

An active and outdoor lifestyle has long been part of the Cape Town mind set. The reason: Cape Town’s untamed natural beauty, mountainous and lush vegetation, and lively seas allow for many adrenaline pumping pursuits over land, in the ocean or up in the air.

Cape Town Information

Find out about Cape Town’s weather throughout the year, approximate flight times from various destinations, population, languages, and other general information.

Safety and Security Fact Sheet

As with all international cities in the world, crime in Cape Town is a reality and both residents and visitors alike should use common sense when out and about. Crime can happen anywhere but it generally takes place in crime hot spots, far from the orbit of visitors to the city. For Cape Town and South Africa, the safety of our visitors remains a top priority and tourism authorities meet regularly with public safety services and crime prevention agencies to ensure minimal risk and maximum protection for all visitors to Cape Town.

Design Fact Sheet

Cape Town is a city that instantly inspires creativity. Its majestic setting between mountain and sea is a design prompt that captures the hearts and minds of visitors and sets the standard for all its citizens. As World Design Capital 2014, Cape Town is a global focus point for its transformative approach to design. Download to read more.

Cape Town Poster

There’s more to Cape Town than meets the eye. Around every corner, through every door, a world of inspirational experience exists. Let Cape Town be your source of inspiration.

A Day on Bree: Cape Town's Hippest Street

What’s fast becoming known as the hippest street in Cape Town, Bree Street is where you will find a hive of artisan activity. And if you’re a food lover, there’s plenty to sample here too, from burgers to gourmet pizza, craft beer and cupcakes. As one of the main arteries of the city, this street is building a reputation as the retail, culinary and design centre of the city. Here is a list of just a few of the gems.

Cape Town Street Culture

The city’s unconventional mix of cultures and influences have all played their role in establishing local culture. From the coffee-shop hipsters to those who express their ancestry through food and song – the city is a blend of people-flavours.

Art Made Public

Cape Town is a mecca of creativity and design, and these industries form a large part of the city’s economic activity. Perhaps as a reflection of its own natural beauty and diversity, Cape Town is crammed with art galleries, informal street art, great urban design, music, theatre and spontaneous expressions of creativity.

Monkeybiz Beaded Art

Monkeybiz is a non-profit organisation that provides unemployed women with the tools and materials to make traditionally beaded creations such as eclectic dolls, badges and curios. The company was established in 2000 in an effort to create jobs and today it is one of the most recognisable upliftment projects in the country.

The Rhythm of Cape Town

The rhythms of Cape Town are as complex and interesting as her multicultural people. Most of all, the Mother City is known for its unique take on jazz and hip hop, although a surfeit of music continues to pour out of the city’s many musical genres.

Cape Town Theatre

Cape Town’s theatre scene is diverse, from Shakespeare to opera and ballet to local and international one-man shows, comedy shows, kids’ shows and musicals.

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