South African

Visit the third best city in the world – right here in South Africa. Cape Town is not just for the international jetsetter or the well-heeled – it’s South Africa’s own “Mother City”, a hive of activity for local visitors all year round.

South Africans enjoy many advantages when holidaying in their own country. You’ll be speaking your own language, driving on the usual side of the road, and it’s an easy travelling distance from home no matter where you happen to reside in our beautiful country.

Cape Town is accessible to all South Africans on any budget. Book in advance on a budget airline and you could pay less than R1000 for a return flight from Johannesburg, and it’s only a two-hour flight.

You could drive to Cape Town in your own car, or rent a car when you get here, or use public transport. Cape Town has one of the best transport systems in South Africa, incorporating both buses and trains (www.capemetrorail.co.za/) that run throughout the city. They’re reasonably priced and run regularly.

You could take the bus to the V&A Waterfront for some fresh sea food, shopping and a cruise around the harbour or even further, and then hop back on to travel the short distance to Sea Point where you can stroll along the promenade. Grab some soft-serve ice-cream or take a dip in the Sea Point pool overlooking the ocean. It’s perhaps the most scenic public swimming pool in the world.

All Cape Town’s main attractions are accessible from the city centre within an hour by car, and the scenery will keep even the shortest attention spans entertained in the back seat while you drive. One spectacular route is going up the Chapman’s Peak Drive, which operates as a toll road. The route is occasionally closed to traffic for safety reasons, but may be open to walkers and cyclists even if close to motorised traffic, so it’s best to call the information line (+27 21 791 8222) before starting your journey.

There is no shortage of accommodation options for your stay.

Yes, you could always sleep in the spare room at a relative’s place, but we suggest you look at the self-catering apartments, backpackers and hotel choices. There are affordable and flexible options in the city centre and all corners of the city.

Search our Accommodation Database for an option that best suits you. You can also call 021 487 6800 and speak to one of our friendly Cape Town Tourism team. We’ll be happy to share some local knowledge with you. Send us an email to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

A day at one of Cape Town’s beaches makes for an affordable and relaxed introduction to the city. You can see and be seen on Clifton beach, where you’re likely to spot a few local celebs hanging out, or take the whole family to Gordon’s Bay, Strand beach or Muizenberg for child-friendly swimming and a family atmosphere.

Stand on a piece of iconic South African landscape by hiking to the top of Table Mountain or, if you’re feeling less energetic, take the cable car to the top. The view will remind you of the breath-taking beauty of your country – a feeling never to be underestimated.

While in Cape Town, be sure to visit at least one of the 18 Official Cape Town Tourism Visitor Information Centres located across the City. We stock free brochures and maps, sell great Cape Town retail and crafts, do reservations for accommodation, tours, attractions, taxi’s, car hire and will give you advice on the best activities in the City. Call us on 021 487 6800 or contact us by email on .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

We also make South African National Parks reservations for accommodation in the parks across the country and can make bookings for any Cape Nature reserve. Call us on 021 487 6800 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Drop in at any number of museums and attractions to brush up on your local history. Robben Island (one of the very first World Heritage Sites declared in South African in 1999), the District Six Museum and the Iziko South African Museum are treasure troves of historical knowledge and experience that shouldn’t be missed.

If local culture is your thing, be sure not to miss the Cape Minstrel Carnival. It is Cape Town’s longest running street party, and the festivities begin on January 2nd every year, when minstrels from the coloured community dance through the city centre singing traditional songs and playing banjos.

Cape Town is host to some excellent events. Join us for the world’s largest timed cycling event, the Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour, the inspirational Design Indaba Expo or Africa’s largest book fair, The Cape Town Book Fair. Whatever your interest, there is a gathering of likeminded people throughout the year. Check out more events in our What’s On guide.

It’s a city full of good food, good wine, great places to stay and to visit, and good cheer. Most of all, it’s yours to enjoy.