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12 Apostles Peaks, Table Mountain, Cape Town

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Things to see in Cape Town

Tourist information: 

Cape Town Tourism Visitor Information Centre
Corner of Burg Street and Castle Street
Tel: 021 426 4260.
www.tourismcapetown.com
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1800, Sat 0830-1400, Sun 0900-1300 in summer. Closes slightly earlier in winter.
There is also a visitor information centre at the Clock Tower Precinct at the V&A Waterfront (tel: (021) 405 4500) and one at the airport.

Passes: 

The Go Cape Town card gives you discounted entrance to Table Mountain Cableway, the Two Oceans Aquarium and the City Sightseeing tour bus. Valid for three months from date of purchase. Available from tourism offices or online at www.webtickets.co.za

Castle of Good Hope

Construction began on this five-pointed, star-shaped castle (originally a Dutch fortress) in 1666, which makes it the oldest colonial building in the country. The castle became the apartheid government's military headquarters in 1948. Now very much a museum of the people, it hosts regular art exhibitions and cultural events. Enjoy daily guided tours on weekdays, horse and carriage rides and a restaurant. Also within the castle, the William Fehr Collection offers a superb record of colonial Cape art and culture.

Opening Times: Daily 0900-1600.
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: Corner of Darling Street and Castle Street, Cape Town, South Africa
Telephone: 021 464 1260.
Website: http://www.castleofgoodhope.co.za
Century City

Just a short drive from the city centre is Century City, a massive and architecturally astounding entertainment complex with clubs, pubs and restaurants and shops. Its Canal Walk shopping centre is the second largest mall in the southern hemisphere. The MTN Sciencentre provides a myriad of scientific distractions for children of all ages, with over 250 interactive displays. Man-made Intaka Island is a haven for bird life, while canal boat rides are also available. There's a golf practice centre and Ratanga Junction, an amusement park that opens during school holidays.

Opening Times: Daily.
Admission Fees: Yes.
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: Century City, Milnerton, South Africa
Telephone: (021) 550 7000.
Website: http://www.centurycity.co.za
Company Gardens

Not just a collection of plants and trees, but a city centre relaxation area surrounded by striking buildings. The gardens were planted in 1652 to serve as a fruit and vegetable supply for the Dutch navy. It's also home to several of the city's key attractions such as St George's Cathedral, which became a potent symbol of anti-apartheid resistance as the site of political rallies. Until 1996, Nobel Peace Prize winner Desmond Tutu was its archbishop. Also here are the Houses of Parliament, where the architect of apartheid, Prime Minister Hendrik Verwoerd, was assassinated in 1966. Nelson Mandela also presented his inaugural speech from here as president of the new South Africa in 1994. Art buffs can visit the South African National Gallery, while The South African Museum documents the country's natural and political history. There is also the Planetarium, Jewish Museum and Holocaust Centre which compares the consequences of racism and oppression in apartheid South Africa to the experiences of survivors of the Nazi occupation of Germany.

Disabled Access: No
Unesco: No
Address: Queen Victoria Street, Cape Town, South Africa
Telephone: (021) 400 2521.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

These a magnificent sprawling gardens boast 5,000 indigenous plant species, justifying its rating as one of the top botanical gardens in the world. Beautiful formal gardens are dotted with African sculptures, while other areas include a forest trail for the blind, a protea garden, water-wise garden, a useful plants garden and a fragrance garden. Kirstenbosch is a delightful place for a picnic, or an energetic hike through the natural fynbos (indigenous plants unique to the Western Cape). Sunset concerts are held every Sunday at 1730 between late November and April.

Opening Times: Daily 0800-1900 (Sep-Mar); daily 0800-1800 (Apr-Aug).
Admission Fees: Yes.
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: Rhodes Drive, Cape Town, South Africa
Telephone: (021) 799 8783.
Website: http://www.kirstenbosch.co.za
Robben Island

Visiting Robben Island, 12km (7.5 miles) from Cape Town in Table Bay is a profoundly moving experience. The infamous prison was Nelson Mandela's enforced home for 18 of his 27 years in jail. Book a visit with Robben Island Tours from the V&A Waterfront. Tours of the prison and the island are given by former political prisoners, who provide an insight of their experiences and struggle against apartheid. The museum in the prison also offers a wealth of information.

Opening Times: Ferries depart at 0900, 1100, 1300 and 1500 (weather permitting).
Admission Fees: Yes.
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: Yes
Address: Depart from the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, South Africa
Telephone: (021) 413 4263.
Website: http://www.robben-island.org.za
Table Mountain

Cape Town's defining landmark is also one of its greatest tourist attractions. A revolving cable car trip to the summit offers thrilling views from the top. There are several trails to explore at the peak, worth considering for the ocean and city panoramas. Many tourists choose to hike back down, but this is no casual stroll. The combination of sheer cliff faces and buffeting winds can be lethal. The weather can change within minutes and a blanket of mist often covers the mountain like a tablecloth.

Opening Times: Daily 0830-1700 (winter); daily 0800-18.
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: Cable station - Tafelberg Road, Cape Town, South Africa
Telephone: (021) 424 8181.
Website: http://www.tablemountain.net
Two Oceans Aquarium

A world-class aquarium where feeding sessions in the huge predator tanks are a highlight for many visitors. Its position at the V&A Waterfront makes it ideally positioned to display marine life from the converging Atlantic and India Oceans. It houses 3,000 living sea animals, including sharks, turtles and a colony of penguins in light and airy display areas. A Children's Centre offers fun activities for kids aged four to 10. A bird hide overlooking the rockhopper rookery offers a place to sit and relax. You can also arrange a diving session with ragged-tooth sharks, shoals of large predators, rays and turtles.

Opening Times: Daily 0930-1800.
Admission Fees: Yes.
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, South Africa
Telephone: (021) 418 3823.
Website: http://www.aquarium.co.za
Victoria & Alfred (V&A) Waterfront

Transforming a rundown harbour into a booming centre for tourism, culture, leisure and business was a stoke of genius. Renovated Victorian warehouses and buildings house craft markets, shops, restaurants and a cinema. Boat and yacht operators offer innumerable cruises, while ferries to Robben Island depart from here. It's hugely popular at night, thanks to its street musicians and lively atmosphere.

Opening Times: Daily.
Admission Fees: No.
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: Waterfront, South Africa
Telephone: (021) 408 7600.
Website: http://www.waterfront.co.za
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