Cape Town Sightseeing

Cape Town may have undergone an overhaul for the 2010 World Cup, but its favourite attractions haven’t changed. Table Mountain not only provides a beautiful backdrop, but also a makes a handy point of orientation so you’ll never be entirely lost. The city centre is compact enough to explore on foot, while the V&A Waterfront is a stunning example of urban regeneration, with old-style harbour warehouses and buildings transformed into beautiful shopping centres, luxury hotels, restaurants and craft barns.

No visit to Cape Town would be complete without visiting Robben Island,the most enduring symbol of apartheid, where former president Nelson Mandela was held for 18 of his 27 years in jail.

Another legacy of apartheid was the creation of massive slum-filled townships, which are still a part of life for most black Capetonians. Township tours to Kayalitsha, Langa and Gugulethu provide a source of income generation to these communities. The Bo-Kaap area, distinguished by its pastel-coloured homes, is a multicultural quarter which still retains a distinct, lively atmosphere.

Cape Town Tourism Visitor Information Centre
Corner of Burg Street and Castle Street
Tel: 021 426 4260.
Website: 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.

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