Cape Town is the shining jewel on the southern toe of Africa. Perhaps the most reliably safe city in South Africa, it has the best amenities in the country as the government capitalizes on its tourist appeal.

Places to See

There's plenty to see. From Robben Island, Nelson Mandela's former prison, to tourist brochure-views at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, to the unique cable-car ride up Table-Top Mountain. Sun worshippers, surfers and divers flock to nearby white sand beaches and azure waters under Table Mountain. The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve provides sweeping sea vistas, hiking trails and wildlife encounters.

If you only have a few days in Capetown, those attractions are a great way to spend your time. If you're lucky enough to have a little longer, do yourself a favor – rent a car (mandatory, public transport is non-existent) and explore.

Off the Beaten Path

Only fifteen minutes out of town is Blaauwberg. The beach seems to stretch off into infinity and provides the best view of Capetown there is. Get there early and have a leisurely breakfast at one of the many cafes.

Another gorgeous walk is the National Park at the  top of Ou Kaapse Weg. Drive to the end of the road and walk from there. The views of Cape Peninsula are stunning, and the less enthusiastic members of your party will be pleased to know that it isn't a hike – just a walk.

Shopping

The shopping in Cape Town is world class. Century City near the center of the city is an enormous shopping center, matched only by Tygervalley. A vast selection of everything you could ask for, at all prices.

Beaches

Every beach in Cape Town is good, with white sand almost as soft as dust, but the very best swimming beaches are near Somerset West, on Gordon's Bay and Strand. When you have cooled off, drive a little further, and take your time. The scenery in this part of the country is breathtaking.

Definitely not a coast-point for swimming is the Cape of Good Hope. The name is either ironic or incredibly optimistic, as the Cape is known for being the most consistently treacherous stretch of water ever known to sailors.

Markets

It's true that Cape Town is a major international economic center, but in many ways it has not lost it's bygone appeal. Green Market Square is one of Cape Town’s oldest and most popular markets. You can let the crowd sweep you along in its friendly, haggling wake, or nurse a drink and people-watch. A great place to try new food.

Safari

Cape Town is also the jumping off point for a number of safari reserves. Spend a weekend in the middle of a savannah (5 star open-air bedroom complete with caviar is optional).

Hotels

Cape Town hotels are currently moderately priced. You can find a three start hotel for well below $100 per night. For more stars, you may get away with a deal close to $100 per night for a room, up to amounts well above that for high end five star hotel. Admittedly, the rooms are very nice indeed, and the service is second-to-none.

Use the Hotelsio Rate Finder to find top accommodation and cheap hotels in Cape Town.

(Photo:Fotolia/Samuel Birkan)

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