As one of the only cities in South Africa, or the arguably the world, which hasn’t had major business relocation or urban decay, Cape Town is a unique, seafront city which has a plethora of activities for young or old, tourists or locals.
The accommodation in Cape Town is a mix of guesthouses, backpacker lodges (especially on the trendy Long Street), and hotels. With such a variety of entertainment and eateries to choose from, it is doubtful that you would want to explore anywhere else. However, if the bug does catch you, then the Hop On Hop Off bus is probably the best way to see the Cape Peninsula and surrounding area.
Who goes there?
Students, locals, tourists, and business people all call Cape Town home, at least for a few nights of their stay. Find a vibrant and eclectic mix of people loitering around the bars, clubs, restaurants, and clothing outlets. No matter what your trip to Cape Town city centre entails, you will find what you are looking for here. As with any large city, trouble springs up occasionally; however, the recent refurbishment of many of the inner-city areas and constant police watch ensures your evening walk from a restaurant to your Cape Town accommodation will be uneventful.
When to visit Cape Town City Centre?
Cape Town is located in the nook between Lion’s Head and Table Mountain which means that, during winter, the wind blows and whips Capetonian’s umbrellas and hairstyles inside out. Make sure you wrap up warm with plenty of layers during winter (May till October) and carry a few scarves to keep out the infamous South Easter.
During the summer, however, the weather is a polar opposite. Warm, long days and balmy evenings make sipping cocktails on Long Street the ideal way to while away the hours. Summer (November till April) is the ideal time to visit Cape Town City Centre.
Close By Attractions
- Greenmarket Square: In the summer months, art exhibitions and market stalls ensure that you are able to spend hours upon hours in this tiny square in the centre of the city. Sip on cafe lattes in one of the many coffee houses en-route or drag your weary feet back to your hotel room with the hundreds of trinkets bought from antique stalls and African art sales.
- V&A Waterfront: This popular tourist destination is but a five minute drive from the centre of the city, or a comfortable fifteen minute walk. Stop here for the day and take in the 400 shops and restaurants, or take the ferry to Robben Island for a glimpse into South Africa’s troubled past.
Things to do near Cape Town City Centre
Table Mountain looms great and grey over the city centre, enticing you to step atop the flat apex. Take the rotating cable car ride to the top or, if you are more adventurous, take a day hike to the top and marvel at the views which stretch into forever and beyond. Please note, though, that this mountain is not a European hillock – even if you are basking in the sun on the ground, be sure to take warm clothes and inform your Cape Town city centre accommodation of your intentions, and be sure to be extra careful during hikes or when on the mountain.
The Iziko Planetarium is a must for those interested in looking at the Southern Hemisphere sky in a whole new way. For the ultimate armchair travel, visit the South African Museum building on Queen Victoria Street every day except public holidays and the first Monday of the month.
Shopping in Cape Town City Centre
Long Street is by far the best area to pick up cut-price surfing gear, antiques by the bucket load, and African curios which you are unlikely to see elsewhere. If you are after a bit of traditional shopping, why not head down to the Adderley Street arcade where a local shopping mall is located under the streets. Greenmarket Square, located between Short- and Longmarket Streets, is the ideal spot to pick up a knick-knack or two.
Restaurants and entertainment
The range of restaurants in Cape Town is impossible to document. Here, in the city centre, you can find everything from Ethiopian cuisine to Thai take-outs, Chinese delicacies to traditional German beer fests. If you have the stomach for it, take a cuisine holiday and sample every restaurant which Cape Town city centre has to offer, but we recommend that you don’t renege on your gym membership afterwards!
Getting around
All things tourist are accessible in the city centre on foot. Nowhere are you more than a forty minute walk from an entertainment hotspot. However, if you wish to explore the area more thoroughly, we recommend hiring a taxi or car rental.
Further afield
If you wish to explore the area a little more thoroughly, we recommend taking a trip out to the Cape Winelands for a wine tasting of unique proportions. If a variety of restaurants is what has drawn you to the Mother City, then take a leisurely trip around the Peninsula and sample the many delicacies this region has to offer, from seafood and meat to the finest vegetarian cuisine money can buy.
