Discover Cape Town

Overlooked by the mighty Table Mountain, flanked by ocean and dotted with fruitful vineyards, Cape Town is one of the most scenic cities on earth.

Located on South Africa’s Western Cape, Cape Town is a truly impressive summer destination, home to breathtaking natural settings, inspiring cultural delights and things to see and do aplenty.

Overlooked by the mighty Table Mountain, flanked by ocean and dotted with fruitful vineyards, Cape Town is one of the most scenic cities on Earth.

Ride a cable car or hike to the top of Table Mountain and enjoy a stunning aerial view the region’s sprawling landscape. Towering more than 1000 metres into the sky  often draped with a thin strip of cloud known as the "tablecloth”  the mountain provides the city with a dramatic backdrop.

From the mountain’s lookouts, Cape Town’s 20-plus beaches are on brilliant display, fringing the city with enticing shades of blues and unique summertime experiences. Swim with penguins at Boulders Beach. Learn to surf or kite-surf at one of Blouberg’s popular beaches. Or relax on a deck chair surrounded by the rich and famous at Camps Bay.

A short distance from the city, the winelands region is one of the Western Cape’s most picturesque summer destinations. Major wine routes pass through the historical towns of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek, and offer a wonderful opportunity to discover the Cape's heritage, culture and cuisine.

The city’s rich and prominent history and traditions can also be experienced in a number of enchanting urban settings.

Downtown, the City Bowl fosters vibrant cultural opportunities. Stroll the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and discover Cape Town’s historical working harbour. Visit the cobble-stoned Greenmarket Square and explore the area’s lively African curios and bazaars. Or take in the bohemian-meets-business vibe of Long, Loop and Kloof Streetsthe city’s most famous eat streets.

No summer in Cape Town is complete without experiencing a braai. Spend a lazy summer afternoon doing what South African's do best... barbequing. Join the locals and taste the true essence of Cape Town; pack the cooler box, grab some wood and head to one of Cape Town’s favourite braai spotTokai Forest, Silvermine, Buffels Bay, Maiden’s Cove or Oudekraal.

Discover Cape Town

  • Together with partner airline Etihad Airways, Virgin Australia operates flights to Cape Town, from Sydney and Melbourne.
Words by Alice Nash - Published 10 December 2012
Quick Facts 
Population 3,500,000
Time Zone GMT +2 hours
Languages Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu.
Currency Rand
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