Cape Town
One of the most beautiful and fascinating cities in the world
Categories: Cape Town South Africa
Ranks among the most beautiful and fascinating cities in the world. The Mothercity, as it is also called as the oldest city foundation in southern Africa, offers everything the heart desires: water, mountains, culture, great architecture, shopping malls, wine and excellent food. Cape Town is modern and traditional at the same time, unconventional and casual, sporty and culturally inspiring.
Cape Town got its name from the Cape of Good Hope. It lies about 45 kilometres further south and was for centuries considered one of the most dangerous waterways. It is also known as the "Cape of Storms". 
© sculpies / Fotolia
The South African city was founded in the middle of the 17th century by the Dutch. Jan van Riebeeck anchored here in 1652 in the natural harbour of Table Bay. He subsequently established a trading post of the Dutch East India Company for the India route. The area was originally settled by San and Khoikhoi. Today the lively metropolis is the second largest city after Johannesburg. The landmark of Cape Town is the world famous Table Mountain. It is 1087 meters high. With its plateau-like surface it shapes the silhouette of Cape Town, together with other hills such as Signal Hill, Devil's Peak or Lion's Head.
Cape Town is rich in sights. The best visiting time is between October and March, in the southern summer. A highlight is a trip up Table Mountain. From there you have a fantastic view of the city and the sea. In the city centre, shopping streets, markets, museums and historic buildings attract visitors. From the famous city hall Nelson Mandela gave his famous speech from the balcony on February 11, 1990 after his release from 27 years of imprisonment. Today, excursions are offered to Robben Island, the former prison for political prisoners of the apartheid government.
Beautiful is the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens of Cape Town. Here there are more than 7,000 different plant species from the Cape region. From the treetop path you have a magnificent view of the gardens. A visit to the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town harbour is also a must. Here, restaurants, cafés, exclusive boutiques and bars line up in the historic harbour section. Don't miss Long Street, the Company's Garden or the Bird Park, Koopmans De Wet House, the Two Oceans Aquarium and the Cape Town Opera. Because Cape Town is more than just sun, water and waves.
Fine white villas, many with sea views, and wineries round off the multi-faceted metropolis. Cape Town is colourful, not only in terms of the variety of ethnic groups, but also in the houses, districts and markets. The oldest house in the city is the Castle of Good Hope from the 17th century. An example of the diversity of Cape Town is Bo-Kaap. The former problem district is today famous for its colourful house facades. Predominantly Muslim Cape Malays live here. 
© EcoView / Fotolia
Not only the fine, noble districts belong to Cape Town, but also the townships. You can also visit them, different guided tours are offered.
What would Cape Town be without its beaches? Water sports play an important role in the metropolis. The most famous beaches are Camps Bay or Clifton as well as Bloubergstrand in the northern part of Cape Town. Cape Town is as diverse as its inhabitants. Whether nature, culture, history or lifestyle: Cape Town is a fascinating metropolis. It regularly reinvents itself and cannot be compared with any other city in the world.
