Located at the very bottom of Africa, Cape Town, South Africa is one of the world’s prettiest cities. As the most populated city in South Africa and the third most visited city on the entire continent, Cape Town is filled with all types of attractions to entertain people with many different interests.
Overlooking Cape Town is Table Mountain. Named for its flat top that stretches two miles from side to side, Table Mountain may be the city’s most famous landmark, and one that no tourist should ever skip. Those who do not mind a long walk will often make the trip up the mountain on foot, however nearly a million people every year simply take the five minute cableway to the top. The mountain is part of Table Mountain National Park, that is known for its various types of flowers and plants. The park also features the Cape of Good Hope, a rocky shoreline that is the southwesternmost point on the continent of Africa.
Just next to the park is Boulders Beach. The park is named after the 500 million year old granite boulders that sit along the sides. Besides relaxing in the sand and going for a swim, visitors and locals enjoy seeing the African penguins that call Boulders Beach home. Although, these types of penguins are heavily protected by the law because they are endangered, so people must be sure not to get too close.
The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is visited by 23 million people every year. This area of the city has residential homes, commercial businesses, restaurants, and a harbour. The area also has many popular attractions such as the Two Oceans Aquarium, the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art, and Breakwater Lodge. Breakwater Lodge was built in the mid nineteenth century as a prison, but today is home to the business school for the University of Cape Town.
Bo-Kaap, located on the side of Signal Hill, is one of Cape Town’s prettiest neighborhoods. The area is famous for its cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and friendly people that call Bo-Kaap home. The majority of these people are Muslim, therefore the area has many Mosques and Karamats (Islamics shrines). The Nurul Islam Mosque and the Auwal Mosque are two of the most famous Mosques, each with a long history of providing for the people of Cape Town. Those who want to learn a little more about the area can check out the Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum.
In 2010 the FIFA World Cup was hosted by South Africa. Cape Town Stadium (formerly known as Green Point Stadium) hosted some of the matches. Just blocks from both the Atlantic Ocean and downtown Cape Town, the there is always a lot going on around the stadium. Right after the world cup, the stadium became the home for the soccer club Ajax Cape Town. Today, Cape Town City also plays their games at Cape Town Stadium. To see a really exciting event here, the best time to visit would be the middle of December. This is when one of the world’s most recognized rugby tournaments, the South Africa Sevens, is played.
As the oldest standing building in South Africa, the Castle of Good Hope was built by the Dutch East India Company in the 1600s. Though it was never attacked, this fort was shaped like a star to help protect against enemies. It was first painted yellow hundreds of years ago to keep the fort as cool as possible under the hot sun, and it still wears this bright color today.
With so much to see and do, Cape Town, South Africa is an incredible place to visit. From nature, to history, to sports, the city has cool things for everyone.