Cape Town is the capital of which country. The city of Cape Town, South Africa - photos, videos, where it is located on the map and the amazing history of the city

Cape Town is located in the southwestern part of the Western Cape Province of South Africa. This is the oldest city in the country founded by Europeans. The word Cape Town means cape city. Here it is also called the mother of cities.

The location of Cape Town, between Table Mountain and the coast, is simply amazing. It is considered the most advantageous geographical location on earth and one of the most beautiful in the world. Here you can live on the sea coast, surrounded by mountains, and not give up the benefits of civilization.

However, the history of this amazing area began long before the first white settlers appeared in South Africa. Initially, Bushmen and Huttentots lived in this territory. The Bushmen lived by gathering and hunting, and the Huttentots were nomadic shepherds. In the 9th century, the Bantu peoples pushed the Huttentots and Bushmen to the southeast.

City embankment.

The first Europeans appeared in these places only when the navigator from Portugal, Bartolomeu Dias, discovered the southernmost cape on earth - the Cape of Good Hope - in 1488. The first settlement appeared here more than 150 years later. The Dutchman Jan Riebeck founded a fort here, a permanent base and a botanical garden that is still growing today. Today it is known as the Company Garden. Thus began the history of Cape Town.

The initial functions of the city were limited only to the functions of a supply base for ships of the Dutch East India Company, but gradually the settlement grew and became one of the main settlements of the country. In 1806, the period of Dutch domination here ended, and Cape Town began to submit to the British Crown. In 1808, Britain banned the trade in slaves and in 1833 restored their freedom. Freedom returned to these lands only for a hundred years. The apartheid policy, introduced in 1948 and ended in 1991, continues to be racially discriminatory.

However, what tourists see first is a beautiful and interesting city. Museums, ancient monuments and places intended exclusively for recreation are mixed here. People who choose tours to South Africa, in Cape Town, first of all love the embankment, where they can practice various sports, try exotic seafood dishes, or watch cute creatures frolicking on the coast - fur seals.

A holiday in Cape Town is not possible without visiting the Company Gardens mentioned above. They are located opposite the official residence of the President of South Africa. Initially, the gardens occupied an area of ​​17 hectares, which is three times more than the current one. In those distant times, they simply provided city residents with vegetables and fruits. Today it is a classic botanical garden, where, enjoying the aromas of many exotic plants, it is pleasant to take a break from the bustle and noise of the city.

After passing through the garden, those who come on holiday to Cape Town will find themselves in the local planetarium, the South African Museum and the National Gallery. All tourists do not ignore the oldest building in the country - the Castle of Good Hope. It was built in the 17th century and was the residence of the country's first governors, but with the arrival of the British it became simply a military facility.

One of the main symbols of the city of Cape Town has been and remains Table Mountain. The first to reach its peak in 1503 was the Portuguese Antonio de Saldanca. Today, at the top of Table Mountain there is an observation deck from which a uniquely beautiful panorama of the entire city opens.

Cape Town on the map:

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Video: Heads and tails (Cape Town)

A short preamble before the story itself.

It all started three years ago, when we returned from Abkhazia in August 2015. And then the wife said: basta!

By that time, my wife had already vacationed in this wonderful place 5 times, twice with my daughter and three times we went with her alone. No, I can’t say anything bad about Abkhazia, especially when I stopped in front of the border, right under the police birdhouse and lit a cigarette. Galina went to the border store to buy tea from Mamuka, and I waited. They called me from above, politely asked me to come in for a light, took a photograph, copied my passport details (they didn’t take fingerprints) and let me go with the wish: “You’ll cross the border and smoke wherever you want.”

That's exactly what happened. Border Leselidze, currently Gyachripsh (Abkhazians after the war changed all Georgian names to their own) for some reason reminded the times of the Soviet Union. Although no, it’s wrong. At that time, all the sanatoriums were open, the streets and parks were clean. Now, as one of the local residents said, “Russia helped Abkhazia gain independence and also invested money in development, history has not yet known this,” but the number of investments is difficult to estimate with a simple eye. IMHO.

However, you can indeed smoke everywhere, drink beer on the beach and even on the way from the beach. Cheburek for 90 rubles is CHEBUREK according to the old Russian measure of length - cubit, which is prepared right in front of you, with normal meat and spices, 50 rubles a glass of excellent homemade wine and much more, as they say, at affordable prices.

If you wish, you can find conditions for yourself: proximity to the sea, air conditioning in the room, and even meals. But our friends have been vacationing for many years and recommended this family to us, to whom they have been going for 10 years. Armenians, Aram and Angela, are kind and hospitable hosts. The conditions are, of course, Spartan. There is a room where there is a wardrobe, a coffee table, a chair and a bed, there is no air conditioning, but in September, during the high season, it was not needed until we arrived in August... But more on that below. Further, there are amenities in the courtyard, but this is not a rustic elevator-closet, but a normal toilet with sewerage, but it stands separately. There is a shared shower, but there is hot water around the clock, which is good news. There is a refrigerator in the yard for vacationers, a TV is also in the yard. 300 meters to the sea along a shady alley made of Canadian maple. Aram has wonderful chacha and semi-sweet wine, inexpensive.

On my first two visits, Aram had an old Lada. You give him money for gasoline, and he takes you throughout Abkhazia, wherever you want. Caves of Athos, Gagra, Sukhumi... and what khachapuri with a boat in Adjarian style in the Narta cafe in Sukhumi! And Duchess lemonade with the taste of childhood, that’s something! If you don’t take food into account, then spiritual food in Abkhazia is also in perfect order. After all, the greatest amount of natural resources that are worth seeing are located right here. I repeat once again that you can find better conditions, but we were not so much attracted by the low price as by the attitude of Aram and Angela towards vacationers. Over the course of these three years, we constantly met with the same vacationers at Aram. Once, having come to them, people came again and again.

The first September that I arrived in Abkhazia, we were not entirely lucky with the weather. It was raining and the sea was stormy. We swam a little, but we rode around Abkhazia with Aram. But the next September, we arrived for 10 days and regretted that we took return tickets so early. The weather was amazing, the sea was clean, which cannot be said about the cleanliness of the beach. Although, precisely on the day of our departure, a thunderstorm broke out and the weather deteriorated. So, everything that is not done is for the better.

And then, finally, we went on vacation in August 2015. The heat was terrible. We went to the sea early in the morning and before sunset, and even late in the evening, the water was like fresh milk. This is where, of course, an air conditioner wouldn’t be superfluous, that’s for sure. A lot of vacationers came up and asked about free beds; when they learned that there were, they were happy, but the lack of air conditioning in the rooms forced them to retreat. For the first time in our lives, having arrived for two weeks, we never wanted these days to pass quickly. Aram said: “Next year I will die, but I will put air conditioning in every room.” That’s right, that year the family lost a lot of money because they didn’t go on vacation. So, if there are anyone who wants to relax in Spartan conditions, but with sincere, hospitable hosts Aram and Angela, write, I’ll give you the coordinates. One of Angela's many relatives will meet you at Adler airport and take you across the border. Although, sometimes it’s faster on foot, but that’s how you get there. But on the way back, it couldn’t be more relevant. It’s better to leave early and spend extra hours at the airport than to get stuck at the border and miss your plane. Another relative is organizing a trip to the gorge. You must first walk along the river bed, which is not dry and cold. Depth...well, in general it will be up to your waist,

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but then an amazing picture of the gorge opens up.

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And then the wife said: basta! (Well, just like Coelho got the syllable) “I understand,” she said, that everything suits you. But for the past 5 years I’ve already gotten tired of going to the same place. I'm tired of looking at the garbage near the garbage cans that has been lying around for days. I feel sorry for the poor cats who, with the rumbling of wild animals, rush at rare food and dogs, the beautiful Alma, the German shepherd and the “beast of an unknown breed,” as Alexander Mikhailov said in the film “Men,” nicknamed Rambo, who eat a loaf of bread in a day and this their entire diet. (Unfortunately, this is true and, apparently, not only with Aram. Animals must work - guard the house and catch mice). And I feed them every time I come, because I love animals, and especially cats (That’s right, I’m still a cat lady!). I like the owners who, by this time, already consider us family and we even sit down to dinner together, but.....we went to another place"

Another place had to be something exotic and previously unvisited. I immediately remembered my childhood, a book about Aibolit plus the National Geographic channel and it was decided to go to Africa for a walk. Plus, how many times had they watched the fauna of Africa on TV, and I really wanted to see it up close, directly in Kruger Park. And the country and the city somehow came by themselves - Cape Town. South Africa.

It was decided to go at the height of the South African summer, namely in January-February. Considering that I work on a rotational basis and there are 25 days between shifts, they thought so. On January 12th I return from my shift, on the 15th we fly to Moscow, apply for a visa, a week later we receive them and at the end of January we set off. The trip on the tour package was canceled immediately. Well, my wife and I don’t like to go with crowds. It’s more interesting to be independent and do what you see fit yourself. My English is good, I can explain almost everything. I understand after one, or even two, but if you ask to speak slowly please, then understanding comes in 0.5. Based on this, we booked the accommodation we liked on the airbnb website a year in advance. I chose it on a whim, looked at the photo, read the reviews. I liked this one

https://www.airbnb.ru/rooms/select/9245237?adults=2&children=0&guests=2&infants=0&role=wishlist_owner&wl_id=181054058&wl_source=list

There are a lot of photos, so it’s better to follow the link and see for yourself. But I will return to housing later. I couldn’t resist...I’ll still attach one photo. This is our private pool in the apartment

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By the way, anyone who hasn’t used this site yet, I highly recommend it. An alternative to a hotel for any budget.

In preparation for the trip, a plan was drawn up. On January 29th we fly to Cape Town, on February 2nd we fly from Cape Town to Kruger Park for an evening and morning safari, on February 3rd we return back and on February 8th we fly from Cape Town to Moscow. And everything between these dates is devoted to inspecting everything that can be covered in less than 10 days.

And then, His Majesty Chance, at the end of May 17, brings me together with a regular on this site, Olga-traveler, from whom I, quite by accident, learn that in March 17, visas to South Africa were canceled. Olga, I know that you are reading this review now. Thank you very much for saving me from unnecessary movements. Otherwise, my wife and I would definitely have rushed to Moscow to get visas.

Then in May, a hotel in Kruger Park was booked for one night through Booking.com. And already in January, just before the trip, tickets were purchased from Cape Town to Kruger and, most importantly, tickets along the route: Moscow-Dubai-Cape Town, Cape Town-Dubai-Moscow.

We decided to fly with Emirates. I also read reviews, listened to colleagues who, at one time, studied in Johannesburg and had to fly with different companies. And they were right. Agree that the distance of more than 80 centimeters between the seats, during a flight of 5 and 9 hours, is worth a lot. Plus good food, and...alcohol from the bar. Although, this can surprise only those who fly with Aeroflot. In other companies, I heard that this matter is free everywhere.

In Moscow, in Domodedovo, who does not want to carry clothes with them, there is a storage room for things. But we had light down jackets, which we put in our suitcases, along with warm clothes, changed into summer clothes and went to boarding.

As the story progresses, I would like to give some advice to those who are planning a trip to Cape Town and beyond. I hope they help you.

On the Emirates website, you can book your seat a very long time in advance. And any. But for a fee. Within 48 hours, regular seats become free; emergency exit seats and double seats on a Boeing 777 still remain paid. We ignored this service. On the Moscow-Dubai section, in a row of three seats, on the A-380, such a large two-story colossus, we got seats near the window and in the middle. A woman was sitting in the aisle. I don’t know about you, but I’m not entirely happy with the fact that I have to constantly ask to get up to go out. After takeoff, I stood up, looked around and noticed three empty seats in the next cabin, right behind the two seats at the emergency exit. Moreover, the chair by the window had free space in front of it. This was precisely a place of increased comfort. I asked the steward if we could change seats there, and received an affirmative answer. I sat down in it, my wife sat in the farthest aisle, sat sideways, stretched out her legs and put them on my knees, leaned against the back of the chair and fell asleep. The day on the road took its toll. At night at 3 o'clock, we left by train from Apatit to Murmansk, at 7 am we were in Murmansk, at 10.30 a flight to Moscow to Sheremetyevo. We were in Moscow already at 13:00, and the flight to Dubai was at 23:50. During the flight, I quietly sipped gin.

A few hours later, my Little Gal woke up, seeing that behind our row and across the aisle there was active life, and she was missing out on this celebration of life.

Don’t think that people behaved badly, as it is common to think that our compatriots can only get drunk on free booze on the plane. No. They were just talking, joking, laughing. People were going on vacation and they were in a good mood.

At the end, my wife asked for lunch, which had already passed by our row and the flight attendant girl brought it to us with a smile and, of course...... Hennessy. What more could a queen ask for? There was no pure alcohol, and I did not dare offer the queen vodka.

Returning to Emirates. You can buy tickets cheaper, for example with Qatar airlines, you will save not much, not less than 30 thousand for two. But travel time increases by almost 1.5 times in one direction. Lufthansa.... not much more expensive than Emirates, but.... I remember how I was returning from Antarctica in 2012 and we flew from Rio to Frankfurt with Lufthansa, 12 hours, if I'm not mistaken, of a non-stop flight, sandwiched by maximum between seats. And the general flight time of the Germans is also not so hot. Here we flew 5 hours to Dubai, 2 hours layover, and 9 to Cape Town. Back, there was a 4-hour layover, which was taken into account for the visit. Duty free.

Beforehand, while still at home, I studied Dubai airport very carefully. I found out that we arrive at the 3rd terminal and depart from it. This made me happy. But a diagram is a diagram, but when you see it in person, it’s something else. Several times we approached the employees, I showed them the boarding gates and asked where to go. We were sent in one direction, then, for some reason, back. I got the impression that they don’t really understand it themselves. But this can’t be, they’re all locals here! In the end, we were escorted into a small minibus. I remember that we arrived at the 3rd terminal and departed from it, and then we still had to go somewhere. Moreover, as soon as we sat down, the bus immediately started moving, as if they were just waiting for us. Immediately a diagram popped into my head that all the terminals were located at a distance from each other. Is there a mistake here? Luckily for us, two of our compatriots were traveling in the mikrika. When they found out that it was our first time, they reassured us and said that we were going where we needed to go. I believed it, but still the anxiety did not go away. Maybe because it was night, darkness and nothing was visible outside the window.

Two people meet:

Who are you most afraid of?

Dentists and darkness"

Let's say dentists understand, but why darkness?

Who knows how many dentists there are out there in the dark

Despite the fact that we got off at the third terminal, we were circled on a bus for another 10 minutes and brought to the third terminal. I don’t know what to say about this, apparently the airport workers know better how to deliver transit passengers... At least we ended up where we needed to, and that made us happy.

This time we were in no hurry and decided to wait until boarding was completed. The five-hour flight from Moscow did not bring much rest. Still, sleeping lying down is more comfortable and physiological. Being the last one to board the plane, I addressed the steward with a pre-prepared phrase. No, it wasn’t, “Monsieur is not mange pas sis jour” and I wasn’t Kisa Vorobyaninov, and therefore my request boiled down to the fact that we had too long a journey and there weren’t two rows of four free seats in the cabin where we We can lie down and sleep. The steward turned on the monitor and invited us to go to a row where there were 4 empty seats, and opposite 3. After takeoff, I stretched out to my full height, Galchonok, also lay down on three chairs, curled up like a kitten, and we fell asleep. The flight was almost 9 hours. Cape Town was ahead of us.

To be continued......

Patricia de Lille

Based Former names

Kapstad (Kapstadt)

Square Population Density

1424.6 people/km²

Agglomeration Timezone Telephone code Postcode Official site

Cape Town(Kapstad, Kapstad) (English) Cape Town, Afrikaans Kaapstad, Xhosa iKapa) is the second most populous city (after Johannesburg) in the Republic of South Africa. Located in the southwest of the country, on the Atlantic coast, near the Cape of Good Hope. Capital of the Western Cape Province, legislative capital of South Africa. Part of the Cape Town Metropolitan Region.

According to 2007 data, the population of Cape Town is 3.5 million people. Cape Town's area is 2,499 km²: it is larger than other cities in South Africa, and as a result, Cape Town has a lower population density (1,425 people/km²). Cape Town is a sister city of the French city of Nice and the Russian city of St. Petersburg.

Story

Main article: History of Cape Town

There is no reliable information about when the first human settlements appeared here. The earliest archaeological remains (Pierce Cave, near Fish Hoek) date back to approximately 12,000 years ago. Little is known about the early history of this region. The first written evidence dates back only to 1486, when the Portuguese Bartolomeu Dias visited the Cape of Good Hope.

Physiographic characteristics

Cape Town city center is located on the northern edge of the Cape Peninsula. Table Mountain creates a picturesque backdrop, rising more than a thousand meters above sea level. It is surrounded by almost vertical cliffs such as Devil's Peak and Lion's Head. Sometimes a thin cloud called a "tablecloth" forms over the mountain.

The peninsula itself is a small mountain range (more than 700 peaks are over 300 m high) and ends at Cape Point. Many of Cape Town's suburbs are located on the large Cape Flats, which connects the peninsula to the mainland. The Cape Flats are made up of sandy soils left over from the former shallows: Table Mountain was previously an island.

On the eastern side of the peninsula in False Bay is the naval base Simonstown, where you can visit the South African Navy Museum.

Climate

The climate of the city is subtropical Mediterranean.

Cape Town climate
Index	Jan.	Feb.	March	Apr.	May	June	July	Aug.	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.	Year
Absolute maximum, °C	41,3	38,0	38,0	37,4	33,2	30,5	28,3	31,2	37,1	37,2	38,7	36,3	41,3
Average maximum, °C	26,3	26,8	25,6	23,2	20,5	18,2	17,6	18,0	19,4	21,8	23,5	25,3	22,2
Average temperature, °C	20,8	20,8	19,5	17,1	14,8	12,7	12,2	12,7	14,2	16,2	18,1	20,0	16,6
Average minimum, °C	16,8	16,8	15,4	12,8	10,7	8,4	7,9	8,5	10,0	11,9	13,9	15,8	12,4
Absolute minimum, °C	8,2	7,5	5,5	3,4	1,0	−0,2	0,0	−0,2	1,0	3,0	4,0	6,2	−0,2
Precipitation rate, mm	12	12	18	46	69	93	90	77	47	31	21	16	532
Water temperature, °C	18	18	17	16	16	16	15	15	16	16	17	18	17
Source: Weather and Climate, Travel Portal

Attractions

Castle of Good Hope (Castle of Good Hope listen)) - is the oldest building in South Africa. Construction was completed in 1679, and became a base for the Dutch East India Company (on the trade route to India), as well as a defensive fort for settlers. The fort was declared a museum in 1936 and is still the regional center of the South African Military Forces in the Western Cape.

Population and household composition

According to the 2001 South African national census, the population of Cape Town was 2,893,251 people (about 7% of the country's population). There were 759,767 households in the city, of which 87.4% were equipped with sewerage, 94.4% lived in more or less sanitary conditions with garbage collection and weekly toilet cleaning. 80.1% of households used electricity as their main source of energy. Similar statistics are collected in South Africa, where a significant part of the population, especially the black population, still lives in rather deplorable conditions (this is especially true for recent migrants from villages to cities and impoverished white farmers after the black majority came to power). 16.1% of households had a single head of family, reflecting the effects of the AIDS epidemic.

Natural population movement

The population dynamics of Cape Town, like South Africa as a whole, are complex and contradictory, varying greatly across racial and linguistic groups. Overall, the city's birth rate remains high, especially among blacks and people of color, but it is lower than the national average. At the same time, the mortality rate is also very high. Particular contributors to mortality are the raging AIDS epidemic, especially in urban slums, and high crime rates with a significant number of gun deaths. At the same time, the city also has a significant increase in migration due to black marginal migrants from the interior regions of South Africa and other African countries.

Racial composition

Cape Town is characterized by a racially diverse population, but also by conflicting, contradictory relationships between the main racial and ethnic groups, traditionally competing with each other for the city's rather limited economic resources. As in the United States, interracial relations were characterized in the past by obvious, legally enshrined manifestations of racism, which have now taken a hidden form (discrimination, reverse discrimination, housing segregation, etc.)

Colored

Racially, the city is relatively dominated by the so-called coloreds - descendants from interracial contacts of Asians (mainly Malays brought as domestic servants and slaves), whites (Dutch, Germans and partly Portuguese) and blacks. People of color make up 48.13% of the population (1.393 million). Cape Town is the cultural capital of the Colored population, whose first language is Afrikaans.

Black

Next in number is the black population. The share of blacks in Cape Town is 31.0% (897 thousand people), which is significantly lower than in the country as a whole (79%). The bulk of blacks are recent migrants from tribal villages in the north-west of the country, as well as people from other, even less prosperous regions of Africa. Since the rise of blacks to power after 1994, one of the goals of modern government is to increase the share of blacks in the city and give them leverage over cultural, political and economic influence.

White

The third largest racial component in Cape Town is white, making up 18.75% of the population (542 thousand). Their share in the city is almost twice as high as in the country as a whole (10%), but whites are heterogeneous in their origin and language. In coastal areas (especially on the Cape) the majority are of British origin and speak English. They are also joined by relatively recent migrants from Europe (including Russians, Lithuanians, Portuguese, etc.). Another significant part of the whites in the city are descendants of Dutch and German settlers of the 17th and 18th centuries (Afrikaners or Boers), speaking Afrikaans. The proportion and number of whites in the city has declined significantly over the past 40 years and especially in the last decade due to their heavy emigration to the US, Australia and the UK and their reluctance to accept the loss of political power in South Africa, but Cape Town due to its geographical location and long history To a greater extent than other cities in South Africa, it retains favorable conditions for maintaining at least some part of the white population in the future.

Transport

In addition, a developed network of railways and roads exists and operates for intra- and intercity communication. The city is home to 3 federal highways and has a developed bus and taxi system.

Twin Cities

Notes

Links

• Cape Town tourist information
• Time in Cape Town Current time in Cape Town.
• Blog of Dmitry Sakharov - About Cape Town; reviews, tips, traveler photos.

South Africa in topics

Cape Town is located on a peninsula at the Cape of Good Hope, near the foot of Table Mountain. Its center (mansions of Old Dutch architecture and elaborate Victorian buildings in the old quarters) is quite small and is sandwiched on one side by the “table mountain” and on the other by Table Bay. Long Street is completely devoted to trendy bars, designer clothing stores, hostels, restaurants and shops.

How to get to Cape Town

Cape Town International Airport is the second largest in South Africa. It has regular flights to Johanburg, Durban and all major cities in South Africa, as well as Namibia, Gaborone and Nairobi. In addition, planes of Lufthansa, British Airways, Delta Airlines, KLM, Singapore Airlines, Malaysian from Europe, America and Asia land here. In the summer, from October to March, operators launch additional charter flights from Europe to Cape Town.

From the airport to the city center you can take PRASA (Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa) trains, which are divided into long-distance trains (Shosholoza Meyl) and local trains (MetroRail). Shosholoza Meyl trains have three classes of service: economy (seats only), tourist (with beds) and first class. In addition, a tourist bus runs from the airport to the city center, making several stops along the way. The fare is 50 ZAR, the interval is every 30 minutes.

Search flights to Cape Town

By train

Cape Town's main railway station is located in the city center, at the intersection of Adderley and Strand streets. Trains arrive here from Johannesburg (daily, and twice a day on Mon, Wed, Fri and Sun), Durban (via Kimberley and Bloemfontein, on Mon and Wed), Port Elizabeth (via George and Oudtsvoorn on Fri, first class only ), East London (Sun, Economy only) and Queenstown (Thu, Economy only).

By MetroRail trains

MetroRail has two classes of service - MetroPlus (aka first class) and simply Metro (also known as "third class"). There's no better way to explore the Cape Town area than on the MetroRail. It connects the outskirts of Stellenbosch, Strand, Paarl, Somerset West, Malmesbury, Worcester, and the southern areas of Claremont, Wynberg and Retreat and the beaches of Muizenberg, Kalk Bay, Fish Hoek, Glencairn and Simon's Town.

The best thing about MetroRail is the locations it covers. For example, the path from Muizenberg to Simon’s Town passes along the ocean, where you can often see frolicking whales. In addition, these trains have a dining car attached, which 100% guarantees a pleasant trip.

Weather in Cape Town

Average monthly temperature, °C day and night, water

January

February

March

April

• June

  July

  August

  September

  October

  november

  December

The summer months, from December to March-April, are very hot and not the most comfortable for tourist trips. And despite this, as the New Year approaches, crowds of tourists are literally ready to fight each other for a place on the Cape Town beach.

The winter months, June and July, are considered the rainy season, although this is too strong a word for Cape Town. However, it can rain here either one day a week or all seven days. The nights at this time become quite cold, the temperature drops to +6...8°C. During the day it stays at +18 °C. In addition, sunsets and sunrises at this time are considered the most picturesque, and sea life is considered the most delicious.

Transport

The main city bus station is Golden Acre Terminal (Grand Parade, City Bowl area), from where buses depart throughout the city, including to the Atlantic coast, in Hout Bay. When traveling close, most locals use taxis or private taxis; tourists should do the same. In addition, taxis are an ideal mode of transport for those traveling in a group. Parking can be found on Adderley St at the end of Grand Pde, or call Marine Taxi (021-434 0434), SA Cab (0861 172 222) or Unicab Taxis (021-447 4402).

The Cape Peninsula is not suitable for cycling as it is quite hilly and distances from point to point can be around 70 km. In addition, you cannot transport two-wheeled friends on commuter trains - so it will not be possible to reduce distances. But those who do not intend to venture further than the city center can contact the following offices: Atlantic Tourist Information Center (243 Main Rd, Sea Point; bike/scooter for the day R85/195), Cape Info Africa (32 Napier St, Waterkant; for day R85), Downhill Adventures (Orange St, Gardens; per day R100) or Homeland Shuttle & Tours (305 Long St, City Bowl; per day R80).

Popular hotels in Cape Town

• Is it possible to rent a villa in the vicinity of the Cape of Good Hope

Maps of Cape Town

Beach and surfing

Cape Town is one of the best places in the world for surfing. For beginners, it’s better to go to the town of Muizenberg; in Gary they offer lessons at a reasonable price (look for an instructor in the surf shop on the beach). The False Bay area is also worth a visit, but according to locals, sharks can be found here.

Experienced surfers should try the reefs at Kalk Bay, Outer Kom near Kommetjie or Misty Cliffs near Scarborough. You can also swim on the west shore of Milnerton, Table View or Big Bay, where there are often kite surfers when the weather permits. Serious waves can be experienced at Dungeons, next to Hout Bay.

Kite surfing is the second most popular sport in the city. The right wind, good waves, a lot of instructors and equipment rental - in short, everything that a beginner and a pro might need is here. Some of the most popular kite spots are Dolphin Beach in Blouberg Strand, Muizenberg and Langebaan Lagoon.

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Shopping and shops

V&A Waterfront is the best place for shopping and purchasing souvenirs (though expensive and not original). More authentic crafts and trinkets can be found on Sundays at the Green Point Stadium open market, near the V&A Waterfront (bargaining is welcome). Some items from there are sold throughout the week at the bottom of Long Street. To find some really, really authentic stuff, head to Church Street, but be prepared for a bit of a shock.

Contemporary South African art is currently on a wave of popularity, considered one of the best in the world (but also the most underrated). If you love contemporary art and have money, you can spend it tastefully in one of the city's galleries. For example, at Michael Stevenson Gallery, then at Joao Ferreira Gallery, AVA Gallery or Bell-Roberts Gallery.

• Where are the souvenir shops in Cape Town and Johannesburg?

Cuisine and restaurants

The basis of Cape Town's “haute cuisine” is fish and seafood, caught in abundance from local waters. Delicacies include Cape Town salmon, tuna and yellowtail; during the season you can try wild and farmed oysters (their prices vary) and lobster. Ask the waiters who is fresher and tastier today. Oysters are a special treat for gourmets, but they must be eaten at certain times of the year. The meal should definitely be complemented with local wine: the alcoholic products of the Cape Town region are known far beyond the borders of South Africa, as well as fruits and Karoo lamb.

The city has two “restaurant” areas: the coastal promenade and Long Street.

The city has two “restaurant” areas: the coastal promenade and Long Street. The first is more pompous, the second is very democratic, with a lot of inexpensive ethnic cafes. At the V&A Waterfront you can always find a variety of restaurants, sometimes crowded and expensive, but decent. There are also plenty of eateries along Long Street, in the trendy De Waterkant quarter (between Bo Kaap and Green Point) and near Somerset Road. Dine with supermodels and other famous people in the Camps Bay area, where there are many cafes and entertainment (along Victoria Road).

Hout Bay on the western side of the Cape Peninsula is a foodie destination. The fresh lobster here is very good, costing around R300. Kalk Bay on the east of the peninsula offers excellent fisheries. Don't neglect the wine regions - Cape Winelands, especially if you have a car. The village of Franschhoek is another center of the wine region, along with the “French Quarter” (Quartier Francais). Constantia Valley has some great restaurants - Pastis Brasserie, Wasabi, The River Cafe, La Colombe and Constantia Uitsig Restaurant.

To avoid turning gray when you see the bill, you should make sure in advance that you correctly understand the price of the dish. You can complement the belly feast with eye candy in the Ritz's revolving restaurant.

Cape Town

Guides in Cape Town

Entertainment and attractions in Cape Town

The sights of Cape Town include the oldest building in South Africa - the Fortress of Good Hope (now it houses a collection of antiques and paintings), the Parliament Building and St. George's Cathedral in the old Company Garden park, the Pink Palm Tree and Nurel Nameida mosques, Turkish baths , the longest shopping street on the continent, Voortrekker Road, one of the world's finest botanical gardens, Kirstenbosch, the commercial center of the City Bowl, the artist- and artisan-filled George Avenue, the cable car to the top of Table Mountain, the mansions of Old Dutch architecture and the magnificent Victorian buildings in the old blocks.

Also interesting are the South African Museum of Cultural History, the Cape Town Art Gallery, the Bo-Kaap Quarter Museum, the national reserve at the top of Table Mountain and the Roben Island prison, where the future president of the country, Nelson Mandela, languished in captivity for 27 years.

In the Art South Africa magazine you can learn more about African art, local artists and exhibitions.

The Garden Route begins 300 km east of Cape Town and runs almost 350 km to Port Elizabeth. This is one of the most beautiful excursion routes in the world, including a lot of interesting provincial towns and nature reserves, tropical forests and sandy beaches of the warm Indian Ocean.

Particularly noteworthy are the routes to Cape Agulhas, the resort of Hermanus with its “whale festivals”, the island of Dulquer seals, a huge colony of birds in Hout Bay, as well as the Boland vineyard area with its famous wine centers of Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschhoek and Constant.

In addition, from Cape Town you can travel to the ostrich capital of the world, Oudstvorn, and visit the Cango Gaves stalactite caves, the Mossel Bay Maritime Museum, the Shell Museum and the Sun People Caves. Also - go on a tour of the Knysna Lagoon (visiting an oyster farm, a lagoon cruise, a hike in the Fazebed Nature Reserve, a visit to the Elephant Park and a ride on the Choo-Choo-Train excursion train), visit the Tsitsikamma Forest Nature Reserve (river rafting and jumping from the world's highest 216-meter bungee) or the Cape Peninsula. The latter drive includes visits to the Cape of Good Hope, the famous Boulders Beach penguin colony, an ostrich farm and an old Dutch fort.

While immersing yourself in the diversity of Cape Town's attractions, don't forget about the entertainment that this city has to offer: water sports on the coast, golf, cycling and walking. You can visit the Two Oceans Aquarium or stroll along the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, popular among tourists, with colorful restaurants, souvenir shops, bars and discos.

It seems that I fell in love with this city at first sight. As I remember now, we were traveling in a transfer minibus, tired, sleepy after a 20-hour journey, and outside the window there was such bright sun, greenery, and the blue-blue ocean, so it was impossible not to smile.

This place at the very bottom of the African continent and the entire Earth is definitely worth visiting at least once in your life. True, in order to see and appreciate all the beauty and diversity of this city and its surroundings, you will have to stay there for at least six months.

By plane

There are several ways to get from the airport to Cape Town:

• MyCiti buses."Maicity" organized a special flight from the airport to the city, the central station - Civic centre. Buses depart from this station in all directions, so you can easily get where you need to go. The airport bus departs from 5.30 to 21.30 every half hour. Fare 67 ZAR (4,7 USD). It will take about 40 minutes.

• Automobile. By following the signs on the N2 you can easily reach Cape Town. Large rental companies are concentrated at the airport - Sixt, Europcar, Hertz and others. To get to the central city you will need from 20 to 30 minutes depending on the speed of travel.

• Taxi. Cape Town Airport has an officially authorized service Touch-Down Taxi, which offers the best prices for travel to the city. The average price is in the range from 250-310 ZAR (17.8-22.1 USD). In time - about half an hour.

Clue:

Cape Town - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 1

Kazan 1

Samara 2

Ekaterinburg 3

Novosibirsk 5

Vladivostok 8

When is the season? When is the best time to go

Capetonians will tell you that all year long it's summer, summer, summer, and then it's winter, and then it's summer again. Not true. They also have seasons, although not so pronounced.

The best time to go, of course, is in the summer (forgive the tautology): from mid-November to March inclusive. In spring/autumn, the weather seems to be fine; if you look outside the window, it’s sunny, but when you come out it’s somehow cool and windy. That’s why in Cape Town you need to be constantly on alert and don’t forget about your scarf; if you gape a little, you’ll get blown right away.

Still, most Russians want warmth and sun, so I wouldn’t recommend going in winter (June-September). No, there is no sub-zero temperature and no snow. You just have to wear sweatshirts and jackets. However, at this time of year the city seems to fall asleep. There are significantly fewer tourists, and unlike Johannesburg, for the Cape, foreigners are the lifeblood of the Cape.

Prices in supermarkets vary depending on the season for fruits and vegetables such as avocados, strawberries, pineapples, pomegranates, blueberries. All others remain unchanged.

Many establishments (including restaurants and cafes) organize “winter” promotions, offer breakfast vouchers for reposting on social networks, reduce prices at certain hours, or even introduce a “winter” menu.

Cape Town in summer

The average temperature in summer is between 26-33°C. Traditionally, one or two weeks are the hottest, when the thermometer hovers around 36-38°C. At this time of year, it seems that rain does not exist in nature.

Tourists are a dime a dozen at this time. You can meet foreign guests even in restaurants in residential areas, where at other times of the year you cannot find them during the day. Everywhere is noisy. The central regions heroically do not sleep until the morning (until 2-4 hours, they consider it late). There are queues for the lift to Table Mountain.

Fortunately, the city is large, so there are no special crowds; everyone somehow peacefully disperses throughout the territory and does not interfere with each other.

Cape Town in autumn

Official autumn begins in March. However, it most likely arrives by mid-April. How does this manifest itself? Shrubs and hedges stop blooming. The rains begin: rare, but very strong, with a terrible wind. In the morning it’s not clear what to wear, because it seems to be cool now, but by lunchtime the sun may well come out and easily make you break into a sweat. The temperature is set at 14-16 °C in the morning and 20-24 °C in the afternoon.

A couple of weeks and there are good ones in the fall. If you plan ahead and arrive at them, it will still be warm enough to walk around the city and travel around the surrounding area.

Cape Town in spring

The spring period can be distinguished from mid-August to mid-December. There is no more rain, but there are still winds. There is no escape from them, no hiding from the ocean. The days are sometimes cloudy, sometimes clear. Daytime temperature in October: +20-22 °C, everyone wears windbreakers and hoodies. It's gradually getting hotter. By mid-November-December, the norm is already summer +26°C, and once a week it can drop to +32°C. Tourists are gradually beginning to “fly” into the city.

Cape Town in winter

We were looking forward to our first winter in Cape Town with some trepidation, stocking up on warm pajamas and even splurging on blankets.

If you are not a fan of downpours and winds that twist and break umbrellas, then there is nothing for you to do in Cape Town at this time of year. It gets dark earlier again: around 7 pm. The streets become empty and creepy. Temperatures can reach 15-16°C. It doesn’t seem like much, but brick houses without heating are a quiet horror. Blankets, heating pads and a hot shower are all salvation.

Cape Town is a green city at any time of the year. Only some trees turn yellow. Don't be fooled by the photos. Palm trees and the beach are not yet an indicator that it is hot outside.

Cape Town - weather by month

Clue:

Cape Town - weather by month

Districts. Where is the best place to live?

Cape Town is a large city stretching along the Atlantic coast. Moreover, sometimes you look at it like that and think it’s a suburb. But no. Still considered Cape Town. Hotels, hotels, hostels and houses for rent for tourists are a dime a dozen. You can choose your own accommodation for the entire duration of your stay in the Cape or use the services of a tour. operator. Each company has its own list of apartments. The main thing is that finding a good price/quality ratio is really not a problem. Let's take a look at the main areas where you can stay for the holidays or longer.

1 - these are the areas of Green Point, Sea Point, Waterfront; 2 - Milnerton; 3 - Table View; 4 - Camps Bay and Hot Bay; 5 - city center, Bo-kaap.

• City bowl (City center)

Cape Town's business district features office buildings, international embassies, clubs, fitness centers, government offices and shopping areas. However, in addition to this, there are many hostels here where travelers like to stay. The largest number of them are located on Long street And Kloof street: literally in every building. Long street is known primarily as a tourist alley and the main party street of the city in the evening. A week in a hostel for one will cost from 55 before 130 USD .

What’s good about the center is that all communication centers are within walking distance: an intercity railway station and a bus station, parking for minibuses in any direction. It’s really easy to get anywhere.

• Greenpoint

If you move from the center along the main road down, you can unnoticed find yourself in Greenpoint. This is a fairly pleasant, respectable and safe area. There are enough hotels and hostels, apartment buildings. And if it’s a hotel, then wow. The price for 2 weeks for one will range from 650 before 10500 USD and higher.

We lived in a hostel in Greenpoint for about a month, it was worth it 50 USD in Week. We really liked the hostel: there was free Wi-Fi, computers, a swimming pool and a bar under a thatched roof.

• Sea-Point

Greenpoint very discreetly transitions into Sea Point. As the name of the area implies, Sea Point runs exactly along the coastline. Closer to Lion's head (Lion's head is a mountain), three or four-story houses and private apartments follow each other along the hill.

Higher houses are concentrated near the ocean - 5-7 floors, hotels. Hostels are located throughout the area. You should be more careful in Sea Point. There are many narrow streets and alleys. At night, beggars sit along the main road near the shops. It’s better to be alone and not go out after 8 pm.

You can rent a room for a month in Sea Point for 3500-4000 ZAR ( 250-285,7 USD). In this case, the hotel will be located in the range from 1178 USD for 21 days; hostel 75 -150 USD during the week.

• Camps Bay

Camps Bay should be classified as a luxury resort. This is where the most expensive real estate in Cape Town is concentrated. As for accommodation on the most famous beach in South Africa, there is no point in talking about hostels here. Only hotels. The buildings look like a real picture: white houses surrounded by lush greenery. It's like suddenly finding yourself on the coast of California or Florida. However, no, no, this is really Africa.

There are many restaurants and cafes on the coast, as well as souvenir sites - where would you be without them?

Hotel prices will start from 2142 USD for one person for 21 nights.

• Hout Bay

Hot Bay could already be classified as a suburb, but it is still considered Cape Town. It will take about an hour to get there by bus from the center. This is a popular tourist spot. Here you can find a pier with various ships - from here there are tours, for example, to the island of fur seals, antique sea shops, and the famous Harbor Market for local craftsmen.

It's windy in Hot Bay, but the surrounding area is very beautiful. The choice of hotels here is not great. Those who are, will ask from 3000 USD per month.

• Waterfront

A huge number of hotels, restaurants and entertainment are concentrated here; the Victoria and Albert Mall is one of the largest in Cape Town. There are no security problems here - police patrols can be seen regularly. Drivers often have problems with parking.

On Waterfront, hotel prices start from 2800 USD for 21 days and further increase towards infinity.

• Milnerton (Milnerton)

Milnerton is a large residential area in the north of the city. It is calm and quiet there, there are many hotels, and tourists are often offered to rent a house or apartment here. The area consists of multi-apartment cottages of 3-4 floors, private houses, and high-rise buildings. From here you have a wonderful view of the entire mountain ensemble: Table Mountain, Lion's Head and Devil's Peak.

I lived in this area for about a year. I don’t recommend going out into the street at night here, but this applies to the entire city. Only Milnerton is more deserted than the central areas at night. The center is 20 minutes by bus and 10 by car. This area is residential, not entertainment. If you need fun, then it is better to choose the center.

Accommodation prices for 21 nights are in the range 1300-3900 USD.

• Table View

Table View is located after Milnerton. I would also classify it as an independent suburb rather than as an urban unit. This is truly a well-equipped town with its own established life.

An undeniable advantage of Table View: renting good housing here is cheap due to its considerable distance from the center. Again, this is a "white" area where Afrikaner families live in well-kept cottages. You can get there from the center by car in half an hour. It will take about an hour by bus.

In Tayball View you can rent an apartment for 700-900 USD per month.

• Bo-kaap (Bo-kaap)

The famous Malay quarter. You all probably know him from his bright colored houses.

Bo-kaap is right in the center, running up the side of Signal Hill. Since the quarter is “colored”, this is where famous ancient mosques are located. There are no hotels, but you can rent a house. The idea, in my opinion, is not the best. The area, although touristy, is still problematic. There are many homeless people on the streets. You can stay in a hotel a couple of streets down and come take photos in Bo-kaap during the day.

Renting a house here will cost from 1100 USD for a month.

These are not all the areas in which a tourist can settle. I also suggest for consideration such places as Multipoint, Tamboerskloof, Rondebosch, Centery City, Rose Bank, Blouberg Beach. Detailed information about these areas and prices with the accommodation filters you need (dates, hotel stars, meals, etc.) can be found on the website. You can compare prices for accommodation in different hotels. And find accommodation options in apartments -.

What are the prices for holidays?

In Cape Town, you can either spend a fortune in a couple of weeks or have a budget holiday if you prepare in advance. For an ordinary tourist, money loves to count, and this is completely logical.

Food

Let's look at a few options here:

• Self-cooking. This is true if you are staying in a hostel or renting accommodation. There are enough large and small grocery stores scattered throughout the city, so finding groceries won’t be a problem. Prices for fruits and vegetables will pleasantly surprise you: strawberries - 1.5 USD, mangoes - 1.3 USD, pineapples - 0.9 USD, avocados - 0.8 USD, a kilogram of potatoes - 1.6 USD, a kilogram of tomatoes - 1, 2 USD.

• Takeaway. It can be ordered both in cafes and restaurants, and in supermarkets. Typically, in most grocery stores, you will find trays of prepared food in bulk. Convenient and inexpensive. Advice - do not take dishes of local cuisine that are unknown to you: firstly, you most likely will not like it, and secondly, there may be some ingredients whose names are not in English. Sushi, by the way, is most often tasty, although it is a little different from ours. A set of Japanese cuisine will cost 9.2-15.2 USD; portioned lasagna - 2.1 USD.

• Eat in restaurants and cafes. A definite plus is that everything is freshly prepared and hot and you don’t have to wash the dishes. The downside is the cost. If the average bill in a cafe is 8.5 USD, then in restaurants it is no less than 42 USD.
• Meals are included in the price of the tour. In this case, you will only spend extra on food if you wish.

Transport

Public transport in Cape Town is provided by Myciti buses, which are convenient and safe to use. To travel by bus you will have to purchase a Myciti card; put 7.1 USD on it, and this will definitely be enough for you for several days.

Another popular type of transport is a taxi. It beats buses due to its mobility. The average price per kilometer is 1 USD.

I wrote more about transport below in the article.

Excursions

The cost of tours will start from 120 USD, and it usually does not include the price of entrance tickets to museums. Daily routes (for example, bus tours around the city and surrounding areas) will cost from 12.1 - 30 USD, and if you take three-day tours, it will be about 230 USD. Many tourist sites - museums, farms - offer discounts when purchasing tickets online. Tour. Agencies have many interesting programs with transfer and guide. If you don’t want to spend long hours on the Internet looking for how to get somewhere, it’s better to contact them.

Read more about this point below.

Clue:

Cost of food, accommodation, transportation and other things

Currency: Euro, € US Dollar, $ Russian Ruble, Rub South African Rand, R

Main attractions. What to see

Cape Town is a city that does not require a clear plan of action. There is always something to do here, so it all depends on your mood. You can go to the main tourist sites or grab a towel and sunblock and go to the beach, or climb a mountain, or just walk along the boardwalk by the ocean. The main thing is to take your time and enjoy the process.

The surrounding areas of Cape Town are no less interesting. Many nearby towns offer regular tours. Nearby there are interesting nature reserves, national parks and numerous safari parks. This is not to mention the many historical and ethnic sites. Perhaps it’s not a sin to set aside an extra week, or even two, to visit them.

Top 5

Honestly, your eyes widen and you want to run around in circles, because there are so many interesting things around that you don’t know where to go first. I offer a selection based solely on my taste. I listed those places that were not included in the Top 5 attractions of Cape Town in the sections below.

• Table Mountain National Park

Table Mountain was our first mountain conquered in Cape Town. Somehow I didn’t even imagine that if you climb 1000 meters up, you can find fields and valleys, dams, houses, museums and excellent roads. This National Park is, of course, huge: it stretches across the entire Cape Peninsula and includes not only Table Mountain, but also Boulder Beach, Point Point and the Cape of Good Hope.

• Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Kirstenbosch is beautiful. It resembles a fairy-tale garden, where miracles are about to happen under the lush crowns of evergreen trees.

The garden is located directly at the foot of Table Mountain, so it seems that the mountains are very close - you just have to stretch out your hand and you can touch them. On Sundays, Kirstenbosch hosts free concerts featuring local bands.

• Castle of Good Hope

Let's pay tribute to history. The tireless Dutchman Jan van Riebeeck founded a small fort near a remarkable mountain in 1966, which laid the foundation for the city of Cape Town. Since 1936, the castle has become the National Museum of Military History. Excursions are held there, ancient paintings are hung and exhibitions are collected.

• Macassar Dunes Conservation Area

Dune Massacar is a coastal reserve spread over more than 1 hectare. Evergreen thickets of flowers, vines and tree branches will finally let you know that you are not somewhere else, but in Africa.

• Constantia Wine Valley

Every self-respecting guest of Cape Town and South Africa is obliged to come to the southern slopes of Table Mountain to be delighted with the vineyards and, in fact, the wines of Constantchy. There are several wineries in the valley where you can visit and buy a couple of bottles of excellent Muscat wine. Travel gurus believe that this is the best gift from distant lands.

If you have any doubts about the taste of wines, then know that Napoleon in his exile drank the wines of Constantchy and even before his death he asked for only a sip of this divine nectar.

Beaches. Which ones are better

Camps Bay

Camps Bay Beach has received the prestigious Blue Flag, which all residents of the area are now proud of.

In summer, Camps Bay is literally crowded. Most come with their own sun loungers and umbrellas. The beach has changing rooms and an outdoor shower. Admission to it is free.

Clifton Beach

Clifton Beach is located not far from Cames Bay, but unlike it, it is not so crowded and noisy. Rather, it is such a small cozy cove. There's always room there. The general part of the beach is accessible to everyone, but most of it belongs to hotels and their guests.

Sandy Bay Beach

A little spice to the list of ordinary beaches. Sandy Bay is known as a holiday destination for those who do not like to sunbathe in any clothes. This beach is secluded, hidden from prying eyes by sand dunes and mountains. Thanks to this location, there is no wind, which is a huge plus for the beaches of Cape Town.

Milnerton Beach

A very long beach, the most convenient way to get to it will be from Woodbridge Island, because, firstly, it is a conspicuous place, and secondly, there are showers, places for changing clothes, and lifeguards are on duty. This beach is popular with surfers. By the way, it is from this beach that it is convenient to take photographs of Table Mountain - it is included entirely.

Boulders Beach

To shake a penguin's paw, all you have to do is come to Boulders Beach. This beach enjoys enduring popularity among all guests of the city. The main thing is to guess the weather, then you can catch a lot of penguins.

On this map I marked the location of the beaches in relation to each other:

Where: 1 - Camps Bay and Clifton beaches; 2 - Sandy Bay; 3 - Milnerton; 4 - Boulders Beach.

Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?

South Africa is a country converted to Christianity. There are many different churches represented in Cape Town: Reformed, Lutheran, Anglican, Catholic, etc. The most interesting, in my opinion, are:

St. George's Cathedral (St. George's Cathedral)

The temple was built in 1901 and is an exquisite example of the neo-Gothic style. Honestly, this building would be more appropriate to see somewhere in old Europe, and not on the very edge of the African continent. St. George's Cathedral belongs to the Anglican Church of South Africa and is the seat of the Archbishop of Cape Town. Music concerts and Christmas carols are held here.

Free admission.

German Evangelical Lutheran church (German Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. Martin)

This church was founded by German settlers as much as 150 years ago. Sermons are read in German. All Lutherans living in Cape Town or visiting are invited to attend the service.

We lived not far from this church and saw it every day. I really enjoyed looking at the pointed domes peeking out from behind the tall palm trees.

And if you take the Red bus bus tour, then in the excursion audio program you will find information about this church.

St. James Catholic Church

Located along Main Road, this church is very easy to find, although it is small in size. This is one of the oldest buildings in the city. It dates from 1772. The interior is quite modest: an altar, seats for parishioners, scriptures and crucifixes on the walls.

You can also visit:

Methodist Church (Metropolitan Methodist Church)

This church belongs to the category of Protestant denominations. She left the Church of England. You can visit this establishment out of pure scientific interest, it seems to me, and out of love for architecture - it’s a stunning building.

Evangelical Lutheran Church (Evangelical Lutheran Church)

This is an even older building than St. Martin's Church. This church also has beautiful architecture and arouses great interest. However, the building has been under restoration for a long time, and you can only admire it from the outside.

Dutch Reformed Church Groote Kerk

It is known that this church was built on the site of the oldest temple in South Africa and already has its own centuries-old history. From the outside, the building looks completely unremarkable, and for a long time I didn’t even realize that it was a famous church. But inside there is a huge organ and a very beautiful pulpit, an interesting iconostasis.

Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?

If you are a museum lover, then there are plenty of places in Cape Town that you should definitely visit. I prefer natural sites and parks, although the history of South Africa is impressive and interesting information can be gleaned without delving into the jungle of names and dates. So, I tried to remember the very best museums that left a pleasant impression.

South African Museum

This museum is located in the city center in a popular recreation area for city residents - Company’s garden next to the Cathedral of St. George. The most interesting exhibitions on zoology, paleontology and archeology are collected here. The museum also has a functioning planetarium - the only one in the country.

Opening hours: 10.00 - 17.00. Ticket price: 30 ZAR (2.1 USD) for an adult and 15 ZAR (1.07 USD) for a child (from 6 to 18 years old). There are also family tickets (2 adults, 2 children) for 75 ZAR (5.3 USD).

District Six Museum

It tells the story of the now defunct District 6 under the apartheid regime. The exhibitions include photo materials, documents, and reconstructions of house interiors. It seems to me that even children will find it interesting there, provided there is a Russian-speaking guide who can easily translate from English.

The museum is open from 9.00 to 16.00. An excursion without a guide will cost 35 ZAR (2.5 USD), and with a guide 45 ZAR (3.2 USD); for schoolchildren from other countries 15 ZAR (1.07 USD).

The Cape Town Diamond Museum

A girl's best friend is diamonds, isn't it? This museum opened relatively recently to demonstrate to the world how much South Africa has contributed to the global diamond industry. Here they show and tell how this brilliant stone is mined and how it is processed. .

Opening hours: 9.00 - 21.00. Ticket price for an adult is 50 ZAR (3.6 USD), children under 14 years old are free.

Gold of Africa Museum

Well, where there are diamonds, there is gold. And South Africa is truly a “golden” country. In an ancient building from 1783, you can see a wonderful collection of 350 exhibits made from this noble metal. There are even things presented that are directly related to the tomb of Tutankhamun and the now forgotten kingdoms of Mapungbwe, Thulamela.

The museum is open from 9.30 to 17.00. For adults, a ticket will cost 40 ZAR (2.8 USD), for children 25 ZAR (1.9 USD).

Heart of Cape Town Museum

This is a museum with a medical theme. Its name should be taken literally. It was in Cape Town on December 3, 1967 that surgeon Christian Barnard performed the world's first heart transplant. The museum itself is located in the Groot Schuur hospital, where this transplant was performed.

Opening hours: 9.00 - 17.00. Ticket price is 275 ZAR (19.6 USD).

The Springbok Experience Rugby Museum

I already wrote in a review article on that South Africans are obsessed with rugby. The Springbok are the national rugby team of South Africa. For all those who love this sport, visiting this museum will be a real pleasure. Feel free to take your children with you - there are many interactive exhibitions. A large number of the exhibits are trophies and belongings of the Springbok team.

Opening hours: 9.00 - 17.00. Price: 75 ZAR (5.3 USD) for adults; 50 ZAR (3.6 USD) for schoolchildren, students and pensioners. Children under 5 years old are free.

Tourist streets

Long Street

The loudest, most awake and noisy street in the city is Long Street. On it you will find many cafes, restaurants, clubs and tourist shops: shops with crafts, music and antique departments.

The offices of many travel companies are located here. You will also find authentic Turkish baths and ancient mosques. And the Marvol Museum is dedicated to Russian art - so welcome, fellow Slavs.

On the plus side, Long Street can be a lot of fun. If you wish, you can alternate bars and move from club to club until the morning. In many places, musicians or bands play and sing. The cafes and restaurants are very decent, with a large selection and reasonable prices. Moreover, the cuisine is not only ethnic. You can try Indian, Chinese, Kurdish food. In addition, on Long Street you can find truly rare crafts from local craftsmen or purchase something unique as a gift.

The disadvantages are the narrow sidewalk, on which it is difficult to miss someone coming towards you. At night, you should carefully monitor your gadgets and wallet. There are a lot of beggars on Long Street. Prices in stores are greatly inflated. Compared to markets or small towns, the cost is 4-5 times higher for woven bracelets, beaded crafts, figurines and the like.

Kloof street

In the evenings, the establishments here are filled with diverse young people. Everywhere you can feel the atmosphere of a party and the new year has already arrived.

The sidewalks are wider here, but the number of beggars is not decreasing. You should be careful.

What to see in 1 day

If you only have one day in Cape Town, then you need to spend it in such a way that you are left with many pleasant impressions and beautiful photographs. Of course, what matters is what you prefer - a relaxed, lazy city tour or a rich program of events. I suggest some kind of mix.

• Around 9 am we arrive at Waterfront to have coffee and delicious pastries in one of the restaurants on the pier.

While drinking coffee, you can look at various ships - pleasure brigs, yachts, boats, rocking on the water in the morning fog and watch how the Waterfront wakes up and is gradually filled with an international audience. Give yourself an hour for a long, tasteful breakfast.

• Doctors say that a walk after eating is the best thing. Let's take a 15-minute walk to the Two Oceans Aquarium, the largest aquarium in the Southern Hemisphere. There are more than 30 pools in which many interesting species of fish living in the Atlantic and Indian oceans swim.

A colorful and memorable attraction of the Aquarium - Open Ocean Tank. It is memorable thanks to the real stingrays and sharks, for which the appropriate habitat is organized there.

Be sure to stop and look at the Living Kelp Forest - the fauna of the coast.

And on the sandy beach with penguins and seals you can see an imitation of the tides.

Allow at least 2 hours to visit the underwater world. For adults, a ticket there will cost 160 ZAR (11.4 USD), for children 115 ZAR (8.2 USD).

• After the Aquarium, we catch a taxi - it will be faster, and go for souvenirs to the Green Market. It's much cheaper there than on Long Street and you can still haggle to your heart's content. You should spend an hour or an hour and a half choosing unusual and interesting gifts - then there is a risk that you will get a headache from the discordant sellers.

• Let's not go far, let's go up to Long Street and go for lunch. Choose any cafe that you like aesthetically and have no doubt that it will be delicious.

There's no point in sitting there looking at the news feed. 40 minutes and we drove on: we go out into the street, get on the bus and rush straight to the next point on the plan.

• The bus will take us to the slopes of Table Mountain, where we will catch a cab and quickly - 7-10 minutes - climb to the very top of this famous hill.

You will have to stay there for at least 4 hours - there are so many interesting things all around. From there you have an incredible view of the whole of Cape Town - truly breathtaking.

Spend the last hour and a half in the restaurant, enjoying a hearty lunch and a couple of cocktails at cloud level.

• So, when we come down from the mountain, it will be almost evening. We catch a taxi again and go to Camps Bay to watch the sunset. The journey to the beach will take about 15 minutes. The sun is already setting on the horizon, however, it is still high enough to walk on the white sand admiring the ocean.

And then let's visit any restaurant on the coast of your choice. Caprise Café is popular among Cape Town residents. Let's take a bottle of good wine and from the terrace we will watch the sun sink into the sea waters.

A worthy end to the day will be an excellent seafood dinner - where else to try it if not in the capital of two oceans? - with a second bottle of wine or mocha coffee as a digestive.

What to see in the area

You should allocate at least 3-4 days to the surrounding area of ​​Cape Town. Travel companies organize appropriate tours, the price of which usually includes a guide, bus, hostels and a program of activities and places to visit. We took a tour for 3 days and were very pleased with what we saw. If possible, it is best to go on an independent trip with one of the locals.

• St James

This suburb attracts primarily with its beach. There are a number of bright multi-colored houses, which, combined with white sand and the ocean, look very impressive.

I advise you to spend 40 minutes on this beach, take photos, eat ice cream and move on. St James's is located between Muizenberg and Cape Town and can be reached in 30-40 minutes by car.

• Aquila Private Game Reserve

The park is located northeast of Cape Town. This is the closest safari park to the city (155 km). Don't regret one day to visit it. Here you can ride horses and ATVs, and also see all the “Big Five” and many other animals and birds. So don't forget to pack khakis and hunting cameras in your luggage. If you wish, you can stay and live in the reserves; they have everything you need for this.

When deciding to visit the park, you should choose which safari you will go on: morning ( 1830 ZAR/ 130,7 USD), quad bike safari ( 2480 ZAR/ 177,1 USD), horse safari ( 2155 ZAR/ 153,2 USD) or combo safari ( 3020 ZAR/ 215,7 USD). Transfer from Cape Town and back will cost 850 ZAR ( 60,7 USD).

• Cango Wildlife Ranch

A visit to this ranch is a must for all cat lovers.

A visit to this ranch is a must for all cat lovers. Of course, today you can see not only cheetahs there, but also tigers, lions, ostriches, crocodiles and other animals. Don't be afraid, you will be able to look at these cute animals from the height of the ski lifts, out of reach of their teeth.

Opening hours: 8.30 - 17.00. Ticket price to the reserve for an adult is 160 ZAR (11.4 USD) and 110 ZAR (7.8 USD) for children.

• Cape Point

Cape Point is the southernmost point of the African continent. It is there that the confluence of two oceans occurs, as indicated by the corresponding memorial. From Cape Town to Cape Point is about 80 km.

• The Cape Flats Township

Even more than 20 years after the overthrow of the apartheid regime, the majority of the black population continues to live in townships. Travel companies have made an interesting attraction out of this, although for the population of Cape Flats and similar places these are real realities of life, they do not see others. It is strictly not recommended to appear in the township alone. The visit must be carefully prepared and organized; it is best to take a local guide. If desired, you can provide humanitarian assistance: food, clothing, and writing materials are always at a premium here.

Cape Flats are located in the north of Cape Town and can be reached in an hour by bus or half an hour by car.

• Franschhoek Wine Farms

Frenchhook winemakers have been making wine since 1688. It is worth visiting one of the private farm wineries. We never leave the farm without one bottle, which we can drink in the evening in a small circle. From Cape Town it takes about an hour by car to get to Frenchhook.

• False Bay

It was this bay that gave rise to the most terrible ship’s tale, frightening sailors all over the world: the legend of the “Flying Dutchman”. This bay is so wide that in bad weather it can be mistaken for a stretch of ocean.

That’s exactly what Fan Der Decken, the captain of the ship, thought, and then he fell into a trap and swore that he would leave this bay either with God’s help or with the help of the devil. As everyone knows, the Dutchman crashed on the rocks. Today, many people go there to admire the wonderful view of the ocean. You can get to False Bay in a couple of hours by car.

Food. What to try

I wrote about South African cuisine in. However, to the top 5 main dishes of this country listed there, I would also like to add:

• Biltong & droewors

Biltong is thinly sliced, air-dried game meat (springbok, ostrich, wild boar) or beef, and droewors is an air-dried sausage. The meat is stuffed with a mixture of vinegar, salt, sugar and spices - coriander and pepper, and then hung to dry. It is valued by everyone leading a healthy lifestyle for its high protein content and low fat content.

• Chakalaka & pap

This dish is predominantly eaten by blacks. Chakalaka is a plant-based dish made from onions, tomatoes, peppers, carrots, beans and spices and is served cold. Pap translates to “porridge” and is a starchy dish made from corn grits. It tasted to me like frozen thick semolina. Chakalaka and pap are served along with bread, salad and stew.

• Bobotie

You will definitely see this dish on all the prepared food stalls in Cape Town. I don't really like it, but the taste and color. It is prepared like this: spices are added to the minced meat - curry powder, herbs, dried fruits, and then it is covered with a mixture of eggs and milk and baked until cooked.

Budget

• Fat Cactus

• Eastern Food Bazaar

• Col"Cacchio Pizzeria Foreshore

• Ocean Basket

• Market on the Wharf

Expensive

• La Mouette Restaurant

• Planet Restaurant

• Pigalle Restaurant

• Dash Restaurant & Bar

Holidays

Almost every day, some major events are held in Cape Town, attracting a huge number of participants and spectators. It is simply impossible to list them all, but you are always welcome to choose a festival to your liking. For example, visit this site. In chapter " See & do" there is a category « whats on", where you will find a calendar with all the events of the current month that are planned in the city. Many events are national or international celebrations in scope.

So, I have divided the festivals according to my taste according to the seasons.

Summer:

• Kirstenbosch Sundowner Concerts. Period: from late November to early April.

Every summer Sunday, Kirstenbosch Gardens invites all blues lovers to weekly concerts. These performances have become the hallmark of the reserve and a favorite weekend pastime among Cape Town residents. I especially remember bands like Freshlyground, Parlotones and Fokofpolisiekar.

• Cape Town Minstrel Carnival. Dates: January 1-2.

Do you think that carnivals are only a Brazilian entertainment? No, it’s also African.

Multi-colored satin costumes, incredible bright designs created especially for this day: dragons, cars, glowing jellyfish; and besides this, dancers, singers and musicians - that's what Cape Town Carnival is all about.

A solemn, noisy procession moves along Main Road towards Sea Point. The spectacle is very exciting. However, there is one problem: transport does not work. At night you still need a very good camera; The pictures from my tablet are simply terrible, although the general outline of the dragon can be seen.

Autumn:

• Cape Argus Cycle Tour. Held in early March.

A truly epic cycling marathon, every year more than 40,000 cyclists from around the world come to Cape Town to take part in this epic competition.

Their route is very scenic: it starts in the city center and snakes its way through the Southern Peninsula along the Atlantic coast, finishing at Green Point. My dream is to buy myself a sports bike and finally take part in this tour.

• Cape Town International Jazz Festival. Takes place in early April.

It seems to me simply unthinkable to miss a jazz festival, and such a famous one at that.

The Cape Town Jazz Festival is one of the top five jazz events in the world. More than 40 local and international performers show their skills.

• Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon. Held on the Saturday of Easter weekend every year.

Salute to all athletes. It’s hard for me personally to decide on such a race, so I watch from afar or watch the news about this marathon on TV. Every Easter weekend there is a 56km run that starts in Newlands, runs along Chapman's Bend and ends at the UCT campus.

Winter:

• Cape Town Book Fair. Takes place in mid-June.

Missing an event like the World Exhibition of local and international bookstores and publishers would be beyond my strength.

Everything is shown there, from Swiss comics to French fairy tales. Also, famous authors, illustrators and publishers are represented there.

Spring:

• Cape Town International Kite Festival. Held in late October and early November.

This is one of Cape Town's most vibrant festivals, with hundreds of kites taking over the skies. Creativity is encouraged. Here you can see characters from South Park, giant octopuses and Chinese dragons soaring over the lands of Zandvlei.

• Discovery Cape Times Big Walk. Takes place on November 9th.

So, wear your most comfortable sneakers, sneakers or moccasins. The charity big walk begins! There are 8 different routes to choose from, starting from Mowbray. You can walk any number of kilometers, 5, 10, or 15. Definitely: this is excellent cardio, so what benefits.

Official holidays that I would like to highlight separately:

• Christmas: December 25th.

Christmas is a magical holiday that is loved very much in Cape Town. In the morning and afternoon, the staff in the restaurants has nothing to do - everyone goes to church, but in the evening there is a real stir there. On Waterfront, in early December, a huge cone-shaped tree is installed at the middle entrance to the mall, and in the center of the shopping center they set up a Christmas town with Santa for children. The design of the town changes every year. Shopping centers and streets are generally beautifully decorated on the eve of the main holidays of the year. But it’s still better to buy gifts in advance; on the eve of the holidays, there is a real murder going on in stores.

• New Year: the night from December 31 to January 1.

For Catholics, Christmas is more important than the New Year, although it is customary to celebrate it on a grand scale. As a rule, these are parties waiting for the magic of the clock striking, announcing the arrival of the New Year. Many establishments, however, are not open on the night of January 1st, but on the 1st you are already welcome. How does Cape Town compare favorably with Jozi? That's right: the presence of excellent beaches. Camps Bay does triple business on New Year's Eve. Despite the cold ocean, many people enter the water with champagne and dance merrily there. Those who decide not to go to the beach go to the center on Long Street or to Waterfront - establishments there operate in an unusual non-stop mode until 2-3 in the morning. However, there are many who prefer private home parties with barbecues by the pool. The taste and color, as they say. However, what cannot be taken away is that the New Year in Cape Town is a hot holiday in every sense.

Safety. What to watch out for

I wrote in detail about the rules of conduct in South Africa in a review article. Everything that is written there is fair and justified for Cape Town. Let me remind you that compliance with safety precautions should be a priority for you, and not an empty phrase.

Yes, the government is trying to make the streets calm at any time of the day. No, that's a long way off yet. Unfortunately, I personally know a lot of guys who have had to deal with the criminal side of Cape Town.

Basic moments:

• No night walks. We stayed late visiting and decided to go to the club - call a taxi.
• Lock the car when you are in it (windows, doors).
• Do not wear expensive jewelry or electronic gadgets in plain sight.
• Stay in a group.
• Use ATMs in shopping centers or banks, not on the streets.
• Do not leave personal items unattended. You will most likely have a safe in your hotel room. You can put securities and money there; Don't carry everything with you.

By taking reasonable precautions, you can avoid many problems. In some cases, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Things to do

So that you don’t have to rack your brain for a long time about what to do in the randomly free hours in Cape Town, I have prepared for you the following list, including both moderate physical activity and pleasure for the spirit.

• Climb Lion Mountain

It is best to go to Lion's Head early in the morning or late in the evening to watch the sunrise or sunset there, respectively. The height of the mountain is only 420 meters. They even take children with them to Lion’s Head. The advantage of getting up early is that you won’t have to walk in the heat, but the disadvantage of watching the sunset is that you will have to go down at dusk and look very carefully at your feet.

• Visit Khayelitsha (Koalichi)

An option for daredevils and enthusiasts. Coalici is one of the Cape flats townships, the largest township in Cape Town. Actually, not such a bad place. Some of my friends live there and have not expressed any desire to move. Quite a “tourist” area.

• Paragliding from Signal hill

This is one of the most famous places in Cape Town. On our first day in Cape Town, we noticed people landing on the lawns of Sea Point and folding large parachutes. We became interested and less than a year later we went jumping too. It's worth the pleasure 1150 ZAR ( 82,1 USD). Don’t be afraid, there will definitely be an instructor with you, and you will actually just be a passenger.

• Go to the Navy SEALs

Excursions to the cute fur seals are organized from the Hot Bay pier. Swim to the island where they live for about 40-50 minutes. Be sure to take a warm jacket with you and do not be overly naked at all. Even if it’s sunny outside, the water gives off an incredible cold, and even with a sharp roll of the ship, the floor of the deck is flooded with water.

• Go to Robben Island

Even if you are not very interested in South Africa's cultural heritage and speak little English, Robben Island, the famous prison island, is worth a visit.

First of all, it's not expensive; secondly, for an hour and a half on the ship you will admire the glare of the sun on the water on the way to the island; thirdly, the prison is really interesting; fourthly, you will be taken around the island and shown dugouts from the Second World War; fifthly, there is a high probability of meeting penguins on the island. True, it will take about 4-5 hours to do everything about everything, but then you will tell with a clear conscience that Robben Island is counted for you.

• Visit Green Market

The Green Market is the central tourist market in Cape Town. If for some reason you don’t have time to drive around the area and choose prices, then this is your salvation.

There will be everything that the city has to offer its guests: leather goods, silver and metal; drums; ancient figurines; tanzanite and diamonds; paintings; keychains, magnets, masks and much, much more.

Shopping and shops

Going shopping in Cape Town is easy. There are not many huge malls, which are small towns of shops, in the city. However, if you suddenly have a need for something, it will be very easy to satisfy it, because there are plenty of stores of all kinds around.

In large chain supermarkets (P"n"P, Shoprite), in addition to groceries, you can often find rows of clothes and shoes. Cheap and cheerful, as they say. Not the richest segments of the population often shop there. In another case, such stores are useful when you urgently need something, but don’t want to spend a lot. For 100-150 ZAR (10.7 USD) you can buy a pair of light sneakers, and throw them away at the end of the season without remorse.

It is better to avoid tourist shops in large malls. The prices there are very high.

All large shopping centers have an electronic screen installed at the entrance, using which you can navigate the space and find the nearest route to the store you are interested in: a list of stores is also indicated there. In addition, all malls are equipped with free parking. Also there you can find branches of all South African banks, currency exchange offices, food courts and various entertainment places: cinemas, game rooms.

So, the largest shopping centers in Cape Town:

• V&A Waterfront

The Victoria and Albert Waterfront is a combination of several large malls. There are a total of 450 stores there. Without exaggeration, you can find everything there: branded clothing, jewelry, antiques, electronics, equipment, souvenirs. Another huge plus of this mall is that there are many food outlets concentrated around: cafes, restaurants, small shops. The hours there pass unnoticed.

• Canal Walk

This is one of the largest malls in Kapstad: 400 stores. It's easy to get lost there, and you can wander around all day. I prefer to go to Canal Wok for something specific or to a specific store. We also like to come there to watch movies.

• Cape Quarter

This Green Point shopping center is small but very cute. There you can find interesting ethnic clothing, antiques, art and handicrafts. You won't have to get tired at all in this shopping center.

• Cavendish Square

This mall is known for offering exclusive clothing from local and international couturiers. In addition, you can find a cinema and many excellent restaurants here.

• Tiger Valley

This is a really cool shopping center. It has a great location, just 15 minutes from Cape Town city center and steps away from the vineyards. Here you can find more than 250 stores from leading retailers. Tiger is a good place to have fun and relax after a long work week.

Bars. Where to go

Cape Town, like any major city, has countless bars, pubs and restaurants. Of course, we simply could not physically visit them all. However, we tried very hard :) As a result, based on the results of my personal experience, I compiled the top 5 of those establishments to which we somehow returned because we liked it there.

• Mitchells Scottish Ale House, V&A Waterfront

I can't even remember how many times I've been to Mitchell's: countless. This pub is located at the entrance to the Waterfront and feels like it has always been there. Mitchell's is built in traditional Irish style. You walk in and immediately find yourself in this atmosphere, with masonry walls, a wide wooden bar counter, and dozens of types of beer and ale. Everyone in Cape Town knows this pub. The entire “working” Waterfront gathers there every evening. Sailors from ships arriving at the port certainly go there. And what happens there when the British Premier League is playing or rugby matches are going on - wow! I used to think this only happens in movies. In addition, there is good cuisine with a good menu. Many people note that the pizzas at Mitchell's are some of the best in the city.

Mitchells is open from 11.00 to 2.00 daily. The average check for two will be about 500 ZAR ( 35,7 USD).

• Alexander Bar, Café & Theatre, 76 Strand St

Alexander Bar positions itself as a bar for young people. However, tourists from nearby hotels often wander in there. The ambiance of the bar is designed to reflect old world charm and set the mood for a good-natured vibe. What I like is that at Alexander Bar you can always find local beer and wine that are difficult to order in other places. The choice of music is also appropriate: jazz, classical, and during parties it’s funk lounge, soul. The cuisine is also very good: delicious sandwiches, salads, meat snacks.

Opening hours from 11.00 to 1.00. A good sit at Alexander Bar will cost 500-600 ZAR ( 35,7 - 42,8 USD) for two.

• Sky bar, 49 Napier St

New trendy place in Cape Town. Everyone who follows the trends has already managed to visit there and give their assessments. This is truly a bar in the sky: it is located on the top floor of the Cape Royale Hotel. I was especially impressed by the pool and the wonderful views of the mountains, city and ocean. The bar offers a wide range of cocktails. You can seriously spend the whole day there, lying on a sun lounger and randomly choosing a drink. The kitchen is also excellent.

Opening hours from 10.00 to 0.00. And you can spend as much money there as you want, on average 500-700 ZAR ( 35,7 -50 USD) per person.

• Kennedy's Jazz Club, 251 Long St

So how do you get around the bars on Long Street? Jazz Bar Kennedy is one of, if not the oldest, cigar bar in Cape Town. Real cigars and live jazz have been the secret of his success for many years. This is what allowed him to make influential and demanding guests his clients. Jazz is performed by the best musicians in Cape Town. Sometimes international concerts are also held. Every night there are different groups. If you're on Long Street, don't pass by. Even during the day it is interesting to have a snack and leisurely drink your coffee.

Opening hours: 11.00 - 4.00. The average bill will depend on your goals and time of visit, it will cost approximately one person 200-300 ZAR ( 14,2 -21,4 USD).

• The Village Idiot, 32 Loop St

Also a relatively new establishment in the center of Cape Town. It's fun, loud and interesting here. They play live music of different styles. The balcony offers a good view of the bustle of the city. Many note the original surroundings and decor of the room, and also the simply “vibrating” atmosphere. The food here is also very, very tasty, although the menu is small. I like to go there for an hour, sit on the balcony, and have a cocktail or two.

Opening hours: 15.00-2.00. The average check will be 600 ZAR ( 42,8 USD) for two.

This is only a short list of the top 5 bars in Cape Town and is very subjective. In general, we have been to many bars in the Cape, and it’s impossible to remember them all. When you're in the city, feel free to search for your future favorite South African establishments, keeping an eye on where you are, of course.

The average check for two people in a bar is 400-500 ZAR ( 28,5 -35,7 USD) along with aperitifs, appetizers and digestives. After all, a bar is not a restaurant, so it’s not worth spending too much money on. During the day you can stop by for a short lunch, and in the evening you can take a look at the surroundings. If good music is playing, then you can linger.

Clubs and nightlife

Like any major city, Cape Town boasts a huge number of clubs that buzz until the early hours. You can see a wide variety of people there. Some clubs are purely student clubs - they are located next to educational institutions, others are ready to welcome everyone who decides to dance until the first rooster, others are located in certain areas and some nationalities are inappropriate there.

Not all clubs are open every day. Most open only three days a week, Thursday through Saturday. This is a common practice, as weekends traditionally bring in much more profit than weekdays. Therefore, a queue at the entrance to the club is common. Face control is most often a pure convention. True, here it is worth considering that face control in expensive clubs is somewhat stricter.

Entrance to many establishments is free for girls, and from certain hours (from 22.00 to 23.00) it is already free for everyone. The entrance ticket will cost from 100-300 ZAR (7.1 - 21.4 USD). If you want to take a walk on a grand scale, come to:

• Club 31

• Shimmy Beach Club

• DecoDance Night Club

• Era Night Club

• COCO

How to get around the city

Cape Town is a sprawling city, a lot of people live there, but the metro has not yet been built. If you don’t have a car, then the issue of transportation certainly arises. In any case, no matter what transport you choose to travel, you will have to calculate your time with a discount for rush hours and traffic jams.

Main city transport for tourists:

• Buses.
• Route taxi.
• Taxi.
• Rented cars.

Basically, Cape Town is not Joburg. You can easily use regular public transport, especially since the connections are well established and convenient. Of course, there are some nuances here too.

In addition, double-decker red buses ply around the city CitySightSeeing with an open top, offering popular tours among city guests. It works like this: you choose a tour, buy a ticket for the day, get off at the stop that interests you and stay there as long as you need. Then go to the stop to wait for the next bus. Tours can be around the city ( Cape town Red City Tour- 11 stops), and to museums ( Cape Town Yellow Downtown Tour- 7 stops) or wineries ( Cape Town Purple Wine Tour- 3 stops) and others. Audio support is provided in 15 languages, including Russian.

Detailed and up-to-date information about excursions CitySightSeeing can be found on this. You can also purchase tickets online there. Ticket price for adults 170 ZAR ( 12,1 USD), and for children 90 ZAR ( 6,4 USD).

Also CitySightSeeing offer helicopter tour: 2220 ZAR ( 157,1 USD) for adults and children 1820 ZAR ( 130 USD).

Taxi. What features exist

Taxis are the second most popular form of transport in Cape Town. They can be divided into:

• Legal carriers

There are several large carriers operating in the city, which set the level of tariffs and prices for everyone else. Legal taxis can be called by phone, found at a taxi stand, or seen on the street waiting for a client. Such machines are equipped with meters. I don’t remember at least one car where you could pay by bank transfer.

There is such a nuance as legal, but very expensive taxis. Perhaps a tourist cannot distinguish them from those that charge half as much money, unless they take care of monitoring the prices per kilometer in advance. In such a car you will not have time to drive away from Waterfront, and it will already cost you 40 ZAR (2.8 USD).

Just in case, have the phone numbers of several cabs in your phone, otherwise you never know. Most often we used the services Intercab, Exsite, Sport. The prices of these companies differ by 1-2 rand, and not by tens. Uber has also recently started operating in Cape Town.

From the airport a taxi will cost approx. 200 ZAR (14.2 USD). The price per kilometer is within 12-15 ZAR (0.8-1 USD).

• Private carriers

In Cape Town there are many so-called “bombili”, with whom you can haggle over the price and in cars where you will not find meters. As a rule, their cars are also parked near places of pilgrimage for tourists, but away from legal taxi stands. In addition, these taxi drivers guard the exits of nightclubs and ask people who are drunk or unfamiliar with local prices for an indecent amount of money for their services. However, to justify their prices, they will take you in a roundabout way. In my presence, one such taxi driver once quoted 100 ZAR (7.1 USD) as the price for the road from the center to Long Street, despite the fact that it was only a 5-minute walk to get there.

• Minibuses or minibuses

This type of transport is quite common and popular. Mini basses will take you anywhere if you only know how they work. The advantages of minibuses are their low cost and speed of travel. Unfortunately, there are many more disadvantages and few will choose this vehicle. Why you shouldn't use mini-bass:

1. These are illegal carriers.
2. The poorest segments of the population use mini-bass.
3. Old car park.
4. Drivers often change routes: they drive along a bypass rather than on the main road, or change their destination midway without warning. Therefore, we must immediately clarify where they are going.
5. There are always more passengers than seats in the cabin.
6. Drivers do not always speak English.

From Milnerton to the center a trip by minibus will cost 8 ZAR (0.57 USD), and from the center to Waterfront 5 ZAR (0.3 USD). For comparison, by bus it will be 1.5 times more expensive. The difference is not that significant, so I would recommend all tourists to use legal transport.

Buses

Cape Town has a dedicated bus line called MyCity. I can call this transport the most popular public transport among Cape Town residents. An extensive network of bus routes penetrates all areas of the city and ensures convenient and fast travel around it.

Tourists can also safely use this transport.

In order to use the bus, you must purchase either a MyCity chip card or a one-time travel ticket. The map is, of course, much more convenient. It costs only R30. At the cash register you can put money or points on it. The difference is, in principle, small. In the first case, funds are written off for movement at a price per 1 km, and in the second, the number of stations from the point of departure to the destination is taken into account.

Buses run regularly, every 10-20 minutes depending on the direction. At each station there is a flight schedule and drivers try to drive strictly according to the schedule and be at the right stop minute by minute.

Of course, force majeure does happen: electricity is cut off in the city and all stations are without power, a bus breaks down, and on Sundays you get the feeling that the driver is lost somewhere. Fortunately, this rarely happens.

Cape Town - holidays with children

Children enjoy Cape Town just as much as adults. In fact, you don’t even have to create a special program for them, because most museums are interactive, and the inhabitants of the local fauna and the ocean delight absolutely everyone. In addition, almost everywhere there is a “children’s ticket” - access to museums, attractions and excursions at a reduced price.

Many South Africans take their children on hikes - even to Table Mountain and safari tours.

Perhaps you shouldn’t take your child to wine farms - he will definitely be bored there. It is also worth keeping a close eye on children on the beach and in the water - the sun of the Southern Hemisphere is very treacherous, and underwater currents are strong in the Atlantic Ocean, even an adult may not be able to swim out.

You should not travel with a very small child. After all, it’s a long flight from Russia, and he won’t appreciate all the charm of the hot sun and exotic terrain due to his age. But school-age children will have many interesting impressions from visiting Cape Town.

Well, the most important guarantee of a safe holiday with children is attentive and responsible parents, you need to remember this.