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    Cape Town

    South Africa

    Cape Town

    City

    Cape Town is situated between Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean and, with approximately 4.8 million inhabitants in its metropolitan area, is South Africa's second-largest city.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. South Africa
    7. Western Cape
    9. Cape Town
    Cape Town is situated between Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean and, with approximately 4.8 million inhabitants in its metropolitan area, is South Africa's second-largest city. The city combines colonial history, the memory of Apartheid on Robben Island, and a vibrant restaurant and art scene with beaches, hiking trails, and wine regions right on its doorstep.
    Bo-Kaap

    District 1 of 3

    Bo-Kaap

    Bo-Kaap, nestled on the slopes of Signal Hill, is Cape Town's most famous district, with colorful houses and steep cobbled streets. Here, Cape Malay culture thrives, with mosques, spice shops, and its own cuisine.

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    Robben Island

    District 2 of 3

    Robben Island

    Robben Island is located approximately twelve kilometers off Cape Town in Table Bay.

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    V&A Waterfront

    District 3 of 3

    V&A Waterfront

    The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is Cape Town's redeveloped old harbour, with Table Mountain as its backdrop.

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    Sights in Cape Town

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Tafelberg

    1Tafelberg

    The Table Mountain, a prominent landmark of Cape Town and South Africa, dominates the city's skyline and is an integral part of the Table Mountain National Park. Its flat summit plateau, which gives it its name, is a natural wonder and belongs to the UNESCO World Natural Heritage. Historically, the mountain served seafarers as an important orientation point and is today a symbol of the rich biodiversity of the Cape region, especially the unique Fynbos biome.When you visit Table Mountain, a breathtaking 360-degree view awaits you over Cape Town, Robben Island, and the vast Atlantic. You can reach the summit either with the modern Rotair Cableway, which rotates 360 degrees during the ride, or via various hiking trails that offer varying difficulty levels. Once at the top, well-maintained paths are ideal for exploring the diverse flora and fauna.Our Tip: To avoid crowds and enjoy the best views, go up in the early morning or late afternoon. The weather at the summit can change quickly; therefore, always take an extra layer of clothing and sufficient water. For impressive photos of the city with the mountain in the background, a visit to Bloubergstrand is recommended.
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    Boulders Beach Penguin Colony

    2Boulders Beach Penguin Colony

    Boulders Beach in Cape Town hosts a unique colony of African Penguins, which settled here in 1982. Originally just two breeding pairs, the population has steadily grown, making this spot a crucial sanctuary for these endangered birds. You can observe the penguins from specially constructed boardwalks that meander through the dunes, offering a respectful glimpse into their natural behavior. Listen for their characteristic calls and waddling gait. The namesake granite boulders provide the penguins with shelter and ideal nesting sites. It's fascinating to watch them breed among the rocks and raise their young. Our Tip: Visit Boulders Beach early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the largest crowds and observe the penguins returning from fishing or sunbathing. For undisturbed photos, the elevated platforms offer excellent perspectives without disturbing the animals. Avoid feeding or touching the penguins to respect their natural way of life.
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    The Cape Gallery

    3The Cape Gallery

    The **Cape Gallery** in Cape Town is an established art institution that has been dedicated to promoting South African art since its founding in 1971. It plays a significant role in the local art scene and offers you deep insight into the country's artistic development. Here you'll find a diverse collection of works by established and emerging artists, often reflecting South Africa's rich culture and landscape.The exhibits include paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and prints, with the gallery emphasizing the portrayal of regional identity. Here you can discover both contemporary and more traditional styles, which often address social and historical themes. Our tip: Plan your visit on a weekday morning to view the artworks undisturbed and possibly engage with the staff. The gallery is centrally located on Church Street, a charming pedestrian zone that is itself worth a visit. Keep an eye out for the changing exhibitions, which always offer new perspectives on the South African art scene.
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    Camps Bay

    4Camps Bay

    Camps Bay, an exclusive coastal suburb of Cape Town, captivates with its wide sandy beach and the striking backdrop of the Twelve Apostles. Along palm-fringed Victoria Road, you'll find a variety of upscale restaurants and cafés offering direct views of the Atlantic. This spot serves as…
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    Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
    Attraction

    5Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

    Founded in 1913, the Botanical Garden on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain showcases almost exclusively indigenous plants, including Proteas, Fynbos, and Cycads. The Tree Canopy Walkway “Boomslang” leads on a wooden boardwalk through the treetops. In summer, open-air concerts take place on Sundays; from here, the Skeleton Gorge ascent up Table Mountain also begins.
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    Castle of Good Hope
    Museum

    6Castle of Good Hope

    The pentagonal fortress was built between 1666 and 1679 by the Dutch East India Company and is South Africa's oldest surviving colonial building. Within its walls lie a Military Museum, the William Fehr Collection of historical art and furniture, and the reconstructed dungeons.
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    City walks in Cape Town

    Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.

    Cape Town's Heartbeat: A Discovery Tour from Bo-Kaap to the Historic Centre

    Experience the pulsating soul of Cape Town on this roughly 2-hour walk. From the colourful lanes of the Bo-Kaap, immerse yourself in historic gardens, busy markets and venerable buildings that tell stories of times past.

    ~2 Std. 15 Min.
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    Stops (6)

    Restaurants & Cafés

    1

    FYN Restaurant

    Fine-dining restaurant on the fifth floor of a downtown building, founded by Chef Peter Tempelhoff. The cuisine blends South African ingredients with Japanese techniques and is served as a multi-course menu. FYN consistently ranks among the country's most renowned restaurants; book early.
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    2

    Kloof Street House

    Restaurant in a Victorian house on Kloof Street in Gardens. The rooms are opulently furnished; outside, you sit in a densely planted garden. The menu ranges from brunch, steaks and fish to cocktails at the bar; it's often busy in the evenings.
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    Mama Africa

    The Mama Africa in Cape Town offers you a comprehensive introduction to the diverse African cuisine. On the menu, you'll find a wide range of traditional dishes, including hearty stews like *Potjiekos* and a selection of game meats, such as Springbok or Kudu, often grilled or served in rich sauces. The atmosphere is lively and immersive, characterized by daily live music with African rhythms that underscore the culinary experience and create a unique fusion of gastronomy and culture. Our Tip: A reservation is highly recommended, especially in the evening and on weekends, as the restaurant is very popular. Prices are in the mid-to-high segment and reflect the overall package of food and entertainment.
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    3

    TTK Fledgelings

    TTK Fledgelings in Cape Town stands out as a pioneer of modern South African cuisine, blending traditional flavours with innovative techniques. Here, you'll embark on a culinary journey where seasonal and locally sourced ingredients take centre stage, often presented as a carefully curated tasting menu. The atmosphere is elegant yet relaxed, perfect for an intimate dinner, with a focus on discreet service and stylish ambiance. Our Tip: Specialities like the Karoo lamb with Fynbos infusion or sustainably caught seafood showcase the kitchen's creative direction. Reservations are highly recommended due to high demand and limited seating, especially for dinner. While TTK Fledgelings is in the higher price segment, it offers exceptional value for this type of fine dining.
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    4

    Mama Africa

    Immerse yourself in Africa's vibrant atmosphere! Here, you'll enjoy authentic African dishes, amidst exhilarating live music and dance. An unforgettable experience.
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    Dizzy's

    Wenn du Lust auf eine entspannte Atmosphäre und herzhaftes Essen in Camps Bay hast, ist Dizzy's die richtige Adresse für dich. Dieses beliebte Lokal ist bekannt für seine holzbefeuerten Pizzen, die du dir nicht entgehen lassen solltest, aber auch Burger und klassische Pub-Gerichte stehen auf der Karte. Die Stimmung ist stets ungezwungen und lebhaft, oft begleitet von Live-Musik, was es zum idealen Ort macht, um den Abend ausklingen zu lassen oder Sportereignisse zu verfolgen. Es empfiehlt sich, einen Blick auf den Veranstaltungskalender zu werfen, wenn du die Live-Darbietungen erleben möchtest. Ein perfekter Spot für einen unkomplizierten Abend mit Freunden.
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    Stardust Theatrical Dining

    Restaurant in 118 Sir Lowry Rd.
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    Pigalle Restaurant

    Steaks, Meeresfrüchte und portugiesische Speisen in einem stylishen Lokal mit live gespieltem Jazz, Swing und Salsa.
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    Truth Coffee Roasting

    Gourmetkaffee aus eigener Röstung in einem originellen Café im Steampunk-Stil mit mechanischen Zahnrädern, Rohren und altem Metall.
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    Grand Africa Café & Beach

    Das Grand Africa Café & Beach in Kapstadt bietet Dir ein unvergleichliches Erlebnis direkt am Meer. Hier tauchst Du ein in eine glamouröse, doch entspannte Beach-Club-Atmosphäre, mit den Füßen fast im Sand und einem atemberaubenden Blick auf den Tafelberg und den Atlantik. Die Küche ist mediterran inspiriert, mit einem starken Fokus auf frische Meeresfrüchte und exquisite Holzofen-Pizzas. Probiere unbedingt die Austern oder eine der berühmten Seafood-Platten. Für eine unvergessliche Zeit bei Sonnenuntergang sind Reservierungen dringend empfohlen, da dieser Hotspot bei Einheimischen und Reisenden gleichermaßen beliebt ist.
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    5

    Codfather Seafood & Sushi

    Fish and sushi restaurant above Victoria Road in Camps Bay overlooking the beach and the Twelve Apostles. You select your fish at the counter, which is then charged by weight and grilled or prepared as sushi.
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    6

    The Hussar Grill Camps Bay

    Branch of the traditional steakhouse chain Hussar Grill, whose first restaurant opened in 1964 in Rondebosch. The Camps Bay location offers classic grilled dishes, game, and an extensive wine list with views towards the Atlantic.
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    Food and Drink in Cape Town

    Cape Malay Cuisine

    Bo-Kaap is the heart of Cape Malay cuisine, rooted in people brought from Indonesia, Malaysia, and India. Typical dishes include Bobotie, a mince dish baked with egg and raisins, Sosaties (marinated meat skewers), Bredies (slow-cooked lamb stews), and Samoosas. It is seasoned with turmeric, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and tamarind, complemented by sambals made from finely chopped vegetables.

    Fish from the False Bay

    Snoek, a type of barracouta with firm, oily flesh, is marinated and grilled over an open fire. In winter, when catches are largest, Snoek Braai at Kalk Bay harbour is a firm fixture. Kingklip is considered the country's most popular eating fish, and Smoorvis is smoked snoek with onions, tomatoes, and potatoes.

    Braai and Boerewors

    Braai heißt grillen auf Afrikaans und ist eher gesellschaftliches Ritual als Kochmethode. Auf den Rost kommt Boerewors, eine zur Schnecke gerollte Bratwurst mit Koriander, Nelken und Muskat. Potjiekos schmort daneben stundenlang im dreibeinigen Gusseisentopf über der Glut. Biltong, luftgetrocknetes Fleisch vom Rind, Kudu oder Strauß, isst man nebenbei.

    Delicacies from Cape Dutch tradition

    Koeksisters are plaited, fried dough in sugar syrup, sticky and very sweet. Malva Pudding is a warm apricot pudding with cream sauce, Melktert a milk tart with cinnamon. All three stem from the Cape Dutch tradition and are on the menu in almost every café.

    Wine and Coffee

    The wineries of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl are less than an hour's drive away; their wines are accordingly on every menu. Chenin Blanc is the country's most cultivated grape variety, Pinotage a South African cross of Pinot Noir and Cinsaut. In the city centre, a serious specialty coffee scene has simultaneously developed.

    Cape Town's Culture, Art & History

    Kapstadt ist ein Schmelztiegel der Kulturen, dessen Geschichte tief in der Kolonialzeit verwurzelt ist. Im 17. Jahrhundert von der Niederländischen Ostindien-Kompanie gegründet, entwickelte sich die Stadt aus einer Versorgungsstation zu einem bedeutenden Hafen. Diese Epoche prägte die einzigartige Kap-Holländische Architektur, sichtbar in den Giebelhäusern und Weingütern der Region.Die kulturelle Identität Kapstadts ist eng mit der Ankunft von Sklaven aus Asien und Afrika sowie der indigenen Bevölkerung der Khoisan verbunden. Das bunte Bo-Kaap-Viertel mit seinen farbenfrohen Häusern zeugt von der reichen malaiischen Tradition und ist ein lebendiges Zeugnis dieser multikulturellen Vergangenheit. Die Apartheid-Ära hinterließ tiefe Narben, doch die Stadt hat sich zu einem Symbol für Widerstand und Versöhnung entwickelt.Heute spiegelt sich die kulturelle Vielfalt in einer dynamischen Kunstszene wider, von modernen Galerien und Street Art bis hin zu traditionellen Musik- und Tanzformen. Die Küche ist ebenfalls ein Spiegelbild der Geschichte, mit Einflüssen aus der malaiischen, afrikanischen und europäischen Küche, die die lokalen Traditionen prägen.

    Nightlife

    Die Abendunterhaltung in Kapstadt reicht von entspannten Rooftop-Bars bis zu dynamischen Dance-Clubs. In der Long Street findest du Kneipen und Musiklokale; De Waterkant lockt mit schicken Cocktailbars wie der Bascule Bar im Taj Cape Town oder The House of Machines.

    Bascule Bar

    Gehobene Bargerichte sowie mehr als 500 Whiskys in einer einladenden, stilvollen Bar mit Terrasse am Wasser.
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    1

    The House of Machines

    By day a motorcycle workshop, clothing store, and café, by night a cocktail bar: The House of Machines on Shortmarket Street is a hub for the creative scene in the city center. Many evenings feature live bands or DJs.
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    2

    Asoka Restaurant, Bar and Lounge

    Bar and restaurant on Kloof Street, built around a courtyard with a large tree. Cocktails accompany Asian-inspired tapas, with live jazz or a DJ playing on several evenings a week.
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    3

    The Athletic Club & Social

    A multi-level bar on Buitengracht Street, designed like an old gentlemen's club. Downstairs, you'll find cocktails and small dishes, while upstairs, jazz musicians or DJs play on many evenings. From the rooftop terrace, you'll have views of Signal Hill.
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    4

    Modular

    Electronic music club on Riebeek Street in the city center. Local and international DJs spin Techno and House; photography is prohibited on the dance floor. Usually open only on weekends and late at night.
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    On the Road in Cape Town

    Bus, Train, and Ride-sharing ServicesThe MyCiTi bus network connects the city centre with the V&A Waterfront, Sea Point, Camps Bay, Hout Bay, and the airport. You pay with a rechargeable card, available at major stations. For evening trips and areas without bus connections, Uber and Bolt are the usual choice. The suburban train to Muizenberg, Kalk Bay, and Simon's Town runs directly along the sea, but it's not always reliable.On Foot and by Rental CarThe city centre, Bo-Kaap, Gardens, and the Waterfront are easily explored on foot during the day. For the Cape Peninsula, Winelands, and West Coast, a rental car is most practical; South Africa has left-hand traffic. Don't leave valuables visible in the car and avoid deserted streets at night.

    Accommodations in Cape Town

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    Nearby

    Bo-Kaap

    Bo-Kaap

    Bo-Kaap, nestled on the slopes of Signal Hill, is Cape Town's most famous district, with colorful houses and steep cobbled streets. Here, Cape Malay culture thrives, with mosques, spice shops, and its own cuisine.
    V&A Waterfront

    V&A Waterfront

    The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is Cape Town's redeveloped old harbour, with Table Mountain as its backdrop. Amidst fishing trawlers, seals, and historic harbour buildings, you'll find shopping centres, restaurants, hotels, the Zeitz MOCAA, and the Two Oceans Aquarium. Ferries to Robben Island also depart from here.
    Robben Island

    Robben Island

    Robben Island is located approximately twelve kilometers off Cape Town in Table Bay. For over three centuries, the island served as a place of banishment, a leper colony, and a prison; during apartheid, Nelson Mandela and many other political prisoners were incarcerated here. Since 1999, Robben Island has been a UNESCO World Heritage site and a museum.
    Kalk Bay

    Kalk Bay

    Kalk Bay is a fishing harbour on False Bay with antique shops, bookstores, and cafés along Main Road. At the harbour, fishermen sell their catch directly from the boat, often observed by seals. Cape Town's suburban train stops right by the sea.
    Cape Peninsula

    Cape Peninsula

    The Cape Peninsula stretches from Cape Town about 50 kilometers south to the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point. On the Atlantic side, Chapman's Peak Drive leads along steep cliffs; on False Bay lie Muizenberg, Kalk Bay and Simon's Town with the penguin colony at Boulders Beach. The south is part of the Table Mountain National Park.

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