Cape Town is known as the Mother City of South Africa for being the oldest city in the country—but old certainly doesn’t mean outdated. Instead, Cape Town offers one of the most dynamic city travel experiences, rich in history, culture, and geographic diversity. Here you’ll find some of the most unique cuisine, a thriving arts scene, beautiful beaches for surfing and lounging alike, hiking, shopping, and many exciting neighborhoods to explore.
It’s no wonder Cape Town is one of our top destinations for 2019—below, we outline all the different ways to take advantage of the city’s authentic splendor.
Cape Town Travel Guides
The Ultimate Guide to Cape Town
We cover the essentials: where to stay, what to do, where to eat, drink, shop, and more.
4 Cape Town Hotels for Every Type of Traveler
The best places to stay depending on your individual travel needs.
6 Hiking Trails in Table Mountain National Park Worth the Sweat
Ranked by level of difficulty, you won’t want to miss this in-depth guide to Cape Town’s best hikes.
9 Independently-Owned Cape Town Shops to Spend Your Vacation Money
These design-forward stores offer unique souvenirs, indie clothing designers, and locally handmade goods.
Local Guides to Cape Town
How to Tap Into Cape Town’s Thriving Arts and Culture Scene
A local filmmaker is closing the cultural divide in South Africa—and shares the Cape Town creative scene’s favorite hangs outs.
The 6 Best Wine Bars in Cape Town, According to Certified Sommelier Wayve Kolevsohn
The first woman in Africa to be certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers shares her guide to Cape Town’s best wine bars.
Culture in Cape Town
How Cape Town’s Art Museums Rival the City’s Natural Beauty
We go in-depth on Cape Town’s art scene.
For Cape Town’s Queer Musicians, the Storm is About to Break
Cape Town is an incubator for musical talent, but can the city support the artists that need it most?
Meet the Musicians of Cape Town’s Born Free Generation
These four artists are breaking new ground in Cape Town’s music scene.
Why You Should Take an Overnight Train Between Cape Town and Johannesburg
Photographer Gregor Hofbauer shares the journey that helped him slow down and take in all of South Africa’s geographic wonders.
Your Next Family Vacation Should Be a South African Safari
The Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is known for its proximity to Cape Town and affordable prices.