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is known as the Mother City of South Africa for being the oldest city in the country—but old certainly doesn’t mean outdated.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.
The Ultimate Guide to Cape Town
We cover the essentials: where to stay, what to do, where to eat, drink, shop, and more.
How to Tap 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.
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.
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.
How Cape Town’s Art Museums Rival the City’s Natural Beauty
We go in-depth on Cape Town’s art scene.
The Unframed Ice Cream Founder’s Guide to Cape Town Food and More
Yann Rey quit is New York finance job and moved to Cape Town, where he’s been a force in the food scene ever since.
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.
Traveling to Cape Town in Spite of the Drought
The city has made great strides in protecting its natural resources—boosting the tourism economy will only help.