Cape Town definitely is the most fascinating city in South Africa, mixed, cosmopolitan and always in turmoil. Founded in 1652 by the Dutch, this former colony has now become a sprawling city, whose dynamism immediately strikes the visitor.
Between the wide beaches of the Atlantic Ocean and the majestic Table Mountain, it boasts a unique natural environment. Certainly one of the most beautiful in the world, incredible for a big city like this, very similar to Rio de Janeiro.
Like the Brazilian metropolis, it is also one of the cities with the most inequalities in the world, with all the misfits living in suburban neighborhoods. To visit these neighborhoods, it is best to be accompanied by someone who knows the area well.
There is a lot of talk about insecurity in South Africa and in particular in its cities, but this climate is not felt in Cape Town, which is surprising for its architectural diversity and for his cultural eclecticism.
What to do in Cape Town
For the nighttime fun or for just a drink, it's on Longstreet you must go, a beautiful shopping street in the city center filled with beautiful Victorian buildings with wrought iron balconies. Two other districts that are worth a visit are Bo-Kaap and Waterfront.
Bo Kaap is the Muslim quarter of Cape Town, with its mosques and colorful houses. This is where the descendants of the slaves brought by the Dutch from the Indian subcontinent and Indonesia live. Very different and much more modern is the district of Waterfront, full of numerous shops, restaurants, bars and cinemas.
What to see in Cape Town
For a panoramic view of Cape Town it is necessary to reach the top of the mountain by cable car or on foot Table Mountain, at 1086 meters above sea level. The view from the top is breathtaking and you can get to see, on some days, the Cape of Good Hope.
Il Cape of Good Hope is a rocky promontory at the tip of the Cape Peninsula, south of the city. Contrary to popular belief, this is not the southernmost point in Africa, nor is it the dividing point between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Nonetheless, on this rocky promontory overlooking the sea, one truly feels at the end of the world.
To understand the recent history of South Africa and the ravages of apartheid, visit the Six Museum District e Robben Island, the island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years, from 1964 to 1982 and today declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
False Bay is the bay south of Cape Town. Easily accessible by train, it is a good choice for a day or multi-day excursion not far from the city
Do not miss: the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, a “plant sanctuary” which houses more than 9.000 different species of plants and trees; the residential area of Constantia, starting point of the Wine Route; Simon's Town, with its Victorian houses, fish market and easily accessible Boulders Beach penguins.
With its many outdoor recreational activities, and museums dedicated to art and history, the multicultural Cape Town will leave you with beautiful and lasting memories. It is recommended to stay at least 3-4 days in the city to fully experience it.
