Cape Town is looked upon by Table Mountain, a flat-topped stone behemoth that rises above the town, dwarfing even the tallest skyscrapers in the business district. But don't spend too much time gazing at the view. There's more to the city than its picture-postcard profile.
South Africa has been led by Cape Town in developing attractions to appeal to visitors. Those efforts, along with a post-apartheid vitality, have made Cape Town an increasingly popular destination for travelers. Among its many attractions are the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (a shopping and entertainment complex), glorious sun-soaked, sandy beaches, and a variety of trendy restaurants and nightclubs. Even more important are the city's history and culture, encapsulated these days in distinctive neighborhoods such as the Bo-Kaap or on Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. In fact, it's Cape Town's mix of nationalities and identities—African, European, Asian—and the lifestyle they've created that make it one of the world's most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities.
Location
In 1580, Sir Francis Drake wrote in the log of the
Golden Hind that the Cape was "the most stately thing" he saw in all his travels around the world. Such praise only provides a mere glimmer of what you can expect.
With the cruising season only running November-April, and because of the limited number of cruise ship calls, there is no dedicated passenger facility. However, the Multi-Purpose Terminal on Duncan Dock doubles as a passenger terminal. Passengers disembark right at Cape Town's tourism center, the vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. There you'll find everything you need, from trendy shops to casual eateries and flashy restaurants, not to mention numerous pubs and clubs. The visitors' information bureau, on Clock Tower Square, has an Internet cafe and is open daily 9 am-9 pm (phone 021-405-4500). From the port, it's a 20-minute walk or short taxi ride to the city center.
Shore Excursions
Consider signing up for the excursions offered by your ship. They may not be the least expensive way to see the city, but you won't have to waste your limited time making arrangements yourself—and you won't have to worry about missing the ship. Shore excursions vary from cruise line to cruise line and are not included in the cost of your cruise. Check with your ship's shore-excursion staff or your travel agent for additional information.
Typical shore excursions in Cape Town include exploring the inner-city museums and the colorful Bo-Kaap and District Six neighborhoods, as well as excursions to Kirstenbosch, Robben Island and Table Mountain. You can also take township tours, day trips to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, and scenic drives through the wine regions of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek. A more enjoyable way of seeing the city's sights is atop the Cape Town Explorer, an open-air hop-on, hop-off bus. The two-hour guided tour, which starts at the Waterfront, takes in the city center then stops at Table Mountain for a panoramic view before driving back along the coast through Camps Bay. This is the best way to see Cape Town inexpensively and quickly.
