With some of the world’s most beautiful natural scenery, Cape Town is an unforgettable city to visit. It is also home to a diverse and fascinating history, including meeting between the indigenous Khoisan people, European explorers and colonisers, migrants and slaves.
The city centre, known as the City Bowl, is surrounded by Table Mountain, one of Africa’s most iconic mountains. This stunning backdrop provides the perfect setting for a relaxing holiday in Cape Town.
History
Cape Town’s history is a fascinating one. The city was inhabited by hunter-gatherers for thousands of years before being settled by Europeans.
After Jan van Riebeeck established the first colony in 1652, the area grew rapidly. This was because of its climate that allowed Dutch settlers to grow European crops.
The city was a crucible for political and social tensions. In 1948, the National Party took power with a platform of segregation laws, commonly known as apartheid.
Climate
Cape Town is a Mediterranean-style climate with wet and cool winters and dry and warm summers. Temperatures in the city range from 7 degC (44 degF) in July to 25 degC (77 degF) in January.
Windy conditions are a common feature of the weather in Cape Town and the south-western Cape. Strong prevailing winds blow across the city, creating storms and gales at Cape Point in particular.
Rainfall is moderate, averaging 505 millimeters (19.9 inches) per year. The drier season lasts from February to April and the wetter one from May to September.
Weather
The weather in Cape Town varies significantly throughout the year. Its clearest part of the year occurs from November to March and is characterized by pleasant, warm temperatures and relatively low rainfall.
The rainy part of the year lasts for 8.0 months, from March 9 to December 4, with an average sliding 31-day rainfall of at least 0.5 inches.
The sea temperature in Cape Town varies significantly over the course of the year. It is coldest in June and July, when the average sea temperature is 18.5 degC (63 degF). The warmest water is found in February.
Food & Drink
Stunning sunsets and mountainous scenery may be Cape Town’s signature draws, but the city’s renowned food scene is no less impressive. From traditional South African meals and world-class fine dining to the latest hot spots in town, Cape Town has something for everyone.
The country’s rich history and climate has resulted in a food culture that blends local produce with international tastes. High-caliber chefs and savvy entrepreneurs have opened restaurants serving fancy small plates or bakeries churning out really good sourdough bread.
Nightlife
Cape Town is a lively place to party and you can find a variety of places to go out. Some are super trendy and upscale while others are laid-back bars with delicious cocktails.
Long Street is Cape Town’s oldest party street, and it’s a hedonistic playground after dark. It’s an all-out sensory assault in most of the street’s bars and clubs – but if you want to find some tranquility, check out the Alexander Theatre bar.
Modular nightclub is the perfect destination for underground electronic music lovers, and it’s also one of the most popular gay-friendly spots in Cape Town. It hosts various themed nights and is known for its impressive LED setup.
Shopping
Whether you’re looking for high-end fashion, locally made accessories or something quirky and unique, Cape Town has it all. The city isn’t just home to world class malls and shops – it’s also home to many fascinating local markets and curio stores selling specialized South African products.
Cape Town is home to an exceptionally beautiful design culture, with a devotion to locally produced goods that wouldn’t look out of place on the pages of Vogue or NYC. Whether it’s brightly colored printed clothing or industrial handcrafted jewellery, the products are genuinely stylish and incredibly well-made.
Accommodation
Cape Town is one of Africa’s most alluring destinations, combining picturesque natural spaces with fascinating museums and a vibrant dining and nightlife scene. There are plenty of accommodation options to suit every travel style, whether you’re looking for a luxury safari lodge or a budget-friendly hotel.
While summer is Cape Town’s busiest season, you can still find great deals in the shoulder seasons of March to May and September to November. These months feature enviable weather, fewer crowds and lower hotel prices.