Cape Town is the oldest city in South Africa. It is the Legislative Capital and the Capital of the Cape Province. The second largest city in South Africa, it was founded by Jan Van Riebeek in 1652 when he set up a fort for the Dutch East India Company and a settlement on the shores of Table Bay at the foot of Table Mountain.
The Fort de Goede Hoop, or today known as the Castle of Good Hope is the oldest building in South Africa. For a long time Cape Town was known as De Kaapsche Vlek (The Cape Hamlet) but by the end of the 17th century it was already referred to as Kaapstad (Cape Town) or in French, La Ville Du Cap. In 1803 Abraham De Mist tried unsuccessfully to rename it Van Riebeek Stad after its founder.
One of the Host Cities of the FIFA World Cup 2010, Cape Town South Africa with its splendid location nestling below the awe inspiring Table mountain on one side and the picturesque Table Bay on the other is, without doubt, one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Visitors to Cape Town will not be short of things to do or places to see. There are wonderful scenic drives around the Peninsula and the Cape Vineyards are within easy reach. There are historic buildings and magnificent architecture to admire.
Do not miss taking the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway to the top of Table Mountain, it is only a 5 minute ride in the cable car and will enable you to experience the magnificent 360 degree view of Cape Town.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden lies on the Eastern Slopes of Table Mountain and is well worth a visit to see the magnificent examples of indigenous plants and flowers grown there. The V&A Waterfront is also a very popular spot for tourists.
Restaurants, Bars and other places of entertainment abound, equal to other large cosmopolitan cities worldwide. The choice of things to do and places to go in Cape Town, South Africa is endless.There is a wide selection of accommodation available for tourists in Cape Town, including hotels, B&B’s, guest houses and holiday homes.
Table Mountain has now been declared one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.
