Discover Cape Town
Hotels, halal food, prayer spaces, things to do, and itineraries in Cape Town.
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Must-see attractions in Cape Town
From headline landmarks and heritage icons to parks, waterfronts, and major museums, discover 15 standout sights to build into your time in the city.
Cape Town is the cultural and political capital of South Africa. It is arguably the most important of the cities in South Africa. Today too, Cape Town’s natural beauty has been well preserved [Table Mountain, Cape Town’s many beaches, Kirstenbosch Gardens, Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point have been maintained beautifully] as well its architectural treasures [the Slave Lodge, Castle of Good Hope, Koopmans De Wet House etc]. It has become a tourist destination and the tourism industry has experienced a real growth in the last few years. Because of the revenue that it brings in it is probably the fastest growing city in South Afri
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Muslim travel planner
Plan a Muslim-friendly trip in Cape Town
Halal restaurants in Cape Town
Cape Town’s food scene is part of the city experience. Choose from 21 restaurants and food districts with location notes and planning tips.
cape-townNandos
Cuisine: Portuguese
cape-townAubergine
The décor of this restaurant is chic and sophisticated. Timber and glass are the materials that have been used in decorating the interior. The place is luxuriant and quality food is to be expected. The sea food and vegetarian dishes are exceptionally good. The desserts are absolutely divine- the sorbets, crème brule and tartlets are all melt -in -your -mouth delicious. Cuisine: International Address: 39 Barnet Street, Cape Town Central Tel: 021-465-4909
cape-townBuitenverwachting
The setting of this restaurant is beautiful. Located on a wine estate, tables look out onto the surrounding vineyard. This eatery is popular amongst fashionable locals. The interior is beautiful and luxuriant. The dishes are divine and at the same time both creative and eccentric. The menu has everything listed on it. The seafood, in particular the crayfish, the tempura and the shrimp is delicious. Magical best describes the ambience of this restaurant. Cuisine: International Address: Klein Constantia Road, Constantia Tel: 021-794-3522
cape-townCape Colony Restaurant
This restaurant is located in the luxury Mount Nelson Hotel. The interior is extravagant and reminiscent of Colonial Cape Town. Live music is played in the back ground. Dishes served here are absolutely divine and there is a wide variety to choose from. A must stop although prices are exorbitant. Cuisine: International Address: Mount Nelson Hotel, 76 Orange Street, Cape Town Central Tel: 021-483-1000
cape-townConstantia Uitsig
The location of this restaurant is lovely and tables look out onto the surrounding mountains and vineyards. This restaurant provides outstanding service and offers a vast array of dishes to choose from. The pasta, vegetarian and seafood dishes are especially good. The chocolate mousse is to die for.
cape-town95 Keerom
Excellent quality ingredients are used to churn out excellent quality traditional Italian dishes. Traditional ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, olives, pasta, and parmesan are used in producing these delectable treats. The staff provides excellent service. Unpretentious best describes the ambience and the food served in this restaurant.
Cape Town masjids and Muslim travel
Landmark masjids and prayer-aware notes for visitors planning salah, family movement, and halal-friendly days.
Where to stay in Cape Town
Choose where to stay by trip style, from landmark luxury and family bases to central, airport, and neighborhood-led stays.
cape-townThe Westin Grand Arabella Quays
This hotel is arguably the best in town; it is both extravagant and luxurious. The location is excellent. Rooms and bathrooms are spacious and the décor is chic and sophisticated. The service is impeccable as are the facilities available here. In room facilities include a safe, a refrigerator and internet connection. Hotel facilities include 2 restaurants, room service, bars, a gym, a spa, laundry service, and an Internet terminal and free parking. Breakfast is included in the rates.
cape-townCape Grace
This is arguably the best of Cape Town’s luxury hotels. The location is picturesque- the waterfront allows for guests to catch glimpses of sea lions and various birds. Rooms offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the sea. Rooms and bathrooms are spacious. The décor is gorgeous, elegant and contemporary. In room facilities include a safe, a refrigerator and internet connection. Hotel facilities include restaurants, room service, bars, a library, a pool, a spa, laundry service, and an internet terminal and free parking. Breakfast is included in the rates.
cape-townMount Nelson Hotel
Probably the most well known of Cape Town’s luxury hotels, this hotel dates back to the turn of the 20th century. Aristocratic best describes the ambience of this hotel where the customs of the early 1900s are still very much observed such as sipping tea to the tune of the piano. The décor is traditional as opposed to contemporary and the interior is adorned with antiques, carpets and paintings. The gardens are stunning as well. In room facilities include a safe, a refrigerator, internet connection and a DVD player. Hotel facilities include 2 restaurants, room service, tennis courts, bars, pools, a gym, a spa, laundry service, internet access and free parking. One facility not provided by other hotels is Children’s programs to keep the young ones busy.
cape-townBest Western Cape Suites Hotel
This hotel is close to the city centre and at the same time away from it. It is not plagued by the hustle and bustle of Cape Town and maintains its peaceful and serene ambience. Rooms and bathrooms are spacious with lovely furnishings, contemporary interiors and good views of the surrounding mountains and city. In room facilities include a safe, a refrigerator and a kitchen. Hotel facilities include 2 restaurants, bars, pool, laundry service, internet access and free parking.
cape-townLong Beach
This hotel is located along the Kommetjie Beach. This hotel comprises of rooms with superb views at more than reasonable rates. The rooms and bathrooms are more than comfortable and a major reason why this hotel is so attractive is its proximity to the beach. The hotel staff provides excellent service and care. In room facilities include a safe, a refrigerator, internet connection and a DVD player. Hotel facilities include room service, a pool, a bar, laundry service, the beachfront, internet access and free parking.
History and today in Cape Town
Read the city today, its history, residents, culture, and character before planning your route.
General Visa Information
A valid passport is required by foreign nationals in order to enter Cape Town. The passport must be valid for the following six months at least and must contain a minimum of two blank pages.
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When to go
The best times of the year to visit Cape Town are the months of March, April and May. The weather is wonderful in these months with cool days and nights; the wind too is not too strong. Winter months [June to August] get cold and it rains often. Summer months [November to February] get hot and extremely windy.
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Fast Facts
Location:: Cape Town is located in the Northern part of the Cape Peninsula surrounded by a number of mountains including Table Mountain, Lion’s Head and the Devil’s Peak.; Area:: 2455 sq km Dialing code: +27 Area Code: 021 Emergency Numbers: Emergencies: 107 Fire: 021-535-1100/ 021-461-5555 Police: 10111 [flying squad]; 021-467-8000 Ambulance: 10177 Tourist Assistance [Police]: 021-418-2852 Lifeline: 021-461-1111 Sea Rescue: 021-405-3500 Vehicle Breakdown: 082-161-11 Telephone directory enquiry: 1023 [Local Numbers]; 1903 [International Numbers] Airport Enquiry: 021-934-0407 Railway Enquiry: 080-065-6463; Population:: 3 million approximately
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Exchange Rates
The currency used in Cape Town is the South African Rand
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Public Holidays
January 1: New Year's Day February 27: Constitution Day March 21: Human Right's Day March/April: Good Friday April 17: Family Day May 1: Labor Day June 16: Youth Day August 9: Women’s Day September 24: Heritage Day December 16: Day of Reconciliation December 25: Christmas Day December 26: Day of Goodwill
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Annual Temperature
January: 1. High 26 °C 2. Low 16 °C; ..........b- February: 1. High 27 °C 2. Low 16 °C; ..........c- March: 1. High 25 °C 2. Low 14 °C
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Cape Town today
Cape Town is the cultural and political capital of South Africa. It is arguably the most important of the cities in South Africa. Today too, Cape Town’s natural beauty has been well preserved [Table Mountain, Cape Town’s many beaches, Kirstenbosch Gardens, Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point have been maintained beautifully] as well its architectural treasures [the Slave Lodge, Castle of Good Hope, Koopmans De Wet House etc]. It has become a tourist destination and the tourism industry has experienced a real growth in the last few years. Because of the revenue that it brings in it is probably the fastest growing city in South Africa and because of the increasing number of tourists it has to cater to each year it is a city that is constantly on the move. In addition it makes a vast contribution to the GDP of South Africa by virtue of its ever increasing contribution to the agricultural and mining sectors.
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Cape Town History
Historically Cape Town has always been an important city. Due to its status as a port/harbor it attracted the Dutch East India Trading Company who established their posts here in the early 1650s to facilitate trade with India, the Far East and the rest of Africa. The same trading company brought a number of slaves to Cape Town to perform menial jobs. The mansions and buildings erected by the Dutch during this period survive even today.
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Shopping in Cape Town
Explore 14 shopping stops, from malls, markets, and book bazaars to fashion streets and souvenir finds.
cape-townAmulet Goldsmith
Buy a lovely piece of jewelry from this famous shop.
cape-townLouise Hennigs
This is the best store to buy leather products- the handbags are made using excellent quality leather; though pricey their quality is guaranteed.
cape-townN.C.M Fashions- African Pride
This shop is renowned for the beautiful traditional African attire which is its specialty. Wonderful skirts, wraps, dresses, scarves in colorful traditional fabrics and designs are sold here.
cape-townWaterfront Craft Market
This market consists of a number of stalls where jewelry, arts and crafts, pottery, glass and rugs and carpets are sold.
cape-townGreen Point
This flea market sells everything you can possibly conceive of, from shoes and clothing to music and artifacts; you name it. It is only open every Sunday of the week.
Signature sights in Cape Town
A curated pick of the city's standout sights, led by the strongest editorial recommendations.
Festivals and events in Cape Town
Plan around 19 festival seasons, public events, Ramadan/Eid periods, book fairs, art cycles, and winter food activity.
cape-town· Shakespeare at Maynardville Open Air Theatre
This event takes place annually and lasts well into February. The venue is the Maynardville open air theatre. This tradition has been in place for many decades now, since the 1950s to be more specific. Shakespeare’s world famous plays are performed here by excellent actors.
cape-townShakespeare at Maynardville Open Air Theatre
This event takes place annually and starting from January, lasts well into February. The venue is the Maynardville open air theatre. This tradition has been in place for many decades now, since the 1950s to be more specific. Shakespeare’s world famous plays are performed here by excellent actors.
cape-townCape Argus Pick and Pay Cycle Tour
This event takes place annually every March and involves several thousand cyclists riding for over 100 kilometers around the Cape Peninsula. Participants from all over the world take part in this race, both amateurs and professionals. Various events and activities are held for families in the week leading up to the cycle tour.
cape-townOld Mutual Two Oceans Marathon
This event takes place annually in March and has become the most famous ultra-modern marathon in South Africa. Apart from being a tough challenge, this race is also a visual treat of nature at her best. It is probably the most magical of its kind because of the sheer beauty that the participants are able to soak in. The picturesque route of the marathon takes the participants on a tour of the Cape Peninsula, past both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, hence its name. This 6 hour, 35 mile test of endurance is sponsored by Old Mutual, a large insurance company. A large crowd turns out to cheer the runners making this an exciting-fun filled event that is looked forward to each year.
cape-townMy Coke Fest
This event takes place annually though there is no fixed date for it. It is a 12 hour long concert and performers from all over the world take part in it. Famous bands such as Kaiser Chiefs, Korn, Chris Cornell etc perform. One of the most popular festivals in Cape Town, it draws huge crowds. Free Coke is distributed during the concert which is what the festival takes its name after.
Cape Town tours and experiences
Heritage walks, food crawls, coastal trips, museum circuits, family days, and guided ideas for an easier day out.
cape-townAfrican Eagle
This is an excellent tour operator. They arrange half day and full day trips and arrange for visitors to go sightseeing. Half day city tours involve visiting the South African Museum, Castle of Good Hope, Bo-Kaap, Green Market Square, Camps Bay and Clifton as well as Table Mountain. These cost R 295 per person and depart at 8 A.M. and 1 P.M lasting approximately four and a half hours. A registered tourist guide accompanies the group. Full day tours entail visits to False Bay, Simon’s Town, Cape of Good Hope Reserve, Cape Point, Clifton and Camps Bay, penguin colony as well as ostrich viewing. These cost R 610 per person; groups depart at 8 A.M and the tour lasts about nine and a half hours. A tourist guide accompanies the group.
cape-townHylton Ross
This operator arranges half to full day tours. Many of the attractions are visited briefly or driven past, nonetheless the tours are good. The half day tour costs R 290 per person, lasts about four and a half hours and takes tourists to Table Mountain, the Waterfront, Sea Point, Castle of Good Hope, Company Gardens, the Slave Lodge, District Six and Green Market Square. Full day tours costs about R 520 and the tourist can opt either for the Cape Point and Table Mountain tour or the cultural tour of Robben Island which entails a ferry ride and careful exploration of the island. Full day tours last about ten hours. These operate daily except Sunday.
cape-townCity Sightseeing Bus
These operators offer a variety of package deals that vary in terms of which sights will be visited [different sights are visited on the red and blue routes] and which vary as to the length of each tour. Usually tours last one day. The city’s main attractions are visited by buses which depart from outside the Two Oceans Aquarium at 9:30 A.M and every 30 minutes after that till about 3:30 P.M. It is a good way to become acquainted with the city’s sights and tourists can always re-visit these places to explore them more fully. The tour costs about R 100 per person.
cape-townFootsteps to Freedom
This walking tour is an excellent way of getting acquainted with Cape Town’s cultural treasures. This 3 hour long tour includes commentary given by knowledgeable guides about Cape Town’s various attractions. The tour departs outside Cape Town Tourism [Visitor Information Centre] at 10:30 A.M. daily except Sunday. The tour costs R 120 for adults and R 60 for children. Tourists are given a lesson in South African history and taken around the Slave Lodge, Slave Tree, Parliament, District Six, Green Market Square, and the Castle of Good Hope. These tours can be customized as well.
Atlas
These operators offer a variety of package deals that vary in terms of which sights will be visited and which vary as to the length of each tour. Usually tours last from anywhere between half a day and one whole day [i.e. 4 to 9 hours]. Prices range from R 300 to R 650. Sights visited include Cape Point, Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, Simon’s Town, Boulders Beach, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Table Mountain; alternatively tours that cover more of Cape Town’s cultural monuments and museums as opposed to natural treasures can be opted for. Tel: 021-460-4700 Website: www.springbokatlas.co.za
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Cape Town travel guide sections
Focused sections for articles, directories, maps, and trip planning.
