City Bowl

Cape Town's own Sugarloaf Mountain, the "Lion's Head" is connected to the "Lion's Rump" (better known as "Signal Hill").

The Lion's Head summit is 669 meters above sea level and can only be reached by foot. The spiral pathway up it provides a breathtaking panoramic view of Cape Town and the Atlantic Seaboard.

The climb takes about 1 hour, provided that you are fit and not afraid of heights (some difficult passages lead over ladders and along metal chains). If you are lucky and the wind conditions are right, you can watch paragliders taking off towards Camps Bay.  

The Mount Nelson Hotel, regarded as the jewel of Cape Town's venues, is legendary throughout the Cape for its award winning high teas.

The traditional and scrumptious tea is served each day. The splendid tea buffet, arranged on a glowing mahogany table, is set in the large, spacious lounge. A friendly place to meet, with masses of flowers, cozy fires in winter, deep couches and soft down cushions.

The "Nellie's" High Tea is an affair not to be missed.

The summit of Cape Town's world-famous landmark is 1 086 meters above sea level.

Since the Cableway opening 70 years ago, over 14 million people have taken the trip to the top. The new cars, or Rotairs, have a revolving floor that allows passengers a 360-degree view of the city and mountain as they travel.

We suggest that you set aside at least 1-2 hours for the visit. This gives you time to enjoy all 11 viewpoints. The weather on the summit is very changeable. It is best to check the weather section of the website or phone (021) 424 8181 to check if the cable car is open or closed.

350 years ago Cape Town's founding father Jan van Riebeek was assigned by the Dutch-East India Trading Company to build a vegetable garden to supply the colonial ships with vitamins.

Today Company's Garden is a large botanical garden. Government Avenue, the pedestrian walkway through the centre of the gardens, is lined with majestic oak trees, home of many peanut-hungry squirrels.

Whilst in the Garden one can explore the South African Museum and Planetarium, the National Art Gallery, the Parliament and the Anglican St. Georges Cathedral.

Green Market Square has been the centre of Cape Town city life for almost 300 years.

Originally Green Market Square served as a commercial trading area, re-provisioning early sailing ships rounding the tip of Africa. Today it is a vibrant informal trading zone, surrounded by restaurants, bistros and bars.

There are leatherworkers, artists, African crafts, jewellery makers, booksellers and clothing stalls all over the square and there should be a bargain for everyone.

The Aquarium is located in the V&A Waterfront. The east side of the building is adjacent to the Robinson Dry Dock, the oldest operating dock of its kind in the world.

Get close up and intimate. Walk (or even swim) freely alongside ragged-tooth sharks, spotted gullies, turtles and rays. Come face to face with a multitude of fishes and other sea creatures.

Dive into a different world at the Two Oceans Aquarium! For more information visit the website.