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The third most populous city in South Africa, Cape Town is renowned for its harbour and considered to be one of the most attractive cities in the world.
Cape Town – known as Kaapstad in Afrikaans - is South Africa’s legislative capital. Among many other attributes, the city is well-known for its hospitality and vivacious cultural life.
It is located in the province of Western Cape, and is in a key position near the Cape of Good Hope.
In addition to being a major tourist locale, Cape Town is a major industrial and commercial hub of South Africa. The city offers an international air in its culture, architecture, cuisine and arts and attracts expats from across the globe.
Economy
One of South Africa's chief centres of industry, Cape Town houses a petroleum refinery and chemical, fertilizer, cement, and automobile-assembly factories. Among the city's chief industries are ship repair and maintenance, textile and clothing manufacturing, food processing, construction, and tourism.
Economic growth in the city stems largely from financial and business services, manufacturing, and wholesale and retail trade. Numerous internationals financial firms are headquartered in this dynamic metropolis.
The large government presence in Cape Town has resulted in an increase in revenue and growth in industries that serve the government. The city is the site for many conferences, and enjoys a booming real estate and construction market.
South Africa overall boasts an excellent physical infrastructure, including superior railways and roads, reasonably priced electricity, and a well-developed transportation industry, which includes established international air links with most major foreign cities.
In recent years, the country has made immense advances in opening the domestic economy to international competition. Among the economic improvements:
- Competitive exchange rate
- No restrictions on foreign investments
- Strong competition policy
- Abolishment of exchange control for non-residents; reduction for residents
- Significant reduction in tax barriers
- Major investment incentives
Additional incentives have been introduced in preparation for the 2010 Soccer World Cup to be held in South Africa, including a number of “tax free bubbles” near World Cup venues. Activities within these bubbles are exempt from income tax and VAT.
Tourism
Cape Town is widely considered South Africa’s most popular tourist destination, thanks to its near-perfect climate, natural beauty, and well-developed infrastructure.
The city has an abundance of natural features that attract tourists. Among them is Table Mountain, which forms a large part of the Table Mountain National Park. Reaching the top of the mountain can be achieved either by hiking up, or by taking the Table Mountain Cableway.
Cape Point is known as the dramatic headland at the end of the Cape Peninsula. Many tourists also drive along Chapman's Peak Drive, a narrow road that links Noordhoek with Hout Bay, for the views of the Atlantic Ocean and nearby mountains.
Cape Town's beaches are also a popular attraction among tourists and locals alike. Due to the city's distinctive geography, it is possible to visit several different beaches in the same day. Beaches in prosperous Clifton and elsewhere on the Atlantic Coast are well-developed, with restaurants and cafés accessible to the beaches.
The city has several notable cultural attractions. The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is one of Cape Town’s most popular shopping venues, with several hundred shops and the Two Oceans Aquarium.
Cape Town is also known for its architectural legacy, and many of its buildings combine the architectural traditions of the Netherlands, Germany and France.
Night life in the city is as diverse as Cape Town itself, and includes some of the best eateries in the country. Restaurants in the city are well-priced, and many are managed by top globally trained chefs. As a coastal town, there are many beachfront and waterside restaurants to choose from that offer great food as well as spectacular views.
Night clubs and bars are also plentiful, and the Grand West Casino offers a flashy night of gambling, wining and dining.
Museums, Safaris, and Loads More
There are many museums in the city of Cape Town, and among the ‘must-sees’ are the Gold of Africa Museum, Holocaust Centre, and Parow Museum. The Gold of Africa museum has a large collection of Gold artefacts on display, as well as a Gold boutique and a wine cellar. The Holocaust Centre depicts many of the horrors of the racist regime. The Parow Museum displays many valuable antique treasures.
For the adventurer, Cape Town is an ideal locale, with a wide range of activities, including hiking, climbing, water sports, diving and golf. Cape Town has it all, combined with fantastic settings and sunny skies.
Anyone who has ever lived in or visited South Africa will tell you that going on a wildlife safari is an absolute must. Many safaris leave from Cape Town to the Kruger National Park and the game reserve parks all over South Africa. The Kruger National Park is the largest game reserve in South Africa, and features a great number of species that live in their natural habitat in this outstanding park. Many safaris leave from Cape Town to the national parks all over Africa.
The city also offers many excellent golf courses, some designed by internationally acclaimed players.
Opportunities for boating, sailing and yachting abound and there's plenty to see from sea life to spectacular scenery and abundant birdlife. Picturesque cruises and harbour trips depart from the V&A Waterfront daily and, in the summer, sunset cruises explore the coastline.
We’ll say it again – Cape Town has it all!