Cape Town: Overview

Cape Town's setting is one of the world's most stunning.

In this beautiful city even transient visitors can't help but devote a few million brain cells to storing images of its grandeur: its striking Table Mountain backdrop, its glorious beaches and enchanting vineyards, its rugged landscapes and its strange and wonderful plants and animals.

Cape Town is famed for its hospitality: its mix of trendy establishments matches up favourably any other cosmopolitan centre. There's a lively cultural scene, particularly when it comes to music, which seems to pervade every corner of the city. The general ambience is open-minded and relaxed.

Travel Warning: Areas to Avoid

The townships on the Cape Flats have an appalling crime rate and are off-limits unless you have a trustworthy guide.

severity: Low-level alert

Fast Facts

Population

2,984,100

Currency

Name: South African Rand
Code: ZAR
Symbol: R

Electrical Plugs

South African/Indian-style plug with two circular metal pins above a large circular grounding pin
220/230V 50Hz

Languages Spoken

Official: Zulu, Afrikaans, English, Swati,,,,

Time Zones

GMT/UTC +2 

Country Dialing Code

+27

Weights & Measures

Metric

Cape Town - Pick & Mix Chapters

Cape Town - Pick & Mix Chapters

Download the free Getting Started chapter or buy individual chapters from our Cape Town guide, in our online Shop.
› Go to the Cape Town download page.

Related Travel Stories

  1. Long Street, Cape Town

    Long Street, Cape Town

    podcast by Kondile Unathi, January 2008

    Two miles' worth of clubs, music stores and boutique hotels: saunter down Cape Town's most cosmopolitan street. Read the full article ›

    Tags: Cities • Cape Town

Read more Related Travel Stories ›

Traveller Tips & Discussion

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Disclaimer: We've tried to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety, customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before you travel.

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