Urban Life

World-class infrastructure lays the ground work for a bounty of museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars, dizzying nightlife and lazy day life. Dwelling in each of South Africa's cosmopolitan cities is layer upon layer of the country's multicultural, multi-ethnic, multi-faithed and multi-hued, population.

Top 5 Cultural Experiences

• Apartheid Museum
• Dumazulu Cultural Village
• Robben Island
• Soweto Township Tour
• Vineyard tours of the Cape Winelands

Cape Town

One of the world's most beautiful cities, Cape Town wraps itself around the base of Hoerikwaggo (Table Mountain), and is bordered by stunning beaches and intimate coves. Humbling as its natural boundaries are, Cape Town is no shrinking violet: this city of over three million exudes sass and class.

First stop for most is an expedition up Table Mountain (www.tmnp.co.za). Conquer this beautiful massif on foot, or take the cableway (021-424 5148; www.tablemountain.net). From your glassy cabin, the view of Cape Town's splendiferous sprawl will make your jaw drop.

Johannesburg

A defiant, proud and friendly city of almost six million residents, Jo'burg is in the grip of urban renewal. The focus of the movement is Newtown, where Museum Africa (011-833 5624; museumafrica@joburg.org.za; 121 Bree St) explores the characters and events of the 'new' South Africa.

Equally enriching for history buffs is the thought-provoking Apartheid Museum (011-309 4700; www.apartheidmuseum.org; cnr Gold Reef Rd & Northern Parkway). After gaining an appreciation of Jo'berg's past, head to its chic northern suburbs for a taste of its buzzing present.

Pretoria

Dwarfed by Jo'burg's megalopolis, Pretoria sits just 50km north, but possesses its own distinctive identity. Against a brilliant backdrop of jacarandas and bougainvillea, a vibrant student population drives the city's dynamic nightlife; you'll also find some exquisite dining options.

A work in progress, the inspirational Freedom Park (012-470 7400; Koch St, Salvokop) will be a tribute to individuals who have sacrificed themselves for freedom worldwide.

Durban

South Africa's third-largest city, Durban is a confluence of cultures and landscapes. On the flirty waterfront, a carnivalesque esplanade littered with cafes, shops and hotels winks at a buttery strip of beach.

Lording it on the seafront is uShaka Marine World (031-368 6675; www.ushakamarineworld.co.za; Addington Beach, the Point), which boasts the world's biggest aquarium, the southern hemisphere's largest collection of sharks, Africa's largest dolphinarium, a mock 1940s steamer wreck, restaurants, shops, freshwater rides and a beach.

Bloemfontein

In the middle of South Africa and the middle of nowhere, the Free State is a seamless expanse of farms, sunflower fields, grassy plains and vast blue skies. That is until you hit its capital, 'Bloem', which compensates for all that space with its cosmopolitan flair and lively Waterfront precinct.

Head to the acclaimed Oliewenhuis Art Museum (051- 447 9609; oliewen@nasmus.co.za; 16 Harry Smith St) to see traditional and contemporary South African art.