At the southern tip of South Africa you’ll find the stunning city of Cape Town. This busy beach town offers some of the most incredible tourist attractions, beautiful landscapes, and fine dining any visitor to South Africa could wish to be exposed to. It doesn’t matter if you’re a historian or a wave surfer – you’re bound to find something spectacular in Cape Town.

When to Visit Cape Town

Cape Town is a beautiful place to visit just about any time of the year. That is, of course, except for the windy months during which the wind gales are so strong the mountain passes end up shut down.

Cape Town is at its windiest between October and March and things are at their absolute worst during December when winds can blow as rough as 37 miles per hour on a regular basis. The strong winds also blow Portuguese men-of-war (aka stinging jellyfish) towards the shores, making it nearly impossible to swim.

The best time to visit Cape Town is during the month of April. The wind and summer heat will have tamed themselves and you can enjoy the warm weather and beautiful colors of autumn. The winter months are usually rainy but are stunningly green as well. If you wait until the spring months to visit you’ll be greeted by beautiful wildflowers and may even have an opportunity to spot a whale or two off of the shoreline.

Transportation throughout Cape Town

Believe it or not, the city of Cape Town doesn’t really have a large public transportation system and what they do have isn’t really cost effective to use. Consider asking the concierge at your Cape Town hotel where you can rent a scooter or bicycle. They’re cheaper and will afford you a better view of the city as you explore.

Health and Safety in Cape Town

Cape Town is generally a safe city to visit but, like just about every other major city, there is some level of petty crime and drug use. It is in your best interests to avoid traveling near the center of the city at night. The weekends in the center of Cape Town should be avoided as well because the area is quiet because of the end of the business week.

Petty theft is prevalent in the center of Cape Town and may be experienced in other areas as well. Thieves have in the past been bold enough to steal people’s cell phones right out of their hands (while they’re talking) and others will reach right through your open car window to take things off the seats.

Use caution if you use an ATM machine. Cancel your transaction right away if anyone attempts to “help” you and always make sure that you get your card back from the machine. Conceal your cash immediately after withdraw.

Glue sniffing is the drug of choice amongst children in Cape Town. While you may at first feel bad for a child begging at a street corner, it is important for you to understand that any cash you give him will likely go towards supporting his glue sniffing habit. Give them food instead, if you are so inclined, or find a reputable charity, like The Big Issue magazine, where you can donate cash.

Things to do in Cape Town

Cape Town, set at the base of the astounding Table Mountain, is full of incredible educational, interesting, and enjoyable attractions. The only problem you’ll have is deciding where to start once you arrive.

The best way to get a bird’s eye view of Cape Town is by taking a ride on the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway. The ride up the mountain only takes 3-5 minutes but you’ll have some of the most incredible views of the sea, bay, and city below. Check the operating times before you head out to the station – times change seasonally.

The South African National Gallery is one of the most phenomenal museums in the area. Inside you’ll find an extensive collection of art from the 19^th and 20^th centuries as well as some contemporary works of South African art depicting the area’s incredible history. Exhibits change regularly so you never know what you might find upon arrival.

If you love marine wildlife, or if you’re traveling with children in tow, you’ll definitely want to take a trip to the Two Oceans Aquarium. The aquarium, considered one of the best on the planet, houses aquatic wildlife from the Indian Ocean, the Atlantic, and from bodies of water around the world. There are dive tanks, touch pools for children, and dozens of other interactive (and hands-off) displays.

Cape Town has a lot to offer visitors from surrounding areas and the rest of the world. Plan your trip during South Africa’s fall months and prepare to be astounded!