Considered to be one of the global hot spots, Cape Town offers the foreign traveller good value for money and, according to Frommers, "is regularly heralded as one of the most beautiful (cities) on earth" due to its unique scenery. Whether you are into sophistication or slumming it, searching for adventure or tranquillity, Cape Town is sure to be a pleasant surprise. Pairing the natural beauty with a vibey and friendly culture, there are a variety of delights ranging from award winning French-style wines to Malay cuisine, fine art and architecture, a wealth of historical sights and much more on offer.

Airlines from all five continents service South Africa and land at the Cape Town International Airport, which has been voted the "Leading Airport in Africa" at the World Travel Awards. ATMs, bars, restaurants and currency exchange facilities are available throughout the airport, as are a number of shops. Many of the flights also touch down at Johannesburg en-route, making it quite viable to experience the South African landscape by including a trip on the Blue Train or luxurious Rovos Rail between Johannesburg and Cape Town.

A number of cruise lines dock at Cape Town, including one of the few remaining old mail ships, the RMS St Helena, which sets sail from Southampton. Further options include overland journeys (such as Cape to Cairo) provided by a number of tour operators. Air travel to Durban and a three-day coastal cruise to Cape Town is also possible, as is travel on any of a number of coaches which interlink the major cities and provides economical access to some of the more remote destinations.

A flight from London lasts approximately 12 hours (usually overnight) and one can travel from the USA in about 15 hours. There are shuttle bus services and taxis from the airport which will whisk you into the CBD in less than half an hour and a number of car rental agencies are also represented. Sedan taxis are plentiful and charge between ZAR 8 - ZAR 11 per km. For the brave there are also numerous somewhat crowded and not-always-safe minibus taxis.

Although the Mount Nelson is the Grande Old Dame of Cape accommodation and features colonial elegance in scenic surroundings at the foot of Table Mountain, the luxury hotel Cape Grace has on occasion been awarded "Best Hotel in the World" status and remains a firm favorite with visitors to Cape Town. There is also the very popular and upmarket Southern Sun Cape Sun (located in the City center), as well as the nearby Victoria & Alfred Hotel at the V&A Waterfront and the Cape Town Lodge. A more economical alternative is the centrally located Park Inn Greenmarket Square, which is adjacent to the oldest hotel in Cape Town, the Tudor . The relatively new ArabellaSheraton Grand Hotel offers easy access to the CBD as well as surrounding regions and is situated at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). For smaller conference facilities in tranquil, historic surroundings, the Groot Constantia Estate is highly recommended, albeit a bit distant.

1988 saw the birth of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront Company, which was permitted to lease 83 hectares of the old Cape Town harbour area. Today it houses the Two Oceans Aquarium , numerous craft markets, an Imax Theatre and immense shopping complex. This makes the V&A Waterfront the ideal place to while away a few hours. A number of boat cruises are available, ranging from harbour trips to watch seals, to romantic sunset cruises along the Peninsula on modern yachts or an old-fashioned sailboat.

Visitors can also board a steam locomotive to the Spier Estate in Stellenbosch at the Waterfront and sip champagne en route to Spier, where activities include live music, horse-carriage rides, a cheetah park, lakeside picnic options and a bevy of fine restaurants which afford you the opportunity to sample Cape wines.

The citysightseeing bus is possibly one of the most convenient ways to explore the Mother City and includes stops at the Table Mountain cableway and various museums and attractions in the City in its Red Route. The Blue Route includes a trip to Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, as well as a township tour in Kronendal near Hout Bay, where you will also be able to visit the Mariner's Wharf and spend time on the beach. Included in the tour is a trip through Camps Bay and Sea Point, as well as a visit to the enchanting World of Birds. En route you will also pass the first lighthouse in South Africa, which is still fully functional. There are almost 50 popular surfing spots within an hours drive from Cape Town and you may very well opt for a stunningly scenic drive along Chapman's Peak.

Approximately 10 km from Cape Town, towards the Northern suburbs, you will encounter Century City, which encompasses a residential area, business park and the Canal Walk shopping centre, as well as the Island Club hotel and Ratanga Junction theme park. Unusual architecture reminiscent of the heyday of Cape Town, complete with a replica of the original fort, can be seen at the nearby GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World. Cape Town sport options range from abseiling the highest commercial "long-drop" (112m) in the world, to shark diving (at approximately ZAR 1000 per person), rock angling, tennis, golf, horse-riding and a number of hiking trails such as the Contour Path between Rhodes Memorial and Kirstenbosch, Platteklip Gorge nearby the cableway and the relatively easy Pipetrack from Camps Bay.

A visit to the most south-westerly point of the African Continent at Cape Point affords marvellous views and an opportunity to enjoy the natural flora at this World Heritage Site. Visitors can also gain an understanding of local culture by participating in one of the available Township Tours.

Art enthusiasts would enjoy a trip to the Irma Stern Museum, whilst the literary minded could browse the vast collections at the National Library as well as the Centre for the Book, which is also a splendid example of Edwardian architecture. The most centrally located theatre and opera house in the Mother City is the Artscape, but dinner and theatre packages are also available at the Theatre on the Bay, situated approximately 10km from the CBD.

Cape Town offers a wide selection of shops, including the biggest mall in Africa which is situated at Canal Walk. The unusual Ice Lounge at the V&A Waterfront provides a cool venue for pre-dinner drinks and is located conveniently close to both the Hildebrand Restaurant and the lively Quay Four restaurant at the waters edge. A visit to Cape Town would be incomplete without exploring the eclectic mix of shops, bars, clubs and cosmopolitan restaurants to be found in Long Street and for those wishing to experience truly African cuisine, a visit to the Africa Café is recommended. Fine dining can also be found at Ginja and Madame Zingara. If you wish to enjoy the harbour lights whilst having dinner, or want to entertain guests aboard a yacht, the Sea Horse is the answer. For those who wish to combine a day at the beach with a seafood dinner, the ideal solution is a visit to the nearby suburb of Fish Hoek, where you will find the Galley Seafood Restaurant right on the beach.

The infrastructure, numerous outdoor activities and its rich cultural heritage has led to Cape Town being described as a "must-see before I die" city. Major developments are already underway in preparation for the 2010 World Cup and a new ultra-luxurious hotel is being built at the V&A Waterfront with canals which would connect to Century City, effectively creating a mini-Venice.
Whether you're an eco-tourist, culture-vulture or simply looking for adventure and a great vacation, Cape Town is sure to exceed your expectations.

More details of Cape Town hotels and attractions have been provided at trivago. There are also a number of reviews and photographs for your enjoyment.