Long before the Dutch took a fancy to the Cape Peninsula in the 17th century, the land was home to the Khoisan people who valued the spiritual power of the mountains and their life-providing water. While the European immigrants, and the slaves they brought here, have all shaped the physical environment of South Africa's third-largest city, Table Mountain-now protected within a national park that covers some 75% of the peninsula-remains at Cape Town's heart.

At the southern tip of Africa, this city is an enticing taste of an entire continent. Somewhere between the good looks of this cosmopolitan city and the realities of its surrounding suburbs is the true Cape Town. Eat out at the local hot spots, surf the secret breaks, or drum a tabletop to the tempo of a resident jazz ensemble. This guide will help you dig beneath the glittering surface and find your own unique take on the Cape.

Introducing Cape Town

City Life

Arts & Architecture

Wine

History

Table Mountain National Park

Sights

Walking Tours

Eating

Entertainment

Activities

Shopping

Sleeping

Excursions

Directory

Language

Index

Maps