Because the caravans needed too much time to transport valuable resources from Asia into Europe, there were many new paths being explored to India by ocean. In 1488 Bartolomeu Dias from Portugal was the first man that managed to battle his way to the south horn of Africa.
Because of the bad weather he had to endure on the trip, he called the city Cape of Storms. It soon became clear that this watershed between Atlantic and Indian Ocean that lies about 250 meters above sea level would become of extraordinary historical importance. This is the reason why it was named Cape of Good Hope. Again it was circled by the sailors of Vasco da Gama, from where the first journey to India was made.
Around 400 years ago and not far from Cape of Good, the first European settlers began to build their first trade settlement. Today this settlement is the size of Cape Town, one of the three capitals of Africa (besides Pretoria and Bloemfontein) and lies only about 50 km north of Cape of Good Hope on the southeastern coast of South Africa.
Cape Town stands out as one of the best tourist destinations of South Africa. In the city’s cuisine and architecture you can feel the influence of foreign nations that helped with the development of the region. These were mostly working immigrants from Dutch and England, but later of from many other parts of Asia.
View of Cape Town from the sky with it’s amazing stadium
Cape Town lies by the base of Table Mountain that at the same time is an icon of the city, its biggest attraction and companion on many postcards. On the top of the mountain there are many view points. Visitors can stop in one of the nearby restaurants for refreshments. There are several ways to the top and one of the most interesting is a funicular ride. On the south of the city lies the magnificent Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden. Real worthy of visiting are the nearby cities of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Do not forget to taste their great vines while on the tour.
For more adventurous travelers, the scenic route along the Cape Peninsula is a must! In not such a long distance, amazing views are to be discovered. The highest point is a Chapman’s Peak rising almost 600 meters above the sea .
Combine Cape town center and beaches
The architecture of the city radiates a soul of the past mixed with the present way of living. Around the Greenmarket Square there is a lot of buildings that have been converted into city museums, and there is also the old town hall. Great opportunities for taking photographs will present themselves at Heritage Square, Long Street and Blue Lodge.
Natural scenery in Cape Town
Fans of museums and galleries won’t overlook the Old Slave Lodge, South African Museum and Planetarium, Jewish Museum and other sites worthy of checking out. The city is big but the central part is easily explored by foot or also with the public transport.
City that was once established by European settlers today still has a touch of Malay cultures. With around 3.5 million inhabitants this is one of the biggest cities in Africa. It is surely worth of visiting and in anytime of the year. Surely enough, the summer time is especially attractive part of the year due to the many amazing beaches in the immediate surroundings of Cape Town.
Best Cape Town attractions
City Hall, Old Slave Lodge, South African Museum and Planetarium, Jewish Museum, Greenmarket Square, Heritage Square, Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, Table Mountain, Lutheran Church, Grand Parade, Long Street, The Castle of Good Hope, South African National Gallery, BoKaap Museum
