Cape Town: Tourism, shopping and much more!
Cape Town is South Africa’s legislative capital, as well as the largest city in the Western Cape Province. Known to its population as the ‘Mother City’, Cape Town boasts some of South Africa’s most impressive landmarks and heritage sites, the most well-known obviously being Table Mountain. Other locations that aid in the unique vibe and history of Cape Town, plus its tourism, includes Robben Island, the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens (which are older than 100 years), Boulders Beach, a rich collection of wine farms, and more.
Where Johannesburg has a subtropical highland climate, Cape Town’s weather turns the tables with its warm, Mediterranean climate. It is during winter, which usually lasts from June to August/September, that Cape Town experiences the majority of its annual rainfall. During this time, Cape Town is transformed into a fresh, green landscape peppered with colourful florals – most of which only grow in the area. This winter rain greatly aids in the high biodiversity levels of Cape Town, as it is located in the unique Cape Floristic Region (about 2,200 different species of plants grow on Table Mountain alone).
In terms of tourism, Cape Town has no shortage of attractions. One can consider Cape Point (the most south-western tip of Africa), the charms of Simons Town in False Bay, The Two Oceans Aquarium (not only for kids), or kite boarding/surfing/sunbathing on one of Cape Towns numerous picturesque beaches. Cape Town’s tourism industry also state that the best time of year to visit the Mother City (for special hotel discounts, perfect weather, smaller crowds, etc.) is from March to May, and September to November.
On the other hand, if you’re armed with a credit card to shop until you drop, Cape Town boasts some impressive shopping locations.
Cape Town: Map for shopping
From designer clothing and gadgets to special gifts and household products, Cape Town caters for the serious shopper. That includes those who prefer to do their shopping online. And although the high season for shopping is usually during the year-end holidays (November to January), customer discounts and special promotions can be enjoyed by Cape Town shoppers year round.
The V&A Waterfront in Table Bay Harbour is one of the many shopping locations that offer everything from luxury boutiques (Nicci, Lulu Belle) and eateries to regular grocery stores. Canal Walk in Century City is another shopping destination that presents no fewer than 400 stores (including @home, Cape Union Mart, and Jakura Sushi Express). Greenmarket Square (which was built in the 1600s) in City Centre with its various veggie- and flea markets is perfect for open-air shopping. Woodstock’s The Old Biscuit Mill has something for young and old with its day- and night markets, fresh food stalls, art workshops, eateries, and more. And over in Bellville Park we find The Tyger Valley Centre (with its own bowling arena) which splendidly caters for locals and tourists staying outside the city centre.
Other popular shopping hotspots that also present their share of specials and discounts include Blue Route Mall in Tokai, Table Bay Mall in Sunningdale, etc.