A Visitors Guide To Cape Town South Africa

                                                                                         

If you are looking for a truly extraordinary place to visit, consider Cape Town, South Africa. There are few places on earth that can compare. There are wide open spaces and so much beauty that it is hard to describe or imagine.

Think about where Cape Town is located. There is a barrier of mountains that separates Cape Town from the other parts of South Africa. It is also a city of contrasts, old oak trees, streets made from cobblestones, and buildings built in a British-Georgian style. In the valleys, grapes are grown as well as wheat and fruit.

The city has an interesting history and a wonderful blend of people both culturally and racially. If you are interested in this aspect of Cape Town you should visit the South African Museum where you will get a glimpse into the various cultures of the area. This museum is the oldest one in South Africa. You can find the South African Museum in Cape Towns Company Gardens at the top of Adderley Street. This is the place to see many exhibits depicting much of the natural and cultural history of South Africa. There is also a planetarium on the grounds.

The Dutch East India Company has a fascinating history and this was the group of people who designed the Cape Town Companys Gardens. These folks established the Company Gardens so that the sailors who were traveling to the East would have a place to stop and take care of any health problems they incurred during the first part of the journey. There are also amazing buildings in the Gardens including a museum and the Anglican St. Georges Cathedral.

In the same area is the office of South Africas State President and the Houses of Parliament. At the southernmost tip of Government Avenue is the citys best known hotel, the Mount Nelson, which sits in the shadow of Table Mountain. This hotel has a grand colonial atmosphere and still serves a delicious and elegant afternoon tea.

Be sure to make a trip to Adderley Street. The oldest church in South Africa is located here close to the harbor. Groote Kerk is the name of the church and it has a particularly lovely carved pulpit. The statues of Jan van Riebeeck and his wife are on display here. The Castle of Good Hope is not far from the church and it is the oldest building still standing in the country.

A special part of Cape Town is Greenmarket Square. It is a good place to shop of you like a flea market atmosphere and shopping opportunities. You can take a look at The Old Town House which is a wonderful baroque structure that was built in 1761. Here you can see the Michaelis Collection of Dutch and Flemish art. You can also shop at pawnshops and boutiques that have their businesses in very attractive Victorian buildings.

There are many museums and galleries in Cape Town. Most of them operate under the umbrella of Iziko Museums of Cape Town. The museums offer diverse exhibitions in lovely settings. You can even tour a collection of old city houses that have been restored.

Visit Cape Town, South Africa for a trip you will never forget.

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Find hotels in Cape Town South Africa by visiting the Search South Africa Hotels website at http://www.searchsouthafricahotels.com/Cape-Town-1.shtml The website also features rental cars, last minute deals to Cape Town, flights and Cape Town package deals.


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