Cape Town Central, also known as the “mother city,” is nestled in Table Mountain’s arms. Table Mountain is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world and is frequently shrouded in clouds. The city centre, or heart, of Cape Town is one of the few effective CBDs in South Africa, if not the entire world, that hasn’t undergone significant urban decay or major business relocation. The centre of Cape Town has expanded tremendously over the past few years, and due to the confluence of European and African cultures, it is constantly bustling, day or night, with a fascinating mix of people from all over the world all walks of life. The South African Museum, the Castle of Good Hope, Company Gardens, Government Avenue, and other museums and galleries lining the centre of town offers visitors a chance to experience South Africa’s past in addition to being the business district.
African curios, antique stores, bookstores, and a plethora of coffee shops, restaurants, and bistros make up the quirky, bohemian mix that is Long Street. You can spend hours here during the busiest times of the year because market stalls line some of the avenues close to Greenmarket Square and there are art exhibits, some of which are free, like the Michaelis Collection.
Cape Town Central is manageable and compact enough to tour in a few days. You can learn more about the complex past that shaped Cape Town’s unique blend of cultures by taking historical tours around the city, such as the Cape Spirit City Walk and the Footsteps to Freedom walk. The city centre’s nightlife is also vibrant, with theatres, restaurants, and clubs serving everything from African to European, fusion to traditional, and Eastern to Western cuisine.