Known as the 'Jewel of Africa', Cape Town is a beautiful port city located on the southwest coast of South Africa. The city has a population of about half a million. Teeming with all sorts of attractions and sights, Cape Town will pleasantly surprise you. The city is a brilliant holiday destination, boasting fascinating culture and stunning natural beauty.
The city has it all; breathtaking wildlife, incredible beaches, buzzing nightlife and world-renowned gastronomy. Save on package holidays in Cape Town by booking flights and hotels together.
Flights arrive at Cape Town International Airport (CPT), which is well connected with major destinations. If you're coming from the UK, you can fly directly from London or Manchester to Cape Town.
UK passport holders likely won't need a visa to enter Cape Town. While the official language is Afrikaans, many locals also speak English. The time difference between Cape Town and the UK is two hours, and the city's currency is the South African rand.
Cape Town has a typical Mediterranean climate, with dry and warm summers and wet and cold winters. February is usually the hottest, with highs around 31°C. June is the coolest, at 13°C.
With package holidays in Cape Town between March and May, you can experience sunny and dry weather, ideal for sightseeing and beach activities. For a dream weekend in Cape Town during this time, it's best to book in advance.
Cape Town offers a wealth of activities to keep you busy for your entire holiday! Cape Town is brimming with exquisite beaches, breathtaking scenery, great food and buzzing nightlife.
For gorgeous views of the city, start your day with a trip up Table Mountain during city breaks in Cape Town. From here, go to Clifton or Boulders beaches for some sand, surf and sunshine. Hout Bay is a romantic and charming location to view the Atlantic Ocean.
While you can get instant savings by booking your Cape Town flight and hotel in advance, it also pays to plan your sightseeing itinerary. The Castle of Good Hope, the oldest colonial building in Cape Town, is home to the Iziko Museums and Castle Military Museum. During weekends in Cape Town, visit these museums to check out displays featuring the history of the city, antique furniture and paintings. A trip to the city wouldn't be complete without visiting Kirstenbosch National Botanic Gardens, home to diverse flora and stunning scenery. During city breaks in Cape Town, make sure to see the Heart of Cape Town Museum, dedicated to the history and achievements of the people involved in the world's first heart transplant.
Located on the Cape Peninsula, Cape Point is home to over 250 species of birds – visit to check them out as well as the spectacular ocean views. Cape Town boasts some of the finest beaches in the world. Clifton Beach, undoubtedly one of the prettiest of them all, is only ten minutes’ drive from the city centre. The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, one of the area's most popular attractions, boasts art galleries, an aquarium, shops, restaurants and an amphitheatre. Bo-Kaap, the Malay quarter, is a cultural hub, home to beautiful mosques, shrines and the Bo-Kaap Museum.
If you also have time to explore the surrounding area, you can also rent a car in Cape Town.
Cape Town has a long and rich culinary history, and you'll find a wealth of evidence to prove it. Cape Malay cuisine represents the city of Cape Town itself, a perfect blend of flavours with influences from England, France, Malaysia and the Netherlands. Sample South African favourite biltong, dried beef seasoned with salt, coriander, pepper and brown sugar, and boerewors, the national sausage – a trip to Cape Town wouldn't be complete without trying it.
Another must-try snack is the Gatsby, a submarine-style sandwich filled with chips, meats and sauces. Some of the best eateries serving up Gatsbies include Cosy Corner, The Golden Dish and Bona Fast Foods. Other must-try dishes include chakalaka (onion, ginger, garlic, green pepper and cauliflower relish), bunny chow (bread stuffed with spicy curry), potjiekos (a traditional Afrikaans stew of meat and vegetables) and bobotie (a sumptuous minced beef dish layered with milk custard, eggs and dried fruit). While in the city, there are also traditional desserts worth trying, such as malva pudding, milk tart and koeksisters (fried dough confections).
Cape Town offers memorable souvenirs, with plenty of unique items such as African curios, knick-knacks and artwork that will be appreciated for years to come and impress your loved ones back home. Find exquisite wood carvings at Greenmarket Square or Pan African Market. A wide variety of elegant beadwork on dolls, jewellery and key rings can be found at craft markets and shopping centres. Other excellent gifts items including wire art, ostrich eggs, tanzanite and Rooibos tea.
If a city break in Cape Town doesn't quite convince you, why not explore other exciting cities? Check out our amazing flight and hotel packages for your next holiday adventure!