A Visitors Guide to Cape Town South Africa
Helen Palmer
For those people who are looking for a trip of a lifetime; consider Cape Town, South Africa. It is a truly gorgeous place and one that you will not see on an average vacation.
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.
While you are in the area you may want to visit the office of South Africas State President and the Houses of Parliament. The most famous hotel in Cape Town is the Mount Nelson and it is located at the southernmost point of Government Avenue. This hotel has a very special and formal afternoon tea and was built in a beautiful colonial style. You will be able to see Table Mountain from the hotel, too.
On Adderly Street you can walk toward the harbor and see the oldest church in South Africa, Groote Kerk. Be sure to take a look at the ornately carved pulpit. Here you can view the statues of Jan van Riebeeck and his wife, Maria. Close to these attractions is the Castle of Good Hope which is the oldest surviving intact structure in South Africa.
You may want to search out Greenmarket Square which is the heart of the old city. There are flea market stalls, shoppers and buskers galore. The Old Town House is a beautiful baroque building that dates back to 1761 and holds the Michaelis Collection of Dutch and Flemish art. There are also Victorian buildings that house pawnshops and boutiques.
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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Posted on: Friday, October 3, 2008 at 5:12 pm 
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October 14th, 2008 at 9:44 am