Cape Town A-Z, by Sean Fraser

Cape Town A-Z, written by Sean Fraser, consitis of annual events, art and craft fairs, markets, festivals and theatres are all listed, as are shopping precincts, eateries that have become firm Cape Town institutions over the years, grand hotels and wine estates.

Sean Fraser  

Welcome to Cape Town: Cape Town is the front door to Africa. It may be small compared to world metropolises, but this remarkable city has an extraordinary number of attractions. Natural vistas include wild, open spaces at Cape Point, emerald-green vineyards in the Constantia Valley and pristine, white sand beaches alongthe Atlantic coast. These scenes, and others like them, combine to create the hauntingly beautiful Cape landscape. What's more, the searing heat of its blissful summers and the chill of its wet and often icy winters add a plethora of tints and nuances to the land. Seen through these divergent lenses, Cape Town never fails to surprise and delight.There is also a bewildering array of wildlife, from the mammals and birds that have made their home in the Table Mountain National Park to the whales that converge annually in False Bay. There is plenty to do, be it enjoyingthe bustling nightlife in the heart of the CBD or strolling quietly through quaint museums and galleries in the suburbs. Here, too, are the iconic landmarks that have earned the Mother City an enviable reputation as one of the top tourist destinations in the world:

Table Mountain, Robben Island, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, and the state-of-the-art Cape Town Stadium.With its myriad charms, hedged between the bustling City Bowl in the shadow of Table Mountain and the small pockets of urban settlement scattered down the spine of the peninsula, it is understandable then that the city is widely lauded as South Africa's premier drawcard. But it is not just the land that offers treasures. Capetonians are a fascinating mix of people, descending from indigenous San and Xhosa people, British and Dutch colonialists, Malay slaves, and several other races, nationalities and creeds who have lived here overthe centuries. Indeed, some call Cape Town paradise; others simply call it home. These jewels, and more, are listed alphabetically in this practical little handbook, your personal tour guide to the Mother City. For easy reference and quick and efficient planning, each of the alphabetical entries provides a brief rundown of what to expect. Each destination is also star-rated for your convenience:

3 stars: Don't miss it!
Welcome to Cape Town: Cape Town is the front door to Africa. It may be small compared to world metropolises, but this remarkable city has an extraordinary number of attractions. Natural vistas include wild, open spaces at Cape Point, emerald-green vineyards in the Constantia Valley and pristine, white sand beaches alongthe Atlantic coast. These scenes, and others like them, combine to create the hauntingly beautiful Cape landscape. What's more, the searing heat of its blissful summers and the chill of its wet and often icy winters add a plethora of tints and nuances to the land. Seen through these divergent lenses, Cape Town never fails to surprise and delight.There is also a bewildering array of wildlife, from the mammals and birds that have made their home in the Table Mountain National Park to the whales that converge annually in False Bay. There is plenty to do, be it enjoyingthe bustling nightlife in the heart of the CBD or strolling quietly through quaint museums and galleries in the suburbs. Here, too, are the iconic landmarks that have earned the Mother City an enviable reputation as one of the top tourist destinations in the world: Table Mountain, Robben Island, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, and the state-of-the-art Cape Town Stadium.

With its myriad charms, hedged between the bustling City Bowl in the shadow of Table Mountain and the small pockets of urban settlement scattered down the spine of the peninsula, it is understandable then that the city is widely lauded as South Africa's premier drawcard. But it is not just the land that offers treasures. Capetonians are a fascinating mix of people, descending from indigenous San and Xhosa people, British and Dutch colonialists, Malay slaves, and several other races, nationalities and creeds who have lived here overthe centuries. Indeed, some call Cape Town paradise; others simply call it home. These jewels, and more, are listed alphabetically in this practical little handbook, your personal tour guide to the Mother City. For easy reference and quick and efficient planning, each of the alphabetical entries provides a brief rundown of what to expect. Each destination is also star-rated for your convenience:

3 stars: Don't miss it!
2 stars: Make a special effort
1 star: if you have the time

To make your visit fun and hassle-free, the following information is supplied atthe end of each entry:

• Opening and closing times
• Telephone number
• Street address
• Website

All entries are also indexed accordingto category - namely museums and historical interest; places of worship; architecture; arts and culture; festivals and events; markets and shopping; food and drink; parks, reserves, mountains and beaches; sports and physical activities; and entertainment for children - atthe back of the book. There are also two locator maps - one of the Cape Peninsula and one of the City Bowl - that show you where to find each entry, or what there is to do in a particular area. By the end of yourvisit, you'll be able to say 'I was there!'. Have fun. Sean Fraser

This is an extract from the book: Cape Town A-Z, by Sean Fraser.

Book title: Cape Town A-Z
Author: Sean Fraser
Publisher: Randomhouse Struik
Imprint: Travel and Heritage
Cape Town. South Africa 2011
ISBN 9781770079410
Softcover, 11x17 cm, 96 pages