Cape Town, South Africa

[Lydon]

General Information

Cape Town is the second-most populous city in South Aifrca, and the largest in land area, forming part of the City of Cape Town metropolitan municipality. It is the provincial capital and primate city of the Western Cape, as well as the legislative capital of South Africa, where the National Parliament and many government offices are situated. Cape Town is famous for its harbour as well as its natural setting in the Cape Floral Kingdom, including such well-known landmarks as Table Mountain and Cape Point. Cape Town is Africa's most popular destination for tourism.

Located on the shore of Table Bay, Cape Town was originally developed by the Dutch East India Company as a victualling (supply) station for Dutch ships sailing to Eastern Africa, India and the Far East. Jan van Riebeeck's arrival on 6 April 1652 established the first permanent European settlement in South Africa. Cape Town quickly outgrew its original purpose as the first European outpost at the Castle of Good Hope, becoming the economic and cultural hub of the Cape Colony. Until the Witwatersrand Gold Rush and the development of Johannesburg, Cape Town was the largest city in South Africa.

It is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, reflecting its role as a major destination for immigrants and expatriates to South Africa. As of 2007 the city had an estimated population of 3.5 million. Cape Town's land area of 2,455 square kilometres (948 sq mi) is larger than other South African cities, resulting in a comparatively lower population density of 1,425 inhabitants per square kilometre (3,690 /sq mi).

Photos in and around Cape Town

Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

The One & Only 7* Hotel

Aerial view of the harbour

Adderly Street

Cape Town's version of Starbucks - Vida e Caffe

Cape Town International Convention Centre

The Western Seaboard

Strand beachfront

Cape Town's largest mall - Canal Walk (145 000m2)

The Crystal Towers - a new hotel/office/residential development opposite Canal Walk on the canal

[Lydon]

Cape Town Stadium - ready to host the world's great footballing nations for the FIFA World Cup in a few months time

[Neo]

^ Thanks for posting images of Cape Town! African cities have always amazed me in part because they seemingly stand out more than usual considering how barren much of Africa is. Beautiful scenery that I would love to have here in my own area!

[hagetaka]

Real nice, one day I will visit the motherland. The photos are appreciated.

[ronsmytheiii]

^ Thanks for posting images of Cape Town! African cities have always amazed me in part because they seemingly stand out more than usual considering how barren much of Africa is. Beautiful scenery that I would love to have here in my own area!

[calwinston]

Thanks for posting those pics! Cape Town is a beautiful place! Have to put South Africa on my travel list!