Nearby Lion’s Head is another peak that can be climbed; and the renowned Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens at the foot of Table Mountain provide a beautifully-landscaped link from the mountain to the city’s edge.

There’s 300 years of history represented here in a mixture of Cape Dutch, Edwardian and Victorian architecture, with many colourful examples to be found on the cobbled Green Market Square. The most historic of the city’s attractions is Good Hope Castle, located near the neo-classic City Hall; but to experience the cultural diversity which is at the heart of the Cape Town experience, visits to the Bo Kaap area and District Six are essential.

Good beaches are found at Bouberg and Muizenburg, although the beach at Camp’s Bay is the busiest. Quaint towns along the seaside that are worth visiting include Hout Bay and Llandudno, which are a short drive from the centre.

Some fantastic daytrips include visits to the Cape Point Reserve, following the scenic and cliff-hugging Chapman’s Peak Drive, and excursions to the wine country towns, such as centrally-located, historic Stellenbosch. A bit farther away you’ll come to an interesting and early Huguenot settlement in the pastoral Franschoek valley.