Cape Town is, with very good reason, South Africa’s most popular destination. With it’s striking topography, countless indoor and outdoor activities and diverse cultural history, there is something for everyone.

However, to make the most of a visit to the Mother City, one should bear certain points in mind.

1. Cape Town is renowned for having several seasons in one day. Make sure your plans are flexible, and plan ahead. If Table Mountain is on your list, head there on your first sunny morning, allowing an hour to walk around the top.
2. Don’t let bad weather spoil your trip. Cape Town offers many great options to fill your days, so don’t be disappointed if the weather isn’t always perfect. You could shop at the V&AWaterfront or Canal Walk, visit several museums and the planetarium or take high tea at the graceful Mount Nelson Hotel.
3. Pack good walking shoes and a light, weatherproof jacket. Whether you are enjoying a stroll through the city or along one of the many promenades or one of the many fantastic hikes in and around Cape Town, good walking shoes are indispensible. And, as the weather can change in the blink of an eye, you will certainly appreciate the jacket.
4. Don’t miss the winelands. Even if you are not a wine drinker, the natural beauty of the Cape wine regions makes a visit to these areas a must. Only a short drive from the city, the winelands include the towns of Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschoek and Robertson. There are also many small, historical towns en route.
5. Cape Town is a great family destination – the kids will never be bored. From the countless white sandy beaches to venues like the Two Oceans aquarium, The World of Birds, miniature golf, the penguins at Boulders Beach and the Ratanga Junction Theme Park, the kids will be kept entertained throughout.
6. Cape Town is the culinary capital of South Africa. So be sure to sample the wide variety of cuisines on offer. Along with the usual French and Italian food, you’ll find a wide variety of Asian and Middle Eastern spots, as well as sushi and South African eateries. You may come across foods you’ve never encountered before, so be a little adventurous. And if you’re a meat lover, you’re in for a real treat. A new carnivore world awaits you—including warthog, springbok, impala, kudu, and wildebeest.
7. Always ask your hotel or guest house to call you a cab. They make it their business to establish relationships with cab companies. This ensures you use a reputable company with good drives and won’t be taken the tourist route. Be sure to get the drivers business card so that you can call them later to take you home.
8. Safe travelling.  South Africans are generally very friendly and will wish you a safe and happy visit. There are, however, certain individuals who think that your possessions should be shared with them and there are, as in every city, also places it’s best not to visit.

Ask the locals which places should be avoided and always use your common sense. Do not leave items lying visibly in your vehicle and keep your possessions such as your cell phone and wallet in a small backpack or shoulder pack.