The Dockside at Century City offers the biggest dance floor in South Africa and often hosts international DJs. Sub-divided into various areas with different music, it has been described by Frommers as being "more like a mall with 5 dance floors and 14 bars".
For lovers of Motown, Soul and Funk, 169 on Long is the happening place from 8 till late, Wednesdays to Saturdays. Situated in Long Street, it is near a number of nightclubs, restaurants and bars such as the well-known Purple Turtle. Visitors wanting a stylish, upmarket club would do well to visit Rhodes House, where themed parties are regularly held. There are also a number of gay guest houses, restaurants and pubs such as the Manhattan Cafe and Bronx Action Bar. In terms of gay rights South Africa is one of the most progressive countries and Cape Town hosts an annual Pride Festival each February.

Although the Mount Nelson is the Grande Old Dame of Cape accommodation and features colonial elegance in scenic surroundings at the foot of Table Mountain, the luxury hotel
Cape Grace has on occasion been awarded "Best Hotel in the World" status and remains a firm favourite with visitors to Cape Town. There is also the very popular and upmarket Southern Sun Cape Sun (located in the City center), as well as the nearby
Victoria & Alfred Hotel at the V&A Waterfront and the Cape Town Lodge.

A more economical alternative is the centrally located Park Inn Greenmarket Square, which is adjacent to the oldest hotel in Cape Town, the Tudor . The relatively new ArabellaSheraton Grand Hotel offers easy access to the CBD as well as surrounding regions and is situated at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). For smaller conference facilities in tranquil, historic surroundings, the Groot Constantia Estate is highly recommended, albeit a bit distant.
You can find a list of accommodation options and check availability here.

There are almost 50 popular surfing spots within an hours drive from Cape Town. Cyclists would enjoy the Cape Argus Pick 'n Pay Cycle Tour which covers a distance of more than 100 km, starting in Cape Town and routing through the Southern Suburbs, along the False Bay coastline and back via the very scenic Chapman's Peak Drive.
Cape Town sport options range from abseiling the highest commercial “long-drop” (112m) in the world, to shark diving (at approximately ZAR 1000 per person), rock angling, tennis, golf, horse-riding and a number of hiking trails such as the Contour Path between Rhodes Memorial and Kirstenbosch, Platteklip Gorge nearby the cableway and the relatively easy Pipetrack from Camps Bay.

An absolute must is the V&A Waterfront which includes many cinemas, bars, restaurants, malls and entertainment options. It is also the starting point for city-sightseeing bus tours and a number of cruises, including sunset champagne trips and trips to the well-known Robben Island. The Two Oceans Aquarium and seasonally open Ice Lounge are also at the V&A Waterfront.

The city-sightseeing bus is possibly one of the most convenient ways to explore the Mother City and includes stops at the Table Mountain Cableway and various museums and attractions in the City in its Red Route.

The Blue Route includes a trip to Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, as well as a township tour in Kronendal near Hout Bay, where you will also be able to visit the Mariner's Wharf and spend time on the beach. Included in the tour is a trip through Camps Bay (where you can view the very scenic Twelve Apostles)and Sea Point, as well as a visit to the enchanting World of Birds. En route you will also pass the first lighthouse in South Africa, which is still fully functional.

Tourist information centres abound and offer a range of guides, maps and details of opening hours for local attractions, including the wine estates, many of which are located within a 90 minute scenic drive from Cape Town.

Normal shopping hours are between 08h00 and 17h30, though big malls operate daily between 09h00 and 21h00. Traveler’s cheques and foreign currency are not the norm, but major credit and debit cards are widely accepted. Value Added Tax (14%) is included in all purchases and foreign visitors can reclaim the VAT on expenditures exceeding ZAR 250.00. Banking hours are from 09h00 to 15h30 weekdays and 08h30 to 11h00 on Saturdays.

South Africa operates two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time throughout the year.
October till March are the most popular tourist months, but with its temperate Mediterranean climate and temperatures ranging between 8 and 25 degrees Celsius, Cape Town is a recommended destination for any time of year, certain aspects such as the indigenous flora being more seasonal.

Airlines from all five continents service South Africa and land at the Cape Town International Airport, which has been voted the "Leading Airport in Africa" at the World Travel Awards. ATMs, bars, restaurants and currency exchange facilities are available throughout the airport, as are a number of shops. Many of the flights also touch down at Johannesburg en-route, making it quite viable to experience the South African landscape by including a trip on the Blue Train or luxurious Rovos Rail between Johannesburg and Cape Town.

A number of cruise lines dock at Cape Town, including one of the few remaining old mail ships, the RMS St Helena, which sets sail from Southampton. Further options include overland journeys (such as Cape to Cairo) provided by a number of tour operators. Air travel to Durban and a three-day coastal cruise to Cape Town is also possible, as is travel on any of a number of coaches which interlink the major cities and provides economical access to some of the more remote destinations.

A flight from London lasts approximately 12 hours (usually overnight) and one can travel from the USA in about 15 hours. There are shuttle bus services and taxis from the airport which will whisk you into the CBD in less than half an hour and a number of car rental agencies are also represented. Sedan taxis are plentiful and charge between ZAR 8 – ZAR 11 per km. For the brave there are also numerous somewhat crowded and not-always-safe minibus taxis.

A visit to the most southwesterly point of the African Continent at Cape Point affords marvellous views and an opportunity to enjoy the natural flora at this World Heritage Site. Visitors can also gain an understanding of local culture by participating in one of the available Township Tours.

Art enthusiasts would enjoy a trip to the Irma Stern Museum, whilst the literary minded could browse the vast collections at the National Library as well as the Centre for the Book, which is also a splendid example of Edwardian architecture.
The most centrally located theatre and opera house in the Mother City is the Artscape, but dinner and theatre packages are also available at the Theatre on the Bay, situated approximately 10km from the CBD.

The infrastructure, numerous outdoor activities and its rich cultural heritage has led to Cape Town being described as a "must-see before I die" city. Major developments are already underway in preparation for the 2010 World Cup and a new ultra-luxurious hotel is being built at the V&A Waterfront with canals which would connect to Century City, effectively creating a mini-Venice.
Whether you're an eco-tourist, culture-vulture or simply looking for adventure and a great vacation, Cape Town is sure to exceed your expectations.