Making the most of Cape Town
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Ships use E-Berth in Duncan Dock. It is within walking distance of Cape Town’s culturally rich inner city and beside the magnificent V&A Waterfront, with world-class shops, restaurants, hotels and varied entertainment. Hop on/off buses () stop here.
The terminal provides free WiFi, a coffee stand, tourist desk, food court, bar and restaurant for evening meals. Collect a couple of free maps from the tourist desk.
Airport trips should cost 200 Rand, about $30. The safest taxis display a number next to the roof Taxi sign. Noble Transfers costs 250 Rand, about $7.00, more.
Webcams show the surrounding area.
A printable map is available to take along.
Cape Town’s setting is considered among the world’s most beautiful. Near Africa’s southern tip and about 25 miles from Cape of Good Hope, the city spreads between sparkling sea and flat-topped, 3,000-foot-high Table Mountain.
Cape Town first appears surprisingly small. North of Table Mountain and east of Signal Hill, its centre is known as the City Bowl. The compact layout supports easy walking exploration, beginning at the historic company gardens.
Alongside museums, parks and gardens, Cape Town has historic buildings including the Castle, South Africa’s oldest surviving structure. Built from 1666 to 1679, it replaced Van Riebeeck’s original mud-walled fort.
For the Table Mountain cable car, go to Lower Cable Station on Tafelberg Road; take free MyCiTi Bus 100 from the foot of the hill to Upper Tafelberg.
Getting around
In daylight, walking from the ship to Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is easy and safe. Do not walk anywhere after dark.
Hop on/off buses have 3 routes: Red City Tour, Blue Mini Peninsula Tour, Yellow Downtown Tour and Purple Wine Tour. Discover Cape Town’s mysterious, beautiful and exhilarating character.
Nearby places
Beyond the city are impressive mountains, great surfing beaches, outstanding wineries and splendid scenery. On clear days, a Table Mountain cable-car ride gives a spectacular panorama, although operation depends on weather.
Robben Island ferries leave Victoria and Alfred Waterfront for the infamous island outpost where Nelson Mandela was held for more than two decades.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens are easily reached by hop on hop off bus or taxi. The site has spectacular views, plus a restaurant, café and gift shop.
Food and shopping
Cape Town has a wide craft range, often blending African and European styles. Within walking distance of the pier, Waterfront Shopping Complex offers some of the best African art as well as a wide choice of shops and restaurants.
Established as a farmers’ market in 1710, Greenmarket Square now hosts a daily flea market selling arts, crafts and other odds and ends.
Money
South Africa uses the Rand (ZAR). Automated teller machines (ATMs) linked to all major international networks are available throughout the country. It is best to use only ATMs inside a mall or another building. Always check that nobody is watching you enter your PIN and be alert to scams, such as machines that appear to eat a card and do not return it after PIN entry.
Credit cards are accepted at most retail stores.
Staying connected
South Africa has 11 official languages. Most people other than rural black Africans speak English, though few as a first language. Afrikaans is also widespread, especially among white and colored people.
Opening Hours and
Shopping hours are Mon-Fri 0900-1700 and Sat 0900-1400. Major tourist locations increasingly trade later and all weekend, while shopping malls often stay open til’ 9PM.