Table Mountain,Cape Town
Cape Town's most popular tourist attraction is also its most famous physical feature, the flat-topped mountain that stands sentinel over the city. Table Mountain has been proclaimed a nature reserve, protecting its diverse floral species, some unique to its slopes. The views from the top of the mountain are quite spectacular. A Swiss-built rotating cable car carries visitors smoothly up the mountain and back. The mountain-top is equipped with a restaurant and small gift shop, as well as numerous pathways and vantage points. It is possible to climb the mountain via different routes, but inexperienced hikers should take care because Cape Town is prone to sudden weather changes. The walk up can take anything between one and four hours depending on the route and level of fitness. Route maps can be bought at the cable-car station. It is always best to check the website or call the weatherline to see if the cable car is in operation.

Admission:
Cable car: R145 return, R74 one way (adults); R76 return, R38 one way (children under 18). Other concessions available. Bookings are not available due to changeable weather conditions

Opening time:
Cable car operates daily (weather permitting) every 10-15 minutes from 8am to 8pm (November); 8am to 10pm (December to January); 8am to 8.30pm (February); 8am to 7.30pm (March); 8am to 6.30pm (April); 8.30am to 6pm (May to mid-September); 8.30am to 7pm (16 September to October). Closed for annual maintenance for about three weeks in July and August

Castle of Good Hope,Cape Town
South Africa's oldest building, the Castle was completed in 1679 (replacing an earlier mud and timber fort built by the first Dutch Governor, Jan van Riebeeck). Situated adjacent to a parking lot and bus station in Buitenkant Street, its walls mark the original boundary of the seashore where the waves washed up against the fortifications. Its outside aspect is somewhat foreboding, but inside are some interesting features and collections that have been restored, offering a good insight into the early days of the Cape when it was the centre of social and economic life. The castle is a pentagonal fortification with a moat and five bastions, each named for one of the titles of the Prince of Orange. The entrance is a good example of 17th century Dutch Classicism, and a bell, cast in 1679 by Claude Fremy in Amsterdam, still hangs from the original wood beams in the tower above the entrance. The castle contains a Military Museum depicting the conflicts that arose during the Cape's early settlement, and also houses the William Fehr Collection of decorative arts, including paintings, furniture and porcelain. Of interest are the dungeons, which bear the graffiti carved by prisoners incarcerated here centuries ago.

Admission:
R20 (adults), R10 (children); half-price on Sundays. Concessions available

Opening time:
Daily 9am to 4pm, with tours at 11am, 12pm and 2pm from Monday to Saturday. Self guided tours are possible with the aid of a map, provided by the Castle

South African Museum and Planetarium,Cape Town
The imposing South African Museum, dedicated to natural history and the human sciences, contains a huge variety of fascinating exhibits from entire chunks of caves bearing rock art, to traditional arts and crafts from several African tribes. The natural history galleries are full of mounted mammals, dioramas of prehistoric reptiles and a collection of whale skeletons, which can be viewed with the eerie sound of whale song echoing in the background. Alongside the museum is the Planetarium, which has a changing programme of thematic shows involving the southern constellations.

Admission:
Museum: R10 (adults), R5 (children), free on Saturdays; Planetarium: R20 (adults), R6 (children)

Opening time:
Daily 10am to 5pm. Planetarium shows Monday to Friday at 2pm and Tuesday evening show at 8pm; Saturday and Sunday 12pm, 1pm and 2.30pm

Greenmarket Square,Cape Town
Situated in the Central Business District, near the main station, is Greenmarket Square, the perfect spot to observe South Africa's 'rainbow nation' in all its hues. Once the scene of slave markets, this is the site of one of the city's most vibrant flea markets, where clothing, jewellery, knick-knacks and souvenirs are on sale every day, and tourists and business people rub shoulders in the many sidewalk cafes that surround this busy cobbled square. Be prepared to haggle at the market to get the best prices and be warned, touts are prevalent. On the west side of the square is the Old Town House, dating from the mid-18th century, which is a wonderful example of Cape Dutch architecture and houses the Michaelis collection of Dutch and Flemish landscape paintings.

Opening time:
Greenmarket Square open daily till 3pm, closed Sundays. Old Town House open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm

St George's Cathedral,Cape Town
Cape Town's Victorian Gothic style Anglican Cathedral, founded in 1901, is situated in Wale Street and is historically significant for it is where the enthronement of South Africa's first black archbishop, Nobel Peace Prize winner Desmond Tutu, took place. The Cathedral is unique in that it became a political powerhouse in the struggle against Apartheid, known as 'the people's cathedral', stating openly from the 1950s onwards that it was open to all people of all races at all times. This was a brave stand in the racially segregated society of the time. In subsequent years the cathedral became the venue for many protest gatherings and vigils and on occasions the building was surrounded by police, water cannons and barbed wire. Victims of forced removals were even accommodated in the cathedral at times. As far as architectural merit goes, the cathedral does feature some fine Gabriel Loire windows, including a magnificent Rose Window above the south transept.

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens,Cape Town
Five miles (eight km) south of the city centre lies the magnificent Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, covering a huge expanse of the rugged south-western slopes of the Table Mountain range. Kirstenbosch was bequeathed to the nation by mining magnate Cecil Rhodes in 1895, and today contains more than 22,000 plants, a research unit, botanical library and nursery. Numerous paths meander through the gardens, including a Braille route for the blind, which are full of lush shrubs and 'fynbos', the Cape's indigenous floral heritage. A tearoom, restaurant and coffee bar are on site. In summertime the delightful setting becomes the venue for Sunday evening open-air concerts, when picnickers relax on the lawns, sipping Cape wine, and enjoying the sunset entertainment.

Admission:
R30 (adults), R5 (children 6-18). Concessions available. Concert fees are applicable on Sunday afternoons during the Summer Sunset Concert series

Opening time:
Daily 8am to 6pm (April to August); 8am to 7pm (September to March)

Beaches,Cape Town
Cape Town has some great beaches, but the most easily accessible are on the Atlantic Ocean where the water is unbelievably cold; the locals rarely venture in beyond knee-high depths. The most popular is Camps Bay beach, a long, wide stretch of golden sand packed with locals and tourists alike and backed by a strip of fashionable bars and restaurants. Just towards town is Clifton, whose four beaches, imaginatively called First, Second, Third and Fourth, are situated beneath exclusive houses and apartments set into the cliff that protects sunbathers from the harsh southwesterly wind. First Beach is the largest and most popular with families (the steps are shorter), Second Beach is preferred by the 'camp' and 'hip' crowd, and Third and Fourth are usually frequented by well-toned locals and, when the waves are up, surfers. The small suburb of Llandudno, 15 minutes south of Camps Bay, is home to another excellent beach and is popular with locals from the Southern Suburbs or those keen to avoid the crowds. There are no bars or restaurants here, the nearest being at Hout Bay, another 10 minutes south. Hout Bay's long beach is popular with families and walkers but is not as stunning as its neighbours.

Robben Island,Cape Town
South Africa's most widely known tourist attraction is probably Robben Island, seven miles (11km) from Cape Town in the centre of Table Bay. For nearly 400 years this tiny rocky island outcrop was utilised as a place of banishment, exile, isolation and imprisonment for numerous categories of people ostracised by society, ranging from political protestors to lepers. During the years of Apartheid, Robben Island became synonymous with institutional brutality as numerous freedom fighters, including the island's most famous resident Nelson Mandela, were imprisoned here for more than a quarter of a century. The island is now a museum, symbolising liberation and the triumph of the human spirit. Regular island tours are conducted, lasting three and a half hours. The tours, which are guided by former prisoners, include a visit to the maximum-security prison on the island where an estimated 3,000 freedom fighters were incarcerated between 1962 and 1991.

Admission:
Tours are R150 (adults), R75 (children 4-17), which includes the return boat trip across Table Bay

Opening time:
Boats leave at 9am, 10am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm (weather dependent)

District Six Museum,Cape Town
Until the 1960s, District Six was a vibrant district of Cape Town, close to the city centre and the harbour. In 1966 the government declared District Six a 'whites only' area under the Group Areas Act and over 60,000 residents were forcibly moved to the outlying Cape Flats, a barren area several kilometres away, and their homes flattened by bulldozers. Communities and families were uprooted and torn apart, and this moving museum serves to safeguard the memories and the spirit that was District Six. The museum houses an impressive collection of historical materials, including photographs and relics such as street signs, much of which were donated by former residents. The museum also offers a guided tour of the area led by an ex resident, but these must be booked in advance.

Admission:
R15 (adults), R5 (children)

Opening time:
Monday 9am to 3pm, Tuesday to Saturday 9am to 4pm

Chapman's Peak,Cape Town
Chapman's Peak Drive is one of the most spectacular coastal roads in South Africa, linking the seaside community of Hout Bay to the Noordhoek Valley along the Atlantic Coast, with breathtaking views from along the narrow, winding road blasted into the cliffs. Constructed in 1915, the six-mile (9km) route took about seven years to complete and was built as a shorter, alternative route between Cape Town central and the South Peninsula. Many visitors use this scenic route to reach Cape Point Nature Reserve situated at the tip of the Peninsula.

Admission:
Chapman's Peak Drive is operated as a toll-road. Light motor vehicles cost R23

Opening time:
Open 24 hours; the road closes occasionally due to heavy rainfall, or rockfalls

Victoria & Alfred (V&A) Waterfront,Cape Town
This working harbour, historical site and shopping and entertainment development has become one of Cape Town's most visited tourist attractions. The waterfront offers everything from shopping malls, and arts and crafts markets, to live music, cinemas, buskers and a variety of festivals throughout the year. There are also more than 70 eateries ranging from pubs and fast food outlets to five star restaurants, luxury hotels, and a variety of boat trips, harbour cruises and helicopter charters. The Two Oceans Aquarium is the largest of its kind in Africa and is an impressive display of life in the oceans surrounding the Cape Coast (www.aquarium.co.za).

Admission:
Aquarium: R76 (adults), R35 (children 4-17). Concessions available

Opening time:
Aquarium: daily 9.30am to 6pm

Simonstown and Boulders Beach,Cape Town
A recommended day excursion from the city includes a trip through the southern suburbs and along the scenically beautiful False Bay coastline via Muizenberg to Simonstown, South Africa's principal naval base. Simonstown lies about 25 miles (40km) from the city and is a quaint town built around a naval dockyard, with well-preserved Victorian buildings, museums, sidewalk cafes and local legends to learn about. One such legend is about a dog called 'Just Nuisance' who 'joined' the British navy, becoming their mascot, when Simonstown was a British base. A short distance from the town is Boulder's beach, famous for its protected colony of African Penguins (formerly Jackass Penguin) that can be viewed from the boardwalks.

Admission:
Boulders Beach Penguin Colony: R15 (adults), R5 (scholars)

Cape Point,Cape Town
Most visitors to Cape Town are keen to make a day trip 40 miles (65km) from the city to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, not only to take in its floral diversity in what at first sight appears to be a bleak landscape, but to stand at the top of the towering promontory at the most southerly point of the Cape Peninsula (not of Africa, visitors must go further afield to Cape Agulhus for this). From the viewpoint and lighthouse at Cape Point, reached via a funicular, it is awesome to watch the thundering waves crashing at the base of the cliffs 686ft (209m) below. The reserve itself is worth exploring, particularly on foot, for those interested in birds and botany. The restaurant at Cape Point has a terrace offering spectacular views. Resident baboons here enjoy the spoils from tourists' snacks - particularly their ice-cream; they can be quite aggressive. Because feeding of the baboons carries a stiff penalty, it is worth ensuring there are no free lunches for these hirsute scavengers!

Admission:
R55 (adults), R10 (children 2-16). Funicular: R25 one way (adults) or R34 return, concessions available

Opening time:
Daily 6am to 6pm (September to April), 7am to 5pm (May to August). Funicular: 9am to 6pm (summer), 9am to 5.30pm (winter)

Bo-Kaap,Cape Town
Bo-Kaap, or the old Malay Quarter, was declared an exclusive residential area for the Muslim Cape Malays under the Group Areas Act of 1950 during the Apartheid years, forcing people of other religions and ethnicity to leave, and today is still closely associated with the Muslim community. The houses have been restored and colourfully painted, and the steep cobbled streets, mosques, minarets and blend of Cape Dutch and Edwardian architecture make it one of the most interesting historical and cultural areas of the city. The Bo-Kaap Museum on Wale Street documents the history of the Cape Malays Tel: (021) 481 3939.

Township Tours,Cape Town
The N2 highway that connects Cape Town International Airport to the city is lined with townships, consisting of a mixture of shacks and solid buildings. During the days of apartheid, people of colour were not allowed to live in the white suburbs and were banished to areas away from the city. Township tours allow visitors to experience how the majority of Capetonians live in the townships that surround the city. Guides, often residents, take visitors around to meet the people, see community projects, have a drink in a 'shebeen' (township pub) and shop for local crafts. Each township has its own colourful character, and despite their difficult living conditions, residents are generally hospitable and delighted to receive visitors. Townships were once no-go areas for many people, but today a visit is becoming a popular experience for tourists to Cape Town. Visit Langa, the oldest of South Africa's black townships, established in 1923, or the newest and second largest in the country, Khayelitsha, which dates from the 1980s. Guguletu and Nyanga were set up in the 1950s. Visitors are advised not to visit the townships alone; there are many tour companies that offer tours, including transport to and from the township areas. Contact the Cape Town Tourism Visitor Information Centre or its satellite, the Sivuyile Tourism Centre in Guguletu for information about tours, accommodation and entertainment in the townships.

Two Oceans Aquarium,Cape Town
The Cape sits at the meeting place of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, and over 3,000 sea animals from both oceans are showcased in the aquarium, highlighting the diversity of marine life found in the waters around Cape Town. The Two Oceans Aquarium is one of the city's top attractions and visitors of all ages will be fascinated by the variety of exhibits, such as the Predator Exhibit, featuring large sharks and rays, a kelp forest, and animals such as seals, penguins and turtles among thousands of different fish. It is also possible to dive with the ragged-tooth sharks, or in the kelp forest while feeding hundreds of fish, but advanced booking is required and divers must present dive qualifications.

Admission:
R76 (adults), R35 (children 4-17). Tickets valid for the day. Shark/Kelp forest dive: R450 (R350 with own equipment)

Opening time:
Daily 9.30am to 6pm

West Coast Ostrich Ranch,Cape Town
The ostrich farm is home to over 220 ostrich species as well as other birds, including dwarf ostriches, black-necked ostriches, peacocks, emus, and rheas. Tour guides are informative, and a 45-minute tour includes an opportunity to sit on a live ostrich, stand on an ostrich egg, and visit the breeding enclosures where newly hatched chicks can often be seen. There is also an Egg Factory, Leather Factory, curio shop and a restaurant specialising in ostrich dishes.

Admission:
R32 (adults), R24 (children 6-16)

Opening time:
Tours are run daily, every half an hour on the hour

Muizenberg,Cape Town
A historical beach-side suburb on the False Bay coast, Muizenberg is popular with families for its long, gentle-sloping beach, warm water, beautiful views, and activities such as mini-golf and supertubing. The beach is famous for its row of colourful changing houses and is a photo favourite from the mountain road far above. Muizenberg beach has also long been the preference of beginner surfers and several popular surf schools have been established at Surfers Corner, the closest side to the mountain. False Bay is known for its Great White Shark population, but a shark watch service is in operation to give warning to bathers and surfers. A scenic walkway below the railway line links Muizenberg to the next seaside village of St James with its tidal pool. The delightful fishing village of Kalk Bay is a few minutes drive away with its protected harbour, and its main street lined with fascinating antique and art shops, as well as cafes and restaurants.

Cape Town Minstrel Carnival,Cape Town
Every New Year, thousands of minstrels take to the streets in a dazzling display of colourful satin uniforms, shiny parasols, painted faces and foot-tapping banjo tunes that accompany the traditional folk songs, many of Cape Malay origin. The parade is known colloquially as the 'Coon Carnival' ('coon' referring to a member of a minstrel troupe) among the predominately Afrikaans-speaking 'coloured' community who make up the majority of the performers. The traditional event has its origins in the 19th century when minstrel entertainers on American cruise ships stopped off in Cape Town; their sounds and styles were incorporated into the New Year festivals of the newly freed Malay slaves. The Carnival begins in the new year and the festivities continue into January with extravagant street parades; singing, dancing, costume competitions and marches through the streets from the central city area of District Six.

Date: 1 January 2009
Venue: Streets of Cape Town and Greenpoint Stadium
Time: 9am

Mother City Queer Project (MCQP) Costume Party,Cape Town
Now in its 14th year, the 12-hour MCQP party is the biggest annual gay event in South Africa, attracting a diverse crowd of people from around the world. Each year party-goers come in teams dressed according to the theme that changes every year (Matric Dance - Back to School in 2007). Costumes are usually elaborate, sexy and worn without inhibition, and the event is immensely popular with both gay and straight communities. Different dance arenas play various types of music to party the night away.

Date: 22 - 23 December 2008
Venue: Cape Town High School
Time: 9pm to 9am

J&B Met,Cape Town
One of the most prestigious and anticipated events on Cape Town's social calendar, the J&B Met is not only about thoroughbreds, but is a day of glamorous fashion, entertainment and sophistication, accompanied by J&B Scotch Whiskey. The R1.5-million prize money is in keeping with its status as the premier horseracing event in South Africa, and the Official After Party is a highly rated post-race event that continues the festivities well into the early hours.

Date: 31 January 2009
Venue: Kenilworth Race Course

Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts,Cape Town
Bring family and friends every Sunday afternoon to relax on the lawns with a picnic and a glass of wine as the sun sets behind the mountain, while listening to a mixed selection of classical and contemporary music. The setting provides for one of the most spectacular concert venues in South Africa, the stage framed by the backdrop of Table Mountain and all around the well-kept beds of the Kirstenbosch Gardens.

Date: 23 November 2008 to 5 April 2009
Venue: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Time: Sundays 5.30pm to 6.30pm

Spring wildflowers,Cape Town
The West Coast National Park incorporates the Langebaan Lagoon and wetland areas, which are the habitat of thousands of migratory and resident waterbirds, a rocky coastline with some beautiful sea views and beaches, and wildlife scattered about the interior bush. It also encompasses the rocky Postberg Peninsula that is carpeted in a glorious tapestry of wildflowers every spring (open August to September only). Visitors come from near and far to see the spectacularly colourful display that the pre-summer season produces all along the west coast. The small town of Darling is at the centre of the wildflower region; visitors can walk around the surrounding wildflower reserves and real enthusiasts can visit the Darling Wildflower Show where extravagant displays include the botanical and common names of all flowers exhibited. Call the Flower Hotline on 083 910 1028 for up-to-date information all year round.

Date: August to September
Venue: Postberg Section of the West Coast National Park

Cape Times Waterfront Wine Affair,Cape Town
Featuring many of the Cape's top wine estates, producers and boutique wineries, with over 300 different wines to taste, the Wine Affair offers a unique opportunity to sample many of the Western Cape's finest wines under one roof. Chat to enthusiastic wine makers and mix with wine lovers in a relaxed environment. A variety of wineries also offer a wide selection of gourmet food tastings to complement their wine, while an array of delicacies, such as local and French cheeses, sushi, oysters, olives and olive oils, pestos and chocolate will be available to taste and buy.

Date: May 2009, TBC
Venue: Market Square, V&A Waterfront
Time: 5-9pm

Hermanus Whale Festival,Cape Town
Celebrating the Southern Right Whale, the annual festival offers art and crafts, theatre, music, a half marathon and surf festival in addition to some of the best shore-based whale watching opportunities in the world. Hermanus boasts the world's only Whale Crier who alerts visitors to whale sightings with a kelp horn every day during whale season. Every year from July to September the Southern Right Whales travel thousands of miles to the southern coast of South Africa to mate and calve in the bays.

Date: 24 - 27 September 2009
Venue: Hermanus

Cape Gourmet Festival,Cape Town
Widely acknowledged as South Africa's premier food, wine, travel and lifestyle event, the annual Gourmet Festival is a blend of culinary events showcasing its restaurant industry to the rest of the world. It is the only African associate of the esteemed World Gourmet Club in St Moritz and is the finest culinary festival on the continent, highlighting international as well as local foods. Incorporated into the extravaganza is the Good Food and Wine Show, the pinnacle of the festival, where chefs cook the best of contemporary South African cuisine.

Date: Good Food & Wine Show: May 2009, TBC
Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC)
Time: 10am to 9pm

Shakespeare at Maynardville Open-Air Theatre,Cape Town
Inspired by the annual productions in London's Regent Park, Shakespeare has been performed every summer at the open-air theatre in Wynberg, generally performed with a local twist to add to the entertainment. On warm summer evenings many theatre-goers begin the evening by picnicking in the park before the show begins. For more information phone 021 421 7695.

Date: January/February 2009, TBC
Venue: Maynardville Open-Air Theatre
Time: 8.15pm

Absa Cape Epic,Cape Town
The Absa Cape Epic has established itself as a prestigious international event, attracting a competitive field of riders eager to compete against the best or simply to finish the gruelling nine-day off-road race. The event has become the largest full service mountain bike race in the world and is the most televised mountain bike race ever. The route is changed every year, but always offers riders a ride through gruelling, but spectacular surroundings, across 559 miles (900km) of unspoilt nature with about 52,493 feet (16,000m) of climbing over some of the most magnificent passes in South Africa. The final day offers spectators and enthusiasts the chance to participate in the festivities with a one day mountain bike race, the Cape Times Vigne à Vigne, as well as a six-mile (10km) trail run. Participants and spectators can enjoy the carnival atmosphere in the afternoon with wine tasting, fine dining and live entertainment, while special activities are laid on for the children that include jumping castles, magicians and balloon artists.

Date: 20-28 March 2009
Venue: Start: Gordons Bay; Finish: Lourensford Wine Estate, Somerset West

Kirstenbosch Winter Concert Series,Cape Town
Come and enjoy Cape Town 's top musical talent in the warmth of the beautiful Silvertree Restaurant at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. Tickets include a welcome drink and soup, and patrons are also welcome to have a main course or dessert and coffee during or after the concert. The annual event continues from the summer sunset concerts (November to April), ensuring visitors a treat in classical and contemporary music all year round. Call 021 799 8783 for more Kirstenbosch event information.

Date: May to October 2009
Venue: Silvertree Restaurant, Kirstenbosch Gardens
Time: 6pm

Cape Argus Pick 'n Pay Cycle Tour,Cape Town
The Argus is the largest timed sporting event on earth, attracting more than 35,000 cyclists from around the world. The spectacle is watched by thousands who line the 67-mile (108km) route, which follows some of the Cape's most spectacular coastal scenery. The race is enjoyed by serious cyclists and social riders alike.

Date: 8 March 2009
Venue: Start: City Centre; Finish: Greenpoint Stadium
Time: 6.15am

Two Oceans Marathon,Cape Town
Boasting some of the most spectacular scenery of any road event on earth, the Two Oceans has become the second most famous ultra-marathon (34.8 miles/56km) in South Africa after the Comrades Marathon. Runners race over and around the mountains of Cape Town every Easter Saturday in what is well known internationally for its scenic beauty despite the gruelling course.

Date: 11 April 2009
Venue: Start: Main Road, Newlands. Finish: UCT sports fields, Upper Campus
Time: 6am

Cape Town International Jazz Festival,Cape Town
Ranked as one of the best jazz festivals around the world, the city of Cape Town comes alive for two days in March to the captivating beat of swinging jazz music from around the world. Hosting forty international and African stars, the CTIJF is an awe inspiring musical jam of jazz and its popular music relatives, soul, funk, kwaito, blues and more. Hosting the likes of Cesaria Evora, Herbie Hancock, Youssou N'dour, India Arie, Randy Crawford, Hugh Masekela, George Duke, Al Di Meola, Archie Shepp, Erykah Badu, Miriam Makeba, Andreas Vollenweider and Angie Stone the Cape Town International Jazz Festival is one dynamic music event not to be missed.

Date: 3-4 April 2009
Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC)

Wakame,Cape Town
The sister restaurant of Wasabe in Constantia, Wakame has a great position overlooking the ocean and is always packed with food and fashion connoisseurs. The focus is on sushi, but Wakame also serves excellent Modern European fare. There is a good bar and a outdoor terrace, ideal for sundowners. In peak season there are two sittings and booking is essential.

Location: Beach Road, Mouille Point

Constantia Uitsig,Cape Town
A huge success story from day one, Constantia Uitsig is an Italian-French restaurant with Asian fusions set in picturesque wine country, backed by the Constantiaberg. Chef Frank Swainston continues to create food with broader influences now than this original Provencale-Tuscan mix, he claims Australian and Asian influences too these days. Next door is Uitsig's sister restaurant, La Colombe, serving richer food which some prefer, but the views are not as good. Booking essential.

Location: Constantia Uitsig Farm, Spaanschemat River Road, Constantia

Blues,Cape Town
For over 15 years Blues has been synonymous with the spectacular views of Camps Bay. Be it a stormy winter's day or perfect sunlit afternoon, you will always find Blues as buzzy, busy and as fashionable as ever. The restaurant that introduced modern California cuisine to the Cape today boasts a menu incorporating Mediterranean and fusion influences with a focus on seafood. Book well in advance during peak season and expect slightly chaotic waitering. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Location: The Promenade, Victoria Road, Camps Bay

Millers Thumb,Cape Town
Solly and Jane Solomon's refreshingly-casual seafood restaurant in uptown Cape Town, Miller's Thumb's ever-changing chalkboard menu means that the customer, though reasonably assured of always finding something familiar, will just as surely find a couple of unlikely options. Cajun and Creole dishes have their influence in this kitchen, as does a winning Japanese dish which must be tried at least once: 'Yaki Soba', a noodle dish with prawns, chicken and cashews, which has become a staple. There's generally a pasta dish or two on the menu with interesting sauces, complemented by a good choice of wines.

Location: 10b Kloofnek Road, Tamboerskloof

Five Flies,Cape Town
Five Flies is a sassy upmarket dining venue situated in the hub of Cape Town's legal and financial district. Great care has been taken with the interior renovations of this historic 18th-century building in order to create one of the most unique dining experiences in the Cape. Executive Chef, Gerard van Staden has become renowned for his artistic and delicious creations, which are presented together with some of the Cape's finest wines. Secure street parking available.

Location: 14-16 Keerom Street, Cape Town

The Codfather,Cape Town
Situated just behind Camps Bay's main strip, the Codfather offers a unique presentation of fine fish. There is no menu at this low-key restaurant - you make your choice after a personal discourse with your waiter on the daily specials. It is then weighed, prepared to the highest standard and served at your table. Staff are all first class and provide a fine act. There is also a sushi bar. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Location: 37 The Drive, Camps Bay

Beluga,Cape Town
Beluga is a stylish eatery located in the Foundry, a wonderful 100-year-old red-brick building that once housed one of the city's oldest metal works, now converted into a modern interior design and office centre in the heart of what is rapidly becoming Cape Town's film and modelling district. The restaurant offers the best of New World cuisine - plenty of robust flavours, interesting ingredients and generous portions - while the cocktail bar serves great drinks and retro-cocktails, and a welcoming café spills out onto an enclosed courtyard, serving light meals and coffees from early till late.

Location: The Foundry, Prestwich Street, Green Point

Café Royale,Cape Town
Royale is the gourmet burger joint in Cape Town and it is not uncommon to see scruffy jeaned skater types rubbing shoulders with trendy executives. Royale offers a spectacular range of burgers (and an entire list of different veggie burgers too) and one can chop and change toppings, choose between ostrich, chicken, veggie burgers, regular burgers or even seared tuna burgers and feast on a mix of potato wedges, sweet potato fries, regular fries and delicious salad. The burgers sport amusing names such as the 'Miss Piggy' (with bacon and guacamole) and the 'Fat Bastard' (double everything) and the restaurant also offers a range of pizzas and mouth-watering milkshakes. Royale now boasts an upstairs bar and lounge known as the Waiting Room that features live music, as well as a third floor that caters for private functions and has a sundowner deck.

Location: 273 Long Street

Ginga,Cape Town
The trendy Ginga restaurant, situated in the Bo-Kaap district is a fine dining experience. The lofty, industrial restaurant amalgamates a French brasserie ambiance with a modern capetonian design creating an intimate and stylish environment. Chef Michael Bassett serves up contemporary fusion cuisine with a wine list to compliment and upstairs is the laid back Shogo bistro/bar, the perfect place for a pre or post-dinner drink.

Location: 121 Castle Street

Pigalle,Cape Town
Famed as Cape Town's most stylish dinner-dance venue, Pigalle is a vast, split-level restaurant divided into intimate dining areas, each boasting a view of the dance floor and band. The lavish furnishings, elegant tables and background music create the perfect atmosphere to indulge in the sumptuous offerings from either one of the set menus or from the à la carte menu. Start with black mussels; choose between the ostrich fillet with mushroom and peppercorn sauce, the fillet medallions, or the Pigalle Platter (prawns and langoustines in lemon butter), and share the crème brûlée or baked cheesecake with someone special. Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner.

Location: 57 Somerset Rd, Greenpoint

Bukhara,Cape Town
Offering Cape Town's finest Indian cuisine in an elegant setting, Bukhara is situated in the CBD of Cape Town, and attracts business people, politicians, food critics and lovers of fine food. The glass-walled kitchen allows diners to watch the Indian chefs at work, while enjoying a savoury taste experience that explores the spices and flavours of authentic India. The fare includes meat, poultry, seafood and vegetarian favourites, as well as a variety of breads and rice. Open for dinner nightly and lunch from Monday to Saturday.

Location: 33 Church Street

Café Mozart,Cape Town
Something of a Cape Town institution, Café Mozart has been attracting locals and foreigners for over thirty years. Reputed to serve the best coffee in town, Café Mozart is a great breakfast stop with tables spilling out onto a shaded pedestrianised walkway where buskers amuse passers-by with jovial tunes. With superb fruit juices, a mouth-watering selection of sandwiches made on freshly baked bread and an attractive daily menu created at the whim of chef and proprietor Tom Kelley, there is something for everyone. For teatime lovers head to Café Mozart and sample their variety of looseleaf teas that are served in elegant silver teapots and quirky crockery. Open Monday to Saturday for breakfast and lunch.

Location: 37 Church Street