Cape Town Travel Guide

City Facts

Location

Western Cape Province, South Africa.

Time Zone

GMT + 2.

Electricity

220/230 volts AC, 50 Hz; Local plugs have three round pins. Get an adapter at the airport, or from your hotel reception.

Cost of Living

Special Events

Cape Town Minstrel Carnival
January
A New Year carnival with a parade of banjo-playing minstrels through the city center.
City center to Green Point

Pride Festival
February-March
Ten days of gay celebrations including a gay film festival, culminating in an exuberant Pride Parade on the last day.
Various venues
Website: www.capetownpride.co.za

Cape Argus Cycle Tour
March
A grueling 108km (67miles) race around the peninsula, billed as the world's largest timed cycling race and attracting at least 35,000 entrants.
From the city center out into the Cape Peninsula
Website: www.cycletour.co.za

Cape Town Carnival
March
Arts, culture and heritage festival to promote unity within the city through music, dance and cultural performances.
Various venues
Website: www.capetowncarnival.com

Cape Town International Jazz Festival
April
Africa’s biggest jazz festival, attracting dozens of artists from around the world for two days and nights of music on five stages.
Cape Town International Convention Center
Website: www.capetownjazzfest.com

Good Food & Wine Show
May
Food and wine festival including demos by top chefs, beer and chocolate theaters and a wine blending workshop.
International Convention Center
Website: www.gourmetsa.com

International Documentary Film Festival
August
Encounters, the annual International Documentary Festival, shows documentaries from around the world, with a particular focus on South African work.
Nu Metro, the V&A Waterfront
Website: www.encounters.co.za

The Big Walk
November
A walk for charity that began in 1903. Choices range from an easy 5km (3 mile) stroll to an arduous 80km (50 mile) version that starts at 0345.
Cape Town and surrounding areas.
Website: www.bigwalk.co.za