Digital Cameras & Digital Photography

Candy Smith asked:


World-class is the best word to describe Cape Town Waterfront. The busy Victoria and Alfred harbors add to the hectic but fun pace in Cape Town. Situated Right between Robben Island and Table Mountain, the Waterfront pulsates with shoppers, tourists, holidaymakers, students, and business people getting into the groove of Cape Town’s beat.

Transformation

The Waterfront also known as the V&A Waterfront has always been the scene of harbor construction and land development since the 1850s. It is still undergoing development on land with the addition of buildings around the two basins—Victoria and Alfred.

The marvelous transformation made the place the no.1 tourist destination in this spot of the world, a perfect gateway to safari adventures, rock climbing, and other activities that make anybody’s holiday here spectacular and unforgettable.

Getting Around

There is no lack of Cape Town hotels in this busy port. There are old but grand hotels, apartments for groups and families, villas for romantic getaways, and cul-de-sacs for the budget-conscious backpackers.

If you plan to tour the city on foot, forget it. The place is so large, and you cannot see all the sights in a day. As a warning, do not venture out alone and use a belt bag instead of your usual shoulder bag or backpack. Go out in groups or get a local escort to stay safe. As much as the place is a tourist’s paradise, it is also teeming with undesirable elements.

There are sedan taxis and buses that will take you to the heartland of V&A. Car rentals are also available, but do not take a quaff of your favorite wine before driving because driving under the influence is strictly prohibited.

Places to See

There are many places to feast your eyes on but do not miss these two:

• Historic Clock Tower. You cannot miss the Victorian-Gothic-style tower that faces the old docks. The red and white building housed the Port Captain’s office. Inside, there is a decorative mirror room that provided a view of the harbor. The old tide-gauge mechanism on the bottom floor is a curiosity for tourists so do not forget your digicam when you go a visiting. Catch some seals resting in seal landing ground within the Historic Clock Tower grounds.

• Two Oceans Aquarium. if you are ready for a dive to get up close to the resident sharks the place is for you. You can go down in a cage or if you have a PADI Open Water Certificate, you can go and dive with the sharks. It is also here that you will see the Kelp Forest Exhibit. Get a kick from feeding the fishes and seeing real giant kelps waving in the 8000,000 liters of seawater.

Where to Eat

Baia Seafood Restaurant. The place is the best seafood restaurant around that tickles the adventurous taste buds. Dine at the balcony and enjoy the view. For R100 or R200 you enjoy a meal fit for a king sans the wine.

Salero Tapas Bar is in the hip part of V&A Waterfront. Indulge your Spanish Tapa appetite here with a glass of sparkling champagne. 

There is much to see and do in Cape Town Waterfront and do not miss the best part of the holiday—great eats.

 

Candy Smith asked:


All roads lead to Cape Town City, and the Cape Town airport is only 20 minutes from the city, so there you go. But for the first-time traveler rent a car to see the sights and visit the places regular transport or sedan taxis cannot access. This is the best way to get into the thick of adventure and fun in Cape Town Central.

Where the Fun Is

Cape Town accommodation caters to all types from posh hotels to budget rooms, so there are choices for every tourist dropping by to spend a week or a night in the city. If you want the business district or a place that gives you a feel of home and privacy, there is always a place for you.

So hop on and get going for some action in the scenic city. The city is relatively small, and you can go around on foot to see the sights. You can tramp to the V&A Waterfront with a local but get a ride to Camps Bay. Sadly, the place has a high crime rate, but that should not stop you from getting around. Do not bring all your money or show off your mobile phone and digicam to avoid covetous eyes and fast fingers.

• Green Point Flea Market. If you are looking for fun activities that will not burn a hole in your pocket, you might enjoy the festive atmosphere in the biggest flea market in the Cape. Who knows but you might spot an ancient Dutch tea cup here! There is live music to blast your ears, cafes for a steaming cup of coffee, curious like no other, and yes, people! Meet new friends and bump into friendly expats ready to give you some tips so you do not have to wade through the 500 stalls there.

• Castle of Good Hope. Hie off to Table Bay, and get a good view of the ancient fortress built with stone, clay, and timber by the Dutch East India Company. It was first a replenishment station for docking ships but became a fortress in readiness for war when Britain and Netherlands were not seeing eye to eye in 1664.

• Llandudno Beach. Just an hour away you’ll have a whale of a good time taking in the beach scene with waves continually battering the rocky slopes. The secluded cove is perfect for visitors some peace and quiet.

If you dare, sign up for the following fun:

• Hot Air Balloon Ride. Get a sweeping view of Cape Winelands from the air. As early as 5 a.m., you have to be at the meeting site. After rigging, be up in the air in just 30 minutes.

• Two Oceans Aquarium. Dive into the depths in a cage and see sharks up close and watch the giant kelps and feed the fish.

• Table Mountain. Conquer Table Mountain by climbing the rock or ride a cable and get as close as you hang to the gorgeous mountain. Or go abseiling and have your fun captured on video so you can show it off at home.

If you are planning a week’s stay, then you are in. The fun and adventure waits.