Cape Town Life and Visitor Travel Tips

(Cape Town, Western Cape Province, South Africa)



Cityscape pictureMany people affectionately refer to the city of Cape Town as the 'Mother City', since it has become such as important metropolis and is very much a central part of life in South Africa. Cape Town has also successfully managed to establish itself as a major travel destination and its tourism industry is prospering.

The seat of Parliament and an important hub for travel, Cape Town is home to a major international airport, as well as a bustling seaport and an excellent network of roads and highways. Visitors will be drawn to the beaches, the museums and the very appealing Victoria and Albert Waterfront, together with the neighbouring mountain trails, vineyards and nature reserves. The following travel tips may be of use.


Photo of the city's modern Business District

Useful Contact Details

The centrally located office of Cape Town Tourism is an impressive outlet where you will be able to book your accommodation, tours, rental cars and also the national parks and reserves, via Cape Nature Conservation. There is also a desk operated by Western Cape Tourism here, while an outlet of Cape Metropolitan Tourism resides close by and on the waterfront itself.

A further branch of Cape Metropolitan Tourism is conveniently located within Cape Town International Airport, offering travel tips and advice to arriving passengers.

Cape Town Tourism
Address: Corner of Castle Street and Burg Street, City Bowl, Cape Town, South Africa, ZA
Tel: +27 021 426 4260
Fax: +27 021 4266
Website: www.cape-town.org
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 08:00 to 17:00, Saturday - 08:30 to 13:00, Sunday - 09:00 to 13:00

STA Travel
Address: 31 Riebeeck Street, City Bowl, Cape Town, South Africa, ZA
Tel: +27 021 418 6570

Rennies Travel
Address: St. George's Mall, City Bowl, Cape Town, South Africa, ZA
Tel: +27 021 423 7154

Visa Service
Address: 9th Floor, Strand Towers, 66 Strand Street, Cape Town, South Africa, ZA
Tel: +27 021 421 7826

Africa Travel Centre
Address: The Backpack Hostel, 74 New Church Street, Cape Town, South Africa, ZA
Tel: +27 021 423 4530
Fax: +27 021 423 0065
Website: www.backpackers.co.za

National Library of South Africa
Address: Company's Gardens, Government Avenue, City, Bowl, Cape Town, South Africa, ZA
Tel: +27 021 424 6320
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 17:00

Main Post Office
Corner of Darling Street and Parliament Street, City Bowl, Cape Town, South Africa, ZA
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 08:00 to 16:30, Saturday - 08:00 to 12:00

Department of Home Affairs (for Visa Extensions)
Address: 56 Barrack Street, City Bowl, South Africa, ZA
Tel: +27 021 462 4970

Visa Information and Passports

Visitors arriving in Cape Town from the majority of Western European and Commonwealth countries, along with Japan and the United States, will be automatically issued with entry permits, free of charge. Everyone is entitled to a 90-day visa, which will automatically expire on the date of your returning flight.

Dos and Don'ts