Cape Town, South Africa -- National Geographic's Ultimate City

Cape Town shines in the shadow of 3,563-foot (1,086-meter) Table Mountain.

Photograph by Charles O'Rear/Corbis

Cape Town Features

48 Hours in Cape Town

From penguins to politics in this worldly South African city.
Free Things to Do in Cape Town

Cape Town provides visitors with a heady mixture of striking natural beauty, incredibly diverse cultures, and notoriously friendly locals.
World Heritage: Robben Island

Get facts, photos, and travel tips for Robben Island, a World Heritage site in South Africa.
Cape Town Must-Dos

Our experts recommend the top attractions in and around Cape Town—with advice on how to get the most out of your visit.
Photos: World's Best Picnic Spots

Have a snack while you're soaking in the sights. Here are some of the most beautiful spots for a picnic.
Top 10 Beach Cities

Click through our gallery of the top cities to visit with beach gear.