worldcup2010

Cape Town

Where are the games on?

The newly-built Green Point Stadium is situated in one of the most sought-after areas in the city and is one of the semi-final venues.

The location is ideal as it is a short walk from the transportation hub of the city and has been partly built on land that was previously used as a golf course.

The stadium, which has an exterior that is covered with noise-reducing cladding, has a capacity of 70,000.

The Green Point Common, on which the new stadium has been built, was originally much larger than what now remains, and included most of the land between the sea and Signal Hill.

Cape Town has another world-standard stadium, Newlands, but this is primarily used as a rugby union venue. Post-World Cup, the Green Point Stadium is likely to be used by some of the Cape Town-based professional football outfits that include Ajax Cape Town and Santos.

And the rest of the city?

Parliament House

Cape Town is unquestionably South Africa's most beautiful city, lying on a peninsula and overlooked by the formidable sight of Table Mountain. There are things to do everywhere, from watersports to wine-tasting down in Stellenbosch and surrounds, to hiking, to just plain lazing on the beach.

It is also the legislative capital of South Africa, with the National Parliament and many government offices located there.

The town was originally formed in Table Bay as a victualling station for Dutch ships sailing to Eastern Africa, India, and the Far East. Jan van Riebeeck's arrival in 1652 established the first permanent European settlement in South Africa. Cape Town quickly outgrew its original purpose as the first European outpost at the Castle of Good Hope, becoming the economic and cultural hub of the colony and was the largest city in South Africa until the gold rush in Johannesburg in the late 19th century.

Nowadays it is the tourist mecca of South Africa, with a warm Mediterranean climate, fabulous picturesque beaches, all manner of tourist attractions and fresh air brought to it regularly by a south-easterly breeze known as the Cape Doctor. It is also the most user-friendly city, one that is far safer to walk around than the others and also compressed into a walkable space, and it is by far the easiest city on the eye.

While you're there...

Stellenbosch: Vines, mountains and a good time

Wine-tasting in Stellenbosch and surrounds is a must for those who like a tipple, there's no end of local companies willing to whizz you all around in minibuses for a day on the grape juice. There are also ample opportunities for an overnighter up there in the mountains, Stellenbosch and surrounds is a lively area overflowing with hotels and guest-houses. Most wine farms have places to stay too, but they can be expensive.

In Cape Town itself, there is the castle which was the first building in the colony and which now houses a superb museum for Cape Town's role during the apartheid era. For those who prefer a less cultural and more beer-and-food laden experience as well as some souvenirs, the Waterfront houses any number of shops and bars and restaurants to cater to your needs.

Again out of Cape Town, a visit to the Cape of Good Hope is worth it on a clement day, not only do you drive through some rugged countryside, you'll also discover the seaside villages of Kalk Bay and Simon's Town or Noordhoek.

Then there's Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent his years of political imprisonment. That can be a little grim but is interesting for those of you keen on the local history. The ferry ride during the winter months ought also to yield a sight or two of the southern right whales that gather there to breed each year, as well as the numerous seals.

A cold one and some sustenance?

The Waterfront

Cape Town is the cuisine capital of South Africa, so take your pick. For the late-night festivities, Long Street in the city is the place to be while heading up the hill from Long Street onto Kloof Street is where you'll find it slightly quieter and more food-oriented but no less enjoyable. Bacini's pizza, right at the top of the street beyond the brightest lights, is the finest in town.

Camps Bay, about a 15-minute journey down the coast from the city, is the beachfront mecca of eateries and watering holes but is less lively in winter. You can get some cracking offers there at times: how does 'eat all you can' prawns for £15 sound?

At the Waterfront, prices are higher but the food and selection is better. Belthazar restaurant has the world's longest wine list, an impressive volume of mostly local drops, while the Green Dolphin, although expensive, has good food and some excellent live jazz to go with it.

On the other side of the mountain - that's about a 20-minute drive and where the stadium is - is the suburb of Claremont, also a street-long plethora of bars but with a generally slightly younger clientele. Try Tantra, Tiger Tiger or Tin Roof for some late-night escapades.

You'd have to get there first, mind

Cape Town airport: Glossy

Cape Town International Airport serves both domestic and international flights. It is the second-largest airport in South Africa and serves as a major gateway for travellers to the Cape region. Cape Town has direct flights to most cities in South Africa as well as a number of international destinations. It's just had a glossy refurb as well.

The Shosholoza Meyl operates two long-distance passenger rail services from Cape Town: a daily service to and from Johannesburg via Kimberley and a weekly service to and from Durban via Kimberley, Bloemfontein and Pietermaritzburg.

Three national roads start in Cape Town: the N1 which links Cape Town with Bloemfontein, Johannesburg, Pretoria and Zimbabwe, the N2 which links Cape Town with Port Elizabeth, East London and Durban and the N7 which links Cape Town with the Northern Cape Province and Namibia.