between its historical importance, stunning coastline and its landmark sights (including Table Mountain and Cape of Good Hope). Of course, like any bustling metropolitan city, it’s also a mecca for culture, shopping and cuisine. A few favorites to explore:

The dramatic backdrop of flat-topped Table Mountain is one of the most iconic (and photographed) sights in South Africa. It is featured on the city’s official flag and other local government insignia. Its cable car has taken more than 24 million visitors and locals to the top, over 3500 feet above sea level! Along with the stunning views, find roughly 2,200 species of plants and 1,470 floral species, many of which are endemic to the mountain. Legend attributes the usual cloud cover of the flat top of the mountain (colloquially called the ‘tablecloth’) to a smoking contest between the Devil and a local Dutch pirate named Van Hunks.

The nearby Cape of Good Hope, once assumed to be the southern-most point of Africa, continues to hold special historical significance. Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias’ milestone rounding of the Cape in 1488 opened the way for more seafaring expeditions to the Far East. When traveling westward from the Atlantic Ocean, the jagged Cape marks the point where ships begin traveling more eastward (hence, why it was long assumed to be the southern-most tip). The rocky cape was originally named the Cape of Storms by Dias but was later changed by King John II of Portugal to its current name, signifying the great optimism and excitement in discovering what would ultimately become the Dutch East India Company’s famous sea route.