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View of Cape Town from atop Table Mountain, photo copyright by Lee Daley
Just announced, the popular Forbes.com website has named Cape Town one of the world’s most beautiful cities, ranking it favorably with Paris, London, Venice and Sydney Host city to the upcoming 2010 World Cup Soccer Games, Cape Town’s welcome mat is out.
According to one of the website's judges, Raymond Levitt of Stanford University, “Renowned English sea navigator, Sir Francis Drake, once referred to Cape Town as the fairest cape in the world. The city houses the Kirtenbosch Botanical Gardens, while the top of Table Mountain offers a breathtaking view of 
the city from roughly 3,500 feet above sea level.”
Levitt describes Cape Town as leaving “a manageable ecological footprint” due its compact size.
A unique mix of African, European and Asian traditions creates Cape Town’s cultural diversity. The downtown’s vibe buzzes with the sounds and crafts of Africa blended with a European heritage.
Nature’s handiwork wraps the package in abundant green spaces and gardens topped by Table Mountain standing tall over the waterfront.
Where to Stay: On the waterfront, the Victoria and Alfred Hotel offers outstanding service in a secure and easy environment. Surrounding cafes, bars, shops, cinema, craft markets and a world-class aquarium make the waterfront area a great base from which to explore the city.
At the waterfront, you can board the Robben Island ferry to the prison site where Nelson Mandela and others struggled against apartheid. Former prisoners recount their time spent here as part of the tour. You’ll even see Mandela’s actual prison cell. A riveting journey into South Africa’s recent past, the tour gives those who take it a deeper appreciation for how far Cape Town has come.
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Photo: Nelson Mandela statue commemorates his presidency.
Photo: Sign at the Robben Island Prison outside of Cape Town. All photos, copyright Lee Daley
For more information on visiting Cape Town, visit Cape Town tourism
Gilt Edge Travel provides excellent travel arrangements throughout South Africa
Victoria and Alfred Hotel, Cape Town www.newmarkhotels.com.
See rare White Lion and rhine standoff slideshow here.
Read about South Africa Sambona Wild life Reserve here.
Read about Cape Winelands in Cape Town’s suburbs here.
South African Airways consistently garners high marks from travelers. Flying direct from JFK in New York and Washington, Dulles, United and other major airline partners in major U S cities partner with South African Airways. www.saairways.com or call (800) 722-9675.
Visit Lee’s website for more award winning travel photos at www.leedaleytravelwriter.com.
Comments
Gorgeous photo of Cape Town from atop Table Mountain. Reminds me of the equally majestic topography of Rio. Guess I'll have to visit Cape Town to compare. Welcome back!
Good to see your piece, Lee. I'd be really surprised if this is the first time Cape Town made the list. It is so scenically gorgeous. (Among its other attributes.)
Your photo is one of the most gorgeous ever of Table Mountain.
For those who want a room with a view of it, try the century-old Mount Nelson Hotel, dubbed the "Nellie". Marsha
I remember watching a special on TV that gave insight to Cape Town's history and natural wonders. I think it's a lovely town and that I would love to someday visit it.
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