Cape Town

Hike or take the cableway to the top of Table Mountain on one of Cape Town’s perfect-weather days, look out over the confluence of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans at the very southern tip of the African continent, and you’ll see why Cape Town and the surrounding area is South Africa’s most popular destination. Take your pick of beach activities, from lounging on languid Camps Bay to penguin-spotting on Boulders Beach in Simon's Town. Going back to 1666, the Castle of Good Hope is South Africa's oldest building, covering the nation's Dutch history. Robbins Island held political prisoners starting in the 17th century, but most visitors know it as Nelson Mandela's home for 18 years. (Ex-prisoners often give the tours, answering questions about life on the island.) Over the past decade, wine-tasting in the romantic Cape Winelands has become a popular day trip for adults, while kids enjoy the brightly painted Bo-Kaap Muslim quarter or the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden. Every possible budget is catered to in Cape Town, from central boutique hostels to luxurious ocean view hotels.