It's been said so many times it's almost a cliché - but like most clichés it's perfectly true - Cape Town is 'one of the most beautiful cities in the world'.
Most first-time visitors to South Africa's 'Mother City' have little real idea what to expect beyond the post-card view of the iconic Table Mountain and some vague notions about possibly buying a wooden giraffe carving for the entry hall back home…
And for many the 'obvious' is all they will take back with them - the sites and experiences offered in every second tour guide's brochure.
They'll have a good time, but there is so much more to this place curved lovingly around the tip of Africa.
Cape Town is a city crammed full of life, interwoven with vibrant colours and cultures. The city centre and suburbs which surround and spread out from the lower slopes of Table Mountain are filled with the sounds of many languages as her children live and laugh and fight and co-exist together in this place they call home.
If you give her a chance, and are prepared to look beyond the numerous wonderful yet over-done tourist attractions and in-your-face geographical beauty, Cape Town will open her heart to you and show you her true self. There are so many fascinating contrasts to Cape Town that you will be continually surprised around every corner.
The playground of the rich and famous, Cape Town's elite stretch of coastline from Camp's Bay through to Llandudno offers the ultimate in luxury - an unexpected surprise for those visitors who enjoy their creature-comforts and are nervously anticipating Darkest Africa with a limited hot water supply.
Palm-lined beaches, trendy lifestyle centres and premium luxury accommodation are all delightfully sprinkled along this Utopian millionaire's strip. Drive into the City centre and be prepared for a complete change of scenery.
Starting in the colourful 'Bo-Kaap' area at the top of the city, this Malay quarter is simply charming with its warm and friendly community and multi-coloured terraced homes interspersed with turreted mosques. At the heart of the city is the bustling Green Market Square, a popular spot for tourists looking for some African mementos or funky clothing. Less well known, a block away, is the impressive multi-story Pan African Market which is a treasure trove of carvings, art, clothing and musical instruments from all over Africa - at much more reasonable prices.
A stroll through the Company Gardens affords beautiful views of the mountain rising up through the fringe of green foliage. Museums and Art Galleries abound, and it is not uncommon to find artists working throughout this squirrel's playground. Of course a drive around the awe-inspiring Cape Point is not to be missed - but don't just stroll up to the top of the paved walkway - get adventurous and explore the sheer cliffs below (taking care, of course) - Getting wet from the spray of waves crashing far below while you cling to the tip of the African continent is a rush many miss out on! You only live once - and Cape Town offers many exciting adventures to make your visit one of the most exhilarating times of your time on earth! Shark cage diving, abseiling, kloofing, surfing - unlimited adrenalin pumping action is available throughout Cape Town.
From the verdant Wine Farms surrounding Stellenbosch to the sprawling townships of the Cape Flats and Khayelitsha; from the welcoming waves of the Indian Ocean to the icy embrace of the Atlantic; the Penguin colony at Boulder's Beach to the Southern Right whales playing in the bays - Cape Town, the Mother City, is a multi-faceted wonder-woman - so much more than just a pretty face.
Don't wait till the 2010 FIFA World Cup to discover her charms - Cape Town is waiting now with warm and wide-open arms.
Joy-Anne writes for Book http://www.bookcapetown.com/>Cape Town where you can learn more about http://www.bloombergaccommodation.co.za/>Cape Town Accommodationand sightseeing.