One of Africa's most popular tourist destinations is the city right at the continent's southern tip. Touring Cape Town will allow you to see stunning beaches, breathtaking views and a rich culture. One way to experience the city in all its color and to taste a slice of authenticity is to take the train along with the locals.
Cape Town has an extensive rail system for an African city. Taking the train is a popular mode of transport for many Capetonians, since it's cheap and a great way to avoid the notorious rush-hour traffic. The city is big and there are train lines serving different areas, from the suburbs near the City Bowl to the townships further afield on the Cape Flats. You can even take the train to the beautiful wine region of the Boland. For visitors, one of the most unforgettable journeys is the Southern Line to Simon's Town.
The Southern Line runs from the city center south to the quaint village of Simon's Town, known for its naval base. The route is considered one of the most scenic railway lines in the world. You get to see the lovely Victorian houses of the Southern Suburbs but the best part starts at Muizenberg. Here you start traveling right along the coastline, with the sea spray sometimes coming in through the windows. Seals are a common sight and from about June to September you even have a good chance to spot whales from your carriage window.
The suburban trains have two classes. First class is officially called MetroPlus while third class is really called Metro. The informal names are a leftover from apartheid, when white people could choose between first and second class while third class was for non-whites. After all these years there is still a racial divide of sorts, with white people usually traveling first class. For a truly authentic Cape Town experience, however, third class is the way to go.
Many people will tell you that the train is not a safe travel option and that you should especially avoid third class. However, few of these people ever take the train, so their opinions are based on rumor. While it's not advisable to travel after dark, the third-class carriages are usually filled with people on their way to and from work, and everyone keeps an eye out for one another's safety.
The best thing about traveling third class is the truly colorful experiences you'll have. Buy a snack or, if you feel so inclined, an item like a handmade broom from a passing vendor. Spare a coin or two for the buskers and don't be afraid to get up and dance along with everyone else.
Not every part of Cape Town is served by the trains. However, there are usually minibus taxis waiting at the train stations to take you closer to your destination. For instance, if you get off the train at Simon's Town, you can take a taxi through this picturesque navy town to Boulders Beach and its African penguins.
There are some instances when a car is your most convenient mode of transport for seeing the Mother City. A popular outing is to rent a car and drive along Chapman's Peak Drive to Cape Point, for example. However, the public transport system is the best way to really get under the skin of the city and its friendly people.
Cape Town has an extensive rail system for an African city. Taking the train is a popular mode of transport for many Capetonians, since it's cheap and a great way to avoid the notorious rush-hour traffic. The city is big and there are train lines serving different areas, from the suburbs near the City Bowl to the townships further afield on the Cape Flats. You can even take the train to the beautiful wine region of the Boland. For visitors, one of the most unforgettable journeys is the Southern Line to Simon's Town.
The Southern Line runs from the city center south to the quaint village of Simon's Town, known for its naval base. The route is considered one of the most scenic railway lines in the world. You get to see the lovely Victorian houses of the Southern Suburbs but the best part starts at Muizenberg. Here you start traveling right along the coastline, with the sea spray sometimes coming in through the windows. Seals are a common sight and from about June to September you even have a good chance to spot whales from your carriage window.
The suburban trains have two classes. First class is officially called MetroPlus while third class is really called Metro. The informal names are a leftover from apartheid, when white people could choose between first and second class while third class was for non-whites. After all these years there is still a racial divide of sorts, with white people usually traveling first class. For a truly authentic Cape Town experience, however, third class is the way to go.
Many people will tell you that the train is not a safe travel option and that you should especially avoid third class. However, few of these people ever take the train, so their opinions are based on rumor. While it's not advisable to travel after dark, the third-class carriages are usually filled with people on their way to and from work, and everyone keeps an eye out for one another's safety.
The best thing about traveling third class is the truly colorful experiences you'll have. Buy a snack or, if you feel so inclined, an item like a handmade broom from a passing vendor. Spare a coin or two for the buskers and don't be afraid to get up and dance along with everyone else.
Not every part of Cape Town is served by the trains. However, there are usually minibus taxis waiting at the train stations to take you closer to your destination. For instance, if you get off the train at Simon's Town, you can take a taxi through this picturesque navy town to Boulders Beach and its African penguins.
There are some instances when a car is your most convenient mode of transport for seeing the Mother City. A popular outing is to rent a car and drive along Chapman's Peak Drive to Cape Point, for example. However, the public transport system is the best way to really get under the skin of the city and its friendly people.
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