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 serves the city's Southern Suburbs, the False Bay area and the Peninsula. At first you travel through industrial areas and then through quaint suburbs such as Observatory and Rondebosch with their Victorian houses. At Muizenberg the line becomes one of the most scenic in the world, going along the coast all the way to Simon's Town. On windy days the spray from the ocean hits the train and at times you may feel as if you're traveling on the water or across the beach. You may see seals, dolphins and even whales along the way.
There are two types of carriage. MetroPlus is usually referred to as 'first class' while the Metro carriages are usually called 'third class'. These names come from the apartheid era, when first and second-class carriages were reserved for white people and everyone else had to travel third class. Even today most white people travel in the more expensive first-class carriages but for a more interesting experience, buy yourself a third-class ticket.
Many people say that the trains aren't safe. This is not true. At night it is more dangerous but during the day, the majority of people traveling in the third-class carriages are simply commuters going to work or home.
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 serves the city's Southern Suburbs, the False Bay area and the Peninsula. At first you travel through industrial areas and then through quaint suburbs such as Observatory and Rondebosch with their Victorian houses. At Muizenberg the line becomes one of the most scenic in the world, going along the coast all the way to Simon's Town. On windy days the spray from the ocean hits the train and at times you may feel as if you're traveling on the water or across the beach. You may see seals, dolphins and even whales along the way.
There are two types of carriage. MetroPlus is usually referred to as 'first class' while the Metro carriages are usually called 'third class'. These names come from the apartheid era, when first and second-class carriages were reserved for white people and everyone else had to travel third class. Even today most white people travel in the more expensive first-class carriages but for a more interesting experience, buy yourself a third-class ticket.
Many people say that the trains aren't safe. This is not true. At night it is more dangerous but during the day, the majority of people traveling in the third-class carriages are simply commuters going to work or home.
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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