Audio Guide: Cape Town Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Cape Town

Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias first mentioned the Cape of Storms in 1488, but it was soon renamed the Cape of Good Hope with an optimistic eye towards the trade routes it offered between Europe and the East.

In 1652, the Dutch East India Company settled a way-station here for ships traveling that route. Cape Town's natural harbor and strategic position made it the perfect location. You can see the harbor that was so attractive, now known as the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. You can also tour the Castle of Good Hope, the East India Company's original settlement. The Company's Garden is also still here, where supplies were grown for passing ships and the permanent settlers.

The colonial powers fought over Cape Town and the surrounding lands throughout the late 1700s and early 1800s, and control oscillated between the Dutch and the British. The British eventually won out, and Cape had its own parliament and local Prime Minister by 1872.

Discoveries of gold and diamonds in the areas nearby led to substantial population booms throughout the 1800s.

Before the 1948 apartheid, Cape Town was one of the most integrated cities in South Africa. Unfortunately, apartheid abolished this multiculturalism. Entire city suburbs were demolished in the effort. You can learn more about the history and story at the District Six Museum.

Today, Cape Town is the legislative capital of the independent and integrated Republic of South Africa. It is the nation's second-largest city behind Johannesburg. Cape Town has regularly been voted one of the best cities to visit, and in 2014 it was named a World Design Capital. Join us on a walking tour of this lovely seaside port, with beautiful views of Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope, as well as a dynamic and diverse population of friendly people.