Cape Town: Essentials

TO / FROM THE AIRPORT

Way 2 Go Shuttle Service
011-27/21-934-4651, way2go.co.za
Door-to-door shuttle van to/from Cape Town International Airport that runs 24 hours. Drivers will meet you with a signboard in the international terminal near the rental-car kiosk if you reserve ahead, or in the domestic terminal at the Way 2 Go kiosk. Online prebooking advised. Rates for a one-way trip from airport to your hotel anywhere in the city center or back to the airport are $18 for one person, $20 for two.

GETTING AROUND

TAXIS
Minibus Taxis
White minibus taxis are a cheap way to travel major city roads, but they're not for the squeamish. The taxis can be cramped, noisy, and sometimes shabby, but they're fast--sometimes hair-raisingly so. They don't make official stops; board anywhere you can flag one down, and shout when you want to get off. Purchase tickets onboard. Note: These are not a safe option outside the city center and Atlantic Seaboard. About 40¢ to points within the city center.

Marine Taxis 011-27/21-434-0434, marinetaxis.co.za
Most reliable 24-hour taxi service in Cape Town, with a fleet of new cars. Call for pickup. Cash only. Fares start at 33¢, plus $1.80 per kilometer for up to seven in a minivan, four in a sedan.

BUS
Hop On--Hop Off Sightseeing Cape Town Bus
011-27/21-511-1784, hyltonross.co.za
Open-air double-decker buses with a guide's commentary that make routine stops at major attractions only, like Table Mountain cableway, the V&A Waterfront, and the Cape Town Tourism Office. Hop on and off wherever you like. Note: Buses make stops at each sight every half hour in summer, about every hour in winter. Pay as you board; you can even pay with a credit card on the bus. Passes valid for one day. $15 for City and Mini Peninsula Tours, $26 for a combo pass.

CAR
Avis, 011-27/21-934-0330, avis.co.za
Tempest Car Hire, 011-27/11-396-1080, tempestcarhire.co.za
With so much to see beyond the city limits, it's helpful to have your own wheels. Try Avis for best all-around selection and service, or Tempest for low-priced, no-frills cars. Expect to pay about $39/day, including insurance, for a manual vehicle without A/C or radio, and from $64/day for an automatic. Note: People drive on the left side of the road. South African roads are well-marked and well-maintained, but be aware of speeders.

WHAT'S GOING ON AROUND TOWN

At newsstands Cape Times, 70¢; Cape Argus, 60¢, tonight.co.za; Cape Etc. magazine, $2.50

Tune in
Cape Talk, 567 mw (talk radio with entertainment updates)

TOURS

Footsteps to Freedom City Walk
011-27/21-465-2032, footstepstofreedom.co.za
The complete story of Cape Town and its people. Three-hour guided walk incorporates many historic sites, like the Grand Parade, Company's Garden, and St. George's Cathedral, and covers early trading, slavery, apartheid, freedom, and urban regeneration. Departs from the Visitor Information Centre at the corner of Castle St. and Burg St. at 10:30 a.m. Mon.--Sat. $16, includes visit to District Six Museum.