When it's clear, the views from the top are phenomenal and there are some excellent walks on the summit, especially in spring when the plants are flowering. It's also home to Rock Dassies, those curious rodent-like creatures whose closest living relative is the elephant. The Kirtenbosch Botanic Gardens on the eastern side of Table Mountain are one of the most beautiful in the world and are devoted almost exclusively to indigenous plants. City Bowl is a good place to sniff out hostels, guesthouses and hotels. Sea Point, on the Atlantic Ocean, west of the centre, is another good place to stay.
Observatory is a nice neighbourhood popular with students.
It's east of the centre and a bit out of the way, but is good for budget to mid-range accommodation. It's also not a bad place to eat, if the shimmer and shine on the Waterfront gets a bit much. Today the city is better known as a holiday-makers' fun parlour with a happening nightlife. Apart from the sandy strip, 'Durbs' has a fair bit to offer. The Indian area , to the west of the city centre, has a bustle and vibrancy that's missing from most commercial districts in South Africa.