Cape Town Travel Guide - Top Cape Town Attractions and Things to Do in Cape Town.
There are lots of must-see attractions and things to do in Cape Town - all of which are listed on our website (in no specific order of importance). These must-sees will provide many days of fun and adventure!
Table Mountain - part 1
Every Capetonian talks about Table Mountain with a sense of pride. Seen from different aspects and angles across the city, it never fails to maintain its sense of majesty, while always appearing to live up to its role of watching over the Mother City. Nelson Mandela even said that Table Mountain was the “beacon of hope” to prisoners on Robben Island. Table Mountain attracts millions of visitors and whether they reach the top by hiking or via the cableway, it must not be missed on anyone's Cape Town itinerary.
Table Mountain Travel Guide - part 1 - read more here
Table Mountain - part 2
South Africa’s most famous mountain rises 1000 meters above the city - visible to approaching ships over 150 km away. With so many different moods it’s hard not to fall in love with it. As the South Easter blows fog into it, clouds fall mysteriously over its edges, creating an almost eerie waterfall over the big rock. A cable car and several hiking trails take visitors to the summit: no-one has an excuse to miss the fantastic views from the top.
Table Mountain Travel Guide - part 2 - read more here
Signal Hill and Lions Head
These two mountains provide fascinating views over the city, Table Mountain, Sea Point, Robben Island and the ocean. Signal Hill look-out point has recently been upgraded – a popular spot to enjoy sunsets from. An hour and a half walk will take you to the top of Lions Head (669 meters) – with amazing 360 degree views from here.. this hike is definitely worth the sweat.
Signal Hill and Lions Head Travel Guide - read more here
Clifton, Camps Bay and Llandudno
Three of Cape Town’s most beautiful beaches are hidden just a few minutes from the City Centre. Clifton is divided into 4 small beaches – each with its own unique character and atmosphere. If you are looking for a meal or snack, head to Camps Bay. Several restaurants and cafes make it very popular. Llandudno beach is quieter – almost undiscovered – with wonderful mountain views and crystal clear water.
Clifton, Camps Bay and Llandudno Travel Guide - read more here
Camps Bay
Camps Bay embraces beach life, braais (barbeques) and café culture by day, and by night transforms into its other persona of being the epitome of the trendy bar scene and the place to be seen, especially for wealthy South Africans and foreign visitors. It’s Cape Town’s suburb of affluence and arrogance. Embrace it by staying in the area, or visit if you’d prefer to dip your toe into the Camps Bay lifestyle for a day.Camps Bay Travel Guide - read more here
Hout Bay
A popular seaside village (many refer to it as the Republic of Hout Bay) famous for its good seafood, relaxed atmosphere and working harbour area. A boat trip to Seal Island with around 5000 seals offers a unique and pleasant experience. Chapmans Peak drive provides fantastic views over the village and is not to be missed. Perfectly end your day with a romantic walk on the beachfront.
Houtbay Travel Guide - read more here
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront - part 1
The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is Cape Town’s hub of refined activity – a polished destination enjoying an enviable spot on the water next to Table Bay Harbour, and guarded by Table Mountain nearby. It’s a tourist destination through and through and is apparently the most-visited attraction in South Africa. Cape Town Waterfront / V&A Waterfront Travel Guide - part 1 - read more here
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront - part 2
South Africa’s most visited attraction will certainly keep you busy. The shops are stocked with Africa’s finest art, jewellery and curio collections. With many restaurants, coffee shops and wine bars to choose from, no-one should leave with an empty stomach. Not to be missed is the Two Oceans Aquarium – if you have any doubts about going – just go! The Clock Tower mall is an exciting add on to the original complex, with even more shops to choose from.
Cape Town Waterfront / Victoria and Alfred Waterfront Travel Guide - Part 2 - read more here
Kirstenbosch Gardens
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens can be considered as one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. It was established in 1913 as a celebration of South Africa’s abundant plant life. The gardens provide some of the best mountain scenery in Cape Town and offers some spectacular walks. Outdoor concerts are held during summer nights, and are popular among young and old. Take your picnic basket for the best Sunday picnic in town.
Kirstenbosch Gardens Travel Guide - read more here
Blouberg Beach
For the famous postcard view of Table Mountain head to Blouberg Beach. Nothing beats a fresh early morning walk enjoying the extraordinary views. The beach is popular for kite-boarding– a sport that has taken the city by storm. Big Bay beach, just north of Blouberg is a secluded beach well worth a visit – the perfect spot to enjoy an ice cream on a hot summers day.
Blouberg Beach Travel Guide - read more here
Organised Township Tours & African Art
Discover South African township life first hand – a life so different yet so friendly and inviting. No-where else are the drumbeats of Africa louder than here – the true heartbeat of the city. Taste the food, hear the stories and get an insight into the day to day lives of millions of South Africans. Only to be visited on an organised tour. A Township tour will be one of the most unique and wonderful travel experiences in your life.
Township Tours Travel Guide - read more here
Robben Island
Home to imprisoned ex-president Nelson Mandela for 18 years, the destruction of apartheid is probably the most tangible here. The empty cell is a symbol of South Africans been set free, and beautiful Table Mountain seen from the island an indication of what all South Africans want their future to look like. The 30 minute ferry ride to the island is an attraction in its own right. You will visit the maximum prison museum, get the chance to interact with an ex-political prisoner and be taken around the island by bus.
Robben Island Travel Guide - read more here
Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope - Part 1
The Cape’s Southern Peninsular gets wilder and more rugged the further you go. Reaching Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope tends to be a necessary expedition for many-a-visitor to Cape Town, and for feeling close to nature by a wild sea and vast vegetation, it’s certainly the place to go.
Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope Travel Guide - Part 1 - read more here
Cape Peninsula and Cape Point - Part 2
The Cape Peninsula stretches from Cape Point at the most southern tip to the city in the north, with a distance of 70 km between them. It holds some of the most dramatic scenery in South Africa – mostly magnificent mountain ranges, forests, crystal clear beaches, and mountain passes. Standing on Cape Point overlooking the ocean on a clear day is an unforgettable experience.
Cape Peninsula and Cape Point Travel Guide - Part 2 - read more here
Boulders and African Penguins
Boulders Beach and Foxy Beach are home to 3,000 or so African Penguins, going about their business before a stunning backdrop. So rare is the opportunity to see penguins in the wild first-hand, visitors to the Cape should take the chance to see nature doing its thing.
Boulders Beach and African Penguins Travel Guide - read more here
Boulders Beach, Kalk Bay and Muizenberg
Boulders is world famous for its colony of African
Penguins, and no trip to the Peninsula is completed without visiting
this intimate beach. You can easily spend a day on the picturesque beach
observing these interesting creatures. Wander through the main road and
side streets of Kalk Bay for an amazing seaside town experience.
Muizenberg, known for its colourful beach houses overlooking the ocean,
is definitely the place to get away from it all.
Boulders Beach, Kalk Bay and Muizenberg Travel Guide - read more here
Cape Town City Centre
The
Cape Town city centre has experienced tremendous growth over the last
few years. It's a mix between European and African cultures, with some
wonderful architecture and interesting sidewalk cafes. St Georges Mall
and Greenmarket square are vibrant areas with loads of colourful African
markets. The 5 cornered Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town's "Tower of
London" was build in 1666. Don't miss the 2 hour journey on The Cape
Town Explorer - a topless tourist bus tour. A quite stroll through the
Company Gardens ends an exciting day.
Cape Town City Centre Travel Guide - read more here
Long and Kloof Streets
These
are vibrant city streets with plenty of wine bars and restaurants. When
the sun goes down Long street becomes alive with people and city
lights. Antique shops, second hand bookstores and other specialist shops
make the street an exciting place to visit during daytime too. Further
up towards Table Mountain, Long street becomes Kloof. A walk through
Kloof Street and further on to Tamboerskloof is a pleasant way to
experience young Cape Town suburban life.
Long and Kloof Streets Travel Guide - read more here
Bo-Kaap and De Waterkant
The
most colourful neighbourhoods in town - situated against Signal Hill.
The houses of Bo-Kaap are bright and colourful - and many reckon the
area will soon be one of Cape Town's trendiest areas. De Waterkant is a
fine example: situated just next to Bo-Kaap, the neighbourhood has been
transformed into one of Cape Town's most trendy and expensive areas.
Some of Cape Town's finest restaurants and wine bars are situated here.
Bo-Kaap and De Waterkant Travel Guide - read more here
Sunset walk, Sea Point Promenade
Young
and old gathers here to enjoy the late afternoon sea breeze every day.
The famous promenade runs all the way from Mouille Point to Bantry Bay.
The air is fresh, the atmosphere is buzzing and the sunsets beautiful!
For the more adventurous, it is possible to walk all the way from the
V&A Waterfront along the coast to Bantry Bay - a long but very
relaxing and beautiful city coastal walk.
Sea Point Promenade Travel Guide - read more here
Rhodes Memorial
Situated
against Devil's Peak behind the University of Cape Town, the memorial
was constructed in remembrance of Cecil John Rhodes. He has played an
important role in the formation of the sub continent at the end of the
19th century. The views from here, looking towards Stellenbosch and
Somerset West in the distance, are impressive. A visit to the University
of Cape Town, now celebrating it's 175th year of existence, is well
worth the time.
Rhodes Memorial Travel Guide - read more here
The Constantia Valley
The
Constantia Valley is one of Cape Town's official big 6 tourist
destinations. A visit to the oldest wine estate in the country, Groot
Constantia (established in 1685) is unforgettable. It is one of the
world's great wine brands and situated within the city borders in the
heart of breathtaking Constantia Valley. The wines are exceptional and
tasting is very popular.
Constantia Valley Travel Guide - read more here
Strand and Gordon's Bay
Strand
and Gordon's Bay are popular beaches located in one of the most
beautiful seaside settings in Cape Town. The ocean water is much warmer
than the western beaches, and thousands of holidaymakers gather here
over summer - the perfect beaches to spend the day true South African
style. If you are looking for dramatic mountain-meets-ocean-scenery,
head towards Betty's Bay. There are several lookout points along the way
and you will be left in awe by the beauty of it all.
Strand and Gordon's Bay Travel Guide - read more here
Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch,
beautifully situated in the heart of the Cape Winelands, is the second
oldest town in South Africa. A walk through Dorp Street and a visit to
Oom Samie se winkel (Ungle Samie's shop) introduce you to the
fascinating history of this University town. The historical University
grounds is an attraction in itself. Jonkershoek Valley provides stunning
mountain scenery and is a must- visit for all nature lovers.
Stellenbosch Travel Guide - read more here
Franschhoek & surroundings
South
Africa's very own "French Quarter", one of the country's top 5 tourist
destinations, is beautifully situated on the banks of the Berg River
against the backdrop of the Drakenstein Mountains. The charming town is
packed with specialist shops, boutiques, galleries and restaurants, and
is best explored on foot. The French Huguenot Monument rises into the
sky in remembrance of the French that found the town in 1688.
Franschhoek Travel Guide - read more here
Paarl and Du Toitskloof
Impressive
landscapes surround the historic town of Paarl, founded in 1720. Don't
miss a visit to the massive Paarl rocks, the biggest rock formations to
be found in South Africa. The town has its own wine route, of which
Nederberg Winery is one of the country's most famous wine estates.
Further on, towards Worcester the Du Toitskloof Pass takes you through
stunning mountain scenery, and on your return you will drive through
South Africa's longest mountain tunnel.
Hermanus
Cape Town's most popular
seaside holiday town offers the best whale watching site in the world
during the months August to beginning December. The beaches (Voëlklip
and Grotto) are fantastic and much warmer than those of Cape Town. A
visit to Fernkloof Nature Reserve is worth the while and several hiking
trails take you through spectacular Fynbos landscapes. Relax and enjoy
the good life!
Hermanus Travel Guide - read more here
Up the West Coast
Here
you will find the charming towns of Yzerfontein, Langebaan, Paternoster
and Lambert's Bay. The West Coast's vast openness and unique village
atmosphere provide a great escape for the city soul. The area is famous
for its cray fish dishes - a feast at one of the outdoor seafood
restaurants should be on your priority list. For some of the world's
most beautiful flower scenery, be sure to travel up the West Coast
during the months of August and September.
Cape West Coast Travel Guide - read more here
One day in Cape Town
If
you’ve got just one day in Cape Town, no doubt you’ll want to squeeze
in as much as you can to get a sense of the city. One thing is for sure,
at the end of the day you’ll definitely want to come back to the city
again one day soon.One day in Cape Town Travel Guide - read more here
Three days in Cape Town
If
you have three days to spend in Cape Town, then you’ll have plenty of
time to explore all the must-see spots of the region as well as some of
the more unexpected sides of the city.
Three days in Cape Town Travel Guide - read more here
Seven days in Cape Town
Cape
Town and the surrounding area has such a range of activities on offer
that you will not run out of things to do in seven days. There’s even a
danger you wish you had longer when you see how much there is to do!
Seven days in Cape Town Travel Guide - read more here
Cape Town for families
One of the best things about Cape Town as a destination is that it has such a range of activities on offer – so much so that you’ll never have time to do it all while on vacation (all the more reason to plan another visit). The immense range of things to do applies to family-friendly fun too. Cape Town and the surrounding area has a number of different destinations that are just for kids, good for all the family, or more grown-up spots that cater for children too.Cape Town for families Travel Guide - read more here
Imhoff Farm
Imhoff Farm is a farmyard, alternative community and shopping centre rolled into one. It’s outside Cape Town’s city centre in Kommetjie and isn’t really like anything else on the Cape. For your small slice of a quiet, laidback lifestyle, make sure you add Imhoff Farm to your Cape Town itinerary.Imhoff Farm Travel Guide - read more here
Castle of Good Hope
Dating back to the 1600s, the Castle of Good Hope is the oldest colonial building in South Africa and continues to be a hive of activity in central Cape Town. An impressive structure surrounded by a moat and home to a couple of museums, it’s a worthy stop on any visitor’s itinerary.Castle of Good Hope Travel Guide - read more here
Where to find wildlife in and around Cape Town
Although Cape Town is better known for its beaches and European city vibe than its wildlife, there is still plenty of animal life to see in and around the city. From animal parks to wild seals and penguins, and whale watching to safaris in the vicinity, Cape Town can offer visitors more wildlife than they might have imagined.Wildlife in Cape Town Travel Guide - read more here
Eating in Cape Town
For those who consider themselves foodies, or if you just like to have a lot of choice when it comes to your dining options, there’s no other place quite like Cape Town. From budget to bourgeois, African to international, quick bites to seven-course signature menus, it’s impossible for any visitor not to find something that suits their taste.Eating in Cape Town Travel Guide - read more here
Simon's Town
As you travel down the Cape Peninsula, step back in time by stopping off in Simon's Town. Some say that people only go to Simon's Town on their way to Boulders to see the infamous African Penguins, but Simon's Town is more than a worthy stop in itself. With streets lined with old Victorian buildings in pristine condition, this sleepy town on the sea is a real find.Simon's Town Travel Guide - read more here
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