Cape Town is a city of geographical beauty,
cosmopolitan chic and a vibrant local
community. Here, at a glance, are the must-dos
and must-sees during your visit to the Mother City.
Table Mountain
The pride of all Capetonians and the city’s most
recognisable feature, Table Mountain, offers a
beautiful backdrop to the city, as well spectacular views from its
summit. Reach the top on foot with a day hike, or
take the easy option and catch the revolving Cable Car
to the top.
V&A Waterfront
Visit the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront for great
curio shopping and fine dining in a teeming maritime environment.
Catch a boat cruise to Robben Island from here, or enjoy fish and
chips at a harbourside pub. The amphitheatre often hosts live
entertainment, and the Waterfront is often host to a variety of craft
shows and exhibitions - watch the press for details.
Winelands
Sample some of the best wines in
the world, complemented by fine cuisine, and
picture-perfect country settings of mountains, valleys, lakes, and
historic architecture. You’ll struggle to find a better day trip on a
gorgeous summer’s day.
Cape Point
Visit the tip of Africa, one of the greatest
landmarks in the world. Immerse yourself in the drama of a
rugged coastline, untouched, pristine sandy beaches
and hidden coves.
Beaches
Cape Town boasts some of the most beautiful and
unspoilt beaches in the world - unusual for a city of this size. Some
of the best beaches on the Atlantic seaboard include Clifton first
through fourth beach, Camps Bay and Llandudno. On the
False Bay side, enjoy slightly less dramatic scenery
but warmer water. Top beaches for swimming on this side of the
Peninsula include Noordhoek, Muizenberg, Kalk Bay, Fish Hoek, and
Simonstown.
Kirstenbosch
This is the perfect location for a lazy
stroll and family picnic on a Sunday
afternoon. Set your picnic basket down on the vast lawns of these
lovely gardens, sheltered on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain,
while the kids run wild. The indigenous gardens delight botanists and
nature lovers from around the world.
Robben Island
Visit the former prison island of Robben Island,
now a living museum and conservation area
a mere 11 km off the coast from Cape Town. This island is also host to
the largest African Penguincolony
in the world.
Townships
The N2 highway, connecting Cape Town International airport with the
city, is lined with townships consisting of densely packed shacks and
buildings. During the turbulent days of the apartheid government,
these were no-go areas, but today a township
experience is becoming a must for the Cape Town visitor.
A guide, often a resident, will take you around to meet the locals and
experience colourful township life. You'll be shown community
projects, entrepreneurial businesses and
crèches, where children will entertain you with
singing and dancing. There is also the chance to have a drink and a
game of pool with the locals at one of the many shebeens - there's one
on almost every street block.
Boat Cruises
A sunset cruise on a still
summer’s evening in perfect weather is an absolute must! Cape Town has
spectacular sunsets and to experience them at sea with Table Mountain
as a backdrop is a magical experience. Boat cruises regularly depart
from the Waterfront and Hout Bay. Day cruises are
also available, with excursions to Seal Island where
you will see thousands of seals, and possibly the great white sharks
that hunt them.
