Cape Town Destination Guide
During your visit, you must definitely see Cape Town's top five attractions: Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront, Robben Island, the Winelands and Cape Point. But don't stop there! There are so many quaint neighbourhoods with stunning vistas, awesome eats and plenty of activities.
When in Cape Town, the issue is not whether there is enough to occupy your time, but rather whether you have enough time to even scratch the surface of all that is on offer!
A recent New York Times article by Michael Wines suggests the best things to see and do with just 36 Hours in Cape Town. We like his suggestions and can assist in booking accommodations near the Cable Car, near Africa Café, the Winelands (Franschhoek Accommodation) and Camps Bay Hotels.
This Cape Town Destination Guide lists some of the main sights and attractions which you will probably want to spend some time at during your visit. For additional information about other things to see and do, and about South Africa generally, be sure to take a quick look at our South Africa Destination Guide and South Africa Country Guide.
Things to See & Do in Cape Town
While in Cape Town, you'll want to spend at least a couple nights tasting wines, cheeses and other delectable treats in the beautiful Cape Winelands. And rather than driving out to Cape Point and back into the city centre, take a couple days exploring all that the Cape Point Route has to offer and stay in one of our Cape Point Route accommodations (see below).
Do you want to get active with adventure sports; dive with great white sharks, bungee jump the highest commercial jump in the world or experience the thrill of paragliding over stunning landscapes? Don't forget to explore the outdoors, be it hiking, sailing, running, surfing or dolphin and whale watching. There are Cape Town tours and activities that allow you to do things you may never get the opportunity to do again - visit our tours' page, you won't regret it.
The unique topography of the region makes it easy to orientate oneself as long as you remember that with Table Mountain behind you and Robben Island before you, you are facing north, looking across Table Bay and up the west coast of Africa. To help you find your way around Cape Town, the area can be broken down into seven regions; the Atlantic Seaboard, Cape Flats, Cape Town Central, Northern Suburb, Southern Suburb and Cape Point Route.
Follow the links below or scroll further down the page for details on some of the many interesting tourist attractions in Cape Town:
Dos and Don'ts
Here are some quick tips to make your trip to Cape Town as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible.
Do:
- Tip at least 10%
- Ask before you take a photo of someone
- Venture off the beaten track. Cape Town has a wealth of culture, make sure you see it before you head home
- Take the time to visit the Wine Country
- Take your shoes off. Feel free to roam barefoot - the only people who will think you are strange are other tourists.
Don't
- Wander through the streets at night by yourself
- Let pick pocketers get the best of you. Like all cities they are out
- Forget to put tags on your luggage.
- Smoke inside public places unless you are in a designated smoking area.
Cape Town's Big 5
Table Mountain
Table Mountain is one of the most recognisable natural icons in the world. Rising over 1000m above sea level, the seemingly flat mountain makes a picturesque backdrop for the City of Cape Town. There are literally hundreds of hiking trails winding their way up to the top and for those preferring a more relaxed approach to sightseeing, there is a cable car that leaves every few minutes. At the top, you will find a restaurant and souvenir shop so be sure to take some money. Also, don't forget a jersey- even if it's warm in Cape Town the top of the mountain can be quite cold.
V&A Waterfront
Based around a working harbour, the V&A waterfront has transformed from a dreary dock into vibrant tourist attraction. The vast shopping centre offers tourists all the souvenirs they could ever dream of, as well as a variety of restaurants, bars and boat tours. Keep an eye open for some of the amazing street performers, buskers and live music that you are likely to stumble upon at any time.
Robben Island
Having incarcerated Nelson Mandela for over 20 years, Robben Island has become a symbol of South Africa's remarkable transformation. Apart from housing political prisoners, the island was also used as a lunatic asylum, leper colony and general dumping place for chronically ill patients. Tours in and around the prison are guided by ex-inmates who are able to provide great insight into the day to day life of a Robben Island Prisoner. Tours leave from the V&A Waterfront and it is essential that you book in advance as only a limited amount of visitors can be accommodated per day.
Cape Point
Often mistakenly regarded as the Southern most tip of Africa, Cape Point remains one of the Cape's most popular tourist attractions. The dazzling scenery, breathtaking sea views and beautiful beaches provide a million perfect picnic spots and the ideal family day out. The Two Oceans Restaurant which lies at the foot of the lighthouse is renowned for its fabulously fresh and tasty seafood.
Cape Winelands
As the historical home of the South African wine industry, the Cape Winelands has been producing fine wine since the 17th century. There are hundreds of top quality wine cellars hidden within the winelands, and as a guest to the Cape it is your duty to visit as many as you can in the quest to seek out your favourite. If you want to get to know the winelands, we can help! Check out our Cape Winelands Site We have a wealth of general information, accommodation options and tours available for you to choose from.
Attractions in & around Cape Town
The Boulders Beach Penguins- Boulders Beach is home to a land based colony of Jackass penguins (yes, that's their real name)! Why not spend the afternoon in Simons Town and visit them in their natural habitat, your kids will love it.
The Artscape Theatre - The Artscape is Cape Town premier theatre house. The playhouse features the finest ballet, opera, philharmonic orchestra productions and dramatic creations seen in Cape Town. Keep an eye on our event page to see what's coming up or visit the Artscape home page.
Ratanga Junction- Cape Town's answer to Disney World, Ratanga Junction has over 30 attractions appealing to all members of the family. Of the 24 rides, the cobra, diamond devil and monkey falls are amongst those that cater for adrenalin junkies, while a variety of other rides such as bumper bugs and the crocodile gorge can accommodate the whole family. Ratanga Juction closes during the winter months so make sure its open before you tell the kids you're going!
Food and Wine Festivals - Blessed with the Cape Winelands and a heritage packed with exciting foods and flavours, festivals celebrating the culinary arts were inevitable. Our event page will keep you posted on any upcoming food and wine festivals in and around Cape Town.
Townships - To get a true understanding of a destination, you need to look beyond the sparkle of tourist attractions and instead delve a little deeper into the everyday lives of local inhabitants. On our site you can actually book to stay in a township bed and breakfast. They are perfectly safe, clean and absolutely unforgettable. Check out the Cape Flats
Museums - There are a number of interesting museums showcasing everything from South Africa's turbulent historical past, to its finest art and heritage. The best known museums in and around Cape Town would probably include the District Six Museum, (which commemorates the people displaced out of district six during the apartheid) and the 'Iziko' Natural History and National Art Museums which are found in the company gardens in the heart of Cape Town.
Beaches - The Western Cape has dozens of spectacular beaches. Lined with restaurants and trendy cocktail bars, the most popular hangout for the bronzed and beautiful people of Cape Town includes Camps Bay Beach and Clifton 4th. A little further up the west coast you can often find yourself a deserted white sandy beach. Water sports in Cape Town have really taken off over the past few years, if you would like to try your hand at surfing or even kite surfing, make sure you have a look at our tours and activities page- we can help organise lessons that cater specifically to your level of skill.
Sporting attractions in & around Cape Town
Golf Courses - What could be more pleasurable than the sun on your back, the Cape's fresh air and a relaxing round of golf at one of Cape Towns most beautiful golf courses? Some of these lovely courses include The Atlantic Beach Golf Estate in Melkbosstrand, Clovelly Golf Club in the Silvermine Valley near Fish Hoek, The Erinvale Golf Estate in Somerset West, the Steenberg Golf Estate and Westlake Golf Course in the Silvermine Mountains.
I want to stay near a one of these courses: Click here
Fitness Centres - Need to keep fit while you are away from home? These fitness centres offer day, month and year subscriptions. The most commonly used being the Virgin Active brand Situated in Gardens, kenilworth, Sea Point and Table View. Zone Fitness in Milnerton, Rondebosch, Parow and Brackenfell is a brand of smaller fitness centres offering circuit training as well as yoga and pilaties classes.
Yacht and Boating Clubs - The Royal Cape Yacht Club is the oldest and most well known yacht club in Cape Town also offering a Ladies Association. A totally different alternative could be the Mujaji Dragon Boat Racing Club in the V&A Waterfront.
Tennis Courts - Tennis courts are quite abundant in Cape Town and are availble for use my members as well as non members, at a fee. Clovelly , as well as offering Golf, also offers tennis courts on the same premises. Kelvin Grove has 11 tennis courts as well as 4 floodlit courts and 1 practise court. Here on is spoilt for choice at this fantastic sports club in Newlands. One can also enjoy a game of tennis at the Swiss Social and Sports Club.
Extreme Sports - Cape Town offers every extreme sport one can think of from bungee jumping to abseiling to Shark cage Diving and many more. To see what adrenaline rushes are on offer see whats on in Cape Town.
Spas in Cape Town
Romney Park Wellness Centre - Attached to the Romney Park Luxury Suites Hotel, this little find is also open to the public, with a full menu of services including the delicious Island Experience and the cleansing Decléor Detox Envelopment. The list is long and you should book in advance, especially if booking on a weekend. +27 (0) 21 439 4555.
Camelot Spas - This well-known chain of spas certainly delivers on their reputation. I haven't tried all of the branches yet but the Milnerton (+27 (0) 21 528 2017), Table Bay at V&A (+27(0) 21 406 5904) and Spier branches (+27 (0) 21 809 1931) are all in Cape Town vicinity. My favorite, however, is the one at the 5 star Franschooek Hotel (+27 (0) 21 876 2735), in the Cape Winelands. Find a less expensive place to stay in the adorable town and make a weekend of it! Sepnd day one wine tasting and shopping and spend day two detoxing at the spa - have a massage, maybe even a couple's treatment and a decadant lunch in beautiful surroundings...A perfect weekend!!!
Ginko Spa Group - Another chain of spas, I haven't actually tried any of these yet. There is one just behind the Winchester Mansions Hotel in Sea Point(+27 21 430 0218 ) These spas have a slightly smaller menu than the above two but there are more of them in the Cape Town and Cape Winelands.
Cape Town Central
If you are looking for non- stop action, you will find it in the heart of the city. Apart from the heavy hitting attractions, there are hundreds of small and quirky restaurants, shops and theatres that are begging to be explored.
Acommodation in Cape Town Central:
Budget: Backpack, Belmont House, Bo Kaap Village, Castle Inn Backpackers; Inn Long Street.
Mid Range: Cape Heritage Hotel, Cape Town Lodge, Cherene's Guesthouse, Daddy Long Legs, De Waterkant House, Dunkley House, Head South Lodge, Huijs Haerlem, Metropole Hotel, Nine Flowers Guesthouse, Parker Cottage, Parliament Hotel, The Fritz Hotel, The Walden House.
Top End: Four Rosemead, Hippo Boutique Hotel, Kensington Place, Mount Nelson, Romney Park Luxury Suites, Steenberg, The Commodore, The Portswood, Urban Chic.
The Cape Town Townships
To get a better understanding of the Cape, a visit to the Cape Flats is a must! Take a tour into the heart of Cape Town's vibrant townships, or better yet, book yourself into one of our township accommodations. Safe, clean and friendly they offer the best way to experience the "true" Cape Town.
Accommodation on the Cape Flats:
Kopanong Guest House- Khayelitsha, Vicky's Bed and Breakfast- Khayelitsha, Majoro's B&B- Khayelitsha, Malebo's B&B- Khayelitsha, Radebe's B&B - Langa, Liziwe's- Gugulethu, Ma Neo's - Langa
Atlantic Seaboard
Along the Atlantic Seaboard you can visit:
Camps Bay - Camps Bay Beach has been voted as one of the world's top ten beaches by the UK Sunday Times. If you're looking for local or international superstars, this beach with its cocktails bars and chic restaurants is where you are most likely to find them.
Llandudno - Llandudno is an elite seaside village that glows every night thanks to beautiful ocean sunsets. Llandudno is also home to the infamous Sandy Beach, which is secluded and popular with nudists.
Green Point- Green Point is regarded as the epicentre of the Cape Town gay community. The trendy restaurants, bars and clubs are bursting with flamboyant style. Soon, Green Point will also become the home of Cape Town's premier 2010 Soccer World Cup Stadium.
Sea Point- This cosmopolitan district is jumping with energy and can offer a fantastic night life. The Sea Point promenade is Cape Town's answer to California as droves of joggers, rollerbladers and walkers power their way along the paved sea front.
Accommodation on the Atlantic Seaboard
Sugar Hotel- Green Point, Al Villa Romantica- La Montagna- Camps Bay, Al Villa Romantica- La Spiaggia- Camps Bay, Olaf's Guesthouse- Sea Point, 40 Winks Guest House- Green Point, The Bay Hotel- Camps Bay, Primi Royal- Camps Bay, Winchester Mansions Hotel, Sea Point
Southern Suburbs
The southern suburbs are where you will find some of the oldest and grandest homes in all of Cape Town. It is a region of extremes. Not only are there luxury accommodations, wine farms and spas, but thanks to the University of Cape Town there is also a healthy mix of vibrant ‘cheap and cheerful' hotspots that are certain to keep you partying until the early hours of the morning
Accommodation in the Southern Suburbs
Green Elephant - Observatory, Glen Avon - Constantia The Steenberg - Constantia
Cape Point Route
Along the Cape Point Route you can visit:
Hout Bay - Hout Bay is one of the best known and widely visited sea side spots in Cape Town. Anchored around a picturesque working harbour, Hout Bay is a small but lovable town. The Mariners Wharf has arguably the best fish and chips available and why not enjoy a bite to eat while you watch the kids playing on the beach. Make sure you include a drive along Chapmans Peak, and be sure to pull off and appreciate the view, you'll struggle to find a better one.
Noordhoek- Noordhoek is the peaceful town that many surfers and fishermen flock to. If you would like to get in some horse riding while in Cape Town, the beach in Noordhoek is the perfect place to do it; it is almost 8km long after all. There are some really interesting arts and craft shops at the local farm and trading stores. If you are looking for some unique gifts to take home to your friends and family then they are definitely worth a visit.
Kommetjie - Like its neighbour Noordhoek, Kommetjie attracts droves of fishermen and surfers. Visitors to Kommetjie must take up trip to the lighthouse, while you're there, keep a keen eye out for whales, in season they like to frolic in the local waters.
Scarborough- If you are looking for undisturbed peace and quiet, you will find it in Scarborough. The small town is very popular with surfers, hikers and nature lovers. If you want a special treat look out for the rare Cape Clawless Otter, as this is one of the few places you have a chance of spotting one.
Simon´s Town - If South Africa's naval history interests you, Simon's Town is a must on your Cape Town itinerary. Home to the local naval base, there are museums and memorial statues that honour Cape Towns naval past, and let's not forget Just Nuisance the Great Dane that became such an icon within the navy that there is a bronzed statue of him in Jubilee square. If the navy isn't likely to keep your kids interested for long, why not take them to Boulders Beach to the penguin colony.
Kalk Bay- Kalk Bay is a lively fishing village. You will lose yourself in the array of little antique shops, art galleries and second hand book stores.
Muizenberg - Muizenberg lies along a sandy beach that goes on forever. With the warm currents and moderate swell the Indian Ocean appeals to swimmers and novice surfers alike.
Accommodation along the Cape Point Route
River lodge- Hout Bay, Chapmans Peak Hotel- Hout Bay, British Hotel Apartments- Simon's Town, The Inn at Castle Hill- Kalk Bay, Chartfield Guest House- Kalk Bay
Northern Suburbs
Table View and Blouberg - Although a suburban area of Cape Town, most of the classic Table Mountain photos that you have seen were probably taken from a beach somewhere around Table View. The view is simply spectacular. From this coast line you also overlook Robben Island where nelson Mandela was held prisoner for 22 years.
Accommodation along the Blaauwberg Coast
Kwantu Guesthouse- Milnerton, Sunset Beach House- Table View, Mnandi Lodge- Bloubergrand, Elements-Milnerton
