List of things to do in Cape Town
One of the most beautiful cities in the world with so much to offer to everyone! Spectacular scenery and views, exciting shopping experiences, picturesque beaches, fertile green winelands, world-class restaurants....adventure, history..... the list goes on!
There is so much to do and see, so whether you have just a day or two in Cape Town, or whether you are fortunate enough to be able to spend longer, here is a list of 'must sees' for you! Enjoy your exploration of this beautiful land!
Cape Town City Car Rental
An exciting, cosmopolitan city, alive with different cultures and nationalities.
Table Mountain
South Africa's premier tourist attraction, and one of the most spectacular tourist sites in the world - an absolute must for any visitor! The views from the top of this majestic mountain are breath taking and simply overwhelming. You will be able to view the city and its beaches below, and the view also stretches from Table Bay to False Bay and around the mountain to Hout Bay Valley and Kommetjie. On a clear day you will also see the view across the Cape Flats to the Hottentots Holland Mountains.
Table Mountain rises 1086 metres above the bay. It's flat summit measures nearly 3km long. 1470 species of plants can be found on this mountain, some of which appear nowhere else on earth.
How to get there: Dive up Kloof Nek Road to the 'Nek'. Go along Tafelberg Road. You will find the Lower Cable Station.
The Cableway provides safe and quick access to the top of the mountain, taking about six minutes. Every year, about 600 000 travel this way to the top!
At the top of Table Mountain you may refresh yourself at the restaurant and buy yourself something special at the souvenir shop. Short walks may also be taken from the Cable station.
For the more energetic and those wanting to climb the mountain, make sure you take someone experienced with you who knows the route well. There are about 350 recognised paths to the top, some which are more demanding than others. Contact the Mountain Club of South Africa for more information if you are interested in climbing or hiking up the mountain.
(+27 (0) 21 465 3412).
Cape Town Beaches
Cape Town offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Those definitely worth a visit are the white sandy beaches of Camps Bay, Clifton and Llandudno. The water may be too cold for a swim unless you're very brave!
The False Bay beaches offer warmer water so for those who want to swim, take a drive to either Muizenberg, Fish Hoek or Hout Bay
Chapman's Peak - Cape Town
One of the most beautiful drives in the world is that over Chapman’s Peak. Enjoy the view of the glorious stretch of coastline below as this road winds its way along the mountainside.
Cape Point - Cape Town
Another must-see! Cape Point is at the end of the Cape Peninsula and possesses the highest sea cliffs in South Africa at 249 metres. The views overlooking the meeting of the two mighty oceans – the Indian and the Atlantic - is spectacular!
The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve , which is a part of this area, is home it many small mammals, including a wide variety of buck, antelopes, ostriches, zebras and baboons. This area is also noted for its floral diversity and especially its wild flowers that bloom in the spring. There are also over 250 species of birds.
There are picnic and braai spots to stop at, as well as interesting walks and trails. You may also take the Funicular Railway to the viewsite at Cape Point where the views from the old lighthouse are unforgettable.
The Cape Winelands
Surrounded by spectacular mountain ranges from where some of the best wines in the world are produced, the winelands include many historic homesteads and villages such as those of Somerset, Stellenbosch, Franschoek and Paarl.
The town of Stellenbosch is only a 30 minute's drive from Cape Town. Stellenbosch is the second oldest town in South Africa. Following the Stellenbosch Wine Route is one of the most enjoyable ways of seeing the south-western Cape. Stop over at the Stellenbosch Wine Route Office in Market Street for more information.
The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront - Cape Town
A working harbour and one of Cape Town's most popular tourist attractions. The Waterfront attracts over a million visitors a month, both local and other.
Wander around the Waterfront Craft Market and find gemstones, curios, fashions, souvenirs. This indoor craft market features a variety of traditional handcrafts and antiquities. Stop and enjoy the various restaurants, taverns, cinemas and theatres.
Enjoy a boat trip around the harbour and enjoy the Cape Fur Seals.
The Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre is shoppers paradise with a wide range of shops, boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops and fast food outlets.
Kirstenbosch Gardens - Cape Town
Rest awhile amidst the beauty of The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. The gardens cover 529 hectares of natural and cultivated South African plants. It's setting is against the slopes of Table Mountain and is simply food for the soul!
There are restaurants in the Gardens as well as many shops, just outside the Garden itself, offering gifts, clothing, homeware, curious, books, plants amongst many other wares!
The Garden centre is open 09h00 to 17h00 everyday excepting Christmas Day and Easter Saturday.
Robben Island in Table Bay - Cape Town
12 kilometres from Cape town and a must for any visitor to Cape Town, especially those interested in the history of South Africa during the apartheid era. Visit the prison cell where Nelson Mandela spent many of his 27 years in prison.
The Two Oceans Aquarium - Cape Town
Next to the Waterfront Craft Market. This is a window to the oceans of South Africa. It is a showcase of the incredible diversity of marine life found in the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. This aquarium is a top tourist attraction in Cape Town. Over 3000 living sea animals, including sharks, fishes, seals, turtles and penquins can be seen in this spectacular underwater nature reserve.
For those of you passionate about scuba diving, the aquarium offers you the chance to dive in the shark tank.
Scuba Course Cape Town
Gallery of things to do in Cape Town
Table Mountain Cape Town South Africa
Camps Bay Cape Town South Africa
