Top Things to do in Cape Town Central
10 Free Things to do in Cape Town Central That You Shouldn't Miss
Cape Town glistens at the southern toe of the African continent. Tourist brochure-views at Blaauwberg Beach and Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens are within easy driving distance of "The Mother City." The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve provides sweeping sea vistas, hiking trails and wildlife encounters. On a more somber note, travelers can visit Robben Island, the prison where Nelson Mandela was held for 27 years.
Restaurants in Cape Town Central
1. Good Company Market
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 25 reviews
The Good Company Market is based in the the company’s garden, Cape Towns most iconic and historical center. The market is all about good food, local crafts and good company. Situated next to the Iziko South African museum and Art Gallery in between huge lawns and under the oak trees, this outdoor market offers plenty to see and do. With an extensive program of activities for the whole family.
Reviewed By FranciscaTshuma
Awesome vibes awesome people perfect place to come spend time with the family and relax buy local and enjoy good company,the craft section buzzes with talent from awesome African inspired kids clothing to hand crafted items and adult wear the awesome food is just a tip of the ice berg so come along have fun and enjoy good company is
2. Hout Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,324 reviews
Enclosed by ocean, mountains and wine farms, the former fishing village offers a country affair with some adventure thrown in.
Reviewed By vermeulen_anton
Houtbay....a small bay but with lots and lots to do and to see. From a museum to an old fashioned library, to restaurants, pubs, boat trips, flee market at the harbour, to fresh snoek and chips at the harbour, clean seasand for the kids and the oldies to play, good places to stay, all the main shops like Woolies and Pick and Pay to book shops, toy shops, curio shops and very interesting is the shops at harbour with all old "ship stuff". Get place close to harbour to stay....and walk early in themorning and at dusk on the beach. I always go back when I am in Cape Town....just love the place!
3. Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14,179 reviews
The V&A Waterfront is a 123-hectare mixed-use destination, and one of Africa’s most visited cultural and historical hubs. Set on the edge of a natural, historic working harbour with the iconic Table Mountain as its backdrop, it offers local and international visitors a cosmopolitan mix of experiences ranging from leisure, shopping and exclusive entertainment. It also offers prime residential and commercial property. The prime positioning of the V&A Waterfront boasts sweeping views of the ocean, city bowl and mountain peaks. Up to 100 000 people visit every day during peak season. Contributing R259.1 billion in nominal terms to the South African economy over the last twelve years, the V&A Waterfront’s cumulative contribution to the provincial GGP since 2002 was over R227 billion. The property also reported a 19% increase in retail trade sales for 2014, marking four consecutive years of consistent growth since 2011. By end 2014, total visitor numbers to the property had grown to 24 million a year. Although the V&A Waterfront remains South Africa’s favourite attraction for international visitors, they account for only 23% of all visitors. Visits by locals increased to 63%, while 14% of visitors were from upcountry. With 22 official landmarks on-site, it is also part of South Africa’s historical legacy. Jointly owned by Growthpoint Properties Limited and the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF), represented by the Public Investment Corporation Limited (PIC), the V&A Waterfront was developed in 1988 by the state-owned transport corporation, Transnet Limited, while official commercial trading commenced in November 1990.
Reviewed By Hevsy - Egham, United Kingdom
We had 5 days staying at a waterfront hotel. I hadn’t known what to expect but it was much bigger than I thought and had a real buzz to it. I felt very safe there. There was so much to do - boat trips, a huge shopping mall, restaurants galore, interesting buildings, street entertainment, great sculptures, a swing bridge, the ferris wheel and some wonderful African craft shops and stalls. We had trips on 2 days but on the other 2 days we just wandered round the waterfront and there was plenty to do, although be warned, you could eat your weight in calories!!!
4. Clifton Beaches
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,876 reviews
Reviewed By robfN4841FD - Paarl, South Africa
I have been coming to Clifton beaches for the last 40 years. One of the most beautiful beach on the Planet, in the middle of an amazing city, Cape Town, with Lion's Head as a backdrop, wind sheltered, and soft fine sand. What more could you ask for ??
5. Sandy Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 204 reviews
Sandy Bay is the unofficial "nudist beach", kept private by no direct vehicle access. This highly inaccessible beach offers a tranquil setting and a good break for surfing.
Reviewed By monoi68 - Catania, Italy
Beautiful beach with stunning views. Nudism. A nice place where you can relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
6. University of Cape Town
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
Reviewed By 690sf - Vancouver, Canada
There is no doubt the campus of The University of Cape Town stands out, even as measured against the other wonderful campuses around the world. It is located in the beautiful city of Cape Town to start with & then built on one of CT’s most spectacular sites, in the valley under the imposing Devil Peak mountain at a place from which one can see the wondrous city below. The Upper Campus has as its main focus the majestic Jamieson Hall, climbed to up stairs which many a student of my day sat on — planning acts of rebellion, meeting classmates., swapping ideas, standing in angry protest or just catching some sum. Whatever the purpose, the Jammie stairs, as they were called, were legendary then & I would imagine still are for the current cohort of students. The architecture across campus is impressive, with a number of buildings covered in ivy, adding to the feeling of being in a place of great learning. Visitors to UCT, be it to attend conferences or to explore this place, built in 1829, combining built & natural so well, remark on its beauty. My time there was certainly not a time off rarefied learning from a perch in the ivory tower. The campus was beautiful but the times were terrible, I was there during tumultuous years — 1975 to 1977 for my undergraduate degree in Economics, Politics & Law, & then a year of postgraduate studies in Urban Planning. This was when black pupils in Soweto — the black township just outside of Johannesburg - - rose up in 1976 against the apartheid government’s educational policies- all unarmed but, nevertheless, many shot - & many of us some 1,000 miles away rose up in support & solitary. In 1977 black activist & black consciousness leader, Steve Biko, was murdered by the regime. Again we protested. We learnt the great political, legal & moral thinkers while also being forced to put our learning to use, making choices on a daily basis of what it meant to live a moral & noble life. All these years later I look back in gratitude for having a student life filled with inspiring profs,fellow students, a number acting bravely were placed in detention, or under house arrest or worse.I am still in contact with these inspiring people I learnt with & from. My friend, & a superb human being, Max Price, became vice-chancellor & I was lucky enough to be invited for a snack & drink at the stately residence located at lower campus, close to the Baxter Theatre which puts on some terrific performances. I visited UCT many times after graduating & was as mesmerize by its beauty as the first time I climbed Jammie stairs, &, as I look back from the vantage place of attending two other universities & obtaining a PhD. my profs at UCT were superlative. Maybe it is a case of a first love but I think it is more deeply rooted. UCT is closed now; may it soon open. Posted by S Fuller
7. Twelve Apostles
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,080 reviews
The Twelve Apostles is a range of mountain peaks that runs along the Cape Peninsula south of Cape Town. They form the backdrop of a scenic drive along the coast.
Reviewed By Adam_James88 - Cardiff, United Kingdom
We chose this hotel as it was out of Cape Town but close enough to visit the V&A and Camps bay (the hotel provided a free shuttle). From start to fishing everything was first class and the hotel catered well for all of its guests. Stunning coastal views from the pool and leopard bar, as well as great views of the 12 Apostles from the many walking trails and picnic spots around the hotel. Food and drink were reasonable priced be sure to eat at all the restaurants the conservatory was our favourite. The staff really made our visit, nothing was to much trouble, for example we were provided with a breakfast box when we missed breakfast due to our Table Mountain morning hike. Overall a great 5 start traditional hotel. I would thoroughly recommend.
8. Lion's Head
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,305 reviews
Lion's Head in Cape Town is a peak situated at 669 meters above sea level. The hike up Lions Head takes approximately 90 minutes at a moderate pace. Lions Head trail is steep but do-able, while the 5.5km trail packs a punch (Both ways). The views from Lions head are amazing. Take a look around you and see the beauty. Lions Head hike is the preferred route for mountain enthusiasts, the easiest of the routes in Cape Town.
Reviewed By Totravelistobealive - Taastrup, Denmark
Although lesser in height than Table Mountain, it offers a great hike to the top, and unsurpassed views over the city, the bay and Robben Island. If you have the time and energy, you should definitely try to scale it.
9. Signal Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,856 reviews
Signal Hill is so named because it was a site for flying flags to communicate weather conditions, thus providing opportune vistas of spectacular views.
Reviewed By craiglS6762DT
Staying in Cape Town, there are a few hikes and signal hill is a must, it's not hard at all. I started the hike at the Noon Gun, from there walk up to Signal Hill and watch the paraguilding, there are a few shops that sell water and ice creams as well. From there you have two choices hike back to Noon Gun or hike towards Lions Head and Table Mountain, just depends where you have your car parked. I took the bus so I continued on towards Lions Head and got the bus from there.
