10 Things to do in Cape Town That You Shouldn't Miss

April 16, 2022 Kiesha Cripe

From flat-topped Table Mountain down to the blue waters of Table Bay, Cape Town is simply stunning, but the city doesn't thrive by its looks alone. Proudly multicultural, its flourishing arts, dining, and nightlife scenes are proof of this modern metropolis' creativity and innovative spirit.
Restaurants in Cape Town

1. Table Mountain

Table Mountain National Park 8001 South Africa +27 (0)21 712 7471 [email protected] http://www.sanparks.org/parks/table_mountain/tourism/attractions.php#tablemountain
Excellent
82%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 18,347 reviews

Table Mountain

The mountain in the middle of Cape Town offers many hikes and magnificent views in all directions.

Reviewed By paul19602013 - Brighton, United Kingdom

One of the highlights of our trip with amazing views over the city and further a field.Some choose the option to hike which takes 2 hours to do but we opted for the cable car. Be aware of the cloud so dont leave the visit to the end of the holiday in case its cloudy. Once at the top apart from the amazing views there is plenty to do including hiking trails, free walking tours , restaurant, waterworks and you can even abseil down the mountain.A must visit place if in Cape town.

2. Chapman's Peak Drive

Hout Bay Road Between Noordhoek and Hout Bay, 7872 South Africa +27 21 791 8220 http://www.chapmanspeakdrive.co.za/
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,126 reviews

Chapman's Peak Drive

Chapman’s Peak Drive toll road winds its way between Noordhoek and Hout Bay on the Atlantic Coast on the south-western tip of South Africa. Chapman’s Peak Drive is one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world. Chapman’s Peak Drive is affectionately known as #Chappies.

Reviewed By Loolew - Nice, France

The drive takes you up the side of Chapman's Peak. It's well secured from falling rocks now. The view of Hout Bay Karbonkelberg and round the corner, Noordhoek and it's beach are just stunning. Don't miss it

3. Groot Constantia

Groot Constantia Estate Groot Constantia Road, Constantia 7806 South Africa +27 21 794 5128 [email protected] http://www.grootconstantia.co.za
Excellent
53%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,541 reviews

Groot Constantia

Groot Constantia is South Africa's oldest wine producing estate, (est: 1685). Situated 20 minutes from the Cape Town CBD and one of Cape Town's Big 7 tourist attractions, Groot Constantia is a must visit for the whole family. With two outstanding restaurants, Jonkershuis and Simon's, wine tastings, chocolate and wine pairing, cellar tours and a museum that reminds one of a bygone era, this beautiful historic winery is a popular attraction that exudes natural beauty. Groot Constantia can also be reached hoping on City Sightseeing's Wine Bus.

Reviewed By enhancehungwe - Masvingo, Zimbabwe

If you get in capetown and never visit this place , you havent enjoyed . You will enjoy the scenic view , history of the estate as well as wine tasitng . Use the hop on hope off tour bus with the blue line to visit this site

4. Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

19 Dock Road, Cape Town Central 8001 South Africa +27 21 408 7600 [email protected] http://www.waterfront.co.za/
Excellent
60%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 14,179 reviews

Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

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!!!

5. Vergelegen Estate

Lourensford Road, Somerset West 7130 South Africa +27 21 847 2100 [email protected] http://www.vergelegen.co.za/
Excellent
75%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 889 reviews

Vergelegen Estate

Vergelegen - no ordinary Estate. Founded on 1 February 1700, Vergelegen (meaning "situated far away"), has been under the ownership of some of the world's great explorers and visionaries, each of whom, in their own way, have helped shape Vergelegen to what it is today: a world-class Estate. With its world renowned handcrafted wines, history spanning over 300 years, heritage, exquisite gardens and refined cuisine, it comes as no surprise that Vergelegen continues to be the choice of the discerning visitor seeking a total sensory experience. For this reason, the Estate has borne witness to many visits of heads of state and celebrities from all over the world. Think of Vergelegen to spend quality time on your own, with your family and friends or business associates - wine tasting centre and cellar tours, Camphors at Vergelegen Signature Restaurant, Stables at Vergelegen Bistro Restaurant and the Picnic, are only a few of a myriad of enjoyable activities at Vergelegen. We invite you to experience the world of Vergelegen first-hand.

Reviewed By GundaJohannesburg - Johannesburg, South Africa

Walk in these calm and beautiful surroundings with magnificent camphor trees and end your visit in their restaurant which serves you exquisite food

6. Table Mountain Aerial Cableway

Tafelberg Road Lower Cable Station, Cape Town Central 8001 South Africa +27 21 424 8181 [email protected] http://tablemountain.net/
Excellent
72%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 16,942 reviews

Table Mountain Aerial Cableway

The best views of Cape Town are seen from the top of Table Mountain. The Cableway takes you to the summit in under 5 minutes and the cable car's rotating floor ensure that all visitors get a 360 degree aerial view of the city. The 65-passenger cable car runs from Tafelberg Road to the top of Table Mountain. To date the Cableway has transported more than 28 million visitors to the summit. A million visitors from all over the world use the Cableway annually.

Reviewed By xabrahamali - Nairobi, Kenya

The people we met kept saying these interesting things about the Cape town's weather, you can have all four seasons in one day the officer at the passport control said with a smile, the airport shuttle service driver laughed and said enjoy cape town and the weather too if its sunny enjoy when the cold and rain come enjoy its cape town's winter after all. This is very important if you plan to go up table mountain budget for extra time or even alternative days in case the wind speeds pick up or the rains descend. The Aerial cableway is a fantastic way to view the mountain and the world around, it has an even more fascinating system inside the capsule (Cable car), the floor rotates and gives the passengers a 360º view while the capsule goes up and when it makes its way down. It is an exhilarating ride. Great to take pictures too, we found a good way to save yourself a bit of time is to book your ticket early - we used the City Sightseeing - Hop On - Hop Off service and bought the tickets early, so when the bus got to the station we went straight to the cable car boarding wait area. They have helpful staff who guide you through the station and when its time to board the capsule, they are kind to let the nerves settle before a quick brief. They are really good even for those with fear of heights they are very reassuring. At the end of the line, you jump off and then voila! you are at the top of the mountain, its a wonderful feeling and the truth is everyone will enjoy it differently, walk slowly taking in the sights, smells, the signboards some are small and easily overlooked. there are some small animals to see too, the plants' varieties are in the hundreds, the rock formations almost from another world. Plan well with some extra time in case the cable car trip is cancelled due to bad weather as you will enjoy a walk down the mountain. When walking remember to pause and look around, I recommend good sturdy walking shoes for this trip.

7. Lion's Head

Signal Hill Road, Cape Town Central 8001 South Africa +27 81 762 5551 [email protected] http://www.hikecapetown.net/tours/lions-head-hike
Excellent
76%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,305 reviews

Lion's Head

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.

8. Boulders Beach Penguin Colony

Simon's Town 7995 South Africa +27 21 786 2329 [email protected] http://www.capepointroute.co.za/moreinfoOther.php?aID=110
Excellent
59%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 8,291 reviews

Boulders Beach Penguin Colony

The sheltered inlet of Boulders Beach is located in the Cape peninsula near Simon's Town. Here exists a protected colony of African penguins which can be viewed in their natural habitat via wooden walkways. There is also an excellent beach for swimming nearby.

Reviewed By NazleeM_13 - Haverhill, United Kingdom

This protected beach is one of the main tourist attraction in Cape Town. A few minutes walk from the main Simon’s Town, you can watch and take photo of these cute creatures in their natural habitat. In a windy day, the beach sands can be very uncomfortable to your eyes and hair though!

9. Cape Point Nature Reserve

Cape Town Central South Africa +27 21 551 0288 [email protected] http://capepoint.co.za
Excellent
73%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 8,983 reviews

Cape Point Nature Reserve

At the tip of the Cape Peninsula, 60km SouthWest of Cape Town, lies Cape Point. Located within the southern section of Table Mountain National Park; a declared World Heritage site, as part of the Cape Floral region. The Park encompasses 7750Ha of rich and varied Fauna and Flora. Cape Point is a nature entusiast's paradise. Rugged rocks and sheer cliffs towering more than 200 metres above the sea and cutting deep into the ocean provide a spectacular background for the Parks’ rich bio-diversity. The scenic beauty of Cape Point is not its sole allure; it is also an international icon of great historical interest with many a visitor drawn to the area because of its rich maritime history. Home to the Flying Dutchman Funicular and the Two Oceans restaurant.

Reviewed By j1xxx - Glastonbury, United States

Beautiful national park with several areas to see. Be sure to take the cable or walk to the top of the mountain (good snackbar at base) ...and then visit the Cape of Good Hope sign to take a photo at the southernmost point in Africa.

10. Kogelberg Nature Reserve

Keinmond Past Pringle Bay and Betty’s Bay, 7690 South Africa +27 21 856 4975 http://www.capenature.co.za/reserves/kogelberg-nature-reserve/
Excellent
70%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 105 reviews

Kogelberg Nature Reserve

Reviewed By JonoSav - Johannesburg, South Africa

The beautifully designed cottages at kogelberg provide a comfortable base to enjoy this magnificent reserve. Well laid out walking trails if you’re feeling active, an eco-pool to cool off in or sit on your veranda and enjoy the quiet. Close to lots of other attractions. Good birdlife , good place to put your feet up and relax.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.