Top Things to do in Cape Town Central
Things to do in Cape Town Central, Western Cape: The Best Sights & Landmarks
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. Groote Kerk
2. 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!!!
3. Groote Schuur Estate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Figuring prominently in the storied history of Cape Town, this carefully preserved Presidential residence was furnished and decorated by imperialist Cecil Rhodes.
Reviewed By TourGuideKevin - Nuremberg, Germany
It isn't easy getting a spot on this tour, but with a little luck and persistence you can do it. Contact Najwaa (she's the tour guide) at [email protected]. This is a very interesting 2-hour tour that takes place in a beautiful old residence that once belonged to Cecil John Rhodes.
4. 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
5. Township Experience Including Lunch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By barbsinging - Boulder, United States
My 19 year old son and I spent 6 days in Cape town. We had received Thabang's information from a friend as a resource for tours but also someone to pick us up from the airport. My son and I were so taken with Thabang and his deep understanding of the political and social issues in South Africa, that we continued to schedule different adventures with him. We did the township tour, the peninsula tour, wine land tour and a trip to Hermanus. My son and I like to deeply discuss challenging topics and asked difficult questions regarding racism and apartheid and Thabang was so open to our conversation and always had deep and thoughtful responses. Overall, Thabang was incredible and really went out of his way to make sure we enjoyed our time in South Africa and came away with a deeper understanding of apartheid and pretty much any of the other 1000 questions we asked him. 10/10 would highly recommend.
6. Noon Day Gun
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 191 reviews
Reviewed By 971allison
The gun is fired every day at noon. Having being shocked for a couple of days when it went off we decided to see it in action. There are 2 soldiers who set the gun off. One explained the history and how they load 2 guns in case one doesn't work. It is out of the way and not much to see there but it's still worth the visit and we are so glad we made it. Can highly recommend
7. Chavonnes Battery Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 114 reviews
Relive the early history of Cape Town through fascinating artifacts, detailed displays, exhibits and information boards. Step below sea level to the sand of the original Cape Town shoreline and explore the Archaeological ruins of this Dutch East India Company fortification that has been buried for 140 years. Explore a robust schedule International Photo Exhibitions.
Reviewed By Kyrgyzstan1 - Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
I'm looking for a Museum in Cape town where the first mailbox is located. the stone under which sailors left letters to Europe at the Cape of Good Hope
8. Oranjezicht City Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 175 reviews
The Oranjezicht City Farm (OZCF) Market at Granger Bay at the V&A Waterfront is held every Saturday from 08.15 to 2pm and every Sunday from 9am to 3pm. At the Market customers can do grocery shopping (veg, fruit, bread, organic dairy, free-range eggs, honey, muesli, etc), enjoy delicious cooked and raw foods and be inspired about helping to build an alternative food system. The Market is a source of genuinely exceptional local produce; food that is fresh, healthy, seasonal and that builds and that strengthens local economies. However the market is more than just a place to buy food – it’s a place where people come to connect, to share food and awaken their senses. The market is a participant in the wider debates around what we eat and where it comes from; a place where food is talked about almost as enthusiastically as it is consumed. Plants and flowers, vintage collectables, and a small section of clothing is also available.
Reviewed By fmeffe - Montreal, Canada
this is a small market that has a range of products from produce to cheese and fish. they also have a top notch coffee kiosk and a varied food tent.
9. Flying Dutchman Funicular
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 267 reviews
Reviewed By awdobson - Whitestone, Canada
Great views of the Cape. went as a group on tour, great area, coastal views and the area was great. did i say great. it was an experience to be there for sure, worth a visit.
10. City Hall
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 94 reviews
Reviewed By mandr268 - Westport, Ireland
this is a great location, the town hall is splendid, by the side of a very large open square, the statue of Mandela brings you back to a very great moving speech
