City: Western Cape
Top Things to do in Western Cape
Things to do in Western Cape, South Africa: The Best Historic Sites
South Africa’s most popular tourist destination offers the urban thrills of Cape Town, its adjacent wine country and an aura of the rich political history of South Africa. The Overberg's perfect whale-watching perches provide excitement of a different nature. The Garden Route's lakes and forests and the Klein Karoo's ostrich-farming towns and vineyards present another take on the Cape. For extra kicks, try bungee jumping or cage-diving among Great Whites.
Restaurants in Western Cape
1. Melkhoutfontein
2. Mostert Mill
3. Groot Constantia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,541 reviews
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. Irma Stern Museum
5. 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.
6. Arbeidsgenot
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
From the turn of century to 1950 this charming museum was the home of the composer of South Africa’s first national anthem.
Reviewed By paulabQ1240CL - Kloof, South Africa
Despite the town being very busy preparing for the KKNK music festival, we had the most wonderful tour by an informed, enthusiastic and very knowledgeable guide. The house is a great window into how life was like and some of the driving forces behind the importance of Afrikaans becomming an official language in South Africa. We can all learn from the struggles of people who have gone before us in wanting their heritage and culture to be recognised. CJ Lagenhoven has so many stories to tell beyond those he wrote down.
7. Boschendal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,494 reviews
Agriculture and a simple farm lifestyle is at the heart of Boschendal. One of the oldest farms in South Africa, founded 1685, the farm has grown with the passing centuries into a cherished source of wholesome produce, great wines and happy memories. Set in the Drakenstein Valley surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes, lush gardens and vines, the original farmstead complex is now a national monument with a rich and intriguing history of more than 300 years. Today, Boschendal is a Cape winelands icon and a cherished wine and food destination. Our vineyards and fruit trees have been joined by vegetable gardens and a growing herd of free range, 100% pasture fed Angus cattle reflecting our commitment to serving wholesome farm-to-table food. Guest accommodation is also a recent addition to the farm with luxurious cottage accommodation ranging from the exclusive and historic Rhodes Cottage built by Sir Herbert Baker to the elegantly restored Werf Cottages. Cottage guests enjoy access to the entire farm where they can walk and cycle on trails through mountain fynbos, dine under the stars, have picnics and sundowners in exclusive areas, fly-fish in the dams and swim in pristine mountain water.
Reviewed By brianmK8342CG - Los Angeles, United States
Stellenbosch is beautiful but the Franschhoek valley where Boschendal Winery Estate is located is simply other-worldly breathtaking. If heaven on earth exists, this may just be it! The farm is enormous straddling both sides of the main road from Stellenbosch. However, the public area (manor houses, restaurants, winery, gardens, stores, etc. and activities centers (bike rentals, horseback riding, spa, wine-tastings, etc.) and all the Werf cottages are all on the same side at the main entrance. The other cottages are across the street scattered in the vineyards, pastures, and work farms but only accessible via security gate and thus cannot be accessed unless a guest of one of the cottages or farm residents. This side of the farm is not really walkable to/from the main winery so you need a bike, a car, or must take advantage of their free shuttles. The estate is absolutely stunning (see photos). We were there for a wedding and the wedding guests took over most of the cottages, which made the entire stay very familiar. The main manor house and adjacent buildings (shops, restaurants, bakery, reception) is located in a tree-lined gorgeous courtyard. Vineyards and farm gardens (from which 90% of all restaurant ingredients are sourced) are located adjacent to the main manor house with superb views of the valley. Cellar tour, wine-tastings, horseback riding, and spa are all located in nearby manor houses complex in the opposite direction from the main entrance. We stayed in a 2-bedroom Orchard Cottage and it was enormous! The size of an apartment with separate kitchen/dinette, living room with satellite TV and pretty good wi-fi. Lots of room to relax, spread out, and get comfortable. Working wood stove inside (which we used on one chilly night to our delight) and a large outdoor porch with wood fireplace for keeping warm on chilly nights or grilling some BBQ (grocery essentials available at the main manor house store). Food at all of the restaurants was OUTSTANDING and scrumptious and a great value. Wine was exceptional (in-room complimentary, both restaurants, and tastings). We rented bikes for a half day (that's all you need unless you're a pro because most of the trails are quite difficult for the average person). We struggled on the steep parts but LOVED the trails in the flats, especially the yellow trail through the woods. We did horseback riding and it's what you'd expect if you've ever done it before. Horses are slow and safe (a bit boring for me, I like to run and gallop free) but the ride and scenery are breathtaking (see photos) and it's a relaxed chill thing to do with friends. Be warned, the farm is pretty much isolated to itself and be aware of closing times for the on-farm stores and restaurants because they close early (at least for us it seemed early) and if you miss their times, you either don't eat or you have Uber all the way to Stellenbosch (20 minutes) for options, which after 8pm are quite limited as well. If you plan correctly, this shouldn't be a problem. We were there for 4 days (Thursday - Sunday) and we definitely noticed a big increase in visitors over the weekend. If you can, plan your stay on week days - you'll enjoy it less crowded and better chance you can do what you want. Weekends things definitely fill up and sell out so make sure you have reservations. The wedding was awesome. Outdoors at sunset and the reception building was perfectly fit to the event. The food was INCREDIBLE! I ate myself into oblivion. All staff were incredibly friendly, helpful, and went above and beyond. What an incredible experience - we did not want to leave. Day trip is fine but if you can, stay a couple days and really embrace the good life!
8. Groot Drakenstein Prison (Victor Verster Prison)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 71 reviews
Home to Nelson Mandela for the last fourteen months of his long political imprisonment, this surprisingly idyllic minimum security prison is now a registered historic site.
9. Noorul Islam Heritage Museum
10. Montagu Pass Old Toll House
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