Top Things to do in Cape Town Central
Top 10 Nature & Parks in Cape Town Central, Western Cape
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. Guided Nature Trails Cape Point
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
2. India Venster Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By 205JamieR205 - Grand Rapids, United States
I’ll never forget this hike. It was amazing. I went with a guide, and for the first part I was feeling like I probably could have managed alone; however, as we progressed, I was incredibly glad to have her. (Full disclosure: I am also not a super experienced hiker, so her suggestions on where to climb were very helpful.) There is a fair amount of vertical climbing, using handholds, staples, and chains. I am moderately afraid of heights, so those parts were a challenge for me. It was totally worth it though. The views were incredible, and you get to see so much flora. I was also glad that I had legitimate trail shoes with some grip to them. It was definitely strenuous, and I got a really good workout along with an unforgettable experience. I would not recommend for young children or people not in good physical condition.
3. 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!
4. 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!!!
5. 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 ??
6. 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.
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.
