One of the most scenic cities in the world, South Africa’s Mother City is home to a number of excellent vintage points that offer spectacular views from different angles. Some of these viewpoints in Cape Town are well-known and visited by hundreds of tourists daily, while others are well-hidden and only known to the locals. Here is our list of the best scenic destinations in and around Cape Town.
1 Table Mountain
For charming views of Cape Town, head out to the amazing Table Mountain. You can take the cable car to the top of the mountain or simply go on a hike if the weather is nice. Once you reach the top, expect to find unspoiled views of the Mother City below. There are several walking paths at the top which lead to different directions and offer views of places like the Atlantic Seaboard, Hottentots Holland Mountain Range, Cape Flats, and Camps Bay.
2 Lion’s Head Peak
There is no shortage of excellent viewpoints in Cape Town and the Lion’s Head Peak is one of them. This popular sundowner spot beloved by both locals and tourists is probably one of the best destinations for amazing views of the peninsula. Travelers will need about 30 minutes to reach the peak of Lion’s Head and enjoy sunset views. Keep in mind the peak here is not that big, but still has enough space to accommodate a larger group of visitors.
3 Victoria Road
One of the most scenic drives in South Africa’s Mother City, Victoria Road is located right against the Table Mountain range and boasts charming views of the Atlantic Ocean. It stretches all the way from Sea Point to Hout Bay and offers a number of spots along the way where travelers can pull over and enjoy unspoiled views of the ocean.
4 Chapmans Peak Drive
Chapmans Peak Drive is a 9km-long road that climbs from the picturesque village of Hout Bay to the coastline of Chapman’s Peak. Alongside this fabulous road, there are several spots where you can park your vehicle and enjoy breathtaking views of the blue ocean in front of you. The road ends in the suburb of Noordhoek, which is located south-west of the Mother City.
5 Tafelberg Road
Tafelberg Road is one of those hidden viewpoints in Cape Town that tourists don’t know much about. It is located near the Lower Cable Station. As soon as you pass this station, you will see a road in front that boasts excellent mountain views. Tafelberg Road boasts a few places to rest along the way and offers spectacular nature views.
See Also: 15 Fascinating Places You Won’t Believe Exist in Cape Town
6 Cape Point
Offering excellent views of the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Point is definitely one of the best destinations for travelers who are searching for great viewpoints in Cape Town. Head out to the Old Lighthouse that is the highest vintage point here at about 200 meters above sea level. The easiest way to reach the top is by taking the funicular. You can also reach the top by going on a hike. Once you reach the top of Cape Point, expect to find several viewing decks where you can have a drink and admire the panoramic scenery.
7 Azure Restaurant at Twelve Apostles
Vacationers who wish to avoid long hikes and want to have spectacular views with a glass of fine Cape Town wine should go to the Azure Restaurant at Twelve Apostles. This classy restaurant overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and has a nice deck where you can have lunch or dinner.
8 Gordon’s Bay
Located outside of Cape Town, Gordon’s Bay is a well-known viewpoint that attracts vacationers who are looking for mind-blowing sunset views. There are several amazing pools here from which you can jump into the cool waters below. The beaches can be best described as spectacular and there is a chance that you will see dolphins here.
9 Boyes Drive
A scenic drive along Kalk Bay and the mountainside above Muizenberg, Boyes Drive offers unspoiled views of the warm waters of False Bay, Muizenberg beach, and Cape Flats. Boyes Drive is also an ideal destination for vacationers who are traveling from the suburbs which are located in the south to beaches of Simon’s Town, Fish Hoek, and St James.
See Also: 10 Underrated Places Around Western Cape You Need To Travel To
10 Tygerberg Nature Reserve
Nestled north of the highway N1, Tygerberg Hills is located on the way to Paarl and to a few suburbs in the northern part of Cape Town. Keep in mind that the entrance to the Tygerberg Nature Reserve is not free, but the fee is reasonably priced. After a short walk, you will reach the top of the hill where you will have an opportunity to enjoy panoramic views of the city stretching all the way from Hottentots Mountain chain to Table Mountain. In case you wish to have a picnic here, there is a wooded area with picnic tables.
11 Robben Island
Accessible only by boat, Robben Island is a World Heritage Site and a place that used to serve as a prison. Once you reach the island, you will get to enjoy spectacular views of Table Mountain, Green Point, and Sea Point. Some visitors may spot seals, dolphins, or whales.
12 Helshoogte Pass
Built in 1854, Hell’s Height’s or Helshoogte Pass is one of the oldest passes in the region. It provides a connection between the wine districts of Franschhoek and Stellenbosch and runs through several villages including Pniel, Johannesdal, and Kylemore. The views of the Winelands which are surrounded by clear blue skies and towering mountains are magical.