Blessed with natural beauty, South Africa’s Cape Town is a real treat for millions of tourists who come here to explore the city’s numerous landmarks. From the iconic Table Mountain that offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean to the charming beaches and the famous wine region of Cape Winelands, there is an abundance of seriously awesome attractions worth visiting here in the Mother City. Let’s take a look at some of best Cape Town attractions that you should include in your travel itinerary while visiting the Western Cape.
1 Table Mountain
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One of the most famous landmarks in the city which is also a part of a national park, Table Mountain is an ideal destination to start your travel adventures in Cape Town. It has dozens of popular hiking trails and the views from the top of the mountain are simply amazing. The easiest way to reach the summit of Table Mountain is by using the popular cable car.
2 The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
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V&A Waterfront is packed with entertainment and a real treat for every visitor of the Mother City. Once a fishing harbor, this fabulous waterfront district is now probably one of the most visited Cape Town attractions. Take your kids to the Two Oceans Aquarium, have lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants, or explore the Springbok Experience Rugby Museum.
3 Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens
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If you wish to get away from the busy streets of Cape Town’s city center, pay a visit to the lovely Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. It is one of the greatest botanical gardens on Planet Earth. You can enjoy a picnic on the lawns, join a free guided tour of the botanical gardens, admire outdoor art, or grab some souvenirs.
4 Robben Island
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Located in the middle of Table Bay, Robben Island is best known as a destination where the famous Nelson Mandela spent 18 years in prison. Today, this place is a remarkable museum where pre-booked tours are led by former inmates of the notorious prison.
5 The District Six Museum
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Did you know that over 70,000 residents of the District Six neighborhood in Cape Town were displaced back in 1966 by the orders of the government in South Africa? This historical museum honors all of these people and houses numerous photographs, recordings, and testimonials. Many of the employees here are actually displaced residents of District Six.
6 Devil’s Peak Taproom
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If you get tired of all the sightseeing in Cape Town, make sure to visit one of the most famous craft breweries in South Africa, the popular Devil’s Peak Taproom. Order their signature King’s Roadhouse IPA which is always available on tap and don’t leave without trying their tasty burgers.
7 Signal Hill
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Signal Hill offers the best views in the city. The journey to this place is quite short and I encourage you to bring your own picnic for the ultimate Signal Hill experience. Most people come here just before the sunset when the views of the whole bay from Signal Hill are just breathtaking.
8 Chapman’s Peak Drive
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Chapman’s Peak Drive is one of the most scenic drives on the African continent. Often referred to as “Chappies”, this spectacular driving route stretches all the way between Hout Bay and Noordhoek and offers the most romantic views ever. There are dozens of panoramic viewpoints along the way where you can stop and watch the sunset.
9 Long Street
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When talking about Cape Town attractions it would be a shame not to mention the awesome Long Street. Packed with small boutiques, cafes, and vintage shops, this street boasts a row of picturesque Victorian buildings and houses dozens of hipsterish bars where you can grab a drink or two.
10 Muizenberg Beach
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A coastal suburb of the Mother City, Muizenberg Beach is a popular beach with surfers and boasts a couple of those colorful beach huts that many of you have probably seen in travel brochures of Cape Town. The locals will tell you how this is one of the best-kept secrets of Cape Town and they are probably right.
11 Kalk Bay
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Kalk Bay is a picturesque seafront suburb of Cape Town where you will find many of those authentic shops where they sell all kinds of cool artifact and antiquates. There are also many cute bars here worth checking out, as well as the famous Kalky’s where many Capetonians come to get their fish and chips fix.
12 Castle of Good Hope
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The oldest surviving colonial building in South Africa, the Castle of Good Hope was built by the Dutch East India Company for the purposes for replenishing supplies for trade ships. Today, this place is home to two museums: The Iziko Museum which features antique furniture and some historical paintings and the Military Museum which tells us about the history of the Cape.
13 Cape Point
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Located 65 km from Cape Town at the end of the Cape Peninsula, Cape Point is a place to visit for best ocean views in South Africa. Cape Point is actually part of Table Mountain National Park and houses about 250 species of birds. You might even spot a zebra or a baboon here. If you wish to avoid the steep path to the top, you can always take the funicular.
14 Bo-Kaap
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Also known as the Malay Quarter, Bo-Kaap is a colorful district in Cape Town that boasts cute cobblestone streets with brightly-painted houses which will look good on your Instagram feed. Make sure to visit the spectacular Bo-Kaap museum and consider signing up for a Malay cooking course.
15 Boulders Beach Penguin Colony
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One of the most unique Cape Town attractions is the penguin colony on Boulders Beach. There are not that many places in the world where you can actually swim on the beach next to a colony of penguins. There are more than 2,000 penguins here and visitors can get within a few feet of these cute creatures. Although penguins are friendly, it is highly recommended not to touch them.
16 Groot Constantia
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Want to visit the oldest wine farm in South Africa? It was established in the 17th century by the first governor of Cape called Simon Van Der Stel. Today, Groot Constantia still serves as a wine farm and offers daily wine tasting and cellar tours to visitors. The on-site Simon’s and Jonkershuis restaurant offers delicious local and continental cuisine.
17 Company’s Garden
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Named after the Dutch East India Company, Company’s Garden is a place where Europeans who first came to Cape planted gardens with veggies and fruit in order to feed the settlers. Today, this is a botanical garden and a large park where many tourists come to take photographs and enjoy the laid-back vibe of this place.
18 Cape Town Science Centre
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Looking for Cape Town attractions while visiting the city with children? Head out to the Cape Town Science Center where you will find an abundance of cool activities and exhibits to enjoy. The little ones can launch an air rocket, build their own houses, and play a game of chess on a huge chess set. They can also play with Lego toys here. The on-site SciCafe offers snacks, coffee, and tea. For more information about the Cape Town Science Center, please visit www.mtnsciencentre.org.za.
19 Bay Harbour Market
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For a local Cape Town experience, make your way to the Bay Harbour Market in Hout Bay. Expect to find dozens of stalls selling everything from handmade leather goods to clothing and jewelry. There is also food here ranging from pancakes, brownies, and Belgian waffles, to over-fried pizza, baked bread, and steak rolls. Bay Harbour Market also hosts live music performances throughout the weekends.
20 The Old Biscuit Mill
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Located in Woodstock, the Old Biscuit Mill is a place where many traders gather to sell everything from beers and macaroons to fresh produce and cheese. Besides the popular Saturday Market, the Old Biscuit Mill is home to a few art galleries and homeware stores. If you wish to grab something to eat, book a table at the on-site Test Kitchen restaurant.
If you’re looking for things to do and places to visit in Cape Town, we will be more than happy to help. If you’re also looking for a great all–inclusive holiday accommodation in Cape Town, we offer excellent Cape Town accommodation options – apartments, villas and hotels you can actually afford. Browse our selection of accommodation by area and tours, or get in touch today for help with finding the perfect places to stay in Cape Town.
