Not many places in the world are as beautiful as South Africa’s Cape Town. Blessed with rolling hills of picturesque vineyards, pristine beaches with turquoise waters, and spectacular mountain tops, this thriving coastal city has everything you need for a perfect holiday in South Africa.
Whether you wish to explore charming neighborhoods lined with art galleries and museums or venture outside the city gates and visit award-winning wine estates, there is plenty to look forward to when visiting South Africa’s Mother City. Unfortunately, things have changed in the last couple of weeks because of the coronavirus and the city is not as vibrant as it used to be.
Hopefully, life will get back to normal soon, but until then let’s think of all the beautiful places in the city and how we will rediscover them on our future Cape Town trips.
1 Kirstenbosch National Botanic Gardens
One of the finest botanical gardens in the world, the Kirstenbosch National Botanic Gardens is one of the must-visit destinations in South Africa’s Cape Town. Expect to find over 20, 000 plant species, as well as numerous walking trails. Whether you wish to visit the lovely Botanical Society Conservatory, admire art at the Sculpture Garden, or see the Protea Garden, there are many seriously awesome gardens to look forward to on one of your future Cape Town trips. Don’t miss the picturesque Tree Canopy Walkways that offers panoramic views across the botanical gardens and the Cape Flats. Travelers visiting Kirstenbosch National Botanic Gardens with their children should stop by the cyad amphitheater which features life-size models of dinosaurs.
2 Cape Winelands
Located just a short drive from the center of Cape Town, the Cape Winelands is a true paradise for all wine lovers exploring South Africa. For those who don’t know, South African wines are well-known around the world. With its charming landscapes dotted with picturesque wine farms and estates, this area is home to famous wineries such as Darling Vellars, Groot Constantia, Hamilton Russel, Delaire Graff Estate, and many others. There are many cute towns in the region including Franschoek, Paarl, and Stellenbosch worth visiting. If your idea of having a good time includes wine tasting, enjoying stunning views, and admiring the beauty of scenic lakes, a visit to South Africa’s Cape Winelands should definitely be included in your Cape Town travel itinerary.
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3 Bo-Kaap
Looking for cool destinations on your future Cape Town trips? Spend a day in Bo-Kaap, a colorful neighborhood famed for its cobblestone streets dotted with brightly painted houses from the 18th century. Also known as the Malay Quarter, this multicultural area is located at the foot of Signal Hill and boasts attractions such as South Africa’s first official mosque and the Bo Kaap Museum where you can learn more about the neighborhood’s Muslim origin. Foodies will be happy to hear that Bo-Kaap is a perfect destination to enjoy delicious Cape Malay cuisine. You can even join one of the Cape Malay cooking courses and learn how to make these mouthwatering dishes at home.
4 Table Mountain
Table Mountain is without a doubt the most famous landmark here in Cape Town. Situated within a national park, this flat-topped mountain attracts millions of travelers from all around the world who come here to enjoy spectacular views of nearby mountain peaks, Table Bay, and the Atlantic Seaboard. There are two ways to reach the top of Table Mountain. You can either hike one of the many trails that lead to the summit or hop inside a cable car which covers the distance of 1,244 meters in about 7 minutes. If you are looking for places that offer the best views of Table Mountain, we recommend climbing to the top of the Lion’s Head or Signal Hill.
5 Victoria and Alfred Waterfront
No list of future Cape Town trips would be complete without mentioning one of the city’s most popular areas, the amazing Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. This historic waterfront is home to many Cape Town attractions including everything from art galleries and museums to a lovely amphitheater and an aquarium where families with children can learn more about the underwater world. Sports fans should not miss the waterfront’s Springbok Experience Rugby Museum while shopaholics can look forward to visiting over 450 stores. To sample local cuisine, make your way to the V&A Food Market. Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is also not short of fabulous dining establishments that offer spectacular views of the harbor.
6 Boulders Beach
You won’t find many places on planet Earth where you can sunbathe with penguins. Fortunately, Cape Town is home to one of these unique destinations where travelers can see just a few feet away from a resident penguin colony. Welcome to Boulders Brach, a place where more than 2,000 penguins can be found. Located close to Simon’s Town, this sandy stretch of shoreline is a great place to get within a few feet of the African penguins. Visitors can either observe these cute little creatures from the boardwalk or rent a kayak and see penguins from the water. While African penguins are used to people, it is forbidden to touch them.
Planning to visit Cape Town in the future? Learn more about the Mother City, how to get around, free things to do in Cape Town, and more from our blog. We can help you find the perfect place to stay. Get in touch if you’d like help finding accommodation or Cape Town tours to indulge in when you are around.