If you’re looking for interesting, fun or downright awesome places to visit in Cape Town, boy do we have some great ideas for you. Whether you’re a local needing something different for a change or a visitor keen to take the road less travelled, these places take you out of the traditional tourist zone and into the AWESOME zone!
Open any guide book, website or travel brochure, and you will be bombarded with the city’s major attractions. Table Mountain, the Waterfront, Camps Bay, the Cape Wine Route…even Long Street is listed in there with the big guns. While we are in no way suggesting that you leave these sights off your to-see list, it’s good to take in some of the more elusive travel gems too in order to get a well-rounded Cape experience.
Amazing Places to Visit in Cape Town
Bored? Finished the tour and seen all the things? Here are some fun ideas that get you out and about in the beautiful Mother City…
* African Music Store on Long Street – City Centre. As you make your way down Long Street towards Adderly Street, you will come across a shop that offers way more than interesting things to buy. This is where you can find a huge collection of music from across the continent, along with curios, furnishings and other artifacts. Upstairs meanwhile, is the local hotspot Ragazzi, where you can enjoy a beer and relax in the lounge.
* Rose Street – Bo Kaap. In the Malay Quarter, Rose street is where you will find a number of small local craft workshops, art galleries and other interesting finds. Head onto Whale Street, and you will come to the Bo Kaap Spice Market – a great place to buy good spices, or simply inhale tantalising aromas.
* Mzoli’s – Gugulethu. This popular township eating spot is frequented by locals and visitors alike. White, black, coloured, young, older, hipsters, zefsters and everyone else can be found bonding over the beloved South African tradition of good braai food. Vegetarians can go for the vibe or to have a drink, but carnivores can eat their hearts out with the finest boeries (boerewors sausage) in town.
* Beta Beach – Camps Bay. This teeny tiny beach is a great alternative to the more popular beaches in the area, and is ideal for a swim or a lazy few hours of sun soaking. It’s also fairly sheltered from the wind (always a plus in Cape Town).
* World of Birds – Hout Bay. In Hout Bay meanwhile, you can enjoy a memorable encounter with nature at the World of Birds. There are also a few other animal species, in addition to a huge range of birds and a forest-like surrounding that has a tranquil, calming feel.
* Cecilia Forest – Constantia. Now too far away on Constantia Nek Road is the scenic forest of Cecilia. This spot is great for a walk, hike or even a jog, with a path that winds through breath-taking scenery. Tall tress, lush vegetation, hidden streams.. it’s all very idyllic.
* Constantia Wine Route – Constantia. Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia, Buitenverwacht and Steenberg comprise some of the estates within this very old, small wine route. The Constantia Valley provides a stunning backdrop to this route, while a host of activities from wine tasting to picnics can be enjoyed too.
* Toy Museum, Harbour & Navy Museum – Simons Town. On the False Bay coast, Simons Town Main Road has plenty of highlights to take in. The Navy Museum offers a glimpse into the city’s naval history, while the privately owned Toy Museum takes you on a journey of toys through the ages. The harbour is also a nice spot to grab some coffee, take photos or spot the odd Cape fur seal.
* Butterfly World – Franschhoek. Taking you out of town and into the Cape Winelands, it is well worth stopping at Butterfly World if you are doing wine tasting in this region. The gardens of this park are truly astounding – especially with butterflies of all shapes, colours and sizes fluttering about overhead.
Of course, there are many, many other great places in Cape Town worth visiting for a night out too. If you want to stay updated on upcoming events, entertainment ideas and other things to see and do, follow us on Facebook or Twitter!
Now it’s your turn. What are your favourite places to visit in Cape Town and why? And… go!
