Affectionately referred to as the "mother city" of South Africa, Cape Town is one of those sophisticated tourist destinations that should be on every traveller’s bucket list. This is an inspiring and exciting city that is jam-packed with attractions and entertainment to suit every type of visitor and every kind of budget. With an impressive collection of museums, art galleries and theatres as well as a fantastic range of options for shopping and dining, this multicultural metropolis leaves other South African cities floundering in its wake. Combine this with an abundance of unique flora and fauna and stunning scenery and you have all the ingredients for a truly exceptional trip.The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront sits in the heart of Cape Town’s historic harbour and is the ultimate destination for those who seek the unusual combination of retail therapy and culture. Excellent shops, bars and restaurants sit happily alongside historic museums. From here, hop on a ferry to Robben Island where President Mandela spent decades as a prisoner. Guided tours of the prison offer a stark reminder of his struggle – sobering, but not to be missed.No visit to Cape Town is complete without making your way to the top of the iconic Table Mountain. Whether you choose to ascend in style in one of the pretty cable cars or you decide to tackle one of the tramping trails, make sure you get to the summit! From here, climbers will be rewarded with stunning views of the city and the ocean as it stretches greedily out to the horizon.For another view that is out of this world, make your way to the coastal cliffs that make up the Cape of Good Hope. This unique vantage point offers exceptional views that are awe-inspiring and humbling in equal measure.From here, make the short journey to Boulders Beach. Kick back on the blindingly white sand, build castles with the kids or float in the turquoise waters. This area is also home to a unique colony of endangered African penguins so make your way along the boardwalk to Foxy Beach and pay them a visit.Finally, if you are seeking time out from the bustle of the city, plan a trip to the magnificent Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. Learn about the conservation of indigenous flora while enjoying a relaxing stroll around the perfumed gardens. This is the perfect way to recharge your batteries for round two.
Cape Town Travel Guide
Cape Town Travel Guide Video
Where to stay in Cape Town
Victoria and Alfred Waterfront
The picture-perfect mountain views and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. A stop by Cape Town Cruise Terminal or Two Oceans Aquarium might round out your trip.
Cape Town City Centre
Known for its majestic mountain landscape and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Cape Town City Centre. Check out top attractions like District Six Museum and Cape Town City Hall, and jump on the metro at Woodstock Station or Esplanade Station to see more of the city.
Camps Bay
The beaches and picture-perfect mountain views are top of the list for many visitors to Camps Bay. A stop by Camps Bay Beach or Table Mountain National Park might round out your trip.
Sea Point
The beaches and seaside views are top of the list for many visitors to Sea Point. A stop by Sea Point Pavillion or Sea Point Swimming Pool might round out your trip.
Green Point
Travellers like the cocktail bars in Green Point, and Greenpoint Market is a top attraction you might want to visit.
Constantia
Unique features of Constantia include the wineries and gardens. Make a stop by Groot Constantia Winery or Table Mountain National Park while you're exploring the area.
Reviewed on 9 May 2024
Reviewed on 8 May 2024
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Reviewed on 20 Mar. 2024
Popular places to visit
Boulders Beach
Discover pristine sandy beaches, unique rock formations and an endangered African penguin colony – just 40 kilometres south of Cape Town.
Camps Bay Beach
See and be seen, admire beautiful sunsets and go hiking in the famous Twelve Apostles at one of Cape Town’s most stylish beaches.
Robben Island
Visit the cell where Nelson Mandela spent most of his sentence and explore the Table Bay island that has also served as a leper colony and a military base.
Table Mountain
Climb to the summit of this spectacular mountain and you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of Cape Town and the stunning surrounds of Table Bay.
Cape Town Stadium
Take a guided tour of this modern sports arena and then watch a soccer or rugby match while sitting among an energetic, vuvuzela-playing crowd.
Long Street
Admire the Victorian architecture of the buildings and the quirky atmosphere in the bookstores and museums of this iconic street.
Activities
Cape Town: Half-Day City Tour
Robben Island, Table Mountain and Cape Town City Private Day Tour
Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunrise or Sunset Hike
“Robben Island Discovery: Hotel Pickup Included”
Shark Cage Diving in Cape Town
Table Mountain, Penguins & Cape Point Small Group Tour from Cape Town
Reviews of Cape Town
5/5 - Excellent
Loved Cape Town and the Surrounds It is well known world wide as one of the most beautiful cities and it definitely did not disappoint. Will definitely be back again.
5/5 - Excellent
Will be recommending Cape Town as a holiday destination.
5/5 - Excellent
We definitely be recommending Cape Town as a holiday destination. We are loving our visit.
5/5 - Excellent
We love Cape Town but we'll never use these apartments again. I recommend avoidance.
5/5 - Excellent
Great city, would recommend to anyone.
5/5 - Excellent
Loved our Cape Town experience
Other places like Cape Town
- Boulders Beach
- Camps Bay Beach
- Robben Island
- Table Mountain
- Cape Town International Convention Centre
- Cape Town Stadium
- Two Oceans Aquarium
- Cape of Good Hope
- Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens
- Bloubergstrand Beach
- Stellenbosch University
- Clifton Bay Beach
- Franschhoek Wine Tram
- Spier Wine Estate
- Canal Walk Shopping Centre
- Chapmans Peak
- GrandWest Casino & Entertainment World
- Tyger Valley Shopping Centre
- Boschendal Estate
- Muizenberg Beach
- Groot Constantia Winery
- Castle of Good Hope
- Babylonstoren
- Hout Bay Beach