Discover Cape Town's Top Attractions
Nestled between mountains and the ocean, Cape Town is a stunning city where nature takes center stage. The majestic Table Mountain offers breathtaking views and is surrounded by lush botanical gardens and pristine beaches, like those at Cape Town's coastline. Adventure activities abound, from hiking and biking to whale-watching and shark cage diving.
The city's history is palpable, with Robben Island revealing stories of Nelson Mandela's imprisonment, while Stellenbosch delights food enthusiasts. Scenic drives unveil a rugged coastline where penguins roam, and Cape Point is part of a rich floral UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For a guide on where to stay, see: Accommodations in Cape Town.
1. Climb Table Mountain
![Table Mountain](/media/south-africa-cape-town-table-mountain.jpg)
Table Mountain, a symbol of Cape Town, stands 1,087 meters high and is part of the Table Mountain National Park. The park is home to diverse flora and fauna, including the unique fynbos vegetation. A cableway takes visitors to the summit, offering stunning views of the city and peninsula. For current conditions, check the official website.
2. Wander Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens
![Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens](/media/south-africa-cape-town-kirstenbosch-national-botanic-gardens.jpg)
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, is a celebrated UNESCO World Heritage site. The gardens preserve South Africa's indigenous plants and offer year-round floral displays. Don't miss the proteas, cycads, and the Tree Canopy Walkway. For more information, visit the official site.
3. Sunbathe at Clifton and Camps Bay Beaches
![Clifton and Camps Bay Beaches](/media/south-africa-cape-town-clifton.jpg)
Clifton and Camps Bay beaches are Cape Town's glamorous seaside destinations, with white sands, granite boulders, and chic cafes. Both beaches have earned Blue Flag status for their environmental management and safety.
4. Shop The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
![The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront](/media/south-africa-cape-town-victoria-and-alfred-waterfront.jpg)
The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is a vibrant shopping and entertainment district with a rich maritime history. Attractions include the Springbok Experience Rugby Museum and Two Oceans Aquarium. For more details, visit the official site.
5. Ride the Cape Wheel
![The Cape Wheel](/media/south-africa-cape-town-top-attractions-things-to-do-ride-cape-wheel.jpg)
The Cape Wheel at the V&A Waterfront offers panoramic views of the city. For tickets and information, check out www.capewheel.co.za.
6. Pay Respect at Robben Island
![Robben Island](/media/south-africa-cape-town-robben-island.jpg)
Robben Island, a UNESCO site, is known for Nelson Mandela's 18-year imprisonment. Tours offer a glimpse into the lives of former prisoners. Visit Robben Island's official site for more information.
7. Cruise along Chapman's Peak Drive
![Chapman's Peak Drive](/media/south-africa-cape-town-chapmans-peak-drive.jpg)
Chapman's Peak Drive, known as "Chappies," is a scenic route with dramatic ocean views, connecting Noordhoek and Hout Bay.
8. Sunset at Signal Hill and the Noon Gun
![Signal Hill and the Noon Gun](/media/south-africa-cape-town-noon-gun.jpg)
Signal Hill offers panoramic views of Cape Town and is famous for its daily "noon gun" firing tradition.
9. Indulge at the Old Biscuit Mill
![Food in the Old Biscuit Mill in Cape Town](/media/south-africa-cape-town-top-attractions-things-to-do-indulge-old-biscuit-mill.jpg)
The Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock is a hub for food, art, and design, especially lively during the weekend Neighbourgoods Market. For more, visit www.theoldbiscuitmill.co.za.
10. Cage Dive with Great White Sharks
![Great White Shark Cage Dives](/media/south-africa-cape-town-great-white-shark.jpg)
Experience the thrill of shark cage diving in Cape Town's waters, where you can observe great white sharks up close.
11. See City Hall & the Castle of Good Hope
![City Hall & the Castle of Good Hope](/media/south-africa-cape-town-city-hall.jpg)
Visit the historic Cape Town City Hall and the Castle of Good Hope to delve into the city's past.
12. Browse the Canal Walk Shopping Center
![Canal Walk](/media/south-africa-cape-town-top-attractions-things-to-do-canal-walk-shopping-center.jpg)
Canal Walk Shopping Center in Century City offers a wide range of shops and dining options. For more, visit www.canalwalk.co.za.
13. The Heart of Cape Town Museum
![The Groote Schuur Hospital which houses The Heart of Cape Town Museum](/media/south-africa-cape-town-top-attractions-things-to-do-heart-cape-town-museum-groote-scuur.jpg)
The Heart of Cape Town Museum celebrates the first heart transplant. Visit www.heartofcapetown.co.za for tour information.
14. Iziko Museums of South Africa
![Old Town House](/media/south-africa-cape-town-top-attractions-things-to-do-iziko-museums-old-town-house.jpg)
The Iziko Museums showcase South African culture and history. For details, visit www.iziko.org.za.
15. The District Six Museum
![The District Six Museum](/media/south-africa-cape-town-top-attractions-things-to-do-district-six-museum.jpg)
The District Six Museum commemorates the displaced community of District Six. Located at 25A Buitenkant Street, Cape Town.
16. Zeitz MOCAA
![Art exhibit at the Zeitz MOCAA](/media/south-africa-cape-town-top-attractions-zietz-mocaa.jpg)
Zeitz MOCAA is a leading museum for African contemporary art. For more, visit www.zeitzmocaa.museum.
17. Explore Bo-Kaap
![Brightly colored houses in Bo-Kaap](/media/south-africa-cape-town-top-attractions-bo-kaap.jpg)
Bo-Kaap is a colorful and historic district at the foot of Signal Hill, known for its Cape Malay heritage.
18. Surf Muizenberg
![Surfers at Muizenberg](/media/south-africa-cape-town-top-attractions-things-to-do-surf-muizenberg.jpg)
Muizenberg is famous for its surfing scene and iconic beach huts. It's a great spot for beginners to catch waves.
19. Snap Pics with Penguins at Boulders Bay
![Penguins at Boulders Bay](/media/south-africa-cape-town-penguins-boulders-bay.jpg)
Boulders Bay is home to a colony of African Penguins and offers a unique wildlife experience. For more, visit SANParks.
20. Take a Day Trip to Cape Point
Cape Point is a nature reserve within the Table Mountain National Park, offering hiking trails and stunning views.