Ten things to do in Cape Town

2009 October 20

tags: beach holidays, blogsherpa, cape town, city trips, nature holidays, south africa, travel ideas, travel tips

by velvet

Cape Town ranks (on my list) as one of the world’s most spectacularly situated cities, alongside Rio de Janeiro, Vancouver, San Francisco and Sydney. Its location, fronting an impressive bay and backed by the magnificent Table Mountain, is simply stunning. I’ve listed below ten things you shouldn’t miss if it’s your first visit to this awesome city, and included links to related articles by SA Venues. SA Venues is an online tourism resource. With its countless articles and gorgeous photos, it is truly a treasure trove of information on South Africa.

V&A Waterfront

1. Take the cable-car up the Table Mountain. As the car glides up, the platform rotates 360 degrees, offering every visitor astounding views of the mountains, the city and the ocean. The lines at the cableway can sometimes be incredibly long but the views along the way and from the top are definitely worth the wait! If you’re adventurous, try hiking up the mountain. The most straightforward hike to the top of the mountain is via the huge Platteklip Gorge that runs through the centre of the mountain. The trail zig-zags in a gradual ascent and takes an average of two hours to climb. Along the way, stop to appreciate the indigenous fynbos vegetation. A trek up the mountain in spring when the fynbos is in full bloom is especially rewarding.

2. Visit the V&A Waterfront. It’s a great spot to spend the day. The harbour-side setting is stunning while there are many shops, cafés and restaurants to keep visitors busy. Stop by one of my favourite shops: Nwengya Glass and get a truly authentic glass souvenir. Sit at a terrace and watch various artistic groups perform throughout the day, or visit the impressive Two Oceans aquarium.

Bo Kaap

3. Take the boat from the V&A Waterfront to Robben Island. The island was for many years a prison camp. It was here that many political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, were imprisoned during South Africa’s apartheid regime. The Robben Island museum is absolutely worth a visit while the boat ride is a great way to see the city from the water.

4. Stroll through the colourful Malay neighbourhood of Bo Kaap. This historic neighbourhood is still home to many Malays and has been lovingly restored. The vivid colours are unforgettable.

5. Get down to the beach at Camps Bay. Camps Bay is a trendy neighbourhood with many cafés and restaurants fronting the beach. It’s a fantastic place to people-watch. When you’re there facing the ocean, look behind you. The views from here of the Twelve Apostles (massive rock humps that form the lofty peaks of the Cape mountains) are awesome!

Camps Bay & the Twelve Apostles

6. Visit the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. The gardens are nestled at the foot of the Table Mountain and are an absolute must. The collection of indigenous flora is unrivalled – fynbos is amply represented whilst the proteas are magnificent.

7. Visit stunning Hout Bay. Hout Bay is one of my favourite bays in the world. It’s beauty is absolutely jaw-dropping. This large bay, with its deep blue water, is surrounded by imposing mountains, while its entrance is guarded by the magnificent Sentinel mountain. Drop by the Mariner’s Wharf for some great seafood and amazing views of the bay. You’ll most probably see some seals frolicking in the water too.

8. Drive the Chapman’s Peak Drive. This spectacular road winds itself along one end of Hout Bay and is arguably one of the most beautiful drives in the world. Drive slowly and make regular stops to enjoy the grand views. During the spring/early-summer months, grab your binoculars – you might spot some whales in the bay.

Hout Bay panorama

9. Head out to Cape Point. This is not the southernmost point of the African continent (it’s close) but it certainly is one of the most famous spots in the Western Cape. The views from the lighthouse over False Bay and the two oceans are stupendous. Along the way, you may be greeted by baboons on the roadside. Slow down, don’t wind down your windows and don’t get out of the car. They can be quite vicious! Heading back to Cape Town, follow the road via Scarborough. The scenery is stunning! Along the way, stop at the open-air stone sculpture park – you can’t miss it. Make a quick stop along the Scarborough beach and grab your binoculars. If you’re lucky, you may spot some sharks lurking off the coast as the waves roll in.

10. A visit to the Western Cape wouldn’t be complete without a wine experience. If you’re only staying in Cape Town and have no time to explore the winelands around Stellenbosch/Franschhoek or further inland, I recommend touring the Cape’s oldest winelands in the Constantia Valley, just minutes away from Cape Town. There are a variety of wineries that are certainly worth a visit. One of them is Groot Constantia. Housed in lovely Cape Dutch buildings and surrounded by beautiful gardens, this historic estate is simply gorgeous.

Tip: You can combine points 5-10 as part of a 1-2-day drive from Cape Town along the Cape Peninsula loop.

View of Cape Town from Bloubergstrand

One more tip: for that terrific panorama shot of Table Bay, the city and the Table Mountain in the background, head for Bloubergstrand, a gorgeous white, sandy beach just north of the city.

Read other Velvet Escape posts on South Africa:

Read other articles in the Velvet Escape “Ten” series:

24 Responses leave one →

Caz Makepeace permalink

June 4, 2010

Cape Town is my favorite city, it is stunning and has so much to offer. I would also recommend hiking up Table Mountain. There are trails of varying levels of difficulty to suit all types of people. I’d also recommend the penguins at Boulders and having a sunset drink at La Med on Clifton Beach for some panaromic views of the Ocean and Mountains. You have to jump in the ocean water while you are there as well. Extremely cold!
Michael Hodson permalink

May 22, 2010

The view from the top of Lion’s Head is pretty awesome also. One of my favorite cities.
shereen permalink

May 19, 2010

great article.. and love the pics.. just makes you want to love cape town more.. boulders is def my favourite.. love it..
cape town accommodation permalink

March 10, 2010

Cape Town is really a best metropolis city of south africa and its beauty,most beautiful beaches are really the amazing things.
Thanks

cape town accommodation

Cape Town Accommodation says:
“Interesting post, we shall be following your blog more closely in future! Best Wishes from Cape Town ”
Fly2 Paragliding permalink

March 4, 2010

Taking a flight down from Lion’s Head on a tandem paraglider to land at Camps Bay beach is an awesome Cape Town experience and truly unforgettable.

Have a look at our website for more info http://www.fly2paragliding.co.za
Terence permalink

February 8, 2010

Brilliant! We’ll be heading there in 2 weeks time, looking forward to a great time. Thanks for the tip!
velvet permalink*

November 25, 2009

One of my fave cities too. I feel happy just being there! Thanks for the fab tips Wouter. Definitely off-the-beaten path, though the shark cage dive is starting to become rather mainstream for crazy, thrill-seekers!

Cheers,
Keith
Wouter Blok permalink

November 25, 2009

Hey Keith,
One of my fav cities in the World!
Off the beaten track tips:
Rent a convertible and drive to Worcester to go sailplane flying. The guys over there love to tkae you up for some Rand.
Visit Murati wine estate, not touristic like the others, but it’s the oldest and has the wonderful Ansela vd Kaab red wine.
Go to Hermanus, take a boat and get submerged in the cage. The Great Whites are waiting for you.
Oh dear I really want to go back again.
Cheers and tx for the stroll through memory lane.
Wouter.
steiner marine binoculars permalink

November 17, 2009

someone says that its a lot of fun going in that place, a lot of things to do and a lot of place you can go by to enjoy your vacation.
binoculars
Sonya permalink

October 22, 2009

Thanks for this informative post, Keith! Cape Town is on my list of future destinations. Now you have inspired me to go sooner and experience it!
velvet permalink*

October 21, 2009

Thank you for your comment Brian.

Cheers,
Keith
brian permalink

October 21, 2009

I did a lot of what was mentioned in the article and Dorothee’s comments. District 6 and township tours are for anyone who wants to learn about South Africa beyond the gorgeous scenery and delve into its political and social issues.

Boulder Beach is phenomenal because of the penguins. Not in Cape Town proper, but a nice 45 minute drive out.

Prices there are great too!
velvet permalink*

October 20, 2009

Thanks for the fab comment and ditto tips Dorothee! I totally agree. I wrote this article with the first-time visitor in mind. You’re absolutely right: Cape Town has so much more to offer. Each time I visit, I feel so at home. I love it there!

Cheers,
Keith
Dorothee permalink

October 20, 2009

Great list Keith

I would add a few things:

- Do the open-top sightseeing tour to get an overvie of Cape Town http://www.citysightseeing.co.za/

- Visit the penguins at Boulders Beach on the way to Cape Point

- If you are into arts, go see a play or performance by the Cape Town Philharmonic

- Visit the District 6 Museum and learn why 60,000 people where forcibly removed fromt his area

- Do a township tour with one of the locals http://www.nomvuyos-tours.co.za/

These are just a few additions.
Cape Town has SO much to offer and could easily fill 6 pages of what to do.
It truly is a city that offers something for everyone!

Dorothee