The capital of South Africa! You’re here! Get ready for the trip of a lifetime. You’re now standing in the place known as South Africa’s ‘Mother City, being the first site of European settlement in South Africa. Wondering why else Cape Town may sound familiar? The city was the official home of the national treasure and inspiring former South African President, Nelson Mandela. Despite its infamous dark past, Cape Town is nowadays a vibrant hub of music, history, culture, and flavor.
The city is now famous for its sea, sun, and scenery, and is a popular and beloved tourist destination for visitors from all over the world. In fact, in 2020, Cape Town has been voted the best city in the entire world for seven years running! So, why does everyone love Cape Town? You’ll have to visit and find out for yourself! With so much to see and do, it can be hard to know where to start. So, to help you along, here are this author’s top ten things to do in South Africa’s capital.
Table Mountain
Dominating the northern end of Cape Peninsula and standing over one thousand meters high sits Cape Town’s Table Mountain. Obtaining its name from its flat top, the infamous mountain towers over the city of Cape Town and Table Bay. Table Mountain is one of Cape Town’s most recognized landmarks due to its unusual shape, and offers hiking, camping, and many other activities, making it a very popular tourist attraction.
In addition to these outdoor activities, the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway company offers a cablecar trip up the mountain, giving visitors access to breathtaking, panoramic views of Cape Town. Of course, these can be accessed via hiking, but it’s good to know there is an option for those who don’t enjoy a steep walk! As well as forming a permanent part of Cape Town’s skyline, the views from the top of Table Mountain are a true spectacle – making this tourist attraction an unmissable one.
Location: Wynberg NU (2), Cape Town, 7800, South Africa
Robben Island Day Trip
Fancy a break from city life? Why not pop over to Robben Island? Robben Island exists just five miles from the mainland and boasts masses of natural beauty. You may be wondering where you have heard the name ‘Robben Island’ before. Well, Robben Island was the location wherein Nelson Mandela spent eighteen out of twenty-seven years of his prison sentence.
Aside from this interesting role the island has played in South African history, there are many other reasons to visit this fascinating place. There is so much agricultural beauty to admire, and much to discover on one of the many departing Robben Island tours. There is even a Robben Island museum, wherein you can take your time learning about the island upon which you stand.
Location: Robben Island, Cape Town, 7400, South Africa
Neighbourgoods Market
Taking over the ‘Old Biscuits Mill’ every Saturday, the Neighbourgoods Market is your one-stop-shop for all your artisan product and gourmet food needs. Tour through stall upon stall of delicious treats, sampling new food, and exciting your tastebuds.
There is so much choice, with food delicacies from all over the world. You will not leave Neighbourgoods Market hungry! Make sure you don’t eat before! To top off your experience, the market is home to some fantastic live music, allowing you to satisfy your earbuds whilst you pick your perfect meal.
Support an independent organization and attend Neighbourgoods Market as soon as Saturday comes around! This is one of this author’s favorite attractions – you won’t regret it.
Location: 373 Albert Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Cape Town isn’t just a bustling, urban city. No, no, no! There is much natural beauty for you to admire. Make sure to stop by Kirstenbosch, which is Cape Town’s national Botanical garden, to admire some of this fantastic greenery. Sitting comfortably against the eastern slopes of Cape Town’s Table Mountain, the agricultural beauty of Kirstenbosch is unmatched. In fact, it has been named one of the greatest botanical gardens in the entire world.
The gardens were established in 1913 with the purpose of preserving and studying indigenous plants, though there are areas of Kirstenbosch that have lived for much longer! In 1660 a hedge was planted as a boundary for the Dutch colony, and this hedge still grows in the garden today! In total, there are one-thousand, three-hundred acres of land encompassing the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, with regular tours commencing to help you navigate this fantastic piece of greenery. Don’t miss out on admiring this incredible site!
Location: Kirstenbosch Dr, Cape Town, South Africa
The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art
The Zeits Museum of Contemporary African Art is the largest museum of contemporary African art in the entire world! The museum holds an incredibly impressive collection of the art of Africa and its diaspora and is dedicated to researching, collecting, and exhibiting this wonderful art from all over the African continent and beyond.
With nine floors and over one hundred gallery spaces taking up around six thousand square meters, you will definitely need a full day to explore all the wonders held within these walls! Not only are the art collections incredible, but the building itself is also both mesmerizing and historically important. Built in 1921, the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art sits in the former old grain silo at the V and A waterfront.
The silos were previously the industrial heart of the harbor area. The interior is mind-blowing and authentically encapsulates its former industrial structure. Make sure to visit the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art to witness some of the best art collections on the continent and admire one of the most fascinating existing buildings in all of Cape Town.
Location: V&A Waterfront Silo District, S Arm Rd, Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Monkeybiz
Monkeybiz is one of the more unique experiences offered by a visit to Cape Town. Existing as a not-for-profit organization designed to support women in townships, Monkeybiz takes local arts and provides a platform for them to sell beautiful, authentic, handmade bead art. Gaze in awe at the stunning beaded animals, vibrant dolls, beautiful pictures, and individual keepsakes, all ready for you to take home as your one-of-a-kind souvenir.
Monkeybiz is helping to revive this tradition of beaded art collectibles, whilst simultaneously providing a financial income and creative outlet for women in Cape Town who need it the most. So, why not pick up a wonderfully unique souvenir whilst also contributing toward the support of a fantastic charity? Have a look around Monkeybiz today!
Location: Island Centre, Corner Paarden Eiland, and Cumberland Roads, Paarden Eiland, Cape Town, 7420, South Africa
Boulders Beach
Made up on inlets positioned between graphite boulders, for which the location gains its name, is Boulders Beach. Boulders Beach is truly beautiful and is one of the most visited beaches in all of Cape Town. Why is this? This beach is the only place in the entire world where you can get up close and personal with real-life, African penguins.
In fact, there is a whole colony of African penguins living on Boulders Beach, making this location one of a particular specialty. Unfortunately, African penguins are actually considered an endangered species, but the boulders of the beach keep this particular colony tucked away and safe. There is a viewing platform on which you can watch the wonderful creatures roam. The beach isn’t just great for seeing wildlife, but the beach is safe for swimming, exploring the rock pools, or even having a leisurely picnic. Boulders Beach truly has it all!
Location: Kleintuin Rd, Simon’s Town, Cape Town, 7995, South
Long Street
Infamously known as a bohemian hang-out spot, Long Street is located in Cape Town’s ‘City Bowl’ district and boasts many things to do! From quirky book stores to ethnic restaurants, to unique bars. There are interesting shops to explore, and nightclubs to fill your evenings with fun and laughter, making Long Street a major part of Cape Town’s street culture.
If you are looking for a great location to inspire your day plans, take a stroll down Long Street and choose what picks your fancy! Have a bite to eat, window shop, or even sit and people watch. The choice is yours!
Location: Long St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
Woodstock Street Art
A particular favorite of this author! The area of Woodstock is a must-stop for all street art fanatics visiting Cape Town. Vibrant murals coat every corner of the area, making it a haven for discovering new art and sparking your creativity. There is always something new being created, making every trip to Woodstock a unique one.
For a comprehensive overview of the incredible murals featured in the area, the inspiration behind the pieces, and a little information about the artists, why not take part in one of the many available guided tours? It’s a great way to fill the day, exploring your creative side and learning more about Cape Town artists.
Location: Woodstock Exchange, Albert Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town, 7915, South Africa
Chinchilla Rooftop Bar
Cape Town has some of the most beautiful landscapes in all of the world. What better place to admire some of these landscapes than from the comfortable haven of a rooftop bar? Chinchilla Rooftop Bar is one of the most popular in Cape Town amongst both tourists and locals alike.
It is such a cool and relaxed bar! There is an excellent range of drinks and food to choose from, and the boho-chic decor is incredibly inviting. Why not grab a cocktail, sit back, relax, and watch the Cape Town sunset?
Location: Victoria Rd Shop 120, Second Floor, The Promenade, Camps Bay, Cape Town, 8005, South Africa
