I remember the day I first arrived in Cape Town. After a gruelling 15–16 hour drive from Gauteng, I was exhausted but it felt like I was closer to heaven than anywhere else I’d ever called home.
Even after five years, that magic hasn’t faded. There’s still so much left to explore. But these are the top Cape Town tourist attractions that I, and countless others just can’t get enough of.
We’ll explore these locations
Table Mountain
The iconic, flat-topped Table Mountain is impossible to miss. One of Cape Town’s most prominent landmarks, visible up to 100 km away in Langebaan and even from the summits in Cederberg (170 km away).
Hiking this 600-million-year-old nature wonder should be at the top of your to-do list when visiting Cape Town. In fact, can you truly say you’ve visited the city if you haven’t hiked the Table Mountain?
Hiking Table Mountain
No matter your fitness level, hiking Table Mountain is always a challenge due to its steep, never-ending climb, and especially if it’s your first attempt.
But the panoramic view of the city and the experience of walking on the flat surface of the mountain is worth it. Future hikes become easier once you know what to expect.
- If you’re not particularly active, consider training on a stair-climbing machine for a few weeks before attempting the hike.
- Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and snacks to keep your energy up.
- Pace yourself and stop to enjoy the scenery and refuel.
- Cape Town’s weather can change in an instant. What starts as a sunny day can quickly turn cold, wet, or cloudy. So be prepared for everything.
Table Mountain Cable Car
If you want to experience the summit without the effort of a hike, the Table Mountain Cable Car is the perfect alternative. In just five minutes, you’ll reach the top, enjoying breathtaking 360° views of Cape Town and the mountain itself.
The cable car rotates during the ride, ensuring that every passenger enjoys the full view. It is a truly unforgettable experience.
V&A Waterfront
With the Table Mountain as its backdrop, the V&A Waterfront is one of South Africa’s most visited attractions, attacting over 24 million visitors annually and spanning an impressive 23 hectares.
Originally the site of South Africa’s oldest harbor, it served as a base for merchant ships in the 17th century. Today, you can still spot signs of its historic roots, adding a lot of charm to this location.
Now, the V&A waterfall is a mixed-use property boasting;
- Over 180 business tenants
- More than 450 shops
- 101 entertainment
- over 80 eateries
- 13 hotels
- 7 museums and
- 22 historical landmarks.
With so much to see and do in the V&A waterfront, you might need more than one visit to fully experience everything that V&A waterfront has to offer.
Robben Island
A powerful symbol of South Africa Apartheid struggle, Robben Island once served as a maximum-security prison between the 17th – 20th Century. Today it is a museum and an important tourist destination for those seeking to understand the somber history of Apartheid in South Africa.
Robben Island is famously known for housing political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela who spent 18 of his 27 years of imprisonment here.
A highlight of the tour is visiting Nelson Mandela’s eight-by-seven foot cell, and hearing the stories of the hardships endured by political prisoners in their fight for freedom, a struggle that shaped the South Africa that we know today.
Chapman’s Peak Drive
Chapman’s Peak Drive is a beautiful 9km route winding from Hout Bay to Noordhoek, celebrated for its panoramic views and remarkable engineering. This road has received lots of awards as one of the most scenic roads in the world.
Built along the cliffs of the Cape Peninsula, this iconic drive offers stunning ocean views with numerous safe pull-over points to take in the scenery.
With its 114 curves, strict speed limits, and designated stops, you should slow down and fully enjoy the experience. Along the way, you might spot whales, dolphins, or even curious baboons watching visitors from a distance.
Cape Town Stadium
This magnificent stadium located in Green point was constructed for the 2010 Fifa world cup and has hosted several significant soccer, rugby and tennis matches since.
The stadium’s roof was made of a unique material designed to absorb sound, minimizing noise pollution for the surrounding Green Point neighborhood during events.
You might hear people refer to it as the DHL stadium. This is what it is currently called as part of a 4-years sponsorship contract between the City of Cape Town and DHL.
Sea Point
Sea point was Cape Town’s most popular seaside resort in the early 1800s, where wealthy residents went to escape the city’s hustle. Traces of its Victorian architecture and charm from that era can still be found in parts of the neighborhood today.
These days, one of the biggest attractions in Sea Point is the Promenade, often referred to as “Prom” by locals. This 5-Kilometer walkway along the Atlantic coast is very popular among residents for jogging, cycling, dog walking or casual walks to enjoy the ocean views. It is also a perfect spot to catch the beautiful Cape Town sunset.
In the Southern end of the Promenade, the Sea Point Olympic sized swimming pool is a perfect spot for a refreshing swim. Food vendors close to the pool offer some of the best street food you’ll find in Cape Town.
Camps Bay
Camps bay is one of the wealthiest neighborhoods, not just in Cape Town but in South Africa. During the summer months, Camps Bay becomes the ultimate hotspot for the “it-crowd”. The white beautiful sands, and the lively promenade lined with some of the finest restaurants, shops, cafes, clubs, and hotels draw sun worshippers, swimmers and party lovers from across the country.
Summer also brings a very lively international crowd, with European partygoers flocking in and filling the area with excitement. It gets loud and crowded, so it might not be for you if you want a more quiet location, but if you’re seeking a vibey crowd and atmosphere, Camps Bay won’t disappoint.
Two Oceans Aquarium
The two ocean aquarium is an incredible location to see and experience Cape Town’s rich marine biodiversity. Home to over 3000 sea creatures, you get the chance to dive beneath the surface, without getting wet, and explore the South African coastline wildlife.
This aquarium is located at the point where the Indian and Atlantic oceans converge, which is how it earned the name Two Oceans.
A standout attraction in the Two Ocean Aquarium is the predator exhibit called the I&J Ocean Exhibit. This massive tank holds 1.6 million litres of seawater and is home to a variety of fish, rays and turtles and sharks. Fearless, thrill-seeking divers are allowed a cage-free dive with the sharks, but these divers must also possess a scuba diving license.
Oranjezicht City Farm Market
A local vibrant farm where you can find fresh, organic and locally sourced produce brought directly from local farmers. The market also offers artisan food that caters to the needs of meat-lovers, vegans and vegetarians.
It’s a favorite among health-conscious shoppers and foodies and a lively place where locals and visitors can connect and strike up conversations while eating and browsing for fresh produce.
It’s situated at Granger Bay near the V&A waterfront, a location with a beautiful view of the Atlantic ocean that further elevates the shopping experience.
Notable mention: The Cape Winelands
One of the greatest advantages of visiting Cape Town is its proximity to the Cape Winelands, and the opportunities for road trips.
The Cape Winelands district is home to some of the world’s most celebrated wine producers, including vineyards that have been operating for over 300 years. Its winemaking heritage dates back to the 17th century, making it a celebrated cornerstone of South Africa’s wine history.
But the region offers more than just great wine. It features world-class restaurants, stunning Cape Dutch architecture, and breathtaking landscapes of rolling vineyards framed by gorgeous mountain ranges. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a teetotaler, there’s something here for everyone.
