What to see and do in Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is the second largest cities in South Africa. It is located on the south west corner of the country near the Cape of Good Hope, and is the most southern city in Africa. A metropolitan city, Cape Town is also home to one of the world’s most famous landmark, Table Mountain.   

Main Attractions in Cape Town 

Table Mountain National Park – Hike or take a cable car ride and immersed in the magnificent views as you reach the top of the mountain. The flat plateau on the mountain top is perhaps why it’s called a table top and at times, its cover with a layer of soft white clouds resembling a table cloth. The fascinating botany and wild life makes Table Mountain a must see attraction in Cape Town. 

Cape Peninsula –Visit the most southern tip of Africa, the Cape of Good Hope and witness the crashing of the waves which could sometimes rise above 10ft against the rocky headland. Hike around the reserve and discover the treasure trove of 1,100 species of indigenous plants. It consist of various types of fynbos plants, freesias, daisy, lilies and iris and the spectacular proteas, which are often referred to as prehistoric plant. On your way back from Cape Point, stopover to watch African penguins at Boulders, take a break at Kalk Bay or take Chapman’s Peak Drive through Hout Bay and stopping off at one of Clifton’s famous four beaches. 

Victoria & Alfred Waterfront -The colonial architecture with Table Mountain as their backdrop and the glistening waters as their frontage make this place the most visited attraction in Cape Town. This is a working harbour with assortment of shopping, eating and entertainment facilities all in one location.

Markets and flea markets- Green market square offers a wide selection of African’s art and crafts exercise your bargaining skills in Long Street and discover the diversity of African culture in the Antique Craft Market at the Waterfront. 

Robben Island – Known as the prison where Nelson Mandela and many anti apartheid activists spent many of their adult years, the island is a must see when visiting Cape Town. This is an offshore island, situated 9km (5.5ml) from Cape Town. Robben Island was declared a World Heritage site on December 1, 1997. 

Township Tours –Get to know the ‘real’ Cape Town, take a guided township tour. Such tours will open your eyes to the way in which most people in Cape Town are living. Amidst poverty and poor living condition lies the vibrancy and spirit of the local people.  

Nightlife in Cape Town – There is hundreds of bars, restaurants and clubs throughout the city of Cape Town. Whether you are looking for sundowners along the Atlantic Seaboard area of Camps Bay and Clifton or hang out in the city centre such as Long Street, Heritage Square or enjoy the carnival experience at Victoria Waterfront. 

Visit nearby towns such as Hermanus for whale watching, Stellenbosch and the wine lands, Franscheok (French Town), Route 62 or make your way to the Garden Route to experience the splendour of the sea side route. 

Cape Town is one of the host cities of the 2o10 World Cup. 8 football matches will be played at the newly build Green Point Stadium. The stadium is situated in the Green Point area which lies between Victoria Waterfront and Signal Hill. Green Point is both vibrant and lively night and day with a wide collection of pubs, clubs and restaurants.It is a popular hangout for locals and visitors.