
Top attractions in Cape Town


Table Mountain Cable Car Ticket & Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Combo

Cape Point and Penguin Explorer Full-Day Tour from Cape Town

Cape Town City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

Cape Town: 2 Oceans Scenic Helicopter Flight

Cape Town: Tandem Paragliding Adventure

Stellenbosch: Five Estate Full-Day Wine Tour

Cape Town to Gans Bay: Shark Cage Dive and Viewing

From Cape Town: Franschhoek Wine Tram Hop-on Hop-off

Two Oceans Aquarium: Skip-the-Line Entrance ticket

Cape Town: Day Trip to Aquila Game Reserve & Game Drive

Cape Point Full-Day Tour From Cape Town

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10 things to do in Cape Town
While exploring the "Mother City," you'll uncover the layers of its history that span from the colonial period to the emergence of the Rainbow Nation. With a vibrant scene in a cityscape of sea and mountains, it's easy to fall for South Africa's oldest city.

Table Mountain
The ride to the top of the iconic Table Mountain is one you'll never forget. You'll relish the views of the cobalt blue ocean and urban landscape from this lofty perch.

Lion's Head
Reap the rewards of an encompassing panorama after an hour's hike to the Lion's Head. A night with a full moon makes it a popular place to view the sparkling city lights below.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
The eastern slopes of Table Mountain rise above the swathes of the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. The flora, locally known as fynbos, is at its best between August and November.

Cape of Good Hope
Dubbed the Cape of Storms by Portuguese explorers in the 15th century, the lighthouse, which illuminates the Cape of Good Hope, is the strongest on the continent.

Victoria and Alfred Waterfront
For shopping, entertainment and a slew of restaurants, you won't go wrong at the V&A. It's convenient to reach the aquarium and stadium nearby, and it's the place for a bay cruise.

Two Oceans Aquarium
The Two Oceans Aquarium name reflects the meeting of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, and it features the marine life in these waters. Don't miss the shark feeding on Sundays at 3:00 pm.

Cape Town Stadium
Learn about this venue from the 2010 FIFA World Cup by taking a tour that includes facts about its architectural design, a walk on the Cape Town Stadium field, and a look inside the locker rooms.

Robben Island
Located in Table Bay, Nelson Mandela spent 18 years of his life imprisoned here in Robben Island during apartheid. It's a humbling moment when you step into his former cell and reflect on his life.

District Six
The District Six museum recounts the history of the forced expulsion and relocation of black residents during apartheid, and the ultimate demise of this former, mulit-cultural district.

Boulders Beach
A raised boardwalk lets you take a walk on the wild side among the rowdy 2000 African Penguins that live here at Boulders Beach. It's also a great place to spend the day on the beaches of False Bay.
Planning Your Cape Town Visit
A visit to Table Mountain
You can buy a ticket online for either a morning or afternoon trip to the top by cable car. However, an excursion to the 3,500-foot summit always depends on the weather, so check it before you go. It's wise to bring a sweater or jacket with you, and wear sunblock and proper footware. If you plan to hike to the peak or along one of the three trails at the summit, be safe and bring water, snacks and a friend.
How safe is it?
As in any other city you visit, it's always best to keep your wits about you. It is recommended to take a taxi in Cape Town at night, rather than walking, and be on your guard when withdrawing cash at an ATM. If you're curious about visiting a township, then go with a group led by an experienced guide.
When to go
Cape Town has a temperate climate. October to April offer warm and dry weather, but the notorious south-easter winds occur from December through January. February to mid-April has great beach weather, and hiking enthusiasts will enjoy crisp, clear days from late April to early June.
How many days should you spend in Cape Town?
Four to five full days allow you to experience the sites and sounds of the Mother City at a leisurely pace. Stay longer if you'd like and use the city as a base to explore the beautiful, surrounding areas in the Western Cape, such as the wine region of Stellenbosch.
Good to know
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- Language
- Afrikaans and English
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- Currency
- South African Rand (ZAR)
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- Time Zone
- UTC (+02:00)
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- Country Code
- +27
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- Best time to visit
- For a great sightseeing trip with some beach time, plan to come between January and April, when the temperatures are warm, the winds are dying down and the tourist rush is ending.
Things to Do in Cape Town
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Cities in South Africa
Other Sightseeing Options in Cape Town
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What people are saying about Cape Town
Fascinating, sobering, saddening, optimistic experience
I remember the dreadful days of apartheid and reading about the sentences given to brave people who fought for basic civil rights in their own homeland. I’m proud that an Australian Prime Minister, Bob Hawke, was instrumental in the embargoes that helped finally break this hideous regime. Mandela was but one of the heroic souls who endured and the wives and children knew tremendous suffering too. A sobering, saddening but ultimately inspiring experience.
Book through local partner to save money
Had a great time doing this tour: Everything was well organized, the guides were knowledgeable, beautiful drive down to Hermanus, the whales were amazing to watch! Two recommendations: 1) Book through the local partner directly as it's about 20 pounds cheaper than booking through this website. 2) Book the whale watching boat tour as a combo package with your trip to Hermanus as it will save you some money too.
Amazing tour of Babylonstoren with Uriel
Our tour guide, Uriel, definitely made the tour unforgettable. He was really knowledgeable and friendly and took us to some great wineries. We definitely recommend Uriel as a guide! For wineries, Marianne has amazing wine, Clos Malverne great views and unique wine and ice cream pairings - definitely recommend visiting both.
Fantastic opportunity to see marine wildlife!
Absolutely fantastic trip. Booked a pickup which occurred on time, taken by a very courteous driver down to the boat on the quay. Fabulous trip, we saw african penguins, dusky dolphins and three Brydes whales in the bay. Lovely guy in charge of the boat who clearly knew what he was doing. Highly recommend.
Stunning and magical experience ( not only an alcoholic one )
The wine estates and wine farms visited had character and style. Not only good wines and food but also magical surrounding environments. Our guide Donovan was funny and caring apart from very knowledgeable about the subject. A bit to miss day out.