Places To Visit In Cape Town

Table Mountain

Legendary Table Mountain is the Mother City’s postcard image, as well as one of its most visually appealing and stunning features. The flat summit with its tablecloth of clouds, recently named one of the Seven Wonders of Nature, is undoubtedly the most photographed site in the city and home to rare creatures and vegetation. On the slopes of this mountain, the initial Dutch settlers began constructing what would become a major global trading station and Africa’s top tourist attraction. There are two methods to reach the top: via cable car or by hiking. The views are stunning, stretching across Table Bay to Robben Island.

V&A Waterfront

The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is a vibrant destination that truly offers something for everyone, from shopping and dining to live entertainment and harbour views—all against the stunning backdrop of Table Mountain. Visitors can explore craft markets, the Two Oceans Aquarium, or enjoy a boat cruise to take in the scenic beauty. Established in 1991, the “V&A,” as locals call it, transformed Cape Town’s social scene by reimagining a historic, working harbour into South Africa’s most visited attraction, with up to 24 million visitors annually.

Named after Queen Victoria and her son Prince Alfred, the Waterfront has a maritime legacy over 350 years old, where tugs, fishing boats, and sightseeing cruises coexist with a bustling modern waterfront. Spread across 300 acres with ten unique districts, the V&A Waterfront features 500 shops, 100 eateries, and a wealth of family-friendly activities, all complemented by Africa’s first Time Out Market.

Robben Island

For history lovers, Robben Island offers a powerful experience as the former prison site of Nelson Mandela and a UNESCO World Heritage site, accessible by ferry from the V&A Waterfront. Guided tours, often led by former prisoners, provide unique insights into South Africa’s journey to freedom, making a visit to Robben Island essential to understanding Cape Town’s past.

Used between the 17th and 20th centuries as a prison, a hospital, and a military base, Robben Island’s buildings—particularly those of the maximum-security prison from the 1960s Apartheid era—stand as reminders of the resilience of democracy over oppression. Visitors can explore surviving sites from its layered history, including 17th-century quarries, a small lighthouse, the tomb of Hadije Kramat, who died in 1755, 19th-century administrative buildings, and remnants of a leper colony.

Robben Island’s symbolic value lies in its legacy as a place of confinement for those deemed socially undesirable. This chapter closed in the 1990s, when the Apartheid regime was overthrown and political prisoners gained their long-awaited freedom.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

If you’re seeking a peaceful escape, Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden is the perfect retreat. Nestled on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, this national botanical garden, one of nine in South Africa, showcases Cape Town’s diverse plant life and stunning scenery. The Tree Canopy Walkway offers sweeping views, while summer sunset concerts provide a unique way to enjoy the garden’s natural beauty. Whether you’re exploring the native fauna or simply unwinding, Kirstenbosch is a beloved local gem.

Established in 1913, Kirstenbosch spans over 5.2 square kilometres and is home to more than 7,000 plant species, primarily indigenous to South Africa. Visitors can discover fynbos and forest areas, vibrant proteas and heathers, and massive cycads. Greenhouses house plants from various climates, while three herbaria preserve about 300,000 dried specimens. Birdlife flourishes throughout the garden, enhancing its natural charm.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of trails, from the 8-kilometre Silvertree Trail to the 3-kilometre Yellowwood Trail. For visually impaired guests, the Braille Trail offers a tactile experience with accessible trees and plants.

Cape Point

The Cape of Good Hope, located at the southern tip of South Africa’s Cape Peninsula, offers dramatic landscapes where rugged mountains meet the ocean. Part of Table Mountain National Park, it’s an ideal destination for hiking, exploring the historic Cape Point lighthouse, and enjoying views of the wild, sweeping coastline. With abundant wildlife, including baboons and ostriches, Cape Point attracts photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Portuguese navigator Bartolomeu Dias became the first European to sight the cape in 1488, initially naming it the “Cape of Storms” for its fierce weather and turbulent seas. Later, King John II of Portugal renamed it the Cape of Good Hope, seeing it as a positive sign that a sea route to India was within reach.

The cape’s position at the meeting point of the warm Mozambique-Agulhas and cool Benguela currents brings unique weather and vegetation, with low shrubs and grasses defining its landscape. Established in 1939, the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve preserves this southernmost region of the peninsula, where visitors can still see the lighthouse standing about 2 km east of the cape, a beacon for explorers and visitors alike.

Boulders Beach

Famous for its colony of African penguins, Boulders Beach is a family-friendly spot with soft sands, gentle waves, and sheltered coves that offer the rare chance to see penguins up close. Located just outside Cape Town, this scenic beach is protected by ancient granite boulders, which make it an ideal swimming spot for children. As part of the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area, Boulders Beach is meticulously clean and safe, providing a peaceful escape from crowds—well worth the modest entry fee of R65.

The real draw, however, is the beloved African penguin. These charming, waddling birds captivate visitors on the boardwalk, where they can be seen basking and braying, earning them their nickname, the “Jackass penguin.” The penguin population here is vital for conservation, as South Africa’s only penguin species faces threats from habitat loss, declining fish stocks, and urban encroachment. By visiting, you support penguin conservation efforts through South African National Parks (SANParks), which help protect these unique creatures.

Did you know? The name Boulders Beach comes from the large granite rocks that shelter the inlets, creating a perfect space for penguin colonies. Though African penguins breed along the coast from Namibia to Port Elizabeth, their thriving presence at Boulders Beach showcases remarkable urban adaptation.

Bo-Kaap

Bo-Kaap is one of the best places in Cape Town to visit, known for its brightly coloured houses and rich Cape Malay heritage. Strolling along its cobbled streets, visitors can capture the vibrant scenery, learn about the area’s unique history, and sample authentic Cape Malay cuisine.

Established in the 1760s by Jan de Waal, Bo-Kaap was initially called Waalendorp and has also been known as the Malay Quarter, Slamse Buurt, and Scotcheskloof. Its current name, Bo-Kaap, means “Above the Cape” in Afrikaans, reflecting its location on the slopes above the city centre.

Bo-Kaap’s blend of Cape Dutch and Cape Georgian architecture adds charm. The Bo-Kaap Museum, built in 1768, offers insights into the area’s Islamic heritage and is the oldest building in its original form in the neighbourhood.

In the 1700s, political exiles, slaves, and convicts from countries like India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Indonesia were brought to the Cape by the Dutch. These communities, later known as Cape Malays, found a home in Bo-Kaap. During apartheid, the Group Areas Act declared Bo-Kaap a Muslim-only area, forcing people of other backgrounds to leave—an exception to the policy of moving working-class residents away from city centres.

Built in 1794, the Auwal Mosque in Bo-Kaap is South Africa’s oldest mosque. Although public worship was only legalised in 1804, the mosque holds a unique history. Its founder, Tuan Guru, a political prisoner on Robben Island, transcribed the Quran from memory, which can still be viewed at the mosque today.

The Tana Baru Cemetery, established in 1804, was the first designated Muslim burial ground after religious freedom was granted. Located on the slopes of Signal Hill, it houses three revered kramats, or shrines, dedicated to imams Tuan Nuruman, Tuan Sayeed Alawse, and Tuan Guru, making it one of Cape Town’s most hallowed sites.

Top Sights In Cape Town

Chapman’s Peak Drive

Chapman’s Peak Drive, known as one of the world’s most scenic coastal routes, winds along a 9-kilometre stretch between Hout Bay and Noordhoek, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and rugged cliffs. The route, fondly called “Chappies” by locals, provides numerous lookout points where visitors can safely pull over to enjoy panoramic ocean vistas and photograph the Cape’s dramatic coastline.

At vantage points up to 593 metres above sea level, you might spot whales, dolphins, and even baboon troops curiously observing passersby—though it’s essential to avoid feeding them. This scenic drive is popular among road trippers, cyclists, and photographers alike and also serves as part of the annual Cape Argus Cycle Tour and Two Oceans Marathon routes.

Initially constructed in 1915, Chapman’s Peak Drive was officially opened by Prince Arthur of Connaught and Strathearn. After closures in the 2000s due to rockfall concerns, the route underwent significant engineering improvements and reopened in 2009, now closing only in severe weather conditions for safety.

The road’s winding 114 curves require cautious driving, making the journey perfect for taking in the views. Those who prefer hiking can follow a marked trail up Chapman’s Peak, offering a great alternative to the toll route. Hikers are advised to carry plenty of water, as there are no water sources along the way.

Fun fact: “Chappies” became famous in the 1990s as a prime location for vehicle commercials, including BMW’s acclaimed “Beat the Bends” campaign, shot in response to a Mercedes-Benz ad.

District Six Museum

The District Six Museum offers a powerful look into Cape Town’s history, particularly the forced removals of District Six residents during apartheid. Through personal stories, photographs, and artefacts, the museum brings to life the vibrant, multi-racial community that once thrived here, honouring the people and culture erased by the apartheid regime.

Originally a wine shop, the building became the Buitenkamp Methodist Mission Church in 1883. The District Six Museum Foundation was established in 1989, with the museum itself opening in 1994 as a space dedicated to remembering District Six’s diverse heritage and resilience. Today, the museum serves as both a tribute and a reminder, shedding light on this painful chapter in South Africa’s past.

Best Places In Cape Town To Relax

Clifton Beaches

The Clifton Beaches are among top beaches Cape Town has to offer. With soft white sands, turquoise waters, and stunning sunset views. Divided into four distinct beaches by large stone boulders, each section has its own unique atmosphere, from tranquil sunbathing spots to lively gathering places. Despite the chilly water year-round, Clifton attracts beachgoers for its sheltered, wind-free setting on the western edge of Table Mountain, making it a favourite for both locals and tourists.

Although swimming may not be ideal, visitors enjoy strolling along the sand, people-watching, or relaxing at nearby beachside restaurants. Clifton Beach is open daily, free of charge, and easily accessible via the M6 highway—a perfect spot to experience Cape Town’s coastal charm.

The Old Biscuit Mill

Located in Woodstock, The Old Biscuit Mill is a vibrant market and creative hub where visitors can shop for local crafts, sample gourmet foods, and soak up the area’s lively atmosphere. This destination is especially popular on Saturdays, when the neighbourhood goods market comes alive with fresh produce, unique souvenirs, and a range of artisan goods. The Mill is also home to dynamic office spaces, designer shops, workshops, and eateries, creating a bustling community for Cape Town’s innovative artists, designers, and connoisseurs.

Fondly known as “The Mill,” this spot combines charming architecture with a lineup of day and night markets, festivals, and events that showcase local talent and creativity. Since its revitalisation over 10 years ago, The Old Biscuit Mill has become one of Cape Town’s favourite destinations.

During the week, parking is available within The Old Biscuit Mill. On Saturdays, however, the Neighbourgoods market occupies the parking area, so visitors are encouraged to explore Cape Town with luxury shuttle services or Uber. If you will be driving, secure parking is available at the College of Cape Town on Kent Street for R10, with access on a first-come, first-served basis. The college parking is also open on special event days.

Conclusion

With so many must-see attractions in Cape Town, it’s easy to see why it is a favourite for travellers from around the world. At Century City Hotels, we’re ready to help you make the most of your stay. From insider tips to tour bookings, our team is here to help you explore this stunning city. After a day filled with sightseeing, unwind with us and let us be part of your Cape Town adventure. Cape Town has something special for every visitor, and we can’t wait to welcome you to our city. So start checking off your must-see spots and make memories in one of the most beautiful places in the world!