MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR STAY IN CAPE TOWN
Spending some time in Cape Town? Here is our guide of top attractions, favorite restaurants and other unmissable gems!
TOP ATTRACTIONS
V&A Waterfront
The V&A Waterfront is one of Africa’s most visited destinations. With Table Mountain as its backdrop, it is situated in the oldest working harbour in South Africa. Combining exciting eatery experiences and a variety of attractions and activities, the V&A waterfront is the perfect spot were to unwind.
Table Mountain
f you are relatively fit and are feeling energetic, there are some amazing hikes to try. For those pressed for time, the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway offers a quick and convenient ascent. Cable cars depart from the cable station every 10 to 15 minutes and the journey up the mountain takes about five minutes. The cars rotate through 360 degrees during the trip, affording you spectacular views of the mountain below.
Robben Island
Robben Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and has come to symbolise the oppression of the Apartheid government. It was here that Nelson Mandela, alongside many other political prisoners, spent 18 years of his 27 years in prison. Ferries depart for the island daily from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Situated on the slopes of Table Mountain, a mere 13km from the city centre, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is regarded as one of the great botanical gardens of the world. The 528-hectare estate contains over 7,000 species of plants from southern Africa. Spend the day picnicking on the lawns, strolling through the Protea garden, or discovering interesting plant species in the Botanical Society Conservatory. While you are there, be sure to check out the 130m Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway – affectionately known as the Boomslang – that snakes its way through the trees of the Arboretum.
Groot Constantia
Are you a wine connoisseur or lover? Then the award-winning Groot Constantia, South Africa’s oldest wine estate, is the place fore you. Their tasting rooms, a visitor route experience and al fresco dining opportunities will make for an unforgettable visit
Cape Point Nature Reserve
The Cape Point Nature Reserve is all about natural splendour. You will be treated to some pretty spectacular views of the Atlantic and False Bay coastlines. While you are there, be sure to spend some time in the nature reserve where you are likely to encounter baboons, Cape Mountain Zebras, buck, and at least some of the 250 species of bird that call this reserve home. Don’t miss a ride up to the lighthouse on the Flying Dutchman Funicular for some truly spectacular panoramic views!
Beautiful beaches
Cape Town is also well-known for its beautiful beaches. Visiting the quirky penguins at Boulders Beach, between Simon’s Town and Cape Point, is a unique experience. Camps Bay and Clifton are the place to see and be seen, and are perfect for sunbathing and beach activities. Try Muizenberg or Blouberg for some great surfing.
EAT & DRINK
For visitors wanting the local experience, there are a few proudly home-grown dishes that should not be missed. Golden koesisters, koeksisters and vetkoek are all musthave dough-based sweet or savoury treats. Bobotie, with its egg-baked crust and curried mince filling, is delicious and the gatsby, a baguette-type loaf filled with meat, spicy fries (Capetonians call them hot chips) and barbeque sauce is best shared – it’s that big. Shisanyama or braai is the equivalent of a barbeque – an activity that is deeply entrenched in South African food culture and is more than just a food experience. Have your meat with pap (cooked maize meal) and you will be one of the locals.
Yes, South Africans are notorious carnivores, and in the past it’s been difficult for those with alternative dietary choices to get by. Thankfully, Cape Town has been at the forefront of the trend toward raw, vegan and organic lifestyles, and it’s now the easiest it’s ever been for those following a plant-based diet to find truly excellent food. Travellers who are vegan, vegetarian, have food intolerances or are just looking for a different culinary spin on things will find dozens of options that are worth a visit.
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From underground basement venues where selfies are forbidden to swanky rooftop terraces overlooking the city’s skyline, here’s 50 of the best bars and coolest clubs in Cape Town...
THE BEST SUNDOWNER SPOTS IN CAPE TOWN
There’s something magical about sunsets: the vibrant colours, the warm glow, and that unshakeable sense that – for a moment – all is right with the world. They ought to be celebrated properly, and these Cape Town spots make it easy to do just that!
Shopping
SHOPPING IN CAPE TOWN
Cape Town is a shopper’s dream with a wide range of shopping expeditions to undertake – from luxury boutiques and shopping malls to private shopping tours and markets, the Mother City has it all.
BEST CAPE TOWN MARKETS TO ENJOY
Cape Town offers an excellent array of local markets. With everything from food markets to craft and antique markets and even specialist gift markets – there really is a market for everyone to enjoy in the Mother City.
LUXURY EXPERIENCES IN CAPE TOWN
Cape Town is renowned as a luxury destination. With a wide range of activities on offer, five-star service and a love for the finer things in life, the Mother City is waiting to wrap you in her warm, luxurious embrace.
BUSINESS IN CAPE TOWN
Cape Town has a sophisticated, diverse and dynamic economy, and is a regional hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.
Globally, the city ranks among the world’s top destinations to visit and has all the attributes that appeal to people looking for a great city in which to live, work, play and invest.
We are national leaders in business and have a thriving knowledge economy; our skills market is growing and the city offers numerous opportunities for work and investment.
We are also a proudly inclusive city, welcoming all who can join us in our vision to create a safe, sustainable, vibrant urban environment for generations to come.
