Things To Do in Cape Town, South Africa

This massive granite staircase memorializes diamond mogul and British imperialist Cecil Rhodes.

During the apartheid years Robben Island served as a prison for political activists.

Table Mountain

The mountain in the middle of Cape Town offers many hikes and magnificent views in all directions.

Victoria and Alfred Waterfront

The cultural and commercial heart of Cape Town beats at this historic harbor basin, now home to hundreds of shops, museums, restaurants and theatres.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

The gardens extend up the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, overlooking the Cape Flats and distant Hottentots Holland Mountains. Walking trails meander through the gardens, and grassy banks are ideal for a picnic or afternoon nap.

Two Oceans Aquarium

South Africa’s largest aquarium is an educational and dramatic collection of exhibits and galleries; the weekly shark feeding is a popular attraction.

Castle of Good Hope

Credited as South Africa’s oldest building, this 17th-century castle houses various military personnel, historic artifacts and artworks.

Boulders

This peaceful beach is famous for its massive granite boulders and indigenous penguin colony.

District Six Museum

The government destroyed District Six in the 1960s. This memorial museum contains maps, photographs and other reminders of this old vibrant neighborhood.

Cape Point

The Cape Peninsula is possibly one of the most spectacular combinations of sea and mountain scenery in the world. At Cape Point one also finds a treasure house of some 1200 different species of fynbos vegetation of the Cape floral kingdom.

Bo-Kaap Museum

Located in the Malay quarter, this former Muslim home displays a typical Malay household.

Rare and beautiful exhibits of art, native crafts and weaponry make this small but stunning museum among the country’s finest.

Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve

Comprising nearly 20,000 wild acres of steep cliffs and hiking trails, this legendary peninsula is part of Cape Peninsula National Park.

Table Mountain Aerial Cableway

The first Table Mountain cableway was opened on 4 October 1929. The newly renovated circulating cableway provides spectacular views while ascending or descending, offering a beautiful panorama of the city and surrounds.

City Hall

The old seat of local administration is home to the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra and the City Library. It was from a balcony here, overlooking Darling Street, that Nelson Mandela gave his historic speech on his release from prison.

Groot Constantia

With two fine restaurants, an historic home and wine tasting events, this sprawling winery is a popular attraction.

St. George's Cathedral

The first black archbishop of Cape Town, Desmond Tutu, used this Anglican cathedral as a religious and political seat.

Bertram House

This brick house represents a once-popular 19th century Georgian architectural style; its furniture and other household items are from the same era.

Koopmans-De Wet House

Now a museum, this lovely 18th-century home is a haven of peace in the city center. The structure you see today dates largely from the period 1771-93. It is notable for its neoclassic facade. The furnishings date to the early 19th century. The collection includes a stunning selection of antiques, carpets, paintings, and porcelain.

South African Cultural History Museum

Now occupied by excellent collections of art and cultural antiquities, this 1679 building is also known for its tragic beginnings as a slave lodge.