TOP 10 CAPE TOWN EXPERIENCES

Cape Town offers a stunning combination of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Whether you're a nature lover, history enthusiast, or someone simply looking to explore, Cape Town has something for everyone. Here are the top 10 must-see sights in this iconic city.

 

1. Table Mountain Aerial Cableway

A visit to Table Mountain is one of the highlights of any trip to Cape Town. The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway offers stunning panoramic views of the city, surrounding mountains, and coastline. The ride itself is an adventure, with a rotating gondola that provides a full 360-degree view—though it can be a bit overwhelming for those with a fear of heights. Once at the top, you’ll find several walking trails leading to different viewpoints, offering even more spectacular vistas of the city and beyond. Alternatively, you can simply grab a drink at the café and relax while soaking in the breathtaking scenery. 

Be flexible with your timing—the weather on the mountain is unpredictable. Sometimes it gets foggy in the morning, limiting visibility, so it’s better to wait until the afternoon when it’s clearer. However, the opposite can happen too, with winds picking up in the afternoon, which can affect the cable car service. The lines can get pretty long, but don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with VIP access. 

2. V&A Waterfront

The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is the heart of Cape Town's commercial and entertainment scene. Here, you’ll find everything from high-end shops to casual eateries, as well as historical landmarks like the Clock Tower. It's a great place to relax, enjoy a meal, and do some shopping, and it also serves as the departure point for ferries to Robben Island. The Waterfront also features the Two Oceans Aquarium, where you can learn more about the marine life that thrives in the waters around Cape Town.

3. Robben Island

A short ferry ride from Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, Robben Island is a must-visit for anyone interested in South Africa's history. While it’s most famous for being the place where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years, it has a much broader history of housing political prisoners, including those who opposed apartheid. Former prisoners often lead the tours, sharing powerful firsthand accounts of life on the island. The ferry ride itself is a scenic journey, and once you arrive, you’ll explore the prison and learn about the island's role in shaping South Africa’s past. 

For a truly exclusive experience, we can arrange a private or small group tour with Christo Brand, Mandela’s former prison guard who became his close friend. Hearing Christo’s personal stories about his time with Mandela offers a rare and deeply moving perspective on South Africa’s journey to freedom. 

4. Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope

Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope are among Africa’s most iconic and photographed destinations, renowned for their dramatic views and rugged coastline. Both are famous for their striking rocky outcrops and their historical importance as key navigational landmarks for sailors. While many mistakenly believe the Cape of Good Hope is the southernmost point of Africa, the true southernmost tip is actually Cape Agulhas, located about 150 kilometers (93 miles) to the southeast. 

5 . Boulders Beach 

Just outside Simon’s Town, Boulders Beach is renowned for its colony of African penguins, offering a rare chance to observe these charming birds up close in their natural habitat. The beach’s massive granite boulders create picturesque, sheltered coves, making it a scenic and memorable stop. Visitors can experience Boulders Beach as part of a Cape Peninsula day tour, where they can watch the penguins waddle along the sand and swim in the clear waters. 

Tip: For an even closer view, follow the trail to the other side of the beach. There’s a walkway that leads to a sandy area where you can often get much nearer to the penguins. 

6. Winelands Tour 

Cape Town is surrounded by some of the world’s most famous wine regions, including Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl. A wine tour through the Cape Winelands is a great way to enjoy the beauty of the region while sampling some of the finest wines in the world. A fun way to experience the area is on the Franschhoek Wine Tram, which takes you on a scenic route through vineyards and stops at several wineries for tastings. The views are stunning, and many of the wineries offer delicious meals to pair with the wine. 

7. Bo-Kaap

The Bo-Kaap is one of Cape Town’s most colorful neighborhoods, renowned for its bright houses and rich cultural heritage. The area is home to the Cape Malay community, and a walk through its vibrant streets gives you a glimpse into the blend of traditions that make Cape Town so unique. Visitors can take a guided tour through the area, visit local spice shops, and even join in cooking classes where you can learn to make traditional Malay dishes like samosas, while gaining insight into the local culture. 

8. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Kirstenbosch is not only one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world, but it is also nestled in the foothills of Table Mountain. The garden is home to a vast array of indigenous South African plants, and it's a perfect place for a relaxing stroll. Visitors can enjoy the scenic walking trails or head to the Tree Canopy Walkway for sweeping views of the gardens below. Kirstenbosch is also a great place for a picnic or to relax at one of the garden’s cafés, soaking in the surrounding natural beauty. 

9. District Six Museum 

District Six is a neighborhood with a heartbreaking history, and the District Six Museum offers an insightful look into the impact of apartheid on this once-thriving, multicultural area. The museum’s exhibits highlight the forced removals that took place in the 1970s and the destruction of a vibrant community. It’s a powerful experience that sheds light on the struggles of many South Africans during the apartheid era and helps visitors understand the country's journey toward reconciliation. 

10. Whale Watching in Hermanus 

Hermanus, about two hours from Cape Town, is one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Between June and November, Southern Right whales migrate to these waters, and the town is known for offering some of the best land-based whale-watching opportunities. You can often spot these magnificent creatures from the cliffs, and during whale season, there are plenty of boat tours that get you closer to the action. It’s a truly unforgettable experience to witness these gentle giants in their natural habitat. 

Cape Town is a city that combines natural beauty, cultural richness, and a fascinating history. From stunning beaches to vibrant neighborhoods and unique wildlife encounters, the top 10 sights listed above offer an unforgettable experience. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning for another adventure, Cape Town never fails to impress. Our Southern Explorer itinerary combines Cape Town’s highlights—Table Mountain, the Cape Peninsula, and the Winelands—with time to explore at your own pace. It pairs Cape Town’s top sights with an exciting safari in Greater Kruger and a visit to the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, making it our most popular Southern Africa journey.