Cape Town Attractions: My Best 25 Highlights with Tips

I have been to Cape Town 10 times. For me, Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The city is unique due to its location by the sea and the impressive Table Mountain as a backdrop. There are great Cape Town attractions to experience, top-notch food at fair prices, amazing markets to explore, and exciting activities to undertake. I will show you the best highlights for first-time visitors.

Of course, you can do much more in Cape Town. Below are the best attractions in Cape Town. For each attraction, I will add my personal tips. At the end of the article, I will provide useful tips for planning your trip, as you need to deal with the topics of safety in South Africa and load shedding. This way, you are well-prepared for Cape Town and the Western Cape in South Africa. Here you can find all travel reports for Cape Town at a glance.

My conclusion about Cape Town: I love this city; it is one of my favorite metropolises in the world. With all its quirks!

Spend at least three days in Cape Town to explore the unique landscape and history of the city. Don't forget to experience the view from Table Mountain, Lion's Head, and the historical insights of the District Six Museum and Robben Island.

Do you have more time? Then be sure to book a township tour, visit the Botanical Garden in Kirstenbosch, and check out the great markets in the city.

The most famous landmarks in Cape Town as well as the historically significant places and activities that you absolutely must not miss. In my opinion, these sights are a must-visit on your first trip to Cape Town. What you do from this list, of course, depends on you.

Table Mountain is the landmark of Cape Town. From above, you have a magnificent view over the city to Robben Island. The prominent mountain rises 1,086 meters above Cape Town and has a huge impact on the cityscape. Anyone traveling to Cape Town must visit Table Mountain. The visit is definitely worth it. I have been up five times already.

My tips for the visit

My tip: Hike for sunrise or sunset.

Next to Table Mountain is Lion's Head, the most beautiful viewpoint in Cape Town. Why? From here, you can see the City Bowl, Robben Island, and Signal Hill with the coast below. But you also have an unobstructed view of Table Mountain from Lion's Head.

Go for sunrise at Lion's Head. Once the sun is up, it gets really hot (and crowded). There is no shade. I felt sorry for the many tourists who came towards us after sunrise completely sweaty in the blazing sun. Don't want to hike alone? Then book a guided tour here.

Check out my detailed description of the hike on Lion's Head in Cape Town here. I have done it several times.

You can see the most important sights and beautiful places best from the air during a helicopter flight. The World Cup Stadium, Victoria Alfred Waterfront, Table Mountain, Signal Hill, and the 12 Apostles can all be seen at once this way.

I particularly enjoy the tour without doors all the way to the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point.

Note: Sit on the left side, as on the right side, you will mostly see the sea below. More information about helicopter tours in Cape Town can be found here or in the article on the best tours in Cape Town.

What? A township is not an attraction? Many people disregard where they are during their vacation. They do not want to see the misery and turn a blind eye. We think that's wrong and recommend everyone to visit a township at least once. This is also part of South Africa.

On our first trip to Cape Town, we seized the opportunity to take a tour with LaGuGu in the Langa and Gugulethu townships.

You will get an insight into life on a small scale, now with electricity but not always with running water. From corrugated iron shacks without water and electricity to apartment complexes where 8-9 people share a room (!!!) and emerging start-ups, you will see it all here.

During our last trip to Cape Town, we took a 3-hour bike tour in Khayelitsha. This township is considered the second largest in South Africa after Soweto (Johannesburg).

However, it is also the most promising. We visited start-ups, including 'Spinach King,' which even has a franchise in Amsterdam now. Then we checked out a BMX track and the cycling team that participates in international races.

The Cape Peninsula and the Cape of Good Hope are among the highlights of a visit to Cape Town.

The coastal road out of Cape Town, along the sea to the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point, is one of the most beautiful routes in the world. You will discover dreamy bays for swimming, pass rugged coastlines, see natural pools in the sea, and of course, visit the penguins at Boulders Beach.

A drive over the 114 curves of Chapman's Peak Drive is an absolute must.

The former prison island with the famous inmate Nelson Mandela is one of the most visited attractions. The tours are still conducted by former political prisoners. It doesn't get any more authentic than this.

Do this as long as it is still possible. You should book tickets for this tour in advance. The Robben Island tour is very popular and sells out quickly.

Here you can read my detailed report on visiting Robben Island.

The colorful neighborhood of Bo Kaap is known for its brightly painted houses, currently adorned with political messages. During Apartheid, Bo Kaap was considered a blemish and was to be leveled like the District Six neighborhood. However, the residents - predominantly Cape Malays - successfully prevented this through their vigorous resistance. After being freed from slavery, they painted their houses in bright colors to show that they are now free. There are many rumors surrounding the colors of the houses.

Today, no tourist can miss this area, which is one of the oldest parts of the city. Little colorful houses line the sometimes steep, narrow, and cobbled streets, reminiscent of Caribbean places like Trinidad (Cuba) or Cartagena (Colombia). Mostly artists live in this area. A definite must-see in Cape Town.

My tip: Rent accommodation in the neighborhood with a rooftop terrace. This way, you will have a fantastic view of Table Mountain, Signal Hill, Lion's Head, and the neighborhood with colorful houses. However, you must be aware that you will also hear the calls to prayer.

Bo-Kaap cannot be surpassed in diversity. Especially not at the beginning of January (date varies, check carefully), when the Coon Carnival takes place in the Bo Kaap neighborhood. We experienced this big street party in 2019 and will celebrate it again in 2025. In colorful costumes - similar to our Carnival - the various associations dance and play music through the city center. Why on January 2nd? This day was once the only free day that slaves had.

Locals are rarely seen on Table Mountain and even less frequently hike up Lion's Head. You will most often meet locals on Signal Hill. This is the spot for sundowners in Cape Town. Signal Hill rises behind the neighborhoods of Green Point and Sea Point.

There are several viewpoints on Signal Hill that provide spectacular views of Table Mountain, Robben Island, Bo-Kaap, the city center, and the Victoria Alfred Waterfront.

In the evening, this place gets quite crowded. We prefer to watch the sunset here with an ice-cold Savanna Dry or a glass of wine.

The Victoria Alfred Waterfront (also V & A Waterfront) was once a rundown harbor district. Now it is one of the most popular areas in Cape Town and the most visited attraction in the country! Did you know that the design was inspired by the waterfront in San Francisco?

Here I often start my visit with newcomers to Cape Town. I show them the V & A Waterfront. Enjoying seafood and beer in one of the restaurants with a view of the city and Table Mountain or shopping in one of the surrounding stores.

You can find small up-and-coming start-ups in the Woodstock Exchange. Downstairs are small cafés and restaurants. Next to them, there are shops to linger. Behind the building, there is plenty of street art. However, you should not turn right. Locals say it's not safe there. I'm not exaggerating and I usually feel comfortable moving around Cape Town. But there are indeed these corners that you shouldn't visit alone (even during the day).

If you want to get a tattoo, we have a tip. Many talented artists work at Good Things Tattoo in Woodstock. For an appointment, it's best to call the shop or send an email on time (that's where we got our penguins tattooed).

The most famous place in Woodstock is, however, the Old Biscuit Mill and the Neighbourgoods Market.

Every Saturday, when mainly local vendors set up their stalls, crowds flock to the old hall. Over 80 vendors offer street food, delicatessen, wines, delicious smoothies, coffee varieties from around the world, crafts, and bagels. The market takes place in the old brick building and courtyard. There's live music from saxophonists, guitar players, and DJs. Around it, fancy restaurants, designer shops, art studios, and antique shops abound.

Another highlight: The Pot Luck Club and The Test Kitchen. Fine dining level with a view of Table Mountain at sunset. All at affordable prices. The only downside: Reservations must be made weeks in advance.

The markets in and around Cape Town are no longer a hidden gem. Especially not the Neighbourgoods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill (Woodstock) and the Bay Harbour Market in Hout Bay.

Neighbourgoods Market:

Every Saturday, when mainly local vendors set up their stalls, crowds flock to the old hall. Over 80 vendors offer street food, delicatessen, wines, delicious smoothies, coffee varieties from around the world, crafts, and bagels. The market takes place in the old brick building and courtyard. There's live music from saxophonists, guitar players, and DJs. Around it, there are fancy restaurants, designer shops, art studios, and antique shops.

Another highlight at the Old Biscuit Mill: The Pot Luck Club. Fine dining with a view of Table Mountain at sunset. All at affordable prices. The only downside: Reservations must be made 2-3 months in advance.

Bay Harbour Market in Hout Bay:

The market takes place every Friday through Sunday. It is more authentic, and the food here is top-notch as well. We always try to be in Cape Town so that we can visit multiple markets.

If you miss this market, there are several other markets and food halls in and around Cape Town that we have tested and can recommend.

The green lung in Cape Town lets you relax surrounded by old trees, exotic birds, hundreds of squirrels, and exotic plants. Enjoy the peace at the Public Gardens Restaurant, do some yoga, or savor the moment on one of the many benches.

Originally, the garden was established as a fruit and vegetable farm. Today, small beds are only used for experimental purposes by the University of Cape Town. Company's Garden is the most beautiful and oldest park in Cape Town. As a sight, this place is often ignored since many visitors don't allocate enough time for Cape Town. We think Company's Garden is wonderful!

The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa offers one of the largest collections of contemporary art in Africa. The museum is housed in an old grain silo at the waterfront. In the same building, you will find the SILO Hotel with incredible (but expensive) rooms. Take a look and enjoy a sundowner on the rooftop terrace.

The building has probably the most beautiful architecture in South Africa.

The greenest suburb of Cape Town is Constantia. This is where the first wines were produced at the Cape. As you head toward Kirstenbosch, you will notice that large estates line both sides of the road. Most foreign ambassadors and wealthier Capetonians live here.

In Constantia, you can visit wineries if time for Stellenbosch and the Winelands is too short. The highlight is the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, the botanical garden of Cape Town. For over 1,000 years, this place has been a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Beautiful walking paths run through the botanical garden.

The Tree Canopy Path, 'Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway,' high up in the treetops, offers a wonderful view over the vast park landscape. It provides excellent panoramic views. Locals refer to the treetop path as 'Boomslang' - tree snake, as the path winds at a great height.

This path is suitable even for wheelchair users.

Our tip: Pack a picnic basket like the locals and enjoy a picnic on the manicured lawn of the botanical garden during one of the many concerts.

Information about concerts and tickets can be found on this website: sanbi.org/gardens/kirstenbosch/

Camps Bay, with its chic hotels and beach clubs, is not for us at all. However, you can take beautiful photos of the famous 12 Apostles with the beach and the backside of Table Mountain on the way.

Come at sunrise (behind you) or sunset (photographing into the sun). Are you a beach lover who enjoys beach clubs? Then you will definitely like Camps Bay and Clifton. You can find the chicest beach clubs in South Africa here.

Nowhere else can you get a better view of Table Mountain than from Bloubergstrand in the suburb of Milnerton. Here, a strong wind always blows. In the European winter, Bloubergstrand becomes the world's kitesurfing hotspot.

Tip: The News Cafe - Table View in Blouberg serves great food, so be sure to reserve in advance.

The Clock Tower and the V & A Waterfront have changed color twice during my visits. Once red, now yellow, the historic Clock Tower keeps changing.

Until about 1930, all ships had to pass here. The octagonal tower is the heart of the Cape Town harbor. You can find the old clock tower between the Victoria and Albert Basins. Right next to it is the Nelson Mandela Gateway, where the ferry to Robben Island departs.

The 'sixth district' District Six was leveled in 1966. The neighborhood, where people of all origins and skin colors lived, was to become a white residential area.

Around 60,000 people were relocated to the Cape Flats. The District Six Museum is housed in a former church. This and mosques were left standing out of fear. The District Six Museum documents the crimes of apartheid and provides an insight into life in the neighborhood.

The area remains mostly undeveloped to this day. A few houses are being built by the children of those who were displaced back then.

Information and tickets can be found here: districtsix.co.za

The lighthouse, built in 1824 by the German Hermann Schütte, is now a national monument. The square red-and-white striped lighthouse was the first along the entire South African coast.

You can visit the lighthouse. Green Point has been experiencing a small renaissance since the World Cup in South Africa. You will find many cafés and restaurants in Green Point, including the Oranjezicht City Farm Market and the Local Food Truck Market.

Do you know the four Nobel laureates in South Africa? Many tourists simply walk past the monument without knowing it. You cannot miss the monument right by the Market on the Wharf.

Albert Luthuli, a tribal leader of the Zulu and former president of the ANC. Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a committed opponent of apartheid. Frederik Willem de Klerk, former (white) president, and Nelson Mandela.

Both were honored for enabling the peaceful transition from the apartheid regime to a democratic constitution.

Cape Town's colorful entertainment strip is called Long Street. In addition to hostels, you will find numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants here. The street is one of the most famous in Cape Town and has existed for over 300 years.

Look out for the restored Victorian-style houses. This is where the heart of Cape Town beats.

At first glance, we were taken aback: A road that leads to nowhere and suddenly ends? Yes, tourists love this spot for snapshots.

Apparently, this will soon come to an end, as the metropolis intends to finally complete the unfinished freeway bridge (construction began in 1977).

No one can quite say why the construction was stopped back then. The popular photo motif for film shoots is set to be connected to the existing freeway.

To build this stadium, an entire township was leveled before the 2010 World Cup. The stadium can hold nearly 55,000 visitors and is mostly used for concerts and events.

You can visit the stadium as part of a tour. You can find all information about it on this website: capetown.gov.za

The most beautiful beach around Cape Town is a little outside and not in Camps Bay. Nestled between large granite boulders, Llandudno is a popular surfing beach and a weekend getaway for many families.

Combine your visit with a detour to Hout Bay. You can find more highlights for Hout Bay in my article about the Cape Peninsula.

The Castle of Good Hope is not necessarily a must-see on your first visit. However, you should know that every weekday at 10 AM, a cannon shot is fired. Inside, there's a museum featuring the William Fehr Collection, and it serves as the headquarters of the South African Defense Force of the Cape Province.

The following map shows you the attractions in Cape Town at a glance. You can also save the map on your phone for offline use and navigate through the city easily:

Are you only very brief in Cape Town? Then take the hop-on hop-off bus!

If you are only in Cape Town for a short time, you can use the hop-on hop-off bus. It stops at the most important locations in the city. You can get on and off at any stop.

There are 4 routes you can utilize with your ticket (for 1 or 2 days). Tickets start at €14 and can conveniently be ordered online before your trip:

Reserve tickets for the hop-on hop-off bus.

To save money on attractions and tours in Cape Town, you can purchase the Cape Town Pass for sightseeing.

Due to the many tourists, Cape Town is generally considered the safest city in South Africa. During the day, you can move around and stay in tourist areas without any problems. In townships, you should generally only go with locals who live there. In Woodstock, you should stick to tourist spots; just one street over, it's not safe. In the city center, there are now many security personnel who are happy to assist you with inquiries.

Be aware that COVID has worsened the situation, and poverty has also increased in Cape Town. Do not leave items in the car, as these are often stolen.

We have never felt unsafe, but have seen people using walkie-talkies to check cars to break into (or steal).

It is often recommended not to drive after dark and to take an UBER instead. We drive certain routes ourselves because we have been to Cape Town many times. Are you a first-time visitor? Then trust your instincts or take an UBER for safety. The rides are really affordable.

The currently best travel guide is the Dumont Travel Guide for Winelands, Garden Route, and Cape Town. I can endorse each tip exactly as stated. Or you can purchase my Google Maps card for Cape Town (or the bundle with Winelands, Garden Route) and have all tips saved directly on your phone in Google Maps (app):

See a detailed report with tips on safe neighborhoods and hotels and apartments we have tested in Cape Town here.

In Cape Town, you can find a great café or restaurant on every corner, especially in the center. Sometimes we feel like we're just eating our way through the city all day long.

If you follow our tips for good food in Cape Town, you can't go wrong. Use the Yelp or TripAdvisor app to search in your surroundings.

Our 5 favorite cafés & restaurants:

->The best restaurants, bars, and cafés in Cape Town!

The South African currency is losing value against the Euro. Therefore, traveling to South Africa is quite affordable for us. Cape Town is one of the most expensive places in South Africa. However, you can enjoy a fine menu (Pot Luck Club) for 50 Euros per serving.

This is the cost of a trip to South Africa (listing hotel, flight, rental car, activities, ...)

It rains very seldom in South Africa. Especially in the German summer (July and August), torrential downpours can occur. We have experienced this ourselves.

If it does rain, you absolutely must check out the Zeitz MOCAA Museum. Otherwise, there are few alternatives in Cape Town. The Mojo Market is an indoor market. At the V & A Waterfront, you can go into the Watershed or the Time Out Market to indulge and shop.

The aquarium is a very popular attraction in Cape Town. I have been and will never visit it, so I can't give any judgment on it. Other than that, animals belong in the sea.

Cape Town was the first city founded during the South African colonial era. Therefore, Cape Town is often referred to as the "Mother City" (Afrikaans: Moederstad, English: Mother City).

I recommend the Canal Walk Shopping Centre, shopping in Africa's largest mall, and the Watershed at the V&A Waterfront.

Definitely. Cape Town has a lot to offer. You can do more than you have time for, I bet? Therefore, I recommend that you stay at least 3 days in Cape Town.

Cape Town remains for me one of the most beautiful metropolises in the world. Even after 10 visits, South Africa's most beautiful city. You really find everything here: great accommodations, good food, interesting Cape Town attractions, and plenty of experiences.

Whether it's a hike up Lion's Head, Table Mountain, or an abseil in Africa. Somewhere there is always a market or concert where you can taste food from around the world. Plus, a glass of wine from the surrounding winelands around Stellenbosch. Perfect.

Especially, I'm glad to observe the positive development in many townships. Often left behind by the government, people are taking their fate into their hands. Start-ups with creative ideas are emerging. We think that's great!

Life here as a tourist is easy. I can't express it any other way. Often you find yourself in a "white" bubble.

I can't get enough of Cape Town and return year after year.

Do you know that feeling when you realize that a city becomes a favorite place at first sight? It was love at first sight for me and Cape Town. I fell in love with this beautiful city and have been here 10 times since. I always say Cape Town is 'Africa light' - a blend of Europe, Africa, and beach vibes.

Cape Town has everything I need: the sea, an imposing nature with Table Mountain, the 12 Apostles, Signal Hill, and Lion's Head. A rugged coast with beautiful beaches, great markets, nice cafés, and excellent restaurants. All at a price affordable to us. Because the South African Rand has been favorable for us for years.

The people are always friendly and helpful. No matter which neighborhood you are in. Don't be afraid. I will show you where you can move safely. I personally consider most parts of Cape Town non-dangerous. However, there are places to avoid, especially after dark.

Have fun reading and discovering my highlights and beautiful places in Cape Town!

Note: Are you wondering why the penguins at Boulder's Beach, the Cape of Good Hope, or Chapman's Peak Drive were not mentioned? I decided to write a separate article for the highlights at the Cape of Good Hope.

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