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Cape Town, located on South Africa’s southwest coast, is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and dramatic landscapes. The city’s mix of natural and historical sites offers a variety of experiences, from hiking up Table Mountain to learning about the past at Robben Island. The places to visit in Cape Town are coastal drives, historic neighbourhoods, and lively waterfront areas. Some locations reflect the city’s complex history, while others highlight its outdoor appeal. In this guide, we will explore some of the best tourist attractions in Cape Town for your next trip to this South African city.
10 Best Places To Visit In Cape Town
Here’s a list of the top ten must-visit spots in Cape Town with breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and exciting adventures.
1. Table Mountain
Photo: PHParsons / Wikimedia Commons
Table Mountain is one of Cape Town’s most recognised landmarks, offering panoramic views of the city and ocean. Visitors can hike up through various trails or take the cable car, which rotates to provide a 360-degree view. Once at the top, there are several paths to explore, each providing different perspectives of the city below. It’s a great way to see Cape Town from above and appreciate its scale.
Must-Have Experience: Take the cable car ride for a wide-reaching view of Cape Town
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 4 hours
Nearest Airport: Cape Town International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Cape Town Station
2. Robben Island
Photo: South African Tourism / Wikimedia Commons
Robben Island is the place where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years, as a prisoner. Guided tours, often led by former prisoners, provide a firsthand account of the harsh conditions and the struggle against apartheid. The tour includes a visit to Mandela’s cell, a drive around the island, and a museum with exhibits on its history.
Must-Have Experience: Visit Nelson Mandela’s former prison cell.
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 hours
Nearest Airport: Cape Town International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Cape Town Station
3. Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Photo: Bryan / Wikimedia Commons
The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is a shoppers’ and entertainers’ hot spot. Merging old buildings with new architectural designs, it’s a dynamic area where visitors can browse upmarket boutiques, tour museums, and experience restaurants along the water. The harbour is a departure point for boat tours in the form of sunset cruises and excursions to Robben Island. Street performers and live entertainment contribute to the ambience, and the Two Oceans Aquarium is an excellent place to visit for marine life enthusiasts.
Must-Have Experience: Take a sunset cruise from the harbour.
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 5 hours
Nearest Airport: Cape Town International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Cape Town Station
4. Cape Of Good Hope
Photo: Zaian / Wikimedia Commons
The Cape of Good Hope is a rugged coastal reserve known for its dramatic cliffs and natural beauty. Located at the southwestern tip of Africa, it is part of Table Mountain National Park and home to diverse wildlife, including baboons and antelope. Visitors can hike along scenic trails leading to breathtaking ocean views or take a funicular ride to the Cape Point lighthouse. The drive to the reserve offers equally spectacular views of the coastline.
Must-Have Experience: Hike to the lighthouse for a far-reaching ocean view.
Ideal Trip Duration: Half-day trip
Nearest Airport: Cape Town International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Simon’s Town Station
5. Boulders Beach
Photo: Joe Ross / Wikimedia Commons
Boulders Beach is famous for its colony of African penguins, with which penguins walk about on the sand and swim in the transparent water. A wooden boardwalk enables people to get close to the penguins without disturbing them. The beach itself, with its large granite boulders, provides a sheltered spot for swimming. The nearby visitor centre offers insights into the conservation efforts that protect these endangered birds.
Must-Have Experience: Watch the penguins from the boardwalks.
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Nearest Airport: Cape Town International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Simon’s Town Station
6. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Photo: Didier B / Wikimedia Commons
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is one of the world’s greatest botanical gardens, showcasing South Africa’s rich plant life. It is set against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, offering walking trails, themed gardens, and a canopy walkway that provides views over the gardens and city. The collection includes indigenous species like proteas, cycads, and fynbos. Seasonal concerts and picnicking areas make it a relaxing place to spend time outdoors while learning about native flora.
Must-Have Experience: Walk along the Tree Canopy Walkway for a high-up view of the garden.
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Nearest Airport: Cape Town International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Newlands Station
7. Bo-Kaap
Photo: Hyundai Motor Group / Pexels
Bo-Kaap is a district which is known for its colourful houses and cobblestone streets. It was once home to Malaysia, Indonesia, and other African countries’ freed slaves, and it has maintained its cultural heritage to rank among the top places to see in Cape Town. The local heritage can be learnt about at the Bo-Kaap Museum, while Cape Malay eateries provide dishes that showcase the neighbourhood’s multicultural influences.
Must-Have Experience: Take a walking tour to learn about Bo-Kaap’s history and culture.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Cape Town International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Cape Town Station
8. Chapman’s Peak Drive
Photo: kallerna / Wikimedia Commons
Chapman’s Peak Drive is a coastal road that stretches for about 9 kilometres, connecting Hout Bay with Noordhoek. Known for its dramatic cliffs and views of the Atlantic Ocean, the drive features several lookout points perfect for taking photos. The winding road has 114 curves, making it an exciting route for both drivers and cyclists. Sunsets along Chapman’s Peak are particularly scenic, with the sky casting deep orange and purple hues over the water.
Must-Have Experience: Stop at one of the viewpoints for a panoramic ocean view.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Cape Town International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Fish Hoek Station
9. District Six Museum
Photo: Mike Peel / Wikimedia Commons
The District Six Museum is a story of a community that was forcibly removed under apartheid. The museum features photographs, personal testimonies, and artefacts that tell the history of the place and its people’s resilience. Guided walking tours conducted by former residents offer a deeper insight into the effects of removal and the continuing struggles for land restitution.
Must-Have Experience: Join a guided tour with a former District Six resident.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Cape Town International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Cape Town Station
10. Lion’s Head
Photo: Simisa / Wikimedia Commons
Lion’s Head is a popular hiking destination that offers one of the best views of Cape Town. The trail is moderately challenging, with sections requiring the use of chains and ladders. The summit provides 360-degree views of Table Mountain, the Atlantic Ocean, and the city below. Many visitors choose to hike at sunrise or sunset for cooler temperatures and dramatic lighting, making it one of the tourist attractions in Cape Town.
Must-Have Experience: Hike up for sunrise or sunset views.
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Nearest Airport: Cape Town International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Cape Town Station
Each of the places to visit in Cape Town provides insights into the city’s past and natural surroundings. From learning about apartheid at Robben Island to exploring outdoor trails and historic sites, there’s a lot to take in. Walking through Bo-Kaap, hiking up Table Mountain, or watching penguins at Boulders Beach allows you to experience the city in different ways. Plan a trip with TripXL and explore everything Cape Town has to offer.
Cover Photo: Sixolelo Ngcobo / Pexels
