Set at the southernmost tip of South Africa, Cape Town is a beautiful city that sits in the shadow of Table Mountain, one of the most iconic vistas of the African continent. Finding accommodations in villas in Cape Town will enable you to access to a city rich in culture and history which attracts millions of tourists each year. With stunning coastal cliffs, beautiful beaches and access to some of the best wineries in the world, it’s not surprising that this city holds so much appeal for so many people. Here are our travel tips and guide to the best things to do in Cape Town.
Africa traveler’s guide: An in-depth look into Cape Town
1. Ride the cable car to the top of Table Mountain
Table Mountain offers a dramatic background to the city of Cape Town that can’t be missed. Table Mountain sits at 3500 feet above sea level, and, as you’d expect, offers sensational views of the city, the cape and surrounding lands. There are many ways to get to the top of Table Mountain, including hiking up to those who are feeling especially energetic, or via bus. However, the cable car is arguably the most fun way to get to the peak of the mountain. Reasonably priced at around $20 USD, you can appreciate the many views as you ride to the top, saving your energy for the large number of hiking trails you’ll find at the top. You can easily spend a good few hours making your way around the top of the mountain, and aside from the stunning views, you’ll also find a restaurant and shops.
2. Stroll the streets of Bo-Kaap
If you’ve ever seen a guidebook in Cape Town, then you’ve probably seen the houses of Bo-Kaap before. The brightly colored houses line the narrow streets and are often the subject of many Instagram pictures, and for good reason! Painted in solid pinks, greens, yellows, blues, and reds, these houses used to house the city’s slave population. As the city grew and apartheid ended, the demographics of this vibrant neighborhood changed. Now, the major population is the Cape Malays, a Muslim neighborhood known for its friendly people and amazing food.
3. Visit the wineries of the Stellenbosch region
Just a short trip from the city of Cape Town is the Stellenbosch wine region. Touted as one of the best wine making regions in the entire world, the many vineyards in the region offer a wide variety of wines and is especially known for the Pinotage, South Africa’s signature wine. Taking a day to explore the Stellenbosch region will enable you to experience lots of wine tasting and you’ll also have access to some of the best restaurants in South Africa. The region is well known for its amazing scenery, and you can experience all of this via the hop-on-hop-off bus that operates in the region.
4. See the penguins at Boulders Beach
One of the more fun things to do in the Cape Town region is to visit the penguins at Boulders Beach. The park has a small entrance fee, but once you’re in, you can walk around the miles of boardwalk while you’re surrounded by the thousands of penguins that call this beach home. Visiting Boulders Beach is a great stop to make if you take a day tour around the cape, and most tour operators will include the penguin colony on the itinerary. Just be sure not to get too close to the penguins as they can bite!
5. Visit the Waterfront
Situated right on the coast, the Waterfront is a shopping and entertainment mecca. Filled with a mix of department stores and smaller, artisan stores, the Waterfront offers just about everything you can imagine all in one place. Whether you’re interested in picking up some souvenirs or if you just want some new clothes to wear, you’ll find it at the Waterfront. There are many world class restaurants for you to sit back and relax after a big day of shopping, too. Most hotels in the area offer a free shuttle service that will take you directly to the Waterfront, so there’s no need for you to worry about getting there or back.
Cape Town is a beautiful city that has a lot to offer any kind of traveler. From the stunning gardens, wine regions and coastlines to the amazing views of Table Mountain, you’ll have a hard time trying to fit everything in! Our guide to the best things to do in Cape Town can help you get the most out of your next South African holiday.
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