Cape Town South Africa, Top 10 Things to Do and See

Jun 10, 2010
Solange Hando

Table Mountain, Summit View - Solange Hando

Cape Town is colourful, vibrant, familiar and exotic all in one, a city where natural wonders and modern attractions go hand in hand.

In the Western Cape, between mountains and sea, Cape Town cosmopolitan city is blessed by outstanding scenery, a pleasant climate and lots of things to do and see. From Table Mountain to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, from the gleaming waterfront to historical city sights, Cape Town remains the Mother City and the oldest urban settlement in South Africa.

Cape Town South Africa, Table Mountain and Kirstenbosch

Take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain and enjoy the spectacular ride to 1086 metres, rising dramatically close to the cliff on the final section. Expect long queues in high season and with 65 people per cabin, aim to stand by a window.
Enjoy fabulous views from the rocky summit plateau, across the mountains and down on Cape Town and Robben Island, once known for its high security jail, today a haven for seabirds and penguins. Sturdy shoes are recommended to explore the many trails.
Look out for Cape sugarbirds, canaries, sunbirds and some of the 1500 plant species growing among the golden scrub, including flowering protea in season. There are rock hyraxes and baboons, Cape antelopes and elands.
Visit the lovely Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens on the eastern slopes, on par with Pretoria's, with lawns and trees, camphor alley and fragrance and sculpture gardens. See the birds of paradise, arum lilies, blue lobster flowers and orange pin cushions.

Cape Town Waterfront, Top Things to Do

Take loads of pictures, luxury yachts, fishing boats, swinging pedestrian bridge, maybe fur seals basking unperturbed, and Table Mountain rising above it all. Book a sunset cruise then sample the throbbing nightlife along the Cape Waterfront, named after Queen Victoria and Alfred, her son.
Relax on a balcony in the gleaming food court while Zulu dancers and jazz artists perform on the plaza below. Look out for some real African fare, like ostrich steak, wedding feast chicken pie or squash and spinach mash.
Shop till you drop. Cape Town V&A Waterfront is the best place to buy clothes, books, food, wine, souvenirs and African craft.

Cape Town, City Sights

At the heart of the city, see the Victorian Houses of Parliament, St George’s Cathedral, former diocese of Desmond Tutu, and on the edge of the Company’s Gardens, the South African Museum and its wide range of artifacts.
Browse the markets, from the junk stalls of Greenmarket Square to the bustling Grand Parade and see the adjoining Castle of Good Hope, a five point star structure with walls ten metres thick.
Take a look at Bo-Kaap, the Malay quarter, and its winding lanes lined with brightly painted buildings, still home to descendants of Asian slaves. Bo-Kaap’s unique character makes it a favourite film location.