With so much to see in Cape Town, it is often very difficult to work out what the best things to see and do are in a limited time – and of course, you don’t want to miss out on anything exciting, so I have compiled a list of my top things to do in Cape Town.
1. Climb Table Mountain
Yes, I know there is a fabulous ariel cableway that takes 4 minutes to reach the summit of the mountain and the floor rotates giving you a 360° view of the city below, but for pure satisfaction and scenic beauty, you have to climb the mountain and then when you reach the top exhausted, have lunch (and a well deserved drink!) surveying the city below you. Yes, okay, you can then take the cable car back down the mountain! My favourite hike up the mountain is Platteklip Gorge. It is the shortest and easiest of the walks (it takes about 3 hours) and has lots of scenic spots to stop and relax on the way!
2. Explore the Cape Point Nature Reserve
With its dramatic scenery, the traditional place where the two oceans meet – okay so we know now days that it is just where the 2 oceans currents (cold benguerra and warm agulhas) meet – is a wonderful place to explore. You can go right down to where the old lighthouse was built and see the rocky Cape Point. It is a great place to explore on foot or by bicycle if you feel energetic. But remember - don’t feed the baboons, no matter how cute they may seem!
3. Take the Robben Island Tour
This island is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a great place to visit. Make sure you go on a not so windy day otherwise you might feel a bit seasick on the ferry ride over. The tours are often conducted by ex political prisoners and are emotional and emotive. This island is where South African history was made.
4. Go Horseback riding in the winelands
The winelands are so scenic; it seems a shame to explore them by car. My favourite is to start at Mont Rochelle Wine Estate and explore the surrounding region (it usually covers 3 or 4 wine estates) by horse back. You don’t have to have any riding experience and it is a gentle trot ( or canter if you are brave!) from place to place. Plus, you get to sit back on the horse and view the beautiful lands around you. Make sure you wear a sun hat and sun cream as it can get hot.
5. Victoria and Alfred Waterfront
This is a fun vibey place to spend an afternoon or evening. Not only does it have great local busker entertainment, super shops and wonderful cafes and restaurants, but it also has fantastic scenic views over the harbour and Table Mountain. 6. Two Oceans Aquarium For a fun family day out, go to the Two Oceans Aquarium. The place is packed with exotic and local fish and has a fantastic shark pool. The best time to see the sharks is when they are being fed. There is also an interactive touch and feel pool for the kids and the ground floor café has a stay and play area for them.
7. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
These are amazing gardens to explore and learn all about the local biosphere's. I am not a green finger at all - so I can certainly appreciate the hard work that goes into making these gardens so beautiful. Go when they have their jazz evenings and take a picnic with you! With the gardens around you and Table Mountain as your back drop... WOW!
I hope that these ideas help you enjoy your time in Cape Town!