Nestled in-between sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and flat mountainous peaks lies Cape Town, affectionately dubbed the Mother City. This buzzing metropolitan jewel is synonymous with sun-kissed beaches, triumphant history, and timeless beauty.
In this article we’ll break down our selection of the top 5 greatest places to visit while in Cape Town, which you can explore alongside GoWithGuide’s expert private guides, offering you the choice of an existing tour package or a customized private experience.
Robben Island
Known for its heartbreaking past, Robben Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that highlights how much South Africa has overcome as a nation. Its maximum-security prison was the former holding place of Nobel Peace Prize winner and former South African president Nelson Mandela, who spent 18 years there as a prisoner during the fight against apartheid.
Today it features the extensive Robben Island Museum, which documents the struggle against the apartheid government from 1948 to 1994 when Mandela was released and became the first black South African President. Other freedom fighters like Kgalema Motlanthe and Walter Sisulu also spent time on the island.
Our knowledgeable guides can help you grasp the complicated history and hopeful future that Robben Island holds. This destination can be heavy to take in at times, with tours featuring former prison cells, work camps in the form of the Lime and Bluestone Quarries, and the very cell Mandela stayed in. Still, it is essential for all who want to fully experience Cape Town and South Africa’s tragic yet triumphant past.
Bo Kaap
There's no better way to celebrate Cape Town's melting pot of culture than a stroll through the colorful town of Bo Kaap. If you're on social media, you'll instantly recognize these beloved Insta-worthy rainbow-colored houses. Sitting against the cascading slopes of Signal Hill, this area mimics the winding, multi-level streets of San Francisco with a rich ethnic diversity that only South Africa can provide.
A former housing area for slaves, exiles, and immigrants, Bo Kaap combines cultural elements from Indonesian, Malaysian, Arabic, and local traditions. The signature bright colors are from residents who painted their homes to reject the former strict housing rules and celebrate their freedom.
Today, you'll need comfortable shoes as you walk through the cobblestone streets, taking in the sights, sounds, and delicious smells. Popular foods within the Bo Kaap area include the Cape Malay cuisine featuring thick curries, crispy samosas, and fresh, warm roti.
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
After a day filled with impactful history and rich culture, there's no better way to unwind than with a stroll through this serene seaside retreat. You're instantly transported to a yachting district like Newport or Key West. A collection of white boats park along the marina, waiting to take you on a journey accompanied by seagulls and slow churning waves.
If boating isn't your thing, you'll definitely enjoy the variety of stores, stalls, and vendors at the shopping center, featuring both local and international shopping experiences. It's the best place to catch the latest movie or brush up on your knowledge of aquatic life at the Two Oceans Aquarium. This aquarium is known for its unique combination of marine life from the Indian and Atlantic oceans, both of which meet at the southernmost tip of Africa.
The waterfront has an equally vibrant nightlife full of drinks, dinner, and thumping music. From smooth jazz joints to the famous Amapiano fuelled party scene, there's something here for everyone.
Boulder’s Bay
It's a sight that's rare to behold. Pudgy penguins relaxing on a beach? Only in Cape Town! This sweet site is a must-see for animal lovers who want to take a snap with these sun-loving African penguins. These birds have been breeding at Boulder's beach for centuries, native to the warm climate of South Africa and Namibia. In fact, it's the only place in the world where you can get this close to African penguins.
These little guys are a protected, and sadly, an endangered species, so take extra care when visiting this site. Respect the penguin's space and don't leave anything behind. The National Park Marine Protected Area, which shelters the penguins, charges a fee for conservation efforts, so you get to support the preservation of this amazing species while you visit. If you want a closer look, our guides can take you to Foxy Beach along a blossoming route with black and white penguins.
Beyond the penguins, extended tours of the Boulder's Bay Area offer a ton of activities including kayaking, boating, and swimming with the fishes, or should we say sharks!
Table Mountain
No tour of Cape Town is complete without a magical exploration of the world-famous Table Top Mountain. Standing 1,086 meters tall, Table Mountain will take your breath away. Layers of sandstone and slate combine to form this monumental landmark with a seaside view.
Beyond its beauty, Table Mountain truly is nature's throne room, hosting over 1,470 flower species.
This makes it one of the richest floral kingdoms on earth. Now that's worth a slot on your bucket list. You can explore this bio diverse landscape within the Table Mountain National Park; though the thick clouds might dictate the time of day you'll be able to enjoy your tour. If you're feeling daring, why not abseil the 112-meter rock face?
If you want something more relaxing, try a guided walking tour or soar above the "tablecloth" clouds with a cable car that hits the summit, covering a whopping distance of 1,244 meters within 7–8 minutes. Either way, this mountain will leave a lasting imprint on your memory.
Conclusion
And just like that, you've got our top five picks for Cape Town's must-see attractions. The fun doesn't have to stop here, though! Want to capture the essence of Cape Town or any other city? GoWithGuide offers everything from guided private tours of monuments and sites to culinary experiences that highlight the vast tradition and current trends of food culture.
Want to try an adventure off the beaten path? You've come to the right place. There are so many hidden gems to discover, and our guides are well versed and experienced in highlighting the little-known local treasures of Cape Town.
What are you waiting for? Reserve your curated guided tour today!