Top 10 Must-See Places in Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town has been one of the hottest destinations for years and rightly so. Surrounded by both ocean and mountain and home to beautiful scenery and great food, Cape Town won my heart within the first twenty minutes. Here are the must-see places in Cape Town.

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1. Table Mountain

Table Mountain is newly named as one of the Seven Wonders of Nature. The mountain sits as the perfect backdrop to the city, providing spectacular views from wherever you are. Once you’re on top of the mountain, the views around the entire mountain of the city and ocean are even better. You can take a warm cable car to the top or even hike it if you want to spend your day meandering up through the rocky terrain. Your choice!

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2. Robben Island: A Can’t Miss in Cape Town

Touring Robben Island is an experience you cannot miss. After a rocky boat ride out to the island, you’ll be transferred onto a bus where you’ll tour around the island and learn about the history of different buildings. You’ll be shown a schoolhouse that is no longer in service and wonder about the lives on the children who have to take a ferry to Cape Town from the island to attend school daily. I can’t imagine the sea sickness there! You’ll stop by a limestone quarry where prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, worked for hours on end for absolutely no reason; it simply kept them busy. After bussing around, you’ll meet an ex-political prisoner of the island who will show you around the quarters. You’ll have a chance to look at Mandela’s personal cell, where he lived for 18 years.

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3. The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront

This quaint waterfront area offers gorgeous views of Table Mountain and the surrounding bay. If you’re a shopper, or someone who just wants a quick souvenir before leaving, this is definitely the place to go!

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4. Cape Point

Cape Point is said to be the romantic meeting point of the Indian and Atlantic oceans, however, it is not the actual meeting point as that is a few hours southeast. Whatever it is, it is very much worth the gorgeous views.

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5. Cape of Good Hope

The Cape of Good Hope is the southwestern most point of the African continent. Besides seeing many ostriches (yum) and the surrounding ocean, there’s also a great photo opportunity to show you made it to the southwestern tip.

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6. Chapman’s Peak Drive

If you visit Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope, you won’t miss Chapman’s Peak Drive! This roadway begins in Cape Town and curves along the coast of Hout Bay all the way until you reach Cape Point. This drive is not to be missed!

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7. Seal Island in Cape Town

If you love seals, visit the island. If you get sea sick, maybe don’t visit the island. The boat follows the rough waters out to the island, making the passengers feel as if the boat may actually flip over at any point. And no, I’m not exaggerating.

If you’re like me, you may also think you see a very large rock that the boat is going to run into…it’s probably just a whale, but you’re still about to run into it. At least I only saw a rock whale and didn’t see a great white shark eat a seal!

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8. Boulders Beach

Not your typical beach, Boulders Beach is named after the granite boulders that protect the inlet and the homes of many penguin families. The penguins may be showing off in the waters of the bay or feeding their young ones back at the nest. The fluffy babies are a highlight of the beach.

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9. Gold Restaurant

An experience within itself, this restaurant transports you out of Cape Town and into an entirely different world. Before they serve any food, you’re welcomed to the table with your own drum to learn how to play. After about 30 minutes of playing the drums, you’ll be given various dishes with origins from around the African continent.

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10. A Must-See Place in Cape Town: The Winelands

To kick back and relax a bit (not that you need it in this beautiful country), a visit to the winelands is the way to do it. Wine has been produced in this area for centuries, and the tastings will prove it.

Thank you so much to Salute Africa for hosting us and showing us around the must-see places in Cape Town!! I will definitely be back!

If you want to extend your trip, be sure to go on an African safari while you’re there.