Cape Town

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Top 10 attractions in Cape Town

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Table Mountain
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in South Africa

Table Mountain

9.3
4.8/5
400 reviews
Table Mountain provides a majestic backdrop to the city of Cape Town and is one of the world's most striking natural wonders and a famous symbol of South Africa. The Table Mountain range is flanked by Devil's Peak to the east, Lion's Head and Signal Hill to the west, and the Carbondale Mountains to the southwest. It consists of two flat-topped plateaus, the East and West, which overlook the city of Cape Town, the Eastern Ridge and its forested valleys that surround the southern suburbs of Cape Town, and the Western Twelve Apostles, which guard the Atlantic coast. The flat top of Table Mountain stretches for three kilometers from east to west. Its highest point, at 1,086 meters above sea level, is the Maclear Lighthouse. The lighthouse was erected in 1843 by astronomer Sir Thomas Maclear as part of an experiment to measure the circumference of the Earth. The western end of the narrow plateau supports the upper cable car station, which was built in 1929. In May 1998, Table Mountain National Park was declared and most of the unspoiled areas of Table Mountain and the peninsula are managed by South African National Parks. Table Mountain National Park is the only national park in South Africa located in a bustling metropolitan city.Cape Town · 4.4 km from downtown
Cape of Good Hope
2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Cape of Good Hope

8.6
4.7/5
489 reviews
Cape of Good Hope is located at the southwestern tip of the Cape Peninsula in South Africa and is part of Table Mountain National Park. It is a steep, rocky headland on the Atlantic coastline and one of the most iconic maritime landmarks on the African continent. In 1488, Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias first arrived here and, having encountered violent storms, named it "Cape of Good Hope". It was later renamed "Cape of Good Hope" by King John II of Portugal, reflecting the hope of opening a new sea route to the East. For centuries thereafter, it remained a key node on the maritime trade route from Europe to Asia. Cape of Good Hope and the nearby Cape Point together form the southern highlight of Table Mountain National Park. Standing on the edge of the cliffs at the Cape of Good Hope, you can see brown rocky reefs hundreds of meters high plunging into the deep blue Atlantic, with white waves constantly crashing against the rock walls. The view is almost entirely the meeting of sea and sky, making it one of the most striking natural landscapes in South Africa. The old lighthouse on the side of Cape Point stands high up, offering a view of the complete arc of False Bay. Visitors can take the "Flying Dutchman" cable car up the mountain to reach the lighthouse observation deck; the cable car itself is also the first commercial funicular in Africa. A stone monument marking the precise latitude and longitude stands at the Cape of Good Hope, making it a classic check-in spot for visitors. This area is also part of the UNESCO-recognized Cape Floral Region, and the hillsides are covered with a unique type of shrub vegetation called "fynbos," which is extremely diverse. The reserve is home to wildlife such as baboons, zebras, elands, and ostriches, and southern right whales can be spotted offshore seasonally. There are several hiking trails along the coastline, ranging from shipwreck ruins to lighthouse paths, which can be explored freely. Combined with the ecological exhibits at the Buffelsfontein Visitor Center, you can gain a complete understanding of the maritime history and natural ecology of this area.Cape Town · 48.3 km from downtown
Duiker Island
No. 5 of Cool Water Escapes in South Africa

Duiker Island

7.4
4.7/5
204 reviews
Duiker Island is a small rocky island off the coast of Hout Bay Harbour, home to a large colony of Cape fur seals and a popular eco-tourism spot along the Cape Peninsula coastline. Cape fur seals are a species endemic to the coasts of South Africa and Namibia. They are robust in build, with adult males covered in thick, brownish-tan fur, and they often gather in the hundreds or thousands on the island's reefs. To protect the seals' natural habitat, visitors are not allowed to land on the island. The way to visit is by taking a sightseeing boat from Hout Bay Harbour to cruise around the island. As the boat approaches the island, you can see groups of seals lounging and sunbathing on the rocks or flipping and playing in the water. Pups stay close to their mothers, while adult males jostle each other at the edge of their territory, creating a lively scene. Along the cruise route, you can also enjoy the coastal scenery of Chapman's Peak Drive and The Sentinel. Hout Bay Harbour itself is a bustling fishing port. After disembarking, you can explore the surrounding markets and seafood restaurants, taking the opportunity to experience the coastal town charm of the Cape Peninsula.Hout Bay · 5.7 km from downtown
Camps Bay Beach
No. 2 of Cool Water Escapes in South Africa

Camps Bay Beach

7.3
5.0/5
33 reviews
Camps Bay Beach is a coastal landmark along Cape Town's Atlantic coast, renowned for its white sand and mountain scenery, and is one of the daily leisure beaches favored by Cape Town locals. The beach is backed by the Twelve Apostles, a mountain range extending from Table Mountain. Named for their orderly arrangement, the range actually consists of 18 peaks. At sunset, the golden afterglow paints the rock faces in warm tones, which, combined with the reflection on the Atlantic Ocean, creates the iconic scene of Camps Bay Beach. The beach itself is a wide stretch of white sand, curving along the Atlantic. Facing the open ocean, the water remains cold year-round, making it less of a typical swimming beach, but it offers expansive views and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for strolling, sunbathing, and photography. At the southern end of the beach, a tidal pool is embedded in the reef, utilizing the rocky terrain to create a calm, shallow area. It is a safe spot for families with children to splash around, offering views of the sunset and distant mountains. Behind the beach lies a palm-lined promenade, flanked by cafes, restaurants, and bars. Grabbing a drink and strolling along the beach is a favorite daily pastime for locals. The promenade offers unobstructed panoramic views of the Atlantic, Lion's Head, and the Twelve Apostles.Cape Town · 5.2 km from downtown
Cape Point
No. 11 of Best Things to Do in South Africa

Cape Point

7.1
4.8/5
51 reviews
Cape Point is located at the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula in South Africa and is part of the southern section of Table Mountain National Park. It is known for its steep cliffs over 200 m high and spectacular ocean views. It is often romantically referred to as the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, although the officially recognized geographical dividing point is actually at Cape Agulhas to the east. Standing on the cliff top and looking out at the subtle changes in water color where the currents meet is one of the unique experiences at Cape Point. The iconic view in the scenic area is the two lighthouses. The old lighthouse was built in 1860, but because its location was too high, it was often obscured by sea fog, so a second lighthouse was built, which is still in operation today. Although the old lighthouse is no longer used for navigation, it has become a viewing platform for visitors. This area belongs to the Cape Floristic Region, and more than 1,000 plant species have been recorded in the Cape Point area alone, with over a dozen being endemic. In terms of wildlife, you will often encounter troops of baboons, antelopes, and Cape mountain zebras along the way. If you are lucky, you can also see ostriches strolling on the beach, and over 250 bird species have been recorded. This stretch of sea has long been known for its treacherous winds and waves, and two navigational crosses set up by the Portuguese government are still preserved in the area. The sea breeze at the top of the cliff is strong, and it can be quite chilly even on sunny days.Cape Town · 48.5 km from downtown
Twelve Apostles
No. 12 of Best Things to Do in South Africa

Twelve Apostles

7
4.8/5
50 reviews
Twelve Apostlesis located along the Atlantic coast of Cape Town, South Africa. The mountains rise steeply from behind the coast of Camps Bay and stand in a row facing the vast Atlantic Ocean. Set against the blue bay and the city skyline, they form one of Cape Town's most recognizable natural landscapes. The bedrock of this attraction belongs to the Cape Fold Belt sandstone, dating back hundreds of millions of years. Through long periods of geological uplift, sea wind erosion, and natural weathering, the hard sandstone has gradually formed the steep, layered, and deeply gullied cliffs seen today. Standing at the foot of the mountain and looking up, one can clearly see the rock layers undulating with the terrain, presenting a strong three-dimensional effect. From the sea or Camps Bay, the entire range of peaks stands like a natural barrier along the Atlantic coast. As visitors walk along, they have towering sandstone cliffs on one side and views overlooking the Atlantic on the other, where they can listen to the waves crashing against the shore and experience the magnificent scenery where the mountains meet the sea.Cape Town · 7.4 km from downtown
V&A Waterfront
No. 1 of Night Attractions in South Africa

V&A Waterfront

6.6
5.0/5
83 reviews
Victoria Harbour is hidden deep in the bay of the Atlantic Ocean. Today, it is a very lively place in Cape Town. There are a large number of shops, craft markets, hotels, dock bars and restaurants in the port area. It is a must-see for tourists in Cape Town. And every weekend here, it becomes black, brown, yellow, white, full of eyes, from all over the world, wearing various colors, the crowds who come to go shopping or shopping, make the streets and squares look like Rather crowded.Cape Town · 1.9 km from downtown
Chapman's Peak Drive
No. 10 of Best Things to Do in Cape Town

Chapman's Peak Drive

6.3
4.8/5
41 reviews
Chapman's Peak Driveis a scenic road carved into the cliffs on the west coast of the Cape Town Peninsula, connecting Hout Bay and Noordhoek. Construction began in the early 20th century, taking several years to cut through the mountain, and it officially opened in 1922. On one side of the road is a nearly vertical rock face, with some sections now equipped with rockfall shelters and netting. On the other side, the mountain drops hundreds of m into the Atlantic Ocean. The entire route is nearly 10 km long with over 100 curves, and with almost every turn, the seascape before you changes. There are many viewpoints along the way where you can park to overlook the fishing port and bay of Hout Bay, gaze at Sentinel Peak on the opposite shore, and see the long, white sandy beach of Noordhoek. Watching the sunset sink into the Atlantic Ocean from the viewpoints in the evening is a classic experience here.Hout Bay · 3.2 km from downtown
Castle of Good Hope
No. 11 of Best Things to Do in Cape Town

Castle of Good Hope

6.3
4.4/5
38 reviews
The Castle of Good Hope is South Africa's oldest and best-preserved building. This five-pointed fortress was built by workers from the Dutch East India Company in the 1660s and 1670s. Originally the official residence of the Governor-General of the Dutch East India Company, it now houses the William Feher Art Collection, the South African National Defense Force's regional headquarters in the Western Cape, and a military museum. Inside, the former prison cells are still preserved.Cape Town · 391m from downtown
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
No. 3 of Spring Outings in South Africa

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

6.2
4.8/5
95 reviews
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardenis located on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa. With a history spanning over a century, it is one of the most iconic botanical gardens in Cape Town. The garden is set against the majestic Table Mountain, blending meticulously planned garden views with the pristine natural mountain environment. The lower part of the garden is meticulously maintained, with flower beds, lawns, and tree-lined paths interwoven; as the terrain rises towards the hillside, the cultivated gardens gradually transition into natural, preserved fynbos shrubland. Fynbos is a sclerophyllous vegetation type unique to the Cape region, rich in plant species and offering different scenery throughout the seasons. The garden also features a conservatory, showcasing plants from different natural habitats such as the savanna and the arid Karoo plateau. The Fragrance Garden, Cycad Garden, Camphor Avenue, and Sculpture Garden each have their own unique features, and the garden also preserves a wild almond hedge planted in the 17th century, adding a touch of history to the botanical garden.Cape Town · 7 km from downtown

Experiences you can't miss in Cape Town

Featured Food & drink in Cape Town

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Cape Town wine tasting and tram experience in South Africa
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Cape Town: Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 2.5 hrs
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From Cape Town: 3 Regions Wine Tour with 3 Estates, 15 Wines
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4.7/5
· 680 reviews
Duration: 8.5 hrs
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Cape Town round-trip: Franschhoek wine tram 1-day tour
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1-day tour to Aquila wildlife reserve from Cape Town, South Africa + afternoon tea (from 1 person)
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1-day tour in Cape Town with round-trip winery tasting
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Sightseeing tour to Franschhoek from Cape Town, South Africa
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Featured Cultural experiences in Cape Town

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South African Jewish Museum: Entry Ticket
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Cape Town city half-day tour with optional Table Mountain visit
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews
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Cape Town: Robben Island Boat Trip & Museum Tour Ticket
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4.4/5
· 10 reviews
Duration: 4 hrs
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Cape Town Highlights Audio Tour: Colonial Treasures and Civic Icons
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Duration: 2 hrs
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Bo-kaap and City tour
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5.0/5
· 51 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
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Khayelitsha: 3-Hour Township Walking Tour
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5.0/5
· 1 review
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Cape Town: Langa walking Tour - Siviwe Township Tours
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 2.5 hrs
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Cape Town: Heart of Cape Town Medical Museum Entrance Ticket
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Featured Day tours in Cape Town

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Cape Town premium small group 1-day tour to Table Mountain, Cape of Good Hope, Boulders Beach and Bo-Kaap (hotel pickup)
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5.0/5
· 20 reviews· 242 booked
Duration: 5.2 hrs
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1-day tour from Cape Town to Cape Point, Cape of Good Hope and Boulders penguin beach
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5.0/5
· 3 reviews· 38 booked
Duration: 7 hrs
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CAPE TOWN: OSTRICH RANCH QUAD BIKE RIDE & OSTRICH TOUR
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4.7/5
· 3 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
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Round-trip Whale Watching and Marine Big Five Tour from Cape Town
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Cape Town premium small group 1-day tour, Table Mountain + Cape of Good Hope + Boulders Beach, with city hotel transfers
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· 2 reviews· 54 booked
Duration: 9.5 hrs
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Cape town day tour to table mountain, boulders beach and cape point including cape of good hope/simon's town
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4.3/5
· 6 reviews· 42 booked
Duration: 9.2 hrs
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What travelers say about Cape Town

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YoYo_0T9A3B0LJuly 4, 2025
5.0
桌山那壮阔的怀抱赋予了我一段永生难忘的奇妙旅程。走在其中,每一寸土地都像是生命奥秘的载体,让人感叹大自然的神奇。风景如诗如画,仿佛是进入了一个梦幻般的世界,每一步都充满了惊喜与期待。这段旅程让我深刻感受到自然的伟大和生命的奇迹,让我对生活充满了感激和敬畏。无疑,这是一次灵魂与自然的深度对话,一次心灵的洗礼。

Table Mountain

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Marty O’BrienJanuary 28, 2024
5.0
I really enjoyed this attraction! it has stunning views and it does not require a high level of physical stamina to undertake. Inside the park itself, there is a lot that you can do but you would need a car in order to take full advantage

Cape of Good Hope

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游侠半仙October 30, 2024
5.0
Travel with a tour group to Cape Town, South Africa, and take a yacht to Hout Bay to see seals. Seal Island is also a famous tourist attraction on the Cape Peninsula, with thousands of seals living on the island. In order to protect the seal habitat, tourists are prohibited from going to the island. There are special yachts at the pier to take tourists to watch, slowly circling very close to the island, allowing us to watch the seals hunting, playing in the water, and living up close. The bottom of the yacht's interior is equipped with glass to view the underwater world.

Duiker Island

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anton_rotheOctober 1, 2023
5.0
Caños Bay is a very beautiful neighbourhood with many great restaurants and bars

Camps Bay Beach

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长脸张少侠March 5, 2026
5.0
Cape Town, South Africa 🇿🇦【Cape Point】 Cape Point (Afrikaans: Kaappunt; English: Cape Point) is a cape in the southeastern corner of the Cape Peninsula in South Africa, located about 2.3 kilometers east of the famous Cape of Good Hope. Neither Cape Point nor the Cape of Good Hope is the southernmost point of the African continent: Cape Agulhas, about 150 kilometers southeast of the Cape Peninsula, is the southernmost point. Cape Point and the surrounding area are within Table Mountain National Park in South Africa. Cape Point has a lighthouse at an altitude of 87 meters, visible from 63 kilometers away. ⚠️The Cape Point is the side with the lighthouse; the Cape of Good Hope is the southernmost point, the side with the sign.

Cape Point

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Nothando the travelerSeptember 16, 2023
5.0
I saw this beautiful mountains using city sight seeing cape Town bus it was a good experience.

Twelve Apostles

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_We***95April 25, 2023
5.0
Due to its wide harbor and deep water, Hong Kong, China is also known as the "Pearl of the Orient" and "one of the three major night views in the world". The name of Victoria Harbor comes from Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom. People can enter and exit freely all year round. In the early years, the British saw the potential of becoming an excellent port in East Asia. Later, they seized Hong Kong from the Qing government and developed their maritime trade in the Far East. Victoria Harbor has always influenced Hong Kong's history and culture, dominated the development of Hong Kong's economy and tourism, and is one of the keys to Hong Kong's becoming an international metropolis.

V&A Waterfront

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泰宁根吴承恩March 29, 2020
5.0
Walking along the Chapman Highway, known as the most beautiful highway in South Africa, I followed the tour group's bus to enjoy it. Although I passed by it in a hurry, I was still attracted by the beautiful scenery of mountains and sea on both sides of the highway.

Chapman's Peak Drive

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Emmanuel Amoani OforiJanuary 17, 2026
5.0
This was an exciting trip to the Castle of Good Hope. All the way from Ghana to Cape Town. Come and experience historic moments in Cape Town.

Castle of Good Hope

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คนไร้คู่ ต้องอยู่คนเดียวMarch 29, 2022
5.0
I can tell you that the atmosphere is really great. The trip also offers installment payment for tickets. What are you waiting for? Let's go!

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Cape Town?

Don't miss these attractions in Cape Town: Table Mountain, Cape of Good Hope, and Duiker Island. If you like Food & drink, try Cape Town wine tasting and tram experience in South Africa. If you enjoy Cultural experiences, try South African Jewish Museum: Entry Ticket.

You can give Cape Town wine tasting and tram experience in South Africa and Cape Town: Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Cape Town premium small group 1-day tour to Table Mountain, Cape of Good Hope, Boulders Beach and Bo-Kaap (hotel pickup), 1-day tour from Cape Town to Cape Point, Cape of Good Hope and Boulders penguin beach, and CAPE TOWN: OSTRICH RANCH QUAD BIKE RIDE & OSTRICH TOUR. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of October 15, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Cape Town is around USD 57.14 – USD 272.77. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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