Must Visit Tourist Attractions, Beaches and Things to Do in Cape Town

October 20, 2021 Mustafa Natalwala 2353 Views

Cape Town is the legislative capital of South Africa. It is also the oldest city in the country. Owing to its historic significance for the country, it is also called the Mother City. Some of the best places to visit in Cape Town include beaches, coastal sites, mountains, museums and art galleries.

The earliest evidence of human settlement in the region goes back 12,000 years. The region was first discovered by Bartolomeu Dias, a Portuguese explorer, in 1488. He called it the Cape of Storms. It is still among the top Cape Town tourist attractions and is known as Cape of Good Hope, as it was renamed by John II in 1497. The city was then colonized by the Dutch East India Company and then the British Empire. The majority of historical Cape Town attractions consist of buildings, museums, and galleries from this period. South Africa is also known for producing its own unique brand of wines. So another great aspect of Cape Town sightseeing are the wine estates. You can see the process which makes the region’s wine so unique and even go on tasting tours around the city.

Though some of the best things to do in Cape Town, South Africa reside in the mountains and along the oceans. The city is blessed with some of the most wonderful natural landscapes around it. The mountains and hills have some of the finest hike trails with breathtaking views. Some mountain trails also give way to magnificent views of Cape Town beaches. The city has several amazing beaches and there is much to enjoy. The pristine beaches are the best places to chill in Cape Town, but are also popular for water sports and surfing.

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Table of Contents

Explore The Best Tourist Attractions of Cape Town in 5 Days (Trip Itinerary)

Day 1

1. Castle of Good Hope

This 17th-century fortress is the oldest surviving building from the colonial period in South Africa. It is one of the best places to visit in Cape Town. The fortress is a great example of Dutch East India Company defense buildings and also has a military museum inside it. You would need an hour or two to explore it.

I suggest you should get your Skip-the-Line Admission Ticket of Castle of Good Hope in advance.

2. District Six Museum

This museum tells the story of people who were marginalized during 1800 in South Africa. This museum talks about various people who lived in the district during that period of discrimination. It is one of the Cape Town tourist attractions with the darkest history. You will need about an hour for this museum.

You can get your Skip-the-Line entry ticket of District Six Museum in advance.

3. South African Jewish Museum

This museum exhibits artifacts and documents concerning the Jewish community in the country. It is also the oldest synagogues in South Africa and one most important historical Cape Town attractions. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for this museum.

I suggest you should book a Skip-the-Line Ticket to the South African Jewish Museum in advance.

4. Iziko South African National Gallery

This gallery exhibits artworks from Africa and Europe created between the 17th and 20th centuries. It is the premier art gallery of the country. It is one of the most blissful cultural experiences during Cape Town sightseeing. You will need 1 hour to explore it.

5. Company’s Gardens

This garden was developed in 1652 by Dutch settlers. The garden was known for produce harvested for ships between Netherlands and Eastern routes. You can explore the wonderful themed gardens and a few historical monuments during Cape Town travel. You will need an hour or so for Company’s Gardens.

6. St. George’s Cathedral

This 20th-century cathedral is the oldest one in South Africa. The cathedral is among the most daunting things to see in Cape Town. You will need 20 to 30 minutes for this cathedral.

7. Bo Kaap

Built on the steep slopes of Signal Hill, this neighborhood is known for brightly colored houses and cobbled stone streets. It is one of the most upbeat-looking places to explore when you visit Cape Town and you will need about an hour here.

I suggest you should go for the Guided Walking Tour of Bo Kaap.

Day 2

1. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

These gardens are situated on the slopes of Mountain Table and are part of UNESCO Table Mountain National Park. It is one of the best places to visit for adventurous things to do in Cape Town, South Africa. You would need 2 to 3 hours to time to explore the gardens and the mountains.

I suggest you should combine your tour of Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden with Groot Constantia.

2. Groot Constantia

This is the oldest wine estate in South Africa and among the best places to go in Cape Town for wine tasting. This estate has a 300-year-old history of manufacturing great wine and you can learn about it in the estate’s museum. You will need about 2 hours for this experience.

I suggest you should combine your visit to Groot Constantia with Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden.

3. Duiker (Seal) Island

Also known as Seal Island, this place is home to an estimated population of 65,000 animals, the majority of which are seals. In terms of wildlife exploration, this experience is among best things to do in Cape Town. A boat tour of the island takes about 2 to 3 hours.

I suggest you should Book a Cruise to the Duiker Island Seal Colony.

4. Boulders Beach

This is one of the most popular Cape Town beaches for watching African penguins. The beach is facilitated with viewing platforms and boardwalks. You will need about an hour at this beach.

I suggest you should Book a Guided Tour of Boulders Beach with visit of Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve.

5. Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve

This UNESCO site is part of the Table Mountain reserve and arguably the best place for outdoor activities in Cape Town. It has some of the most beautiful hike paths to explore and incredible coastal scenery. You can easily spend half a day exploring this nature reserve.

I suggest you should Book a Guided Tour of the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve with visit of Boulder Beach.

Day 3

1. Robben Island

This prison island is most famously known for incarcerating Nelson Mandela for 18 years. It is among major Cape Town points of interest from a historical point of view. The entire journey to this island takes about 3 hours.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour of Robben Island with Ferry Ticket in advance.

2. Victoria & Alfred (V&A) Waterfront

This waterfront is among the finest places to chill in Cape Town. Aside from ocean views, you can enjoy shopping, dining and entertainment venues at this waterfront. Keep an hour to enjoy this place.

At V&A Waterfront there are many activities that you should do. Here I am suggest couple of activities to do at V&A Waterfront.

3. The Springbok Experience Rugby Museum

This museum follows the history of Rugby in South Africa from 1860 onwards. It is among the most interesting places to see in Cape Town owing to several interactive exhibits. You will need an hour to explore this sports museum.

4. Chavonnes Battery Museum

The museum is named after Maurits Pasques de Chavonnes, who was once the governor of the cape. This archeological site is connected to the Castle of Good Hope and exhibits several interesting findings from the region’s history. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to take a walking tour of this museum.

5. Two Oceans Aquarium

Among top things to do in Cape Town is to experience the aquatic life at this aquarium. It is aptly named for its location where the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean meet. The aquarium has a huge variety of flora and fauna from both these oceans and several interactive experiences. You would 2 hours at least to explore it.

I suggest you should Book a Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket of Two Oceans Aquarium in advance.

Day 4

1. Signal Hill

This hill is known for several activities to do in Cape Town. It is a great viewpoint for the city. It has a few fun hiking trails to explore. It is also known for the afternoon gunfire ceremony. You would need to allow 2 to 3 hours of time for Signal Hill when you visit Cape Town.

If you are a thrill seeker then you must try a Paragliding from Signal Hill.

2. Lion’s Head

This summit is one of the best places to visit in Cape Town to get a great view of the Cape of Good Hope. You will need to follow the hike trail to reach the top, but the view is breathtaking once you get there. You would need 2 hours at least for this adventure.

I suggest you should book a Sunrise or Sunset Hike at Lion’s Head.

3. Clifton Beach

This is among the most beautiful Cape Town beaches, especially known for its blue waters and scenic views. It faces the Atlantic Ocean and is also known for being one of the most expensive residential areas in the country. You would need an hour or so to explore it.

4. Camps Bay Beach

This is the longest beach in the city and the among the best places to chill in Cape Town. Along with the ocean, you also get an amazing view of the twelve apostles mountain range. You can easily spend a couple of hours at this beach.

Day 5

1. Table Mountain National Park

This flattop mountain is a strong presence near the city’s geography. It is popular with tourists and locals alike for outdoor activities in Cape Town. You can either hike up the mountain or use a cable car to get to the top conveniently. This mountain has a lot to offer on the way as well as at the top. Keep 2 to 3 hours for time to enjoy the views from Table Mountain during Cape Town travel.

At Table Mountain National Park there are many adventurous things to do. Here below I am suggesting couple of activities you should do at Table Mountain National Park.

2. Rhodes Memorial

This monument is dedicated to Cecil Rhodes, who was the Prime Minister of the Cape Colony between 1890 and 1896. The monument is lavishly built with high stairs and wonderful sculptures. It is among the best places for Cape Town sightseeing. Despite the controversy concerning Cecil Rhodes post apartheid, this monument is quite admired for its architecture and design. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for this monument.

3. Heart of Cape Town Museum

Housed in Groote Schuur Hospital, this museum is dedicated to the world’s very first heart transplant which was conducted here by Dr. Christiaan Barnard in 1967. You will need about 30 to 45 minutes for this museum.

I suggest you should book a Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket of the Heart of Cape Town Museum in advance.

4. The Old Biscuit Mill

This market place is situated in a restored mill. It is among the best places to visit in Cape Town for designer shopping, fine dining and to explore art. You will need about an hour to explore it.

5. Bloubergstrand Beach

Also known as the Blue Mountain beach, this among the best Cape Town beaches to enjoy the sunset. This white sand, blue ocean heaven is among the finest places to enjoy a swimming and surfing. You should keep an hour or two to relax and enjoy here during Cape Town travel.

If you are planning to stay in Cape Town for more than 5 days or if you wish to add more attractions to your itinerary, check out the section below. We have compiled an exhaustive list of places and activities you can explore during your visit.

Things to do in Cape Town

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Cape Town

Robben Island
Iziko Bo Kaap Museum
Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art
Castle of Good Hope
District Six Museum
Iziko South African Museum
South African National Gallery
Goodman Gallery
Rhodes Memorial
Iziko Slave Lodge
Norval Foundation
South African Jewish Museum
Africaan’s Language Monument
St. George’s Cathedral
UCT Irma Stern Museum
Heart of Cape Town Museum

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Cape Town

Maclear’s Beacon
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Cape of Good Hope
Lion’s Head
Chapman’s Peak
Table Mountain National Park
Boulders Penguin Colony
Signal Hill
Silvermine Protected Area
Newlands Forest
Devil’s Peak
Jonkershoek Nature Reserve
Seal Island
Skeleton Gorge
Zwolf Apostel Mountain
Helderberg Nature Reserve
Cheetah Outreach
Tygerberg Nature Reserve
Maiden’s Cove Braai Area
Sir Lowry’s Pass
Constantianek Mountain Pass
Elgin Valley
Hottenots Holland Nature Reserve

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Cape Town

Two Oceans Aquarium
Babylonstoren Farm
Groot Constantia Trust Winery
The Company’s Garden
Vergelegen Wine Estate
Jordan Wine Estate
World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary & Monkey Park
Chapmans Peak Drive
Beau Constantia Winery
Cape Point Vineyards
Waterkloof Wine Tasting Lounge
Warwick Wine Estate
Lourensford Wine Estate
Steenberg Tasting Room
Diemrsdal Wine Estate
Waterford Wine Estate
Meerendal Wine Estate
The Cape Wheel
De Grendel Wine Estate
Constantia Glen Estate
Vergenoegd Low The Wine Estate
Rust en Vrede Wine Estate
Buitenverwachting Winery
Kleine Zalze Wine Estate
Nitida Wine Farm
Green Point Park
Grandwest Casino and Entertainment World
Hartenberg Wine Estate
Villiera Wines
DeMorgenzon Stellenbosch Wine Estate
Eagle Encounters Experience
Ernie Els Wines
Beyerskloof Wines
Hidden Valley Wines

Shopping in Cape Town

Neighbourgoods Market
Milnerton Flea Market
Victoria Wharf Shopping Center
Access Park Kenilworth
Bay Harbour Market
Greenmarket Square
Mojo Market
Woodstock Market
V&A Waterfront
Cavendish Square
Cape Qaurter
Canal Walk Shopping Center
Gardens Shopping Center
Tyger Valley Shopping Center
The Old Biscuit Mill

Beaches & Islands in Cape Town

Boulders Beach
Cape Point
Muizenberg Beach
Camps Bay Beach
Clifton 4th
Llandundo Beach
Noordhoek Beach
Sandy Bay
Bikini Beach
Glen Beach
St. James Beach
Fish Hoek Beach
Beta Beach
Table Bay
Bloubergtrand Beach

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Cape Town

Table Mountain Cableway
Hiking
Trekking
Mountain Climbing
Surfing
Water Sports
Paragliding
Boat Cruise

Sightseeing in Cape Town

V&A Waterfront
Seapoint Promenade

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Cape Town

V&A Food Market
Osteria Hamm & Uys
The Andros
Bodega Ramen
Geuwels
Taboulet and Co.
Let’s Frite
Paris Cape Town
Tagine
Chapter One
Zest
Deep South Eatery
Ember Meat House
Hygge Hygge
Nish Nush
Bo Kaap Deli
Tortuga Loca
Tomson
FiftyFive Croissants
Grand Pavillion
Farro
Himitsu

Where to Stay in Cape Town?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Cape Town. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Cape Town.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Cape Town

How to Reach Cape Town?

By Air

Cape Town International Airport is the country’s second-largest airport and receives regular flights from cities in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North America and Africa. You can get direct flights to visit Cape Town from Dubai, Paris, Frankfurt, Doha, London, Amsterdam, Singapore, New York, Hong Kong, Atalanta, Washington D.C., and more.
You can use buses and cabs to get to your hotel or to Cape Town tourist attractions from the airport.

By Road

There are a few train lines that run within South Africa connecting to Cape Town. Popular intercity destinations reachable by train include Johannesburg, East London, Kimberley, and Queenstown. You can also use Metrorail to reach nearby towns and attractions during Cape Town travel.

If you plan to commute by car, pick between routes N1, N2 or N7. Renting a car to drive yourself or hiring a cab is quite affordable in South Africa, so it is a popular choice for Cape Town sightseeing among tourists. Though public transport is not a bad choice and even more cost-effective.

By Water

There are several cruise tours which include take you to visit Cape Town among their destinations. Most cruises have a one-day stop in the city and allow to explore some of the major tourist attractions. Though, some cruises also take up to 5-day stops for Cape Town sightseeing.

Image Reference

Castle of Good Hope – Julian Knutzen / Flickr
District Six Museum – serena_tang / Flickr
South African Jewish Museum – Morné van Rooyen / Wikimedia Commons
Iziko South African National Gallery – Drew Douglas / Flickr
Company’s Gardens – Julian Knutzen / Flickr
St. George’s Cathedral – Varun Chatterji / Flickr
Bo-Kaap – bebatut / Flickr
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden – Jean van der Meulen / PixaBay
Groot Constantia – Jean van der Meulen / PixaBay
Duiker (Seal) Island – igormattio / PixaBay
Boulders Beach – Cristiane Paraiso / PixaBay
Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve – dieter55 / PixaBay
Robben Island – South African Tourism / Flickr
Victoria & Alfred (V&A) Waterfront – cocoparisienne / PixaBay
The Springbok Experience Rugby Museum –
Chavonnes Battery Museum – Mike Peel / Wikimedia Commons
Two Oceans Aquarium – Isriya Paireepairit / Flickr
Signal Hill – Bertrand Duperrin / Flickr
Lion’s Head – Matt Kieffer / Flickr
Clifton Beach – Gary Bembridge / Flickr
Camps Bay Beach – Matt Kieffer / Flickr
Table Mountain National Park – Erin Johnson / Flickr
Rhodes Memorial – PublicDomainPictures / PixaBay
Heart of Cape Town Museum – flowcomm / Flickr
The Old Biscuit Mill – flowcomm / Flickr
Bloubergstrand Beach – Dimitry B. / Flickr