The Cape Town metropolitan area offers the visitor everything that he or she could possibly desire. There is everything here, from mountains to beaches, giant sand dunes, vineyards which offer some of the finest vintages on Earth, a complete cross section of life and far too much to list in just a few words.

The Cape Towns City Bowl is full of things to see and do - all within easy walking distance. The Castle of Good Hope, one of the oldest buildings in Cape Town, is situated just above the railway station.

At the southern tip of the Cape peninsula is the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve which stretches from Schuster's Bay in the West around forty kilometres of coastline to Smitswinkel Bay in the East. This 7750 hectare fynbos reserve has more species than the whole of the United Kingdom and these are chiefly heathers and proteas. Several species of buck are to be found here as well as baboons and zebra.

Few of the world's coastal cities have as famous a backdrop as Cape Town. Table Mountain looms over the city, its face changing hour by hour as the sun moves through the heavens shifting the shadows on the giant mountain. The mountain is situated in the Table Mountain National Park and this covers an area exceeding 2700 hectares, encompassing Signal Hill and Lion's Head. There are more than 500 ways of climbing to the summit of Table Mountain, but the easiest is by cable car, the lower station being situated on Tafelberg Road.

Some of the best scenery and flora can be found in Cape Town's Silvermine Nature Reserve which extends from the Muizenberg area to Noordhoek Peak in the East. There are several designated walks in the reserve and they offer some breathtaking views of False Bay. In the centre of False Bay is Seal Island, home to some 50000 seals, which are best seen during the summer months of the mating season. Simonstown on the west side of False Bay houses South Africa's main naval base.

The port of Cape Town is arguably the most famous of all African ports and is equipped for most ships. There is a large container port and two dry docks, the larger of which is more than 350 metres in length. Part of the old port has been renovated and turned into the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, a mixture of restaurants, pubs, up-market shops and even a craft market. The Two Oceans Aquarium has wonderful displays of sharks, penguins, and many more creatures found in the nearby waters, including a kelp forest. The Waterfront is a must for any visitor to Cape Town, and boat trips to Robben Island start from here. The city of Cape Town is served by a major International Airport, which is situated in the city's eastern suburbs.

If you're visiting Cape Town in summer, be sure to see the colourful faces of the Minstrel Carnival that takes place every January through the downtown streets.

There's also lots to see and do outside the City Bowl. Just around the corner towards the Southern Suburbs you'll find the spot which previously hosted the Rhodes Memorial, just above the University of Cape Town, which affords a magnificent view across most of Cape Town Metropole. A little further down the M3 road is the world class Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens in Newlands, which was once part of the Cecil Rhodes estate. Every Sunday throughout the summer the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts take place here in the main garden.

The Atlantic Coast offers a multitude of holiday resorts and beaches. Far to the North of the main city is Bloubergstrand, and from here you will enjoy the finest views of the city with Table Mountain as the backdrop and Robben Island in the foreground. Here you can watch dolphins playing the whole year round. On the peninsula to the south of the port are the suburbs of Granger Bay, Three Anchor Bay, Sea Point, Bantry Bay and Clifton Beach, Camps Bay, Llandudno and Hout Bay. Drive further south past Chapman's Peak to Kommetjie, a rustic village famous for its crayfish, and Scarborough, a village well-known for its indigenous gardens.

Cape Town is a large and cosmopolitan city with the world to offer to the visitor. The city is just the setting off point for the rest of the Fairest Cape From here the visitor can explore the Winelands and experience some of the finest wines in the world. Along the coast the N2 leads to the Garden Route and the Klein Karoo, and the N1 takes you through the vast open plains of the Great Karoo, a semi arid desert that was once covered with salt marshes.

Cape Town, often referred to as the "Mother City," is a vibrant and diverse destination in South Africa, offering a wide range of attractions and activities.

Here are 20 things to do or see in Cape Town:

1. Table Mountain: Take the cableway or hike up to the summit for panoramic views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean.

2. Robben Island: Visit the historical site where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years.

3. V&A Waterfront: Explore shops, restaurants, and attractions like the Two Oceans Aquarium in this bustling harbor area.

4. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden: Stroll through one of the world’s most beautiful botanical gardens, located at the eastern foot of Table Mountain.

5. Cape Point: Visit the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula and enjoy the dramatic coastal scenery.

6. Boulders Beach: See the famous colony of African penguins in Simon's Town.

7. Chapman's Peak Drive: Take a scenic drive along this famous coastal road offering breathtaking views.

8. Bo-Kaap: Wander through this colorful neighborhood known for its vibrant houses and rich cultural heritage.

9. District Six Museum: Learn about the history of District Six and the impact of apartheid on its residents.

10. Signal Hill and Lion's Head: Enjoy sunset views or hike up Lion's Head for a more adventurous experience.

11. Castle of Good Hope: Visit the oldest colonial building in South Africa, which now serves as a museum.

12. Greenmarket Square: Shop for African souvenirs and crafts at this bustling market.

13. Company’s Garden: Relax in this historic park, home to the South African Museum and the National Gallery.

14. Clifton Beaches: Spend a day at one of the four stunning beaches at Clifton, each with its unique charm.

15. Hout Bay: Explore this charming fishing village, enjoy seafood, and take a boat trip to Seal Island.

16. Groot Constantia: Visit South Africa’s oldest wine estate for a wine tasting and tour.

17. Zeitz MOCAA: Explore contemporary African art at the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa.

18. Muizenberg Beach: Go surfing or simply enjoy the colorful beach huts and vibrant atmosphere.

19. Noon Gun: Witness the firing of the historical Noon Gun on Signal Hill, a daily tradition since 1806.

20. The Old Biscuit Mill: Visit this trendy market in Woodstock, known for its food stalls, shops, and vibrant atmosphere.

Cape Town's rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty make it a destination with something for everyone to enjoy.

City of Cape Town Guest House Accommodation

{{place.name}}

Sign-up to our Great Escapes newsletter