Cape town
Top 10 things to do in the mother city
When I visited Cape Town for the first time in 2010, the city immediately captured my heart. With a rich history, lively city centre, spectacular natural surroundings and warm-hearted inhabitants, Cape Town has rightfully earned its status as one of the best cities to visit in the world.
Cape Town and Table Mountain as seen from Blouberg Strand
01: Visit the V&A Waterfront
The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront (V&A Waterfront for short) is Cape Town’s most popular destination, with almost 24 million visitors each year. This lively district features a mall, several souvenir and craft shops, countless restaurants in every price category, museums, hotels, offices as well as a standup comedy theatre and an aquarium. While strolling through the V&A Waterfront, visitors can enjoy performances by local street musicians, observe workers repairing ships on the dry docks and watch seals lying on wooden pallets in the sun or playing in the water. For those wanting to see the city from the ocean, there are several charter services where you can book a catamaran or sailboat cruise.
02: Visit Table Mountain
Probably the most recognisable mountain in the world and Cape Town’s most iconic landmark, Table Mountain is the city’s second most visited attraction. Every year, around 800 000 make their way to the top of the 1000m high mountain via cable car or by hiking. In 2011, Table Mountain was voted as one of the 7 New Natural Wonders of the world. It is also South Africa’s most photographed landmark.
Apart from being an important tourist destination, Table Mountain has ecological value as well. According to geological studies, Table Mountain is over 300 million years old, making it one of the oldest mountains in the world. Table Mountain is home to an incredible diversity of plant life. Over 1,470 species of plants, including several species of protea, daisy and fynbos can be found on the mountain. 70% of the flora on Table Mountain are endemic, meaning they can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
TIPS FOR VISITING TABLE MOUNTAIN
Cable Car:
Taking the cable car is the most comfortable and convenient way to travel to the top of Table Mountain. The cable car operates between 8am and 7pm (last trip up) and 8pm (last car down). Tickets can be purchased directly at the lower station or online. Due to high visitor numbers, it’s advisable to buy your tickets online. Please note that the operation of the cable car depend on weather conditions and may be closed on windy or stormy days.
Hiking:
There are several trails leading to the top of Table Mountain. The trails vary considerably in difficulty, but even the easiest ones shouldn’t be taken lightly, especially on hot days. For more tips on hiking Table Mountain, read the following blog entry.
The majestic Table Mountain as seen from Lion’s Head
03: Hike to the top of Lion’s Head
Are you feeling sporty and want to see Cape Town from another perspective? A hike to the top of Cape Town’s 2nd most famous mountain might just be your thing! The hike to the top is fairy easy and accessible even for those with moderate fitness levels. The 5km long trail is in good condition and for the most part relatively even. It is only on the last couple of meters where some scrambling is required. The sweeping views towards Table Mountain and over the city centre and Clifton Beach are definitely worth the effort. If you plan to hike Lion’s Head, ensure that you follow the rules (don’t litter, don’t leave the trail, don’t hike alone) and have enough water and a warm jacket for colder days.
Enjoying the view over Sea Point from the top of Lion’s Head.
04: Do a peninsula tour
Take a full day to explore the beautiful Cape Peninsula. From quaint little harbour towns, penguin colonies, snow white beaches and a scenic road made famous through countless car adverts, the Cape Peninsula is jampacked with sights worth seeing. For more tips about the tour and which stops to make along the way, feel free to read more here.
05: Visit a wine farm
Situated about an hour’s drive away from Cape Town, you’ll find the bustling student town of Stellenbosch, the sleepy town of Franschhoek and the Afrikaans town of Paarl. Surrounding these towns are not only stunning mountains but also countless wine farms, famous for producing some of the world’s best wines. Many of the wine farms are open to the public and offer lunches, picknicks and, of course, wine tastings. For a list of my favorite wine farms, read more here.
Groot Constantia, one of South Africa’s oldest wine farms
06: Have a sunset picknick on Signal Hill
Every evening, young and old flock to Signal Hill to watch the sun sink into the Atlantic ocean, bathing the mother city it a golden light. Our tip: pack a picknick basket, order an Uber (parking spots are extremely limited) and settle down on the paragliding pad to watch the sunset.
07: Visit one of Cape Town’s markets
Whether you’re foodie, hunting for souvenirs, shopping for hand-crafted jewellery and clothes or simply browsing, Cape Town’s markets has something for everyone. The most popular year-round markets include:
Oranjezicht City Farm (OZCF) Market
The Bay Harbour Market
The Neighborgoods Market, Old Biscuit Mill
Greenmarket Square
For opening times and what you can find at which market, read more here.
08: Stroll through the Bokaap
Situated on the slopes of Signal Hill, the Bokaap is Cape Town’s most colourful and oldest residential neighbourhood. This neighbourhood with its brightly coloured houses and cobblestone streets used to be called “The Malay Quarter” and was originally home to the slaves and Mardijkers (skilled labourers) the Dutch settlers imported from Indonesia and Malaysia, which at the time was generally known as “Malay”. The slaves and workers from South East Asia were Muslim and so, several mosques can be found in the neighbourhood. Originally, the houses were all painted white. It was only after the abolishment of slavery, that the residents painted the houses in bright colours as a symbol of their freedom. Unlike District 6, another multi-cultural neighbourhood nearby, the Bokaap was spared from demolition by the Apartheid Governments segregation act. Today, the Bokaap’s main struggle is with gentrification as the location, picturesque streets and historical houses are immensely popular among wealthy outsiders.
TIPPS WHEN VISITING THE BOKAAP:
Keep in mind that the Bokaap is a residential area. Your next photo motiv is someone’s home. Keep a respectful distance and don’t enter property unless invited. Respect the residents’ privacy at all times!
Support local businesses. Stop for a cofee at a local café, shop for art in the small galleries or buy local spices and food.
09: Explore Cape Town’s parks and promenades
In no other South African city can visitors and inhabitants enjoy outdoor living like in Cape Town. Apart from the local beaches and mountains, people can soak up the sun in one of the many parks around the city or go for a jog along the Seapoint Promenade. For a list of my favourite parks in Cape Town, read more here.
10: Take a boat cruise
View Cape Town out of the perspective of the first European settlers: from the sea! At the V&A Waterfront, you’ll find various chartering companies offering boat trips all through the day. Booking a tour in advance isn’t usually necessary and can be done directly at the charter company’s stand at the waterfront. If you’re on a tight schedule or wish to do a cruise at a specific time of day, e.g. at sunset, it might be wise to book in advance. The sunset cruises are especially popular and usually well-booked. Costs can vary, depending on the company you choose, the duration of the cruise or the time of day you book. Take your time looking for a charter company and compare prices before you book.
Sunset cruise with a sailboat
