Wherever you are in Cape Town the majestic, iconic shape of Table Mountain adds one of the world’s most impressive backdrops to your view. No trip to this South African city is complete without a hike, or a more leisurely cable car ride, to the top, where the breathtaking vistas are known as some of the best in Africa.
The story of Cape Town’s past is written in its architecture. The colonizing Dutch left their mark with their unique “Cape Dutch” style. You’ll recognize this style in those houses with decorative front gables. Subsequent English and Muslim inhabitants made significant contributions too. See their architectural styles as you wander around the colorful houses and periodic minarets of the Bo-Kaap district.
Such a mix of nationalities makes for a rich cultural scene. Food is superb, whether you’re eating from one of the street carts in the Bo-Kaap district or enjoying freshly caught seafood in a fine-dining restaurant on the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront.
Learn about the city’s history at the Jewish Museum, Slave Lodge and the South Africa Maritime Museum. Perhaps the most poignant story is to be found on Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was held before the abolishment of apartheid.
More than anything though, Cape Town is destination for those who love the outdoors. A wild coastline surrounds the city. The expansive Table Mountain National Park covers 75 percent of the peninsula, meaning that encounters with wildlife are common. Get face-to-face with African penguins at Boulders Beach, or keep an eye out for baboons, antelopes or whales as you hike one of the trails on the Cape of Good Hope. You can also see more cultivated natural beauty at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
Though fairly small, Cape Town does not lend itself to exploring on foot. It’s better to rent a car the roads are generally easy to navigate and free flowing. Public buses run some of the major tourist routes as well.
Cape Town’s climate is generally good, with the low humidity making the summer heat bearable. Winters can be quite wet.
Cape Town
Travel Guide





Visit Cape Town
Cape Town Travel Guide Video
Where to stay in Cape Town

Victoria and Alfred Waterfront
Explore the oldest working harbour in the Southern Hemisphere, offering shopping, dining, and attractions like Battery Park, the 1882 clock tower, and Zeitz MOCAA contemporary art museum.

Camps Bay
Affluent suburb with a picturesque bay, Camps Bay offers a variety of beaches, including the popular Camps Bay Beach and Glen Beach for surfing. Explore the open-air curio market at Koeël Bay and enjoy picnics at Oudekraal, all near hotels, restaurants, and shops.

Cape Town City Centre
Known for its majestic mountain landscape and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Cape Town City Centre. Check out top attractions like District Six Museum and Cape Town City Hall, and jump on the metro at Woodstock Station or Esplanade Station to see more of the city.

Sea Point
The beaches and seaside views are top of the list for many visitors to Sea Point. A stop by Milton Beach or Sea Point Swimming Pool might round out your trip.

Green Point
Travelers like the cocktail bars in Green Point, and Greenpoint Market is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Somerset West
Nestled between Hottentots-Holland mountains and Cape Winelands, this area boasts attractions like Vergelegen Wine Estate and Helderberg Nature Reserve. Enjoy shopping at Somerset Mall and convenient transport via Golden Arrow buses.

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Reviewed on May 15, 2025
Popular places to visit

Table Mountain
One of the world’s oldest mountains creates an iconic backdrop to the Cape Town skyline. Climb to the summit for breathtaking views of the surrounding coast.

Camps Bay Beach
See and be seen, admire beautiful sunsets and go hiking in the famous Twelve Apostles at one of Cape Town’s most stylish beaches.

Boulders Beach
Get a privileged close-up view of an African penguin colony among the spectacular rock formations at this beach that also offers excellent swimming conditions.

Clifton Bay Beach
Soft white sand, aquamarine water, striking mountain views and picture-perfect sunsets lure visitors to this collection of four fashionable beaches.

Long Street
Admire the Victorian architecture of the buildings and the quirky atmosphere in the bookstores and museums of this iconic street.

Cape Town Stadium
Take a guided tour of this modern sports arena and then watch a soccer or rugby match while sitting among an energetic, vuvuzela-playing crowd.
Things to do

Table Mountain, Penguins & Cape Point Small Group Tour Cape Town

Cape Town: Table Mountain Cable Car, Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Cape Town: 1.5-Hour Luxury Sunset Cruise with Prosecco

Early Morning Safari Big Five Experience

Victoria Falls International Airport Transfers in Zimbabwe

Cape Town Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional Cruise
Reviews of Cape Town
5/5 - Excellent
Cape Town is the most beautiful place in the World
5/5 - Excellent
Beautiful city with outstanding landscape and very friendly people.
4/5 - Good
We always enjoy Cape Town and the lovely hotel Cape Grace. Walking distance to many shopping/restaurants.
5/5 - Excellent
One of my favorite places in this world.
5/5 - Excellent
Greatest city in the world
5/5 - Excellent
Beautiful location with tonnes of things to do within easy driving distance! Really enjoyed it!
Other places like Cape Town
- Table Mountain
- Camps Bay Beach
- Bloubergstrand Beach
- Boulders Beach
- Cape Town International Convention Centre
- Clifton Bay Beach
- Long Street
- Cape Town Stadium
- Cape of Good Hope
- Canal Walk Shopping Centre
- Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens
- Cape Point
- Two Oceans Aquarium
- Stellenbosch University
- Franschhoek Wine Tram
- Sunset Beach
- Castle of Good Hope
- Chapmans Peak
- Groot Constantia Winery