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Cape Town Attractions

Here we will show you the Best Attractions and Things to Do when in Cape Town

Which of the Cape Town attractions are the most popular? This is a question many of you expats and tourists ask, but which can not be answered easily. The Mother City is easy to fall in love with and if you live in Cape Town you will appreciate everyday the easy-going African lifestyle mixed with the finest atmosphere an expatriate lifestyle can offer you. 

To give you an insider's choice, we will list here the Top Ten Cape Town attractions, our favorite places and activities, where you will experience an amazing Cape Town atmosphere. The 10 Cape Town attractions you cannot miss, here they are:

1. The V&A Waterfront

Dine and shop till you drop at the V & A Waterfront and mingle with the Capetonians. Take a look at the best designer brands in Cape Town at the Waterfront Shopping centre and craft stalls. Buy some stunning handmade South African crafts, listen to great bands at the  V&A amphitheatre and relax at one of the numerous fabulous restaurants or sip a cold drink in one of the sidewalk bars. The iconic Clocktower which is red now again, was 'dressed' in yellow in 2014 for the World Design Capital events and green when South Africa had won the  Rugby Worldcup in 2007.

2. Table Mountain

Take in the gorgeous view over Table Bay from the top of the most popular Cape Town attraction. Table Mountain was elected one of the '7New Wonders of Nature' in 2013. Especially recommended to go up early morning to see the sun rise over the bay or see the city lights start glimmering after sunset. Simply awe-inspiring! Go here to the cable cars website. By the way, the best views of Table Mountain and across Table Bay can be taken in from Blaauwberg Beach.

3. Boulders Beach

Swim with the African penguins at the turquoise lagoon of Boulders Beach in Simon's Town. There is an information centre along the lagoon with two entrances, one at Boulders and one at Seaforth.  Afterwards, enjoy a stroll on the promenade along the Indian Ocean between St James and Fish Hoek or browse through the many antique shops in nearby Kalk Bay. 

4. Camps Bay

Relax in a café in Camps Bay and watch the people strolling along the pavement and the promenade. The sunsets are attracting many people as the wonderful setting at the foot of the Twelve Apostles mountain range makes Camps Bay a firm favourite among locals and visitors. 

5. Cape Town Museums

Visit the District Six museum, the 'Gold of Africa' museum or any of the other unique museums in Cape Town. The South African National Gallery or the South African Museum located in the Company Gardens are a must-visit due and a visit to the Planetarium is certainly a treat for the whole family. And we are excited to have soon a brand-new Museum of Contemporary African Art (MOCAA) in town. Read more about the MOCAA project here.

6. Magical Sunset Views

Watch the sunset over the ocean. The sunsets from Signal Hill are beautiful and only a short drive from the city centre. A bit further north of town, Blouberg Beach is one of the best opportunities to take in the awesome views towards Table Mountain and the City Bowl. Click for more great sunset pictures. 

7. Robben Island

Learn about South Africa’s history on Robben Island. Make sure to visit the exhibition at the ferry terminal before going to the island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for many years. 

8. Hout Bay

Enjoy some of the freshest seafood in Hout Bay. Visit this seaside village with its picturesque harbour at the northern end of the famous Chapman’s Peak Drive before taking the drive over this picturesque drive. From Hout Bay, you can also take a trip around the Cape Peninsula by boat or take a boat trip to Seal Island. More on Cape Town's attraction: beaches!

9. Kirstenbosch

Take a stroll or hike in Kirstenbosch Botanical GardensDuring summer time there are many open-air concerts. In Spring, enjoy the colourful daisy fields during September and October or see the many different kinds of fynbos and proteas in bloom in November. Read more about the many wildflower festivals - Cape Town attraction in spring.

Cape Town Attractions: 10. Cape Winelands

Go on tour in the Cape Winelands and experience true South African hospitality in one of the wine farms in this area. Visit at least one of the many harvest festivals in February and March and do not miss to try the unique Cape wine creation, Pinotage wines. This region is really amazing and feels so far away from the city vibe.

Cape Winelands

The Top Ten attractions are just a start for you! Tourists enjoy the many great sights in Cape Town and the residents soak up the magic of the Mother City, and that not only for a short visit, but everyday.

And another good thing is that most of the Cape Town attractions are free or really low cost – at least if you compare the prices with other great city attractions worldwide. You will find the most enchanting forests and the lushest gardens in the Southern Suburbs, will enjoy leisurely strolls in the near wineland of Durbanville in the Northern Suburbs or laze in the sun at one of the famous beaches or chat with your friends at one of the coolest cafes and bistros along the Atlantic Coast.

Need more tips and want to find free Cape Town activities? Read on!

There is really a lot to do and see in Cape Town. And you are the lucky one, you are not only visiting the most picturesque city in the Southern Hemisphere, you live here!

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