Cape Town – The Mother City
Cape Town is consistently voted as one of the best destinations in the world, which isn’t surprising to anyone that’s had the opportunity to visit the Mother City. It is special in so many ways. In fact, there’s an air of magic about it, a sense that just about anything can happen.
With its incredible variety of things to do and see, Cape Town offers fun, adventure and discoveries to families, couples, explorers and corporate travellers from all over the world. There are also fabulous accommodation options, which you can see and book here.
Our Top Picks: Iconic Attractions in Cape Town
The word “icon” refers to something so significant that it qualifies to represent the whole. These iconic attractions are those that perfectly and effortlessly represent the Mother City and capture her essence:
The Big Five
No trip to Cape Town is complete without seeing its five best-known attractions. These are the ultimate icons of the city and give visitors an all-round experience of this destination:
1. Table Mountain
This flat-topped mountain overlooks and embraces the City Bowl, and continues to be the star of postcards, photos and backdrops of all things ‘Cape Town’. There is a cable-car to the top, from where incredible views of the city, its beaches, Lion’s Head, Signal Hill and Robben Island can be enjoyed. The sunsets from the top of Table Mountain are spectacular.
2. The V&A Waterfront
This is a hub of all things glam and vibey. The shops, boutiques and craft markets are every shopaholic’s dream, while the live performances and various entertainment areas promise loads of fun. The Waterfront is home to a working harbour too. So, book your sunset cruise or a tour on a catamaran for something really memorable.
3. Robben Island
This island was once the place where prominent political activists were imprisoned. These include Nelson Mandela, Jacob Zuma and Tokyo Sexwale. Take a scenic ferry trip across the ocean and visit the prison for a poignant look into the past, present and future of the Rainbow Nation that South Africa has become.
4. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens
On the slopes of Table Mountain, this incredible garden is full of absolutely stunning plants – from cycads to orchids and everything in-between. There are also bridges over ponds, tactile gardens, restaurants and curio shops, as well as sculptures for sale.
5. The City Bowl
The city centre is always buzzing, thanks to its African markets, contemporary bars and eateries, nightclubs, quirky boutiques, historical attractions and non-stop fun. Explore the heart of the Mother City when you stroll through the streets, sights and sounds of the City Bowl.
Other Must-See Attractions
6. The Diamond Works
This established diamond institute celebrates diamonds and tanzanite (a thousand times rarer than diamonds) in all their glitzy glory with a new showroom in Cape Town. Go on guided tours and sip on bubbly as you uncover the mystery and beauty of these rare stones. Of course, the hand-crafted Belgian truffles don’t hurt either and are all part of the luxury of the occasion. This showroom is home to some of the best premium stones on the planet.
7. The Zeitz MOCAA
This contemporary gallery showcases African art as it has never been seen before. The museum has been established in repurposed and revamped grain silos, taking full advantage of the cylindrical structure and breath-taking heights for a novel approach to exhibition. Exhibits range from interactive film productions to photographs and sculptures. But, this is no ordinary art gallery. It’s an experience.
8. The Cape Winelands
While some of the hottest wine areas are in Cape Town itself (the estates in Constantia are gloriously rewarding to visit), the maj