Unmissable Attractions in Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is a cosmopolitan city with many breathtaking sights, diverse cultures and history. Here’s Culture Trip’s guide to the top 19 unmissable attractions in one of South Africa’s most visited cities.
Victoria and Alfred Waterfront
Named after England’s Queen Victoria and her son, Prince Alfred, the V&A Waterfront is centred around the country’s oldest working harbour. This vibrant precinct is home to a shopping centre, a food and craft market, an aquarium, hotels and many other attractions.

Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripCentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great priceAfrica
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
Table Mountain
Table Mountain is one of Cape Town’s most famous landmarks and forms part of a national park of the same name. It has many popular hiking trails and a cableway that will take you to the summit.
Lion’s Head
Lion’s Head and Signal Hill provide a dramatic backdrop to the city, along with Table Mountain. Every year, thousands of residents and tourists climb this unusually shaped peak.
Zeitz MOCAA
The Zeitz MOCAA is the world’s largest museum of African contemporary art. Found inside a revamped grain silo on the V&A Waterfront, it opened its doors in September 2017. After visiting, you can enjoy some food at the on-site restaurant, followed by a sundowner or two at one of the three restaurant-bars in the luxurious Silo Hotel.

Robben Island
This small island in the middle of Table Bay has a long and torturous past but is best known as the place where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years of his 27-year prison sentence during apartheid.

Cape Point Nature Reserve
Cape Point Nature Reserve lies at the extreme southwestern tip of Africa, within the Table Mountain National Park. Be swept away by dramatic cliffs, awe-inspiring views and hectares of land rich in indigenous flora and fauna.

Sea Point Promenade
This scenic seaside promenade meanders along the beachfront on the Atlantic Seaboard. It’s a wonderful place to get in some exercise, people-watch or simply enjoy the sea views.

Beaches
From Clifton to Muizenberg, Cape Town has many pristine beaches that are perfect for sunbathing and participating in water sports.
Cape Winelands
Take a day trip to the lush Cape Winelands, where award-winning wines and cuisine complement country life.

Neighbourgoods Market
This lively Saturday market, held at the Old Biscuit Mill, is the go-to place for fresh produce, artisanal food and live music. You can also shop for local fashion, jewellery and designer goods.
Camps Bay
Camps Bay is famed for its beachfront restaurant strip, picturesque beach and incredible sunsets. If you want to unwind with a cocktail in hand while watching the world go by, then this Cape Town suburb is the place to go.
Castle of Good Hope
The Castle of Good Hope is a historic fort built by Dutch settlers in the 17th century. Today, the star-shaped structure houses an array of military artefacts spanning from the 1600s to the 1800s, as well as colonial art, furniture and ceramics.

The Company’s Garden
The Company’s Garden is a beautiful oasis in the centre of Cape Town, with lots of interesting features and attractions, such as the oldest cultivated pear tree in South Africa. It dates back to the 1600s when European settlers grew vegetables to feed the colony and replenish passing ships. The garden also has an on-site restaurant serving traditional South African dishes.
Iziko South African Museum and Planetarium
The South African Museum, founded in 1825, is the oldest such institution in the country. Here, you’ll find dinosaur fossils, dioramas and temporary exhibitions. In 2017, the Iziko Planetarium was upgraded with cutting-edge technology to virtually transport viewers to outer space.
African penguin colony
Visit Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town to see adorable African penguins. Boardwalks lead to Foxy Beach – where the penguins love to hang out – while beachgoers prefer to swim in the section sheltered by huge boulders.

Rhodes Memorial
Rhodes Memorial was built in 1912 in honour of Cecil John Rhodes, who was prime minister of the Cape of Good Hope in the late-19th century. The Greek-style monument stands on the slopes of Devil’s Peak and offers sweeping views of the city.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, founded in 1913 to preserve the Cape’s unique flora, lies on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. It’s a lovely place for a leisurely walk, a picnic in the gardens or lunch at the Kirstenbosch Tea Room.

St George’s Cathedral
St George’s Cathedral is the oldest cathedral in southern Africa, founded in 1901 but replacing an older church built in 1834. It’s known as the People’s Church for its stance against the apartheid regime.
Chapman’s Peak Drive
Chapman’s Peak Drive is among the world’s most scenic coastal drives. The winding mountain road lies on the western side of the Cape Peninsula and has many vantage points and picnic spots offering magnificent views of Hout Bay. It’s also a much-loved cycling route and forms part of the famous Cape Town Cycle Tour.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.


KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.