A Walk Around Cape Town in 18 Picturesque Instagrams

Fans of the mountains, oceans and sunsets may dominate feeds as they Instagram the likes of Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, Clifton, Camps Bay and the shimmering Atlantic. But there’s also an urban charm sitting at the base of all the natural beauty that’s equally intriguing.

Of course, you should get out there to experience this all for yourself in real life. But if that’s not possible, here are 18 picturesque Instagrams to show you what you’re missing in Cape Town.
A post shared by Nouf Al-Hermi (@noufalhermi) on Aug 19, 2017 at 3:01am PDT
The Company’s Garden is a good starting point for any trip to Cape Town. It’s a historically significant location, home to monuments (albeit many controversial), a reinvigorated vegetable and rose garden, and three national museums. It’s a tranquil green lung that serves as a melting pot for the city’s residents and inner city workers.
A post shared by Russel Hawley (@rustymonkey8) on Apr 2, 2017 at 5:57pm PDT
On a typical weekday, the nearby St. George’s Mall has an electric atmosphere thanks to the people commuting to and from work, hawkers and market stalls selling their wares, and formal stores that open out onto the pedestrianised mall. But come the weekend, this architecturally beautiful stretch is all but deserted but equally intriguing.
A post shared by From Cape Town with Love (@feroza._.photog) on May 19, 2017 at 3:10am PDT
Running parallel to St. George’s Mall is another historic Cape Town street, Adderley Street, home to the famous flower sellers.
A post shared by knuckles_malloy (@knuckles_malloy) on Aug 12, 2017 at 1:53am PDT
The lower reaches of Adderley Street and St. George’s Mall may not be typical tourist hangouts, but the increasing number of residential units, restaurants and some of the city’s tallest buildings make it a fascinating place to visit, particularly during the week.
A post shared by Heinri Zaayman (@heinri_zaayman) on Oct 1, 2016 at 11:32pm PDT
The V&A Waterfront may be the city’s most touristy attraction, but with sidewalk cafés, a vibrant atmosphere and stunning views, it’s an appealing and picturesque place to visit.
A post shared by Theo 👩🏼‍💻💭 (@theodora_lee) on Feb 29, 2016 at 1:10am PST
Many Cape Town coffee shops know how to make a good cup, and even more Instagrammers love photographing them.
A post shared by Andrew Thompson (@andrewthompsonsa) on Aug 8, 2017 at 7:37am PDT
The Sea Point Promenade is one of the most tranquil and picturesque regions of Cape Town. It’s within easy reach of the CBD and perfect for a late afternoon walk, run, or cycle.
A post shared by Barry Christianson (@thesestreetsza) on Jul 25, 2017 at 2:08am PDT
Further along the Promenade are a selection of small beaches, perfect for sunset picnics and impressive Instagram shots such as this.
A post shared by Cape Town🌴| Photographer🌴 (@parronpaigepepper) on Jul 20, 2017 at 11:03am PDT
Clifton’s four beaches each have a unique atmosphere and spectacular views. In summer they fill up with locals and tourists looking to see and be seen, but they’re equally spectacular and photo-friendly during the cooler winter months.
A post shared by Heinrich Knoetze Photography (@instacptguy) on May 21, 2017 at 10:38pm PDT
Lion’s Head offers some of the perfect vantage points from which to capture the city. It can be particularly peaceful, and beautiful, on a day when low hanging cloud rolls over Signal Hill and the CBD below.
A post shared by Andrew Thompson (@andrewthompsonsa) on Jun 6, 2017 at 5:21am PDT
It’s also worth hanging around the summit of Lion’s Head until after dark to watch the city lights flicker on below.
A post shared by Brendon Wainwright (@brendon_wainwright) on Jul 19, 2017 at 6:55am PDT
Lion’s Head not only offers beautiful views, more often than not it is the beautiful view.
A post shared by Cape Town // South Africa 🇿🇦 (@craighowes) on Jul 12, 2017 at 3:39am PDT
The view from the summit of Table Mountain may be one of the most photographed in the city, but with such a dramatic outlook across the City Bowl, harbour and surrounding oceans, and being just a five-minute cable car ride away, it’s hardly surprising.
A post shared by Hilde Franzsen (@wednesdayandoctober) on Aug 11, 2017 at 7:20am PDT
Sometimes it’s easy to forget that in spite of their picture-perfect locations, most of Cape Town’s harbours are still important places of work – for either shipping or fishing.
A post shared by Clara Lindberg (@auntieclaras) on Aug 19, 2017 at 6:59am PDT
The Bo-Kaap, with its colourful houses and warm inner city suburban atmosphere, is a great place to explore on foot.
A post shared by Tyron van der Berg (@reverthex_) on Jul 24, 2017 at 11:51pm PDT
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens offer some of the city’s most serene and beautiful terrain to explore on foot. The gardens can keep you busy for an entire day, with surprises such as the Boomslang Canopy Walkway hiding around every corner.
A post shared by Jess Beattie (Gregory) (@jess______xx) on Aug 6, 2017 at 11:12pm PDT
Cape Town’s CBD is alive, with the likes of Bree, Loop, and Long Streets, along with the smaller connecting roads that run perpendicular to these – packed full of charming coffee shops, thriving bars, popular restaurants, and consistently epic views.
A post shared by Barry Christianson (@thesestreetsza) on Apr 8, 2017 at 11:48am PDT
Regardless of where you go in the city of Cape Town, the omnipresent Table Mountain will follow you around.