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42 BEST CAPE TOWN EXPERIENCES

Cape Town

This, the Mother City of South Africa, has a way of creeping into the heart of everyone who visits. Some like the historical aspects of the city, some the vibe of the townships, others the great beaches and still others the grandeur of the Botanical Gardens. But whatever your particular bag, you are sure to find it here amongst these 42-best-of Cape Town experiences.

1. TABLE MOUNTAIN & WORLD HERITAGE SITE

This beloved Cape Town icon is the showpiece of the Table Mountain National Park. Covering just 17,000ha the Park supports some 2,285 plant species about 90 of which are not found anywhere else in the world. Visit this World Heritage Site via a 15minute Cable Car ride from the lower reaches all the way to the top... or walk it (either up or down) as long as you are fit, have extra clothing and take plenty of water along with you.
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2. MZOLI'S MEAT & RESTAURANT

Guguletu, one of the better-known townships on the outskirts of the city, has a gem of a restaurant tucked away off Klipfontein Road. What was once a simple butchery is now a hip and happening music venue and eatery offering guests one of the best multicultural experiences in Cape Town. Take along your own drink, buy meat from Mzoli’s butcher and then either braai (barbecue) it yourself or have one of the ‘chefs’ do it for you. On a busy day all eight braais places are operational, with a cook at each one.

http://blog.wizzy.com/post/MzolisMeat

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3. HISTORICAL ADDERLY STREET

This famous street runs through the centre of the city affording visitors a slice of the diverse city life. It’s a pleasant walk from the downtown harbour area up past statues, fountains, banks, shops, flower-sellers, night markets, the main train station and numerous restaurants ending at the Company Gardens behind the Houses of Parliament.

4. ARTSCAPE THEATRE

Established over 40 years ago as the infamous Nico Malan Theatre with an almost entirely white audience, today it is totally politically correct and thoroughly acceptable to all. It has numerous venues including an imposing Opera House with seating for over a thousand patrons, two smaller (more intimate) theatres, various function rooms, rehearsal studios and fabulous foyers for ad hoc events. It also offers Audience Development, New Writing and Technical Training programmes. Close to Cape Town's CBD, the International Convention Centre and the V & A Waterfront, Artscape puts on a variety of world-class shows, ballets, operas and plays... and is ideally situated to serve the Cape's performing arts, film, tourism, entertainment, conference and exhibition industries.

http://www.artscape.co.za/

5. BO-KAAP

Formerly known as the ‘Malay Quarter’ the Bo-Kaap is a bustling suburb on the slopes of Signal Hill above the city centre. Although a multicultural area today, it is the historical centre of the Cape Malay people and home to the Nurul Islam Mosque built in 1844. A walk through its cobbled streets, redolent with spicy cooking fragrances, is not to be missed.

6. CAMPS BAY

Camps Bay is a prosperous suburb about 10 minutes’ drive from Cape Town. In summer it attracts local and foreign visitors by the dozen in search of the perfect beach holiday. It is renowned for its palm-fringed, white sandy beaches, trendy nightlife, great hotels, fabulous eateries... and beautiful people.

7. ADRENALINE RUSH

If your tastes run to the more extreme you will find a veritable smorgasbord of excitement awaits you. From sand-boarding in the dunes of Atlantis, to kloofing, kite surfing, abseiling, hang-gliding, tough-but-beautiful mountain biking trails, horse-riding, white-river canoeing, surfing and even paragliding off Lion's Head. All of which credence to the saying, “Adventure Africa is not for sissies.”

8. CAPE MALAY CUISINE

The Malays were the first people to bring Islam to South Africa and today their culture and their cuisine are firmly entrenched. In face bredies, bobotie, sosaties and koeksisters have all become traditional fare. Turmeric is liberally used in place of the more European saffron and most dishes are intricate to prepare. Usually requiring a longer/slow cooking time the results are richly flavoured dishes that are deeply satisfying and unbelievably tender.
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9. “ONE POINT, A MILLION POINTS OF VIEW"

Cape Point Nature Reserve is the most south-westerly point of Africa with excellent angling and diving sites. It affords one of the highest sea cliffs in the world (249m above sea level) and is a bird watcher's paradise. It is also home to a variety of buck, baboons and other animals with whale and dolphin watching from May to November. Take a funicular scenic trip to the old lighthouse, enjoy a delicious meal at the beautifully perched Two Oceans Restaurant, go on a bush-walk or have a swim in the tidal pools at Bordjiesrif and Buffels Bay... enough to keep the whole family enthralled for hours.

http://www.capepoint.co.za/
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10. CAPE TOWN CITY BOWL

The city bowl comprises many interesting and historically significant neighbourhoods including Bo Kaap, Oranjezicht, Tamboerskloof and Gardens. Take a walk in any of these suburbs and you’ll be amazed at the difference in architecture and lifestyle that gives each one its own unique flavour.
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11. CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE

Positioned near the entrance to the popular Waterfront this is a purpose built, state-of-the-art convention facility with high tech infrastructure. Surpassing even international standards it boasts ample parking, magnificent views of city, sea and mountain. It is the perfect venue for exhibitions, meetings, conventions, workshops and more. “Whether you are hosting an event, or attending one ... you can be sure it will be an unforgettable experience.”

http://www.cticc.co.za/public/Main/Home
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12. CASTLE OF GOOD HOPE

Built in the mid 1600s by the Dutch East India Company as a maritime refreshment station, the Castle of Good Hope is the oldest occupied colonial building in South Africa. Today the Castle, with its five distinctive points, is the seat of the military in the Cape, and houses the Castle Military and Iziko Museums of Cape Town. It is well worth a visit with guided tours Monday to Saturday, a fascinating Key Ceremony performed each weekday followed by the firing of the Signal Cannon... and the dungeons are absolutely spine chilling.

http://www.castleofgoodhope.co.za/
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13. CHAPMAN'S PEAK

Work on this spectacular drive between Noordhoek and Hout Bay began in 1915 in what was then thought to be a masterpiece of road construction. The route was formally opened in 1922 but heavy traffic over the years has taken its toll and rock falls became a constant threat leading to the closure of the drive in January 2000. Although costly maintenance and preventative engineering has been done to secure the drive – one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world – it is only open infrequently to motor traffic. Fortunately walking the 9km road is still possible and well worth working up a sweat for with stunning 180° views and many picnic areas along en route.

http://www.chapmanspeakdrive.co.za
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14. COMPANY GARDENS

The Company Gardens is a large public park and botanical garden set in the heart of Cape Town. It is home to a rose garden, Japanese garden, fishpond and aviary. It is also intricately bound with the arts hosting a major art gallery within the park, and a number of festivals, including the Human Rights Concert and the Youth Festival. It is the oldest garden in the country established by Jan van Riebeeck way back in 1652.

http://www.capetown.gov.za/EN/PARKS/FACILITIES/Pages/CapeTownGardens.aspx
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15. CONSTANTIA VINEYARDS

The upmarket suburb of Constantia is situated in the Cape’s oldest winelands and is home to renowned wine estates and numerous award-winning restaurants. Lined with oak trees and gabled Cape Dutch homesteads it was originally the farm of Simon van der Stel, governor of the Cape Colony in 1685. He named the estate Constanza after the daughter of his benefactor, Commissioner van Rheede. Its tourist attractions include beautiful mountain walks, Groote Constantia winery and restaurant, lovely drives and plenty of green open space.
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16. GROOTE KERK

The 'Groote Kerk' (Great Church) is a cruciform building dating back to 1678. New foundations were laid for a thatched and gabled church in 1700 and in 1789 a magnificent carved pulpit was installed. Later, the new church was designed and built by Hermann Schutte with an immense vaulted ceiling of plaster rosettes from which hung immense chandeliers.
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17. DISTRICT SIX AND DISTRICT SIX MUSEUM

Cape Town's District Six Museum and surrounding area tells an important story about how people and communities were wronged during the apartheid. The area was named in 1867 as the Sixth Municipal District of Cape Town. It is infamously known for the forced removal of over 60,000 of its residents during the 1970s by the apartheid government.
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18. GREEN MARKET SQUARE

Nestled in the heart of the Central Business District, the Square has seen a vast mix of cultures walk its ancient cobbles. It provides a “market style” atmosphere with all sorts of traders and many bargains to be struck. In amongst buskers, drummers, jugglers and mime artists you’ll find curios, clothing, music, jewellery and leather goods. But take care, as in every crowded market pickpockets abound... so stay alert, hold your bag in front of you and don’t flash your cash!
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19. GREEN POINT STADIUM

The Cape Town Stadium in Green Point was built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It is a 70 000-seater, all-weather, multi-purpose, environmentally sustainable, modern, technologically advanced, world class Stadium giving rise to the expression “African Renaissance Stadium.” It hosts both Quarter and Semi-Final matches and tours of the stadium offer beautiful views of Table Mountain and Robben Island.
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20. MUSEUMS

Iziko Museums of Cape Town are African museums of excellence that empower and inspire all people to celebrate and respect the country’s diverse heritage. These include the SA Museum, Planetarium, SA National Gallery, Michaelis Collection, Bertram House, the Slave Lodge and many others.
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21. KHAYELITSHA

Khayelitsha (a Xhosa word meaning New Home) is a partially informal township on the outskirts of Cape Town. When the draconian Group Areas Act was implemented back in the 50s, it was done with a vengeance fencing off the township and allowing only one entrance/exit. Book one of the many Township Tours on offer and see how the unbowed inhabitants live today. Certainly the creative ‘architecture’ applied by the informal dwellers to their simple homes is nothing short of amazing.
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22. KIRSTENBOSCH NATIONAL BOTANICAL GARDEN

This botanists’ delight is famous for the beauty and diversity of the Cape flora it displays and for the magnificence of its setting on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. Only indigenous South African plants are grown on the estate, which covers 528 hectares and supports a diverse fynbos flora and natural forest. The cultivated garden (36 hectares) displays collections of South African plants, particularly those from the winter rainfall region of the country. It was founded in 1913 and you can read about the History of the Garden online at

http://www.sanbi.org/frames/kirstfram.htm.
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23. RHODES MEMORIAL

A magnificent floodlit tribute to Cecil John Rhodes the Memorial stands on the slopes of Devil’s Peak, the Northern flank of Table Mountain. It was built in 1912 on the very place where Rhodes liked to spend time in contemplation. In those days it was a short horse ride from his home Groote Schuur – from which the famous hospital takes it’s name. It is a national landmark, providing magnificent views out over the airport, the Cape Flats and industrial Cape Town to the Helderberg and Hottentots Holland Mountains.

http://www.rhodesmemorial.co.za
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24. KAAPSE KLOPSE/CAPE MINSTREL FESTIVAL

This uniquely Cape Town festival takes place annually on January 2 through the streets of Cape Town. Up to 13,000 minstrels take part garbed in shockingly bright colours and carrying colourful umbrellas or playing an array of musical instruments. The minstrels are grouped into klopse (clubs) who vie vigorously for the many prizes – including Best-Dressed Team, Senior Best Drum Major, Juvenile Best Drum Major and Best Board. Participants are typically from Afrikaans-speaking working class "coloured" families who have preserved the custom since the mid-19th century.
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25. ROBBEN ISLAND

A tour of notorious Robben Island and its Museum is an emotional journey especially for those who remember its most famous prisoner - Nelson Mandela. Tours begin at the Gateway, where multi-media exhibitions, a restaurant, an auditorium, and a museum shop are housed. It includes a half-hour ferry trip, a guided tour of the Maximum Security Prison (usually by an ex-political prisoner) and a bus tour of the historic buildings and the unique flora and fauna of the 575-hectare Island.
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26. V&A WATERFRONT

This shoppers’ paradise is located within the unique setting of a working harbour and includes over 450 stores, a wide selection of top quality restaurants and the famous Two Oceans Aquarium. There is also a number of boat and helicopter charters along with art and craft markets, and a choice of world-class conference and hotel facilities.

http//www.waterfront.co.za
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27. PICK OF PICNICS

A country so devoted to a relaxed outdoor lifestyle is sure to have some of the greatest picnic sites you could ever imagine. From the sprawling Tokai Forest to road-side picnic spots, from great beaches to green parks, lakes and reservoirs... all you need is a sandwich, a flask of tea or coffee and you’re all set with a myriad spots to choose from!
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28. HEART OF CAPE TOWN MUSEUM

The Heart of Cape Town Museum at Groote Schuur Hospital commemorates the people who performed the world’s first human heart transplant in 1967... when the late Professor Chris Barnard gave Louis Washkansky a new lease on life. The Heart of Cape Town Museum displays operating theatres as they were at the time along with interesting anecdotes of several cardiac surgeons who were locked into a race to be first.
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29. CITY SIGHTSEEING BUS TOURS

Open-topped busses provide sun on your shoulders and an elevated view of your surroundings as you take in this the most popular official tour of Cape Town. The busses travel two routes and take in over 20 of Cape Town’s iconic attractions and destinations, including Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, the V&A Waterfront, Camps Bay and Sea Point.
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30. TWO OCEANS AQUARIUM

With over 3,000 marine creatures on view – including sharks, turtles and penguins – the Two Oceans Aquarium is one of the finest aquariums in the world. Situated in Portswood Square at the V&A Waterfront, the aquarium showcases the unique marine life of both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

http://www.aquarium.co.za
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31. CLIFTON

Home to Millionaire’s Row, fashionable Clifton is known as Cape Town’s St Tropez, and its four beautiful beaches attract holidaymakers in droves. Yachts riding at anchor on a turquoise ocean, white sandy beaches and beautiful bodies all ensure Clifton’s reputation as a beach-lovers’ paradise. With more than four swimming beaches to choose from the many splendid sea-facing apartments of Clifton is some of the most sought-after real estate in the world!

32. CAPE TOWN NIGHTLIFE

There are hundreds of clubs in Cape Town, varying from disco dance fare to clubs where bouncers assess dress, body piercing and language before deciding whether patrons make the grade. Long and Kloof Streets in the city centre are abuzz with restaurants, live music clubs, bars, coffee shops and the odd strip club all within easy walking distance of each other. The V&A Waterfront is awash with nightlife venues and for something a bit swankier, head to Victoria Road, Camps Bay.

33. HOT AIR BALLOONING

Wineland Ballooning flights over the Berg River Valley begin just outside Paarl towards Malmesbury. The flights take place - weather permitting - in the very early morning at sunrise and the balloons float silently over the peaceful countryside. Interrupted occasionally by bursts from the gas-jets that keep the balloon aloft you’ll find the silence almost ear-splitting and the views utterly breathtaking.

34. FRIENDS OF DOROTHY

Cape Town was voted the second largest "Gay Capital" and one of the "Top Three Travel Destinations" in the world for gay men and women. And Cape Town business-owners certainly know the worth of the ‘pink’ rand! In and around Cape Town are loads of clubs, restaurants and bars that cater to both the upper and lower ends of this lucrative market.

http://www.capetown.tv/

35. PENGUINS

Boulders Beach is just past Simon’s Town and home to a growing colony of the vulnerable African Penguin. Wooden walkways allow visitors to view the penguins in their natural habitat and there is also an excellent information centre. Children will love the penguins and their antics and Boulders Beach is also worth a stop for safe and enjoyable swimming.

36. HOUT BAY CRAFT MARKET

The Sunday Hout Bay craft market in this picturesque part of the Cape is popular with visitors of all ages. The market has a wide variety of African curious, pottery, wire crafts, ostrich eggs, wooden sculptures and even pony rides. It is one of the most scenically beautiful suburbs and lies at the start of the famous Chapman’s Peak Drive. A mere 20 minutes from Cape Town along a spectacular route that includes Clifton, Camps and Llandudno it makes for a perfect day’s outing.

37. THEATRE ON THE BAY

This landmark theatre offers a good mix of local and international drama, musicals, comedy, cabaret, music and dance. Not only does the theatre host some of the best shows in town but it is also home to the Act I Theatre Café. This fabulous restaurant is open for dinner both before and after the show, and the small, diverse menu is changed seasonally. Enjoy a pre-show drink at the Coffee Lounge or round of the evening by joining the actors for a nightcap in Dietrich's Bar in the main foyer.

http://www.theatreonthebay.co.za

38. SUNSET CRUISES

Cape Town has one of the best locations from which to enjoy a sunset at sea. Views of Table Mountain, the Twelve Apostles range and the City take on a different hue when seen from a boat deck. There are plenty of regular cruises to choose from – departing Cape Town and Hout Bay harbours – and many luxurious boats available on charter too.

http://www.waterfrontboats.co.za

39. OBSERVATORY

And for a taste of suburban Cape Town why not pay a visit to Observatory or “Obs” as the locals affectionately call it? Here you’ll find live music and relaxed local bars and restaurants side by side with book and curio shops all of which stay open ‘til late. Observatory has always enjoyed “grey area” status, meaning that people of all races lived together, and that spirit still persists today. All the night action is centred on Lower Main Road and on most nights there’s a choice of music from Afro or Latin, to folk and jazz.

40. SA NATIONAL ART GALLERY

This leading art gallery houses outstanding collections of African, British, French, Dutch and Flemish art dating from colonial to modern times. These collections include paintings, photography, sculpture, architecture, beadwork and textiles, and are often complemented by visiting international exhibitions.

41. NOORDHOEK BEACH HORSE RIDING

Noordhoek is popular for horse-rides along a white sandy beach that stretches for miles. There’s nothing quite like cantering on the beach, wind in your hair, surrounded by postcard-perfect views of Chapman’s Peak and the ocean waves crashing just metres away. And if you don’t bounce as well as you used to then a slow ride, never venturing out of a walk, is perfectly acceptable too.

42. HOUT BAY CHARTERS

Visit Hout Bay Harbour and you’ll find plenty to do from restaurants and curio shops to buying fresh fish or catching it yourself from the harbour wall. But, perhaps best of all, is the number of Charters available for scenic boat trips. There are many wrecks in the area to visit, fishing trips can be arranged and regular boat trips will happily take you out to see the seals at play on nearby Duiker Island. Let the old sea dog in you loose... stroll around the harbour and enjoy the friendly banter of those who make their living from the sea!

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