Cape Town Archives - The Crazy Tourist Fri, 12 May 2023 08:09:34 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.3 25 Best Things to do in Cape Town https://www.thecrazytourist.com/25-best-things-to-do-in-cape-town/ Tue, 09 May 2023 06:51:16 +0000 https://www.thecrazytourist.com/?p=116183 ‘The fairest Cape we ever saw’ said a sailor aboard the sixteenth-century ship Golden Hind when seeing Cape Town. Almost 450 years later, I have to agree. It’s a city which ...

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‘The fairest Cape we ever saw’ said a sailor aboard the sixteenth-century ship Golden Hind when seeing Cape Town. Almost 450 years later, I have to agree. It’s a city which promises a lot – and delivers. That’s why as a South Africa expert I have no issue with immediately recommending it.

Cape Town has everything. The beauty of its natural location really cannot be overstated. Table Mountain rises up from one side and the rolling waves of the Atlantic from the other. As South Africa’s first city, it’s intrinsically tied to South Africa’s history, containing important sites and some of the country’s best museums.

Then there’s the weather. It’s fine enough to ensure there’s almost always an excuse for getting outside, whether for a beach day or hiking. My pick on the 25 best things to do in Cape Town are therefore as eclectic as they are memorable. Miss them at your peril.

1. Table Mountain

Table MountainSource: Marjoli Pentz / shutterstock
Table Mountain

Table Mountain is more than an impressive backdrop to Cape Town. Enclosed within South Africa’s most visited national park, its slopes are draped in indigenous fynbos flora including stunning proteas. Among these flowers skuttle lizards and cute-as-can-be dassies (hyrax). Large numbers of birds of prey keep watch while using the thermals to rise up the mountain’s flanks.

A favorite of hikers and trekkers, even the easiest route to the summit, following Platteklip Gorge, is a strenuous assault on the legs. But have no fear. The Table Mountain Cableway lifts visitors to the mountain’s famed flat summit effortlessly. The 1,000 meter peak tops out at Maclear’s Beacon, where viewpoints provide endless panoramas of the city below. Exploring fully can easily take over an hour. I suggest to take a sweater, it does get chilly at the top!

2. Robben Island

Robben IslandSource: Robert Wedderburn / shutterstock
Robben Island

Visible as a small oval from Table Mountain, Robben Island became the obvious place for authorities over centuries to exile their most troublesome prisoners. From 1964 until 1982, this included Nobel Peace Prize winner and future South African president Nelson Mandela. Incarcerated for treason against South Africa’s apartheid state, the island then became a tourist attraction in the 1990s.

Tours are often led by other former political prisons. They include a stop at Mandela’s cell and the quarry where he was forced to break rocks by hand. There’s no more visceral way of understanding South Africa’s modern political history, than a visit to Robben Island (A must-visit in my opinion).

3. Company’s Garden

At the Delville Memorial in The Company’s GardenSource: MrNovel / shutterstock
At the Delville Memorial in The Company’s Garden

Cutting its way through a swath of central Cape Town, the Company’s Garden is named after the Dutch East India Company. This was the organization which first founded Cape Town. It planted the garden to supply its ships with fresh fruit and vegetables. Laid out some time in the 1650s, it’s South Africa’s oldest dedicated garden. One of its pear trees was planted in 1652.

The garden is also a beautiful space in which to relax to the sound of birds and trickling water. There are plenty of shady benches to choose between after checking out monuments including the increasingly controversial bronze of Cecil John Rhodes.

4. Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

Victoria & Alfred waterfront in Cape TownSource: Daniel Case / Wikimedia | CC BY-SA 3.0
Victoria & Alfred waterfront in Cape Town

One of Cape Town’s newest attractions, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront saw boat-building basins turned into a thriving dining and shopping district. A mix of modern indoor mall and open-air shopping made out of historic dock structures, it has a vacation feel year-round.

The Cape Wheel provides the opportunity to take it all in, although simply sitting with a view of Table Mountain is hard to resist. Nearby, a small number of impressively-stinky Cape fur seals bask on the sunbaked paving before taking dips in the harbor.

5. South African National Gallery

South African National GallerySource: HiltonT / shutterstock
South African National Gallery

Originally founded in 1872, the South African National Gallery’s current home dates back to 1930. It contains a permanent collection which therefore emphasizes European culture, with artworks predominantly from Britain, France, and the Netherlands. In recent years the gallery has used its temporary exhibitions to highlight contemporary works, creating a fascinating mishmash of styles.

Artists contained within the collection include Abraham van Beerstraten and Thomas Baines, known for his drawings of colonial South Africa. Among its sculpture is The Butcher Boys, created by highly-respected South African artist Jane Alexander.

6. Castle of Good Hope

Castle of Good HopeSource: Irmelamela / shutterstock
Castle of Good Hope

Once situated on the edge of Table Bay, today the Castle of Good Hope lies slightly marooned beside the main train and bus station. Even so, the seventeenth-century fortification provides an unmissable part of any Cape Town itinerary.

The oldest colonial structure in South Africa, the castle was built by the Dutch East India Company. It’s generally labelled the best fort of its kind anywhere in the world. Forming a star-shape of bastions, and boasting some impressive architecture, it comes complete with its original moat. Attractions inside the complex of buildings include a torture chamber, slave quarters, and a military museum.

7. Green Point

At Green Point ParkSource: MG Africa / shutterstock
Taking a photo at Green Point Park

One of several upmarket neighborhoods lining the coast, Green Point has been called the Soho of Cape Town thanks to its nightlife. By day, Capetonians tend to head to Green Point Park. It contains various walking and jogging trails alongside a maze and a biodiversity garden. The square red-and-white striped lighthouse makes for an attractive photo op, as does the nearby Mandela’s Glasses art installation.

Come evening, the attention turns to Main Street. Here you’ll find a multitude of laid-back dining options, such as burger joints, Cuban, and Italian cuisine. For seafood, I would consider Sea Point Promenade instead.

8. Long Street

Long Street, Cape TownSource: Angela N Perryman / shutterstock
Long Street, Cape Town

Long Street stretches all the way from the harbor-front Convention Center to the lower slopes of Table Mountain. Along the way it’s adorned by a great selection of independent cafes, book shops, and antique stores.

Maintaining its feel of a Victorian throughfare as a result of the elegant ironwork balconies which line many of its buildings, the street evolves again come evening. At this time of day, it’s the many restaurants, bars, and clubs which take to the fore. Needless to say, the fun continues long into the night…

9. Bo-Kaap

The colors at Bo-KaapSource: Janice pama / shutterstock
The colors at Bo-Kaap

Colorful Bo-Kaap is probably Cape Town’s most distinctive of neighborhoods. Located at the base of Signal Hill, it’s just five minutes from the heart of Cape Town. Bo-Kaap gets its distinctiveness from the southeast Asian immigrants who settled in the area in the 1760s. A blend of Cape Dutch and Georgian architecture, the neighborhood’s structures took on their bold coloration as a celebration of freedom from slavery.

Wale Street contains the district’s oldest building, now containing the Bo-Kaap Museum. However, in my view the best way to enjoy Bo-Kaap is to walk its cobbled streets. Coincide it with the sound of the muezzins in the local mosques, and the atmosphere only builds further.

10. Zeitz MOCAA

Zeitz MOCAASource: Kiev.Victor / shutterstock
Zeitz MOCAA

One of the newest additions to the Cape Town skyline is the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa. Unveiled to the world in 2017, the nine-floor converted grain silo became the largest gallery to African contemporary art anywhere in the world.

Bolstered by an impressive series of rotating temporary exhibitions and fine permanent exhibits, visitors can be sure of plenty to absorb. From all the colors of the rainbow, to seriously thought-provoking new additions, top off your trip to Zeitz MOCAA with the elevator ride to the rooftop restaurant.

11. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

Kirstenbosch Botanical GardensSource: Finn stock / shutterstock
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens are not only important as a place for preserving South Africa’s unique plant species, but also as a playground within Cape Town’s city limits. Situated on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, the gardens are as close as you can get to what the region looked like before the arrival of European colonizers.

Formerly created in only 1913, Kirstenbosch is nonetheless rich in history. Attractions include part of a wild almond hedge planted by South Africa’s first colonizer, Jan van Riebeeck. More modern editions to the garden include the Boomslang canopy walkway. Named after the deadly South African snake, it winds its way through Kirstenbosch’s arboretum. Stretching for 130 meters, it provides intimate views of the gardens, alongside Cape Flats township and the mountains.

12. Two Oceans Aquarium

Two Oceans AquariumSource: InnaFelker / shutterstock
Two Oceans Aquarium

Part of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the Two Oceans Aquarium is named for the fact the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet just a short distance from Cape Town. Despite this, it contains sea creatures from right around the globe. The Diversity Gallery highlights the role of South Africa’s Benguela and Agulhas currents through species including seahorses, moray eels, and clownfish.

Meanwhile, a walk-through tunnel contains 1.6 million liters of seawater home to rays and turtles among other species. The Shark Exhibit celebrates critically endangered ragged-tooth sharks. However, the biggest display is the Kelp Forest Exhibit. Showcasing the natural habitats of a huge range of creatures, rockhopper penguins use it for daily exercise.

13. Boulders Beach

Boulders BeachSource: Sergey Uryadnikov / shutterstock
Viewing the penguins at Boulders Beach

To observe Africa’s only mainland dwelling penguins, you only have to go as far as Boulders Beach. Situated near Simon’s Town in suburban Cape Town, the beach unexpectedly became a home for African penguins in 1982.

Since then, the small colony has continued to grow to around 3000 individual birds. Wooden boardwalks have been built for visitors to see these noisy animals. Sounding like donkeys, their other name is the jackass penguin.

If you’re interested in a guided tour I’d suggest this one that included Table Mountain, Cape Point and Boulders Beach.

14. Iziko South African Museum

Iziko South African MuseumSource: Jean van der Meulen / shutterstock
Iziko South African Museum

Housed in an elegant building on the edge of Company’s Garden, the Iziko South African Museum has collections ranging from zoology to archeology. Spanning four floors, exhibits include the world-renowned Lydenburg Heads, some of the oldest Iron Age artworks found in South Africa.

The natural world plays a key part in the museum, with separate galleries displaying whales, birds, sharks, and mammal taxonomies. Heading to level 3, you can explore the bones of a 250 million year old reptile discovered in the country’s arid Karoo region.

15. Muizenberg Beach

Muizenberg BeachSource: AndreSwanepoel / shutterstock
Muizenberg Beach

Known for its highly-photographed row of beach huts painted in primary colors, Muizenberg is one of Cape Town’s most popular beaches. Located in the suburb of the same name, the beach has a Blue Flag for cleanliness and plenty of soft sand despite the crowds.

Watched over by lifeguards during the swimming season, Muizenberg is also the birthplace of surfing in South Africa. This makes it a great place to jump on to a board for the first time. Waves rarely get large enough to trouble first-timers.

With fun for all the family, Muizenberg Beach makes for a good break from the cultural attractions of central Cape Town.

16. Bree Street

Bree StreetSource: Grobler du Preez / shutterstock
Bree Street

Hailed by the likes of Vogue, Bree Street has certainly come a long way from its humble origins. Perhaps Cape Town’s trendiest address, it gets its name from the Dutch for broad. It was made deliberately wide so ox carts had a chance to turn around.

These days it’s street art, including some incredible full-building murals, you have to look out for rather than animal dung. A place to hang when you’re after a relaxing afternoon, there are no shortage of cafes and bars.

All are small enough that you’ll never feel lost in the crowd. Add to that a number of chic homegrown artisan products – from fabrics to pottery – and you’ve got those lazy hours well taken care of.

17. Signal Hill

Signal HillSource: CookiesForDevo / shutterstock
Signal Hill

Standing to one side of Table Mountain, Signal Hill is the site of the noon gun which fires most days at midday. The guns themselves date to 1794, making them the world’s oldest guns in routine use. Maintained by the South African Navy, the 18-pound guns fire every day except Sundays and public holidays.

The hill also makes for a great alternative to hiking Table Mountain. There’s also a car park close to the summit for anyone who doesn’t want to walk. At the top, visitors will find a handful of street food vendors, alongside places to rent mats to watch the sunset.

18. Saint George’s Cathedral

Saint George’s CathedralSource: Sami Mlouhi / Wikimedia | CC BY-SA 4.0
Saint George’s Cathedral

The first Saint George’s Cathedral opened to congregations in 1834. But Saint George’s is not only a historic place of worship for Cape Town’s Anglican communities. It played an intriguing role in the anti-apartheid movement too.

Its replacement was designed by important British architect Herbert Baker in the early 1900s. Construction is yet to be completed. In spite of this, it has already entered the history books after cathedral authorities ignored apartheid segregation laws and welcomed everyone to worship.

Led by Archbishop Demond Tutu, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984, the cathedral also witnessed 30,000 people protest apartheid in 1989. It would end just five years later.

19. District Six Museum

District Six MuseumSource: EQRoy / shutterstock
District Six Museum

Another link to South Africa’s past of racial discrimination, the District Six Museum tells the tale of a single Cape Town neighborhood. Once multiracial, the apartheid authorities forced the rehousing of 60,000 non-white residents.

Dominating its central space is a map pinpointing the homes of specific residents. Many of these homes were demolished during ‘regeneration’ schemes which have left much of the area desolate to this day.

What’s unique about this museum is its focus on individuals. This makes it an important part of any Cape Town tour, even for people who have already uncovered some of the city’s apartheid past.

20. Chapman’s Peak Drive

Chapman’s Peak DriveSource: Finn stock / shutterstock
Chapman’s Peak Drive

Chapman’s Peak Drive is a short but epic coastal drive which has also become popular with cyclists. Connecting Noordhoek with Hout Bay, it promises sheer drops, alluring vistas over the Atlantic Ocean, and an impressive array of engineering structures to protect the road from falling rocks.

Count carefully, and you’ll discover Chapman’s Peak Drive has no less than 114 curves. It means you’re never looking at the same view for more than a few seconds. Add to this the fact the drive leads southwards towards Cape Point Nature Reserve, and you’ve got the makings of a perfect day out.

21. Llandudno Beach

Llandudno BeachSource: Arnold.Petersen / shutterstock
Llandudno Beach

It’s not as famous as Clifton Beach, but that’s exactly why I’ve chosen Llandudno Beach for anyone looking for peace and tranquility. Tucked into a small arching bay, the beach comprises a delightful expanse of rich golden sand.

Being on Cape Town’s Atlantic coast, the waters can be cold. But there are still plenty of reasons to visit, from sunbathing to sand castle building. Llandudno Beach has also developed a reputation for romance, making it popular with couples come sunset.

The boulders on the lefthand side of the beach have become known as Sunset Rocks.

22. Old Biscuit Mill

Old Biscuit MillSource: Moobatto / shutterstock
Old Biscuit Mill

Constructed in the late 1800s, the Old Biscuit Mill has been turned from a factory space to a cool hangout in the Woodstock neighborhood. Its series of old buildings have become home to a range of artisan producers. This is alongside office space for designers, and a choice of restaurants. Farm stores are on hand to offer up the best of local produce from Cape Town’s farmland, in addition to sweet and savory treats that need no cooking time.

The Old Biscuit Mill plays host to markets both during the day and at night. One of the most popular with locals is the ‘Neighborgoods Market.’ This family-friendly event is a heaven for anyone with a love for the gourmet.

23. Mitchell’s Plain Township

Mitchell’s Plain TownshipSource: Authentic travel / shutterstock
Mitchell’s Plain Township

The term ‘township’ refers to the settlements created by the apartheid regime to house South Africa’s non-white population. Although democracy has existed in the country since 1994, most of Cape Town’s non-white residents continue to live in townships. These include Mitchell’s Plain. In fact, many residents from District Six were forcibly relocated here.

Found on False Bay, around 20 kilometers from downtown Cape Town, tourism is being used as a way to improve the area. Visit on a well-run official tour, and you’ll see the reality of life for the majority of South Africans.

24. Groote Schuur

Groote SchuurSource: meunierd / shutterstock
Groote Schuur

Translating from the Dutch for ‘big shed,’ Groote Schuur was first used as a farm in the 1650s. Passing through a number of hands over the centuries the Cape Dutch style building was bought in 1893 by Cecil Rhodes. He paid £60,000 for the property, a huge amount at the time.

The home of South African prime ministers and then presidents for almost a hundred years, it was also the site of an important meeting between FW de Klerk and Nelson Mandela. A museum open by appointment, visitors are able to admire the furnishings and books which remain, as well as learning more about its position in the history of South Africa.

25. Wine tasting

Wine tasting in Cape TownSource: Luiz Antonio Nasser Jr / shutterstock
Wine tasting in Cape Town

Cape Town and vineyards go hand in hand, and have done since the very foundation of the city. Understandably, most of the big names in wine are located outside of the city, in towns including Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Wellington, and Paarl.

There are plenty of organized tours that will take in the winelands in each of these regions, if I’d had to suggest one I’d have a look at this tour that includes visiting 3 estates. That said, you don’t have to leave Cape Town to get your fill of one of the city’s most-loved exports.

Tasting rooms dot the city limits, while most of the city’s wine stores will also happily provide tastings.

I’ve got some more content on South Africa for further reading:

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15 Best Day Trips from Cape Town (Update 2023) https://www.thecrazytourist.com/15-best-day-trips-from-cape-town/ Mon, 03 Sep 2018 09:42:52 +0000 https://www.thecrazytourist.com/?p=58704 Cape Town has one of the most magical locations of any city on earth. Wrapped by a coastline which boasts both penguins and beaches, it’s watched over by Table Mountain. Pictureque ...

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Cape Town has one of the most magical locations of any city on earth. Wrapped by a coastline which boasts both penguins and beaches, it’s watched over by Table Mountain. Pictureque landmarks continue in Signal Hill, Lion’s Head mountain, and the peaks known as the Twelve Apostles.

Beyond its harborfront, there’s a cosmopolitan culture, awesome Mediterranean climate, and a bounty of great wine and food boasting their own distinct flavors.

My experiences of Cape Town now span decades. Although this makes me feel incredibly old, it’s also a demonstration of just how alluring South Africa’s ‘mother city’ is as a destination. I just can’t stop myself heading back time after time. And when I do, I always find something new, alongside some of the most important historic sites in the entire country, as you’ll discover below.

Here’s a list of the best day trips from Cape Town – the city of big skies, beautiful beaches, and unending adventure.

1. Table Mountain

Table MountainSource: Kanuman / shutterstock
Table Mountain

This landmark is found within Table Mountain National Park. It earns its name from its flat-topped shape, cut by glaciers millions of years ago.

Getting to the top is a right of passage for visitors to Cape Town, something which can be done by cable car.

Its individual gondolas complete a 360° rotation during their transit. This gives a panoramic view over the mountain and the surrounding ocean for every passenger.

Those looking for a work out can also make it to the summit by one of the hundreds of public footpaths that wind their way upward.

Ranging from the easy to the downright dangerous, it’s recommended that you hire a guide who’ll help you navigate these steep and rocky trails.

The best time to take the trip is in the morning when the skies are clear, so you can explore the various viewpoints which dot its edges.

Recommended combo-ticket: Table Mountain Cable Car Ticket & Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Combo

2. The District Six Museum

District Six Museum, Cape TownSource: EQRoy / shutterstock
District Six Museum

The District Six Museum is a must-visit for anyone who would like to take a history lesson and learn about the country’s struggle in overcoming apartheid.

The museum was created in 1994, and does a fantastic job of educating visitors about the area’s locals and their history.

In 1966, when apartheid was in full swing, multiracial District Six was declared a whites only neighborhood. It meant approximately 60,000 black residents were forced to move to townships on the outskirts of the city.

The plan was to regenerate the area. But despite officially renaming it Zonnebloem (or ‘sunflower’), oppositition was so great much of the area was left bulldozed and abandoned until the first democratic elections in South Africa in 1994.

To discover just what life was like for locals during apartheid, I don’t think there’s anywhere better in Cape Town.

Recommended tour: Cape Town: Half-Day Guided Township Tour

3. Robben Island

Robben IslandSource: Anton_Ivanov / shutterstock
Robben Island

Robben Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; a symbol of hope and triumph after years of oppression. Over hundreds of years of habitation, it has acted as a military base, and a mental institution.

Undoubtedly though, Robben Island is best known for its role as a prison for politcal prisoners during the apartheid regime.

It’s on this island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 of his 27 years of incarceration. Sleeping in a tiny cell, much of his time was spent crushing rocks in a limestone quarry on the island.

Both Mandela’s cell and the quarry form part of the island’s tours.

Anyone who’s interested in soaking up some history should visit the island’s museum, which offers in more detail the history and culture of the island.

The most intriguing part is that tours are often led by former inmates, who give first-hand accounts of exactly what they had to endure.

If you have time, Robben Island is a great spot for birdwatching. Species range from oyster catchers to penguins.

A boat ride to Robben Island will take you approximately 45 minutes one way from Nelson Mandela Gateway in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.

Recommended tour: Robben Island Ferry Ticket and Township Combo Tour

4. Old Biscuit Mill

Old Biscuit MillSource: Sareena Singh / shutterstock
Old Biscuit Mill

The Old Biscuit Mill, just as the name suggests, was once a biscuit factory in the 19th Century.

Today, the buildings have been converted into a rustic, warm-hearted village that houses some of Cape Town’s most charming architecture.

Rivalling the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the Old Biscuit Mill is home to numerous indy shops, dynamic offices, and food joints sure to get your stomach rumbling.

Given the country’s history, its restaurants feature a variety of foods from all over the world.

Regular live performances bring the entire mill to life. They are most common on weekends, when visitors from all walks of life flock to shop at the craft shops and designer stores.

This bustling hub is situated approximately 10 minutes from the city center.

5. Bo-­Kaap

Bo­KaapSource: MG Africa / shutterstock
Bo­-Kaap

Multicultural Bo-Kaap was formerly known as the Malay Quarter. Today, it’s well known for its brightly colored houses, which continue to be an architectural delight in the age of instagram and social media.

This residential area dates back to the 18th Century and is characterized by vibrant one and two-story houses on romantic cobbled streets.

Historically unique, the neighborhood was the traditional location of Cape Town’s Muslim community. The city’s oldest surviving residential neighborhood, it has the largest number of buildings dating before 1850 anywhere in South Africa.

With many of its homes first rented out to slaves in the 18th century, Bo-Kaap’s colorful facades developed as an expression of liberty on becoming free. It continued as a tradition, and as a means of keeping the community together.

Even today residents check with neighbors to ensure colors don’t clash.

Walking distance from the center of Cape Town, I’d recommend taking an afternoon stroll through Bo-Kaap, looking out for its colorful homes, fascinating murals, and historic mosques.

6. Clifton Beach

Clifton BeachSource: LMspencer / shutterstock
Clifton Beach

Cape Town isn’t short of coastline or beaches, but Clifton Beach is a magical jewel and a tourist’s paradise.

In fact, the upmarket suburb of Clifton has four beaches each separated by massive granite boulders. They’re named first, second, third, and fourth beaches.

Used by a nice mix of locals and visitors, the soft white sands of Clifton Beach have been recognized internationally for meeting stringent safety and environmental standards.

Located away from Cape Town’s sometimes strong winds – the ‘Cape Doctor’ – Clifton Beach is one of the best spots for sunbathing. Swimming is another possibility in the clear shallows, with surfers not uncommon either.

Don’t forget about Clifton’s Atlantic views, which are perhaps best enjoyed from a bar at sun set.

This stunning beach is a 20-minute drive from the city center.

Related tour: Cape Peninsula and Penguin Colony Full Day Tour

7. Greenmarket Square

Greenmarket Square, Cape TownSource: Wildeside / shutterstock
Greenmarket Square

Greenmarket Square is a vibrant market for African crafts right at the heart of Cape Town.

The vendors come from all parts of Africa, including South Africa, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and a select few from west Africa.

Thanks to the immigrants who come to South Africa seeking a better life, you will find crafts that represent their various countries and cultures.

This cobbled public market is one of South Africa’s oldest, and originally functioned as a slave market.

Today, the vendors sell a wide variety of merchandise, ranging from hand-crafted trinkets such as carved animals, to painted fabrics including artworks.

Greenmarket Square is therefore a great place to find some different and authentic curios and jewelry to take home.

Surrounding streets have a range of cafes and restaurants, many with small terraces for enjoying the sun and warmth of the city.

8. The Winelands

Cape Town WinelandsSource: Quality Master / shutterstock
Cape Town Winelands

South Africa has a flourishing wine industry which enjoys an impressive reputation. On your trip to Cape Town, you should definitely plan a trip to the Winelands and test some of South Africa’s best whites, reds, and rosés.

It all began in the 17th century, when the city’s founder, Dutchman Jan van Riebeeck, planted the first vines and produced the very first bottle of South African wine.

Since then, the wine industry of Paarl, Stellenbosch, and Franschhoek has only gone from strength to strength. These well-to-do towns are characterized by stunning historical mansions, mostly in the Cape Dutch style.

Slipping past driveways, it’s not unusual to see a Porche, followed by a Ferrari, or a Lamborghini. No wonder when the Cape Winelands are just an hour from the city.

Even if you don’t consider yourself a wine connoisseur, taking at least a half day Winelands tour is well worth it.

Many vineyards have expanded to produce top quality olive oils, while photographers will be sure to fall for the stunning panoramas the region boasts too.

The wine estates, the rolling vineyards, and the towering mountains make you feel like you’re in a totally different world.

Amazing tour: South African Winelands Half Day Tour and Tasting

9. Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape TownSource: GuilhermeMesquita / shutterstock
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is located on the Atlantic shore in South Africa’s oldest harbor.

Thanks to its strategic positioning, which offers magnificent views of the ocean and Table Mountain, about 100,000 people visit the place daily during peak season.

The complex was designed by Adrian van der Vyver and named after Queen Victoria (Empress of South Africa) and her second son, Alfred.

He became the first member of the British royal family to visit the country when he arrived onboard HMS Euryalus in 1860.

Once forming boat-building basins, the V&A Waterfront was converted into a 123-hectare mixed-use destination. It’s a favorite spot for retail therapy, and has an excellent choice of dining options.

Close by, you’ll find the stylish Zeitz MOCAA art gallery, carved out of a massive grain silo.

The V&A Waterfront is also the location of the Nelson Mandela Gateway ferry terminal for trips to Robben Island. So you’re sure to find yourself here at some point during your time in Cape Town.

10. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens

Kirstenbosch National Botanical GardensSource: Moobatto / shutterstock
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens proves that not all gardens are created equal.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the gardens contain over 7000 species of plant, almost exclusive from southern Africa. It remains a vital cog in the machinery of protecting South Africa’s unique flora.

The 89-acre garden was started in 1913 by botanist Harold Pearson, and is part of the 528-hectare Kirstenbosch Estate. But its history also connects it to none other than Jan van Riebeeck and Cecil Rhodes.

Situated on the inland side of Table Mountain, its mesmerizing collection of plants are best discovered by making use of the myriad signposted walking trails.

They wind up and down the mountain slopes, taking in sights including part of the hedge planted by van Riebeeck in the 1650s, and the Boomslang canopy walkway.

Adrenaline junkies will enjoy the tougher hike along the Skeleton Gorge trail. However, it’s also perfectly acceptable to sit on Kirstenbosch’s lawns and enjoy a picnic.

And all just 13 km away from central Cape Town.

Suggested tour: Skeleton Gorge and Kirstenbosch Gardens Hike

11. Cape of Good Hope

Cape of Good HopeSource: Diriye Amey / shutterstock
Cape Of Good Hope

Drift south of Cape Town’s heart and you’ll soon enter the realm of the Cape Peninsula. Largely pristine, it’s an area of yet more incredible natural beauty by both land and sea.

Much of it sits within the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, whose highlight has to be the lighthouse at Cape Point. With nothing between it an Antartica, it’s the southwesternmost point on the African continent.

Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve is also home to many entirely wild animals, such as antelopes, baboons, and ostriches. The nearby Boulders Beach tops them all with a colony of African penguins.

Equally impressive is the variety of plants which can be found here, making up a significant part of the Cape Floral Kingdom. It’s the smallest of the six plant kingdoms defined worldwide.

Most tours make the route via Chapman’s Peak Drive, a stretch of stunning driving between Noordhoek and Hout Bay. Make sure yours will too, or you’ll be missing out on glorious coastal views.

Available tour: Cape Point and Boulders Beach Full-Day Tour

12. Camp’s Bay

Camp’s Bay, South AfricaSource: Benny Marty / shutterstock
Camp’s Bay

Camp’s Bay was originally known as Baai von Kamptz, after Dutch sailor Friedrich von Kamptz.

This affluent suburb is edged by breathtaking, boulder-flanked beaches.

The vast stretch of Camp’s Bay’s soft sand is flanked by bars and cafes, offering an assortment of both local and international cuisines.

Just like Clifton Beach, Camp’s Bay is shielded from strong winds, creating a great atmosphere where families can picnic and enjoy the outdoors.

The Bay is about 5 to 6 miles away from Cape Town and would make a great destination for a day trip from the city.

13. Paternoster

Paternoster, South AfricaSource: Tobie Oosthuizen / shutterstock
Paternoster, South Africa

Paternoster is a quiet oasis that is rumored to be one of South Africa’s oldest fishing villages.

The area has a lobster factory, while the locals catch and sell herring, fish in the deep sea, and draw mussels from the rocks.

For this reason, Paternoster has a high density of seafood restaurants rated world-class.

The name Paternoster directly translates to “Our Father” from Latin. It’s believed to have come about when Portuguese fishermen got stranded offshore and supposedly cried out this prayer before being miraculous saved.

Today, heading out onto the water isn’t the preserve of fishermen. Paternoster offers the possibility of kayaking, kite surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. The water can be very cold, making wetsuits a must.

If that hasn’t put you off, Paternoster is within easy driving distance of Cape Town.

The 90-minute drive is definitely worth it for the town’s serenity and fabulous array of restaurants.

14. Hermanus

Hermanus, South AfricaSource: Anna Om / shutterstock
Hermanus

Hermanus is a charming town to visit at any time of year, thanks to a dramatic coastline on the Indian Ocean.

But it really comes to life between the months of June and October (South African winter), which is whale-watching season.

If you find yourself in Cape Town around this time of year, you definitely need to make a visit to what’s often called the whale-watching capital of the world.

Numerous whales converge here to mate and calve, with both humpbacks and southern right whales regular callers.

These gracious creatures can be spotted from different locations along the waterfront. However, boat tours provide a much better view as these majestic mammals breach the waves and care for their young.

The 115 km between Cape Town and Hermanus can be covered in approximately two hours by road.

15. Aquila Private Game Reserve

Aquila Private Game ReserveSource: josef_hajda / shutterstock
Aquila Private Game Reserve

This 4-star game reserve is located two hours away from Cape Town to the northeast.

Lying just off national highway 1, the 10,000-hectare reserve is home to the Big Five, namely rhinos, elephants, lions, leopards, and buffalo’s.

They can be spotted on game drives, horseback safaris, and from quad bikes, allowing you to feel part of nature rather than apart from it.

The reserve also maintains the Aquila Animal Rescue and Conservation Center, providing sanctuary for animals that are no longer able to survive in the wild.

Afternoon safaris make it possible to visit as a day trip from Cape Town.

 

The post 15 Best Day Trips from Cape Town (Update 2023) appeared first on The Crazy Tourist.

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