Top 5 Cape Town Attractions

The 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup brought thousands of visitors to South Africa, with many having their first exposure to the country. While tours of Cape Town have always been a popular choice, visitors who have experienced the beaches, sunshine and many attractions of this cosmopolitan city have even more reason to return. Here are some of the top Cape Town attractions to check out on your next visit to the Mother City:

1. Table Mountain

It’s impossible to miss this landmark, which is quite possibly the most famous landmark in South Africa. Towering across the city, the mountain gets its name from the flat top that is said to resemble a table – when the clouds roll over this flat top, the resemblance is even more strong, giving the impression of a fluffy white tablecloth covering the mountain. The mountain has been designated a national park, and the best way to explore is by taking a cable car up to the top to see dassie, baboon, huge expanses of natural flora and of course breathtaking views of the city below. Hikes are also possible, but make sure that you go with a reliable Cape Town tour guide or locals who know the area well, as it can be all too easy to get lost if you try it alone.

2. V&A Waterfront

Another popular attraction in Cape Town, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is a thriving area that has everything from luxurious apartments and hotels to world-class shopping, boat cruises, Mineral World Scratch Patch, the Two Oceans Aquarium and a host of dining establishments. This is an excellent option for a Cape Town day tour, with plenty for the whole family to enjoy. Boat trips to Robben Island can also be taken from the Waterfront, with the Robben Island Museum offering artefacts and other interesting history on the island where former president Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for so many years.

3. Township Tour

A visit to one of the famous townships of Cape Town is not to be missed. Here you will get a taste for local life, with traditional dancers and music, traditional Xhosa artwork, delicious local cuisine at a genuine township shabeen (bar/restaurant) and a better understanding of how many people in Cape Town live. Township tours can be arranged at any reputable tour company, as a half day or as part of a full day tour of Cape Town. While it is safe to visit the townships with a tour group, you should never attempt to go alone, especially after dark.

4. Wine Route

The Cape Wine Route encompasses the primary wine regions of Cape Town, including the towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl. A trip to one or all of these picturesque towns offers the chance to savour award-winning Cape wine, which ranges from red varietals such as Merlot, Pinotage and Shiraz to white varietals including Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc and of course the famous Cape sparkling wine, Methode Cap Classique. Visit the wine cellars and learn more about the wine making process, and get wine at cost price direct from the vineyard on these excellent wine tours in Cape Town.

5. Cape Point

One of the most spectacular nature reserves in the Cape Peninsula is the Cape Point Nature Reserve, which is situated right at the very tip of the peninsula. Here you will be able to see a host of plant and animal life, including the spectacular expanses of fynbos, which make up an entire Floral Kingdom. Scuba diving is excellent in this area, with hikes, nature walks, bird watching, abseiling and many other activities also on offer, making this an excellent outing for the whole family.