Soak up the seaside charm of this multicultural city spread beneath the grandeur of Table Mountain.
Cape Town revels in its natural beauty — and there’s plenty to go around, with Table Mountain looming above every corner of the city and the picturesque, boulder-strewn coast stretched out at its feet — but the natural landscape is easily rivaled by the vibrant culture and lively nightlife. From galleries to seafood, South Africa’s “Mother City” punches far above its weight. Once you’ve ticked off the highlights — Cape Point, Kirstenbosch and the V&A Waterfront — dig a little deeper, from Cape Town’s colorful Bo-Kaap to the historic wine cellars of Constantia, glamorous Camps Bay and the burgeoning inner-city art scene.
Explore Cape Town
- Sea Point
- V&A Waterfront
- Woodstock
- Bo-Kaap
- Gardens
Sea Point
Overview
While Sea Point’s main road bustles with an eclectic array of restaurants and bars, just a block away you’ll find families and fitness fanatics soaking up the ocean views on the Promenade, a public park stretching for miles alongside the Atlantic.
Known For
Public Parks, Dining, Nightlife
V&A Waterfront
Overview
Set around a charming working harbor, the V&A Waterfront is an essential stop for any visitor to Cape Town. Everything is walkable within this compact harborside stretch, so venture beyond the boutiques, bars and restaurants to find gems like an urban park, along with sophisticated galleries and museums. This is also where you’ll catch the ferry to explore Robben Island, the infamous prison that once held Nelson Mandela and other anti-apartheid activists.
Known For
Dining, Shopping, Art Galleries, Hotels, Boat Tours
Woodstock
Overview
This once-gritty suburb has evolved into a hub for the city’s creative industries. Discover striking street art, browse the boutiques of Albert Road or shop (and eat) with the locals at the weekly Neighbourhoods Market in the Old Biscuit Mill.
Known For
Art, Dining, Restaurants, Shopping
Bo-Kaap
Overview
The Bo-Kaap is famous for its colorful row houses and equally vibrant Cape Malay community, whose history is explored at a small but excellent neighborhood museum. Round off a visit with a meal at one of the area’s family-run restaurants serving traditional Cape Malay cuisine.
Known For
Local Culture, History, Street Scenes, Dining
Gardens
Overview
Want to party like a Capetonian? Look no further than buzzy Kloof Street, filled with lively bars and restaurants drawing a crowd of young locals at the forefront of all that’s hip. In the daytime, you’ll be charmed by the stores championing African art, music and design.
Known For
Nightlife, Shopping, Bars, Restaurants
Stay in The Center of it All
Immerse yourself in your destination at these centrally located hotels.
Discover the Coastal Charm of Cape Town, South Africa
Take on an Urban Adventure
Your first day is all about urban adventures in the Mother City. Start by exploring the V&A Waterfront, including the stellar Zeitz MOCAA, then hit up Bree Street or the Bo-Kaap for a choose-your-own-adventure of shopping or a further cultural fix. Wrap up your day with a sunset view of the city from a perch atop Table Mountain.
Road Trip Along the Coast
Today you’ll venture out of the city to discover the “Fairest Cape.” A picturesque route takes you past charming beach towns and endless ocean views, with a stop at Boulders Beach to see the famous penguin colony. After a late lunch and plenty more coastal overlooks, it’s back to the city for dinner.
Gardens, Grapes and Gastronomy
Wind up your long weekend with a day full of gardens, grapes and gastronomy in the Cape Winelands east of the city. Stop by Groot Constantia to learn about the illustrious 350-year legacy of winemaking in this region, then wander the region’s gardens, sample one of the best restaurants in the country — and, of course, sip your fill of local wines.