"Cape Town’s Table Mountain National Park, which hugs the perimeter of the city, is so popular that the line for the cable car to the top can be longer than a queue for a Disneyland ride. But why stand in line when you can put your feet to use? There are several routes that lead to the top of the 3,562-foot, flat-topped mountain, including the two-mile Platteklip Gorge trail. Yes, it’s steep, but startling views of the city and the Atlantic await. Trek, get hungry, then picnic on local provisions—crackers, Dutch-style Gouda, and biltong , the thick-sliced South African jerky—before riding the cable car back down. By Afar Magazine"

"Founded in 1913, this famous botanical garden was the first in the world dedicated to its country’s own flora. The spectacular, 90-acre plant haven forms part of a nature reserve that borders Table Mountain National Park. Besides numerous gardens and forests—some of which you can traverse on high via the futuristic Boomslang (Tree Snake) walkway—Kirstenbosch has a greenhouse, a restaurant run by the popular Moyo group, and a nursery for green thumbs who want to take a piece of the garden home with them. Spend five minutes here and you'll realize why Kirstenbosch’s displays at the Chelsea Flower Show inLondonoften win gold."

"One of South Africa’s most famous sights, Robben Island is located four miles to the west of Cape Town. Its history as a prison is almost as old as the first Dutch settlement on the cape, dating all the way back to the 17th century. Today, the island is a UNESCO World Heritage site and museum, offering guided tours by former prisoners. After visiting the graveyard and maximum-security facility, guests can finish with a stop at the cell of the island’s most famous prisoner, Nelson Mandela.The half-hour ferry ride to Robben Island includes breathtaking views of Cape Town and Table Mountain. Just note that the ferry only runs three times a day in the low season; in the spring and summer, there’s an additional departure in the late afternoon. Book your tickets far in advance."

"Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa Touted as the continent’s most important art gallery even before it opened in late 2017, the six-story MOCAA occupies more than 40 old grain silos in the Cape Town harbor area. On top of the structure is the six-story Silo Hotel, an exclusive property that belongs to the well-known local hotelier Liz Biden. The museum, a partnership between the V&A Waterfront and former Puma CEO Jochen Zeitz, focuses on collecting, preserving, researching, and exhibiting contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora. Spread across the more than 100 galleries will eventually be a permanent collection, a Costume Institute, temporary exhibitions, and centers for art education, photography, and the moving image."

"The hike up Lion’s Head affords incredible views. Since the trail winds around the mountain, you’ll have the unique opportunity to see every side of Cape Town from above. When you start, the ever-stunning Table Mountain will be just to the left, but soon enough, you’ll be facing Robben Island in the distance, with all of Cape Town below. The Lion’s Head hiking trail is eight miles round-trip and takes about three to four hours to complete, depending on your pace. If you happen to be in town during the full moon, be sure to start hiking mid-afternoon and bring your headlamp and a picnic dinner. Along the way, you’ll meet many a local honoring their monthly tradition of hiking up, eating dinner during the sunset, and hiking back down in the moonlight glow."

"Cape Town's penguins come to Simon's Town to breed. In the early 1980s, an enterprising pair mated for the first time on Boulders Beach, and their tuxedoed descendants now number several thousand. To see the penguins in their natural habitat, make the one-hour drive from Cape Town and stroll the wooden pathway, part of Table Mountain National Park. Park employees patrol the beach, keeping an eye out for the little guys—they were classified as an endangered species in 2010—so the penguins feel safe enough to leave their protected area and waddle onto the sand or splash in the Caribbean-blue water. Robben Island is another great spot to view these stars of the Southern Hemisphere; tours depart daily from Cape Town's Nelson Mandela Gateway."

"Probably the most visited attraction in the city, the V&A combines many elements of the greatest commercial waterfront projects around the world. There are plenty of draws for tourists (the Cape Wheel, helicopter rides, boat trips to Robben Island) and locals (450 retail outlets, from H&M to a major supermarket), but it remains a working harbor, with small seagoing vessels sailing between the main harbor and the dry dock that lies adjacent to the excellent Two Oceans Aquarium and Watershed craft and design hall. There’s even a fast-growing residential section, connected by canals that stretch toward the city. The latest addition, however, is the Silo District, which became one of Cape Town’s must-visit attractions soon after opening in late 2017. Here, a number of restaurants and boutiques, anchored by the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, are located amid old grain silos."

"The Bo-Kaap was one of the few Cape Town neighborhoods to escape apartheid's bulldozers—the cluster of bright buildings, once known as the Malay Quarter, housed many of the slaves who worked for the 17th-century Dutch colonialists. In this colorful area, you can also see some of the oldest, most beautiful mosques in the country, including the Auwal Mosque on Dorp Street. Upscale shops have been moving in lately, but don't miss one of the originals, the spice merchant Atlas Trading Company. To go back in time, explore the Bo-Kaap Museum, furnished like the house of a typical 19th-century Muslim family."

"Arderne Gardens: Cape Town's Secret Garden When you search for "gardens" and " Cape Town ," you will inevitably be directed to the Company's Garden or world-famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens . Sure, those are worth a visit, but for something a little more unique and off the beaten path, vislt the Arderne Gardens. What was once a family's private estate is now property of the city and one of the finest collections of exotic trees in South Africa. The original owner, an English timber merchant, collected seedlings from all over the world. Six of the trees have now been distinguished for their age and significance by the City of Cape Town as 'Champion Trees,' one of the most popular trees being the vast Moreton Bay Fig in this photo. There are a few different areas within the gardens—a great lawn beneath a giant Norfolk Pine, a Japanese inspired koi pond, and one section filled with hydrangea bushes (resembling something straight out of Alice in Wonderland). On any given weekend, you'll brush past groups of girls in bright orange or maybe turquoise taffeta dresses at the entrance. The gardens are a cultural gathering point for some in the community, and the giant fig is known as the wedding tree, where newlyweds have their photo taken. If you're looking to escape the chaos and see a hidden gem, Arderne is perfect place for a romantic stroll or afternoon picnic."

"A Different Perspective on Life in Cape Town In the 1950's, Apartheid laws forced non-white residents of Cape Town into government-built townships or informal settlements in the Cape Flats region. While it's still not advisable for tourists to self-drive around the townships, there are a number of operators who can take you on a guided tour. Especially recommended is AWOL Tours. Their township bike tour works with the nonprofit Bicycle Empowerment Network (BEN), an organization whom promotes the use of bicycles around the Cape, and also imports donated second-hand bicycles for small business owners in the townships to sell. Tour participants rent bikes from one of these local bicycle shops, and then are guided around the Masiphumelele township by a local resident. Cultural connections include having tea in a resident's home and visiting local crafters and artists. This is an honest, no-frills, and insightful look into yet another part of South African culture while you visit Cape Town."

"Swimming in Salty Tidal Pools Like a smaller scale Bondi Icebergs , there are a handful of whitewashed cement enclosures along the False Bay waterfront that are used as public swimming pools. Even in winter, locals plunge into the icy Atlantic water to start their day. The nicest pool is the pool at Dalebrook, located just before you enter Kalk Bay to your left. It tends to be quieter, has an outdoor shower, a little bit of a sandy beach area, and small bathroom/changing facility."

"While Cape Point is not, in fact, the southernmost tip of Africa—as is often claimed—it is generally accepted that the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet somewhere between here and the real tip, Cape Agulhas. Still, Cape Point is about as dramatic as you can get, with the land falling steeply away on three sides, the wind whipping around the cliffs, and the ocean churning below. The road to the point, at the end of a drive from Cape Town , goes through 20 miles of nature reserve full of baboons and antelopes. For those who don’t want to walk up to the lighthouse, there is a funicular, but to reach the point itself, you’re going to have to hike."

"Cape Town is blessed with numerous beaches at its doorstep. The most famous ones are in the suburbs of Camps Bay and Clifton, both on the Atlantic side of the city. Camps Bay feels like a compact Copacabana in summer (the water is pretty cold, though, so brace yourself), with a row of restaurants and coffee shops just steps from the sand. Clifton, which lies slightly closer to the city, features sets of stairs leading down to four main beaches. Each is popular with a different group—families, the gay community, volleyball players, you name it. Across the water from Table Mountain, the seemingly endless Big Bay Beach starts at Milnerton and goes on for several miles to Bloubergstrand and then to Melkbosstrand. It’s popular among surfers and kitesurfers, especially when the wind picks up and the waves get huge."

"To the untrained eye, Jetty 1 is just another nondescript building on the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. Look more closely, however, and you’ll see a small board next to the entrance, explaining that the building served as a passageway for everyone traveling to and from Robben Island during apartheid. For the prisoners, staff, and wardens, this was the last place they could see Cape Town before their ferry pulled away from the mainland and the city disappeared into the dark silhouette of Table Mountain. Now a small museum, Jetty 1 houses information about the history of Robben Island, both before and after apartheid. It’s not typically crowded, so visitors can explore at their own pace and perhaps even sit alone inside the replica of a holding cell. Separate from the Robben Island Exhibition and Information Center, Jetty 1 is a must-see if you don’t have time to do the full Robben Island tour but are still curious about this time in Cape Town’s history. It’s also entirely indoors, so if you’ve visiting in the winter or the weather isn’t nice enough to visit Robben Island, it’s the next best thing. Entrance is free."

"Almost any time of day, the Sea Point Promenade is filled with walkers and joggers, many of them residents from the apartments nearby. Though named after Sea Point, the best known of the areas the walkway fronts, the three-mile promenade begins in Granger Bay, closer to the city, then goes past the red-and-white-striped lighthouse of Mouille Point and continues to Sea Point itself (don't miss the Art Deco Pavilion, site of many international fashion shoots), before curving around to dramatic, Riviera-like Bantry Bay. A path high above the cliffside apartments of Clifton extends for several more miles to Camps Bay. All along the promenade's way (except along the fairly long Clifton stretch), there are restaurants and coffee shops."

"Kalk Bay One ofCape Town’s most picturesque corners, this small fishing harbor sees boats sail in daily with their catches (often trailed by hungry seals waiting for tidbits). Recently, however, the area has also become known for its antique stores, restaurants, and shops—one of the best collections of African curios, materials, and artwork for sale can be found at Artvark, on the edge of town. Expect to see everyone from hipsters to surfers to an old couple who’s lived here for 50 years. A seaside promenade connects Kalk Bay to the colorful beach cottages of St. James and to Surfers Corner in Muizenberg, another gem of an old-world suburb that is becoming a second Kalk Bay. Don't miss Cucina Labia, a restaurant housed in a mansion built by an Italian who wanted to create a littleVenicehere."

"Fearing a British takeover of its ill-gotten trading post, the Dutch East India Company built this star-shaped castle (known as Kasteel de Goede Hoop) between 1666 and 1679 to defend its territory. Now the oldest building in South Africa, the castle served as the center of Cape Town 's civilian, political, and military life. The austere facade opens up to a striking central lawn and commanding buildings that, in their restored form, represent Dutch, English, and French architectural styles. History buffs will go nuts here: Check out the William Fehr Collection, the African pottery exhibit, and the Castle Military Museum."

"District Six was originally a mixed community of freed slaves, merchants, artisans, laborers, and immigrants. Marginalization and forced removal of the residents began early in the last century and, in 1966, the neighborhood was declared a white area. By 1982, more than 60,000 people had been relocated to a barren spot aptly known as the Cape Flats, and their houses in District Six were flattened by bulldozers. An agreement about what to do with the land that was District Six has yet to be reached, and those who were forcibly evicted are still awaiting a fair settlement. Established in 1994, the District Six Museum preserves memories of the area through photographs, traffic signs, and videos, and also focuses on forced removals in general. A large map of the district covers the floor of the museum and includes former residents' handwritten notes about where they once lived."

"Started by Athol Fugard, South Africa's greatest living playwright, in a historic District Six building, this vibrant 320-seat cultural hub showcases plays, musicals, movies, and book festivals. You can while away time before a show at the downstairs bar, which serves wines from some of the Cape’s best vineyards. And if you're in the area during the day, wander along Harrington and Caledon streets and drop b Dias Tavern, a beloved Portuguese eatery serving seafood and espetadas —beef skewers on an aromatic bay leaf stick. Just up Buitenkant Street is the Book Lounge, an independent bookshop known for its readings by famous authors."

"Hout Bay is basically Eden. This ecological utopia has everything a nature lover could want, from imposing mountains and miraculous views (check out the Twelve Apostles range) to World of Birds, the largest bird park in Africa, home to 3,000 birds and over 100 walk-through aviaries. On weekends, you can shop for food and crafts at the lively market at the end of the harbor road. Besides Chapman's Peak Drive, there are two other roads into Hout Bay, one from Constantia and another that passes the gorgeous surfer beach of Llandudno—also the exit for Sandy Bay, a nudist beach."

"South Africa's premier art museum houses South African, African, British, French, Dutch, and Flemish works. Selections from the permanent collection change regularly to let the museum showcase different pieces, such as those by local luminaries Walter Battiss, Maggie Laubser, Cecil Higgs, Edward Roworth, Sydney Kumalo, Ephraim Ngatane, and Cecil Skotnes. The museum's holdings also include notable historical paintings and sculptures and a large African collection, and there's a wide variety of temporary exhibitions. Art lovers may want to visit the Irma Stern Museum, too. Housed in the celebrated artist's former Rosebank home, it displays paintings and sculptures heavily influenced by Stern's travels in Africa, as well as her own collections."

"South Africa's premier art museum houses South African, African, British, French, Dutch, and Flemish works. Selections from the permanent collection change regularly to let the museum showcase different pieces, such as those by local luminaries Walter Battiss, Maggie Laubser, Cecil Higgs, Edward Roworth, Sydney Kumalo, Ephraim Ngatane, and Cecil Skotnes. The museum's holdings also include notable historical paintings and sculptures and a large African collection, and there's a wide variety of temporary exhibitions. Art lovers may want to visit the Irma Stern Museum, too. Housed in the celebrated artist's former Rosebank home, it displays paintings and sculptures heavily influenced by Stern's travels in Africa, as well as her own collections."

"Discovering Biodiversity in Green Point Park The Green Point Park and Biodiversity Garden is tucked behind Green Point Stadium near the Atlantic seaboard. Because Cape Town (and South Africa) is a biodiversity hotspot, the creation of this park was an essential part of the 2010 World Cup planning in this area of the city. If you're curious what people are talking about when they mention "fynbos" and the "Cape Floral Kingdom", this is the place to find the answer. It’s a 12.5 hectare area that includes a rolling lawn and a fantastic biodiversity garden. There is a pond with water that flows underneath (and next to) parts of the main walkway that the kids love to run through and play in. I can tell the city invested a lot in this park, and it’s a nice place to bringing the whole family for a picnic. If you need to find a place to pick up food, try New York Bagel in Sea Point for deli style sandwiches or the Woolworths Food at the V&A Waterfront."

"From Human Wrongs to Human Rights History buffs and those who are curious about the slave trade and its impact on South African development (specifically the Western Cape colony) will find a visit to the Slave Lodge very insightful. The theme of the museum is "from human wrongs to human rights." Through posters and historic artifacts in the exhibits, you'll gain an understanding of the history of the slave trade, as well as of human rights violations that persist in the world today. Plan on giving this museum at least an hour to walk through. (Iziko operates 10 other museums in South Africa, including the planetarium.)"