Table Mountain
Recently declared as one of the seven natural wonders of the world, Table Mountain is THE landmark of Cape Town and one of the best known and most popular sights to visit. Especially the versatile plant kingdom and local wildlife attracts many visitors and you can reach the top by foot or via a modern turning gondola.
Lions Head and Signal Hill
The little brother of Table Mountain, with a height of 669m is one of the most visited peaks and most beautiful viewing points of Cape Town. Stunning vistas not only to Table Mountain itself, but to the city centre, harbour, Green Point stadium all the way up the Atlantic coastline with sweeping views of the mountain range and the ocean, make this spot a much frequented highlight.
Reached within one hour on foot and very popular to watch the simultaneous sunset and moon rise during a full moon.
Signal Hill is a 5km long mountain range behind Lions Head, easily reached by car and starting point for the much loved paraglide jumps.
Also a perfect meeting point to watch the lights of the city come alive after the sunset – best enjoyed with a glass of wine.
V&A Waterfront
The most frequented location and attraction is the leisure and shopping area at the Cape Town harbour, known as the Victoria & Alfred (V&A) Waterfront. Take a range of cruises, visit the Two Oceans Museum or take a trip on the giant wheel for a great look over the harbour and city. Many shops and restaurants as well as live performances make for a colourful and lively meeting point for both locals and tourists.
Robben Island
If you want to engage in some first-hand history, a visit to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for many years until his release in 1990 is worth a trip. THe island is now a World Heritage Site and reached by ferry from the V&A Waterfront. The guided tour of the prison is highly informative and gives good insight into the life of Nelson Mandela and the time of the Apartheid era.
Bo-Kaap and Noon Gun
Nelson Mandela called South Africa a “Rainbow Nation” and one of the best places to get an impression is the Bo-Kaap, one of the oldest and most interesting suburbs of Cape Town.
The narrow and steep cobble stone alley with their colourful houses portray the history and culture of the Mother City still to this day.
If you happen to be in the centre of Cape Town during lunch time, you will be greeted with a loud gun shot at 12h00 sharp.
Since 1806 it is tradition in the Mother City to fire the noon gun from Signal Hill, situated above the Bo-Kaap area, overlooking the roofs of town.
Historic city center
Castle of Good Hope – The well-known fortress of Cape Town, built in pentagon form is the oldest colonial building of the city was finished in 1679. Originally the fortress ended directly at the sea and only moved to the city centre after the harbour bay was raised in the 1940’s. Today it serves as a museum and is the head quarter of the South African Army.
Situated in town, the District Six Museum in Buitenkant Street opened its doors in 1994. A small but very compact display gives a great overview over the historical suburb called „District Six“. It serves as a memorial for the people who once lived there and had to endure the unsettling experience of deportation. In this way they are given a voice now, to make sure this injustice is not forgotten.
An amazing garden in the middle of town is one of the centre points of the busy Cape lifestyle. Adjacent to the parliament buildings, a range of museums, galleries and the planetarium this well-established park like garden boasts historical statues, large exotic trees and a stunning view towards Table Mountain. Watch the squirrels while taking a leisurly stroll through that enchanted area.