Cape Town is famous for being one of the greatest cities in the world.
The Mother City is not only appreciated for its stunning natural beauty but also its rich heritage and diverse cultural attractions.
With its colourful streets, spectacular coastlines, culinary hotspots and legendary hiking trails, Cape Town is a must-see destination for just about any traveller. Discover more cultural attractions, adventure activities, grand hotels and seaside getaways in Cape Town.
To highlight the fantastic places to visit in this exciting city, we have created a list of the best images showcasing why Cape Town needs to be on your bucket list!
Cape Point
Surrounded by great oceans and ancient mountains, Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope is the most south-western point of the African continent.
Located within the Table Mountain National Park, this Natural World Heritage site is home to some of the richest and most diverse plant life on the planet and is known to boast some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in South Africa.
Boulder’s Beach
Situated along the coastal neighbourhood of Simon’s Town, Boulder’s Beach has been home to a colony of African jackass penguins since 1985. The beach is protected from the wind by ancient granite boulder’s, making it the ideal place for swimming, tanning, beach picnics and penguin watching!
Learn more about African Penguins before visiting Boulder’s Beach, read our collection about Interesting Facts about Penguins.
Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel
Nestled on the slopes of the historical Table Mountain, the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel is well-loved for its elegant flair, timeless appeal and rich history.
A favourite hotel for travellers and locals alike, this iconic blush pink hotel is an attraction in itself. Visit the Planet Bar for cocktails and canapes or indulge in a delicious Afternoon Tea where over 40 teas are carefully selected and paired with incredibly delicious delicacies.
Bo-Kaap
Explore the colourful neighbourhood and multicultural history of the Bo-Kaap, formally known as the Malay Quarter.
Located on the foot of Signal Hill, the Bo-Kaap dates back to the 1760s, when numerous houses were built and leased to the previously enslaved. The houses were painted in bright colours as an expression of the owner’s freedom. Discover the history of the area in the oldest building which currently houses the Bo-Kaap Museum.
Lion’s Head
Arguably one of the most popular hiking trails in Cape Town, Lion’s Head calls travellers from across the globe who love hiking to the top of this famous mountain.
Popular amongst locals, international travellers, nature lovers, trail runners, hiking clubs and fitness freaks, Lion’s head offers spectacular panoramic views of the beautiful city of Cape Town.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Home to over 7,000 plant species and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens is one of the most pristine and diverse gardens in the world.
Well known for its indigenous natural beauty, Kirstenbosch is the perfect location for an outdoor picnic, lazy Sunday or afternoon spent discovering South Africa’s endemic plant forms. Explore the fragrance and medicinal gardens, visit the garden’s historic birdbath, or walk across the treetop canopy walkway offering a bird’s eye view of the magnificent trees and garden below.
Table Mountain
The flat-topped ancient mountain overlooking Cape Town is a significant attraction for those travelling through the Mother City.
Using the Table Mountain Aerial cableway is one of the most popular ways to reach the famous mountain, offering 360-degree views of the city.
Another popular route is to hike up the mountain is on foot. There are several hiking trails that lead to the summit of the mountain, we highly recommend embarking on a guided tour for this. Once you’ve reached the top of the mountain, there is a kiosk to grab a snack as well as a pathway to explore the top of Table Mountain.
Kalk Bay
The neighbourhood of Kalk Bay was named the Coolest Neighbourhood in the World by Forbes in 2018.
This quirky and creative village is an escape from the bustling city life but still has an atmosphere of its own. There are vintage stores and art galleries, hidden streets that lead to antique shops and palm readers as well as a working harbour that offers some of the best fish and chips in town, there’s no wonder why this seaside village is popular amongst the locals.
We hope that you enjoyed these amazing pictures of Cape Town showing you why the Mother City should be on your travel bucket list! If you need help booking a vacation to Cape Town, contact African Travel Canvas and we’ll plan a fantastic trip for you!