Cape Town is one of the world’s most breathtaking cities. The Mother City, as it is known, so abounds with culture, history and attractions that it is ambitious to try to see everything in one month – let alone a short trip of just one or two weeks!

As a company based in the Cape, we would like to offer some insights into the places and sights you simply cannot miss when you visit the scenic city – and you can fit most of them into even a shorter trip. We’ve also recommend a range of quality Cape Town accommodation venues, to ensure that your stay is as wonderful as possible.   

Of course, the attractions you choose to visit will depend upon your individual taste and interests, and also on whether you have been to Cape Town before. But it all starts with a good plan and some great Cape Town accommodation – so find the ideal hotel, guest house or boutique hotel, and then read on for top Cape Town travel tips.

Table Mountain
 At 1 086 meters above sea level and situated in the heart of the city, you’ll find the majestic Table Mountain. A trip in the cable car up to the top of Table Mountain is an absolute must on your first time to Cape Town. It will treat you to a 360˚ bird’s-eye view of Cape Town, and will give you a good indication of how the city is built and how big it is. The cable car only operates on clear and sunny days. Return tickets cost R150 per person and half of that for kids under 18. Special offers are often run in summer, which charge roughly half-price when you go up after 6pm. From this unique vantage point, you can sip sundowners and watch the sun sink into the sea.

If you choose to walk to the top of Table Mountain, the best route is from Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and through Skeleton Gorge. There is no rock climbing involved – you’ll follow well-carved trails – and it takes approximately 4 to 5 hours to complete the walk. Take plenty of water and walk with a group if possible.

To find out what the weather is like on Table Mountain you can call 021 424 8181 on the day of your planned visit.

City Bowl
In Cape Town city centre, also known as the CBD (Central Business District), there is a lot to see, and plenty of classy Cape Town accommodation to experience. Enjoy a walk in the Company Gardens were the beautiful Parliament buildings are situated, and then continue to Green Market Square, where you will find stall after stall selling art and souvenirs from all over the African continent. The market is definitely worth visiting, especially for those looking to buy something to take home at a great price. Prices here are significantly cheaper than in the shops at the Waterfront, but be sure to bargain!

You will also find the Artscape Opera House in the city centre, where you can watch some great local performances. Prices for tickets are cheap and the established venue is well worth a visit. Look at www.computicket.co.za or visit their shop in the V&A Waterfront to book tickets, or to see what is on during your stay here.

Are you a night-owl, or looking for a good party? Long Street is the hub of Cape Town’s trendy nightlife, and is lined with bars, night clubs, and some great local restaurants. It’s best to hit Long Street with a group of people – and of course, avoid alleyways and darker areas that are removed from the excitement and bustle of the street.

The Castle of Good Hope can also be found in the city centre. The Dutch began building the fort in 1666, and it is the oldest building in South Africa. If you are interested in history you should not miss a visit to this fort.

Just outside the city centre, between Signal Hill and V&A Waterfront, you will find the De Waterkant area. One of the oldest parts of Cape Town, De Waterkant has become one of the trendiest places to stay, and there’s an assortment of top Cape Town accommodation venues to be found here. Rich and colourful with renovated Georgian-style houses, the area boasts a selection of small local design shops and trendy cafés. There are also a number of restaurants with outside seating in the quad of the Cape Quarter. De Waterkant is one of the most charming areas in the Cape, and well worth visiting for a coffee, meal or just for a walk around. If you would like more information about De Waterkant accommodation, please click here.

Once a year, Cape Town celebrates with carnival fever! On Tweede Nuwe Jaar (the 2nd of January) roughly 13 000 minstrels or Kaapse Klopse march, sing and dance through the city centre. The festival originated with the slaves in the Cape Colony and has been a feature since the mid 1800s. If you are in Cape Town on this day, join in the festivities in the city centre.

A fantastic way to spend a morning in the city is to take the red Hop-on-Hop-off bus which takes you all around Cape Town. These sightseeing busses are a great way to see Cape Town and its surrounding beaches, and to learn more about the Mother City. They stop at all the most popular tourist attractions, and give you a chance to get off and have lunch, enjoy a swim or do some shopping. This is also an ideal way to avoid the traffic congestion at the cable car and in Camps Bay.

Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and Robben Island
The V&A Waterfront is regarded as the number one tourist attraction in Africa, and it is also a very popular place among locals. The Waterfront is in Cape Town’s old harbour which, since the early 1990s, has been transformed from the old collapsing harbour to today’s lovely shopping mall. The mall offers plenty of outdoor restaurants, two cinemas and an outside open-air theatre where local productions are held. Part of the charm here is that the harbour is still operating, and is not only a tourist attraction.

The V&A Waterfront has a fantastic vibe, thanks to the restaurants situated at the harbour’s edge, and the live music, yachts, and myriad of international visitors that are a feature of this locale. From the Waterfront, you can also take tour boats to Robben Island, the historic island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years. For Robben Island boat tours, you should book ahead of time, as these sought-after trips become fully booked months in advance.

You can also take sunset cruises from the Waterfront, which we highly recommend. Choose a clear evening with no wind – and afterwards, enjoy a pre-dinner drink at the Bascule, which is part of the Cape Grace Hotel, and a superb end to a spectacular day!

You will also find several adventure centres at the Waterfront where you can book day trips to experience whale-watching, shark-cage diving, kayaking and other exciting adventures. For more information about Cape Town accommodation at the Waterfront, please click here.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Just 10 minutes from the city centre is Cape Town’s beautiful botanical garden, Kirstenbosch. Take a picnic and sit under the shade of the sweeping trees, or have lunch at the pretty restaurant. Also, be sure to check out the Kirstenbosch summer concerts, held in the open air throughout the warm months. Bring a picnic basket and some blankets, and enjoy the warm, clear air and the great vibe in the Gardens! Just make sure to book well ahead because tickets are sold out quickly.

If you find yourself in Cape Town just before Christmas, get to the Carols by Candle Light at Kirstenbosch Gardens. Visit the Kirstenbosch website for more information about events at the botanical gardens.