South Africa's Mother City is one which everyone should visit during their lives. Cape Town is an unforgettable location but it can be daunting to enter a city with 500,000 inhabitants. There are plenty of things to see and do. Too many, in fact.
There are so many pastimes and sights that a person could spend a lifetime in the city without doing them all. That's where this list comes in. Here are seven unmissable things to see or do in the Mother City. Some are well known but others less so. You may find a hidden gem.
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Prince Alfred was the first member of the Royal Family to visit the area back in 1860. Queen Victoria's second son was a hit with the locals and so the local area now bears his name.
The Waterfront is something of a hub for the city. With upwards of 100,000 daily visitors in the summer months, the area is the place to be when the sun shines. With dozens of restaurants, cafes, and shops, there is something for everyone. But even if visitors aren't hungry or in need of some new clothes, the view is special enough to sit back and soak in.
Cape Town Stadium Tour
Less than a decade ago, South Africa had the eyes of the world on it. The 2010 FIFA World Cup brought together 32 football teams and an estimated 400,000 tourists. The Mother City was no exception with the Cape Town Stadium a focal point for fans. The 55,000-capacity arena hosted eight matches. This included a memorable semi-final between Uruguay and the Netherlands.
Now, the Cape Town Stadium plays host to Ajax Cape Town and Cape Town City on a regular basis. Visitors are welcome to catch a match but there are other options available. Fans can go behind the curtain of the Cape Town Stadium with an official tour.
Sample the Nightlife
There's plenty to do after the sun sets on Cape Town. The city comes alive at night as the bars and clubs open their doors. Victoria Road in Camps Bay is a good place to start with bars and clubs aplenty.
But the nightlife isn't confined to one area. Long Street is a popular hotspot for tourists with several bars nearby. People looking for something more upmarket can visit Bascule Whisky, Wine & Cocktail Bar. While fans of live music can head to Zula Bar.
The choice is neverending for late night revellers. The wonderful GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World is open 24/7 in Ruyterwacht. Just be sure to brush up on your skills at an online casino like Betway before your visit.
Table Mountain Cablecar
If there's one attraction which Cape Town is famous for, it's Table mountain. The 1,000 meter high flat-topped mountain is a site known the world over. It's a magnificent sight in itself but the view from on top surpasses it.
Visitors are able to hike to the mountain top but there is an easier way to get there. The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway has carried passengers since 1929. Over 28 million people have taken the journey to the top to enjoy sweeping views of the area.
Sample the Local Wine
South African wine is amongst the best in the world so it would be a shame not to sample some. Cape Town is surrounding by vineyards so there is no shortage of corks to pop. Viator offers a host of tours for wine tasting and tours. So whether you want to spend the day sampling local tipple of a few short hours, Cape Town is the place to be.
Museums & Galleries
Cape Town is the home to a whole host of museums and art galleries. The best known of which is the Zeitz MOCAA Museum, a world-class centre for contemporary African art. Opened in September 2017, the building is a work of art which attracts thousands of visitors.
But there are many other places to visit in Cape Town. The Heart of Cape Town Museum honours those who completed the first successful heart transplant. But there is something for everyone in the city. The First South African Perfume Museum is a popular destination. While the Springbok Experience Rugby Tour honours the country's national sports team.
Hit the Beach
South African beaches are amongst the best in the world and those in Cape Town are no exception. The famous Bloubergstrand Beach is a sight to behold with its white sands but more athletic beach-goers should head elsewhere. Muizenberg beach is the best place for surfing and has no shortage of places to change your clothes.