Cape Town is known for it's 

 Beaches

Muizenberg Colourful Victorian chalets, warm(ish) water and fun surfing.

Clifton 3rd Beach Where the gay community leads, Capetonians follow.

Buffels Bay Tranquil, with sweeping views across False Bay and a sea pool for safe swimming.

Sandy Bay The nudist beach also has amazing giant rock formations to explore.

Noordhoek Magnificently broad, overlooked by Chapman’s Peak and with a shipwreck in the sand.

 

 

Viewpoints

Table Mountain Sweeping vistas across the city and peninsula.

Bloubergstrand Picture-perfect view of Table Mountain north of the city.

Cape of Good Hope Walk to just above the Cape’s original lighthouse.

Chapman’s Peak Drive Take in the elegant sweep of horseshoe-shaped Hout Bay.

Signal Hill Hear the cannon fire and look out over the Waterfront.

 

Free Stuff

V&A Waterfront Buskers, outdoor events, seals, historic buildings, p

ublic artworks and the comings and goings of the harbour.

Table Mountain National Park No charge for hiking the myriad trails on the main mountain, up Lion’s Head or along Signal Hill.

St George's Cathedral One of the few places of worship that was open to people of all races during apartheid.

A4 Arts Foundation Free gallery featuring contemporary South African art.

Long Street Stroll from the junction with Buitensingel St north to Strand St.

Street Art District Six and Woodstock are dotted with impressive large-scale works.

Nelson Mandela Gateway Learn about the Freedom struggle and life in the prison before heading to Robben Island.

 

Parks & Gardens

Company’s Gardens Relax or stroll through these historic gardens, marvelling at ancient trees and pretty flower beds.

Green Point Urban Park Enjoy the lovely eco-legacy of World Cup 2010 at this new park showcasing biodiversity.

Oranjezicht City Farm A beautifully laid-out urban farm on the slopes of Table Mountain.

Two Rivers Urban Park A new park around the confluence of the Liesbeek and Black Rivers.

Arderne Gardens The oldest collection of trees in the Southern Hemisphere is a lovely place to escape the crowds.

Babylonstoren Explore the blissful garden of edible and medicinal plants at this elegantly reimagined wine and fruit estate.

Art Collections

Zeitz MOCAA Museum Contemporary art from across Africa and beyond displayed in a converted grain silo complex.

South African National Gallery Prime examples of the nation's art are exhibited in this elegant building.

Stevenson Major commercial gallery for contemporary artists, with interesting thematic exhibitions.

Irma Stern Museum Former home of the pioneering expressionist artists, with a lovely garden.

Casa Labia Cultural Centre Beautifully restored interiors at this Muizenberg villa, converted to an arts and cultural space.

Historical Insights

District Six Museum Shines a light on the destroyed multicultural inner-city area.

Robben Island Book ahead for visits to the former prison of Mandela and other freedom fighters.

Bo-Kaap Museum Learn about the people of the Cape Malay community in this colourful district.

Iziko Slave Lodge Exhibits on the history of slaves and their descendants.

South African Museum Lots of natural history and fine examples of San rock art.

South African Jewish Museum Traces the routes of Jewish migration and settlement in the country; has a section on the Holocaust.

 

Hidden Gems

Rust en Vreugd Elegant 18th-century mansion and garden in the midst of the city.

Tintswalo Atlantic Not staying at this luxe lodge? Call to see if you can visit for lunch or dinner.

Enmasse Thai massage the modern way, in a historic building tucked away in Gardens.

Wynberg Village Explore the many Cape Georgian buildings here to find the studios and shops of artists, designers and interior decorators.

Intaka Island Spot 120 feathered species and 200-plus plant species at this 1600-sq-metre wetland reserve tucked away in the Century City development.

 

 

The Luxe Life

Status Luxury Vehicles Cruise Cape Town’s roads in a top-marque convertible, or have a chauffeur drive it for you.

Prins & Prins Go shopping for diamonds and other precious jewels at this emporium based in a historic City Bowl house.

Klûk & CGDT Haute couture from a former apprentice to John Galliano.

Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel Not a guest? Come for afternoon tea or visit the Planet bar and restaurant.

Sports Helicopters Hire a chopper and take some photos of the peninsula that will really impress your friends.