Top Things to do in Cape Town Central
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10 Things to do in Cape Town Central That You Shouldn't Miss
Cape Town glistens at the southern toe of the African continent. Tourist brochure-views at Blaauwberg Beach and Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens are within easy driving distance of "The Mother City." The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve provides sweeping sea vistas, hiking trails and wildlife encounters. On a more somber note, travelers can visit Robben Island, the prison where Nelson Mandela was held for 27 years.
Restaurants in Cape Town Central
1. District Six Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,088 reviews
The apartheid nationalist government destroyed District Six in the 1960s. This memorial museum contains maps, photographs and other reminders of this old vibrant neighborhood. Site walks and tours in the Museum with ex-resident storytellers are also offered.
Reviewed By sheldonp730 - Cape Town, South Africa
I am a tour guide in Cape Town for City Walking Tours so always bring guests past District Six Museum as it's a real part of Cape Towns history... I recently visited the museum to get a refresh on the info and the real story of District Six and its affects in our beautiful city of Cape Town went on a guided tour with Mr Brown and I always recommend all my guests to Mr Brown as this gentleman is a living example of the people of District 6 and the one thing I really liked and stood out for me the most was Mr Brown was passionate about the way he presented the museum and he spoke strongly about respect that the area had for one another amazing and I personally recommend the guided tours with anybody at the District Six museum and if you get Mr Brown you are in very good hands
2. Hout Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,324 reviews
Enclosed by ocean, mountains and wine farms, the former fishing village offers a country affair with some adventure thrown in.
Reviewed By vermeulen_anton
Houtbay....a small bay but with lots and lots to do and to see. From a museum to an old fashioned library, to restaurants, pubs, boat trips, flee market at the harbour, to fresh snoek and chips at the harbour, clean seasand for the kids and the oldies to play, good places to stay, all the main shops like Woolies and Pick and Pay to book shops, toy shops, curio shops and very interesting is the shops at harbour with all old "ship stuff". Get place close to harbour to stay....and walk early in themorning and at dusk on the beach. I always go back when I am in Cape Town....just love the place!
3. Clifton Beaches
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,876 reviews
Reviewed By robfN4841FD - Paarl, South Africa
I have been coming to Clifton beaches for the last 40 years. One of the most beautiful beach on the Planet, in the middle of an amazing city, Cape Town, with Lion's Head as a backdrop, wind sheltered, and soft fine sand. What more could you ask for ??
4. Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14,179 reviews
The V&A Waterfront is a 123-hectare mixed-use destination, and one of Africa’s most visited cultural and historical hubs. Set on the edge of a natural, historic working harbour with the iconic Table Mountain as its backdrop, it offers local and international visitors a cosmopolitan mix of experiences ranging from leisure, shopping and exclusive entertainment. It also offers prime residential and commercial property. The prime positioning of the V&A Waterfront boasts sweeping views of the ocean, city bowl and mountain peaks. Up to 100 000 people visit every day during peak season. Contributing R259.1 billion in nominal terms to the South African economy over the last twelve years, the V&A Waterfront’s cumulative contribution to the provincial GGP since 2002 was over R227 billion. The property also reported a 19% increase in retail trade sales for 2014, marking four consecutive years of consistent growth since 2011. By end 2014, total visitor numbers to the property had grown to 24 million a year. Although the V&A Waterfront remains South Africa’s favourite attraction for international visitors, they account for only 23% of all visitors. Visits by locals increased to 63%, while 14% of visitors were from upcountry. With 22 official landmarks on-site, it is also part of South Africa’s historical legacy. Jointly owned by Growthpoint Properties Limited and the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF), represented by the Public Investment Corporation Limited (PIC), the V&A Waterfront was developed in 1988 by the state-owned transport corporation, Transnet Limited, while official commercial trading commenced in November 1990.
Reviewed By Hevsy - Egham, United Kingdom
We had 5 days staying at a waterfront hotel. I hadn’t known what to expect but it was much bigger than I thought and had a real buzz to it. I felt very safe there. There was so much to do - boat trips, a huge shopping mall, restaurants galore, interesting buildings, street entertainment, great sculptures, a swing bridge, the ferris wheel and some wonderful African craft shops and stalls. We had trips on 2 days but on the other 2 days we just wandered round the waterfront and there was plenty to do, although be warned, you could eat your weight in calories!!!
5. Lion's Head
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,305 reviews
Lion's Head in Cape Town is a peak situated at 669 meters above sea level. The hike up Lions Head takes approximately 90 minutes at a moderate pace. Lions Head trail is steep but do-able, while the 5.5km trail packs a punch (Both ways). The views from Lions head are amazing. Take a look around you and see the beauty. Lions Head hike is the preferred route for mountain enthusiasts, the easiest of the routes in Cape Town.
Reviewed By Totravelistobealive - Taastrup, Denmark
Although lesser in height than Table Mountain, it offers a great hike to the top, and unsurpassed views over the city, the bay and Robben Island. If you have the time and energy, you should definitely try to scale it.
6. Table Mountain Aerial Cableway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16,942 reviews
The best views of Cape Town are seen from the top of Table Mountain. The Cableway takes you to the summit in under 5 minutes and the cable car's rotating floor ensure that all visitors get a 360 degree aerial view of the city. The 65-passenger cable car runs from Tafelberg Road to the top of Table Mountain. To date the Cableway has transported more than 28 million visitors to the summit. A million visitors from all over the world use the Cableway annually.
Reviewed By xabrahamali - Nairobi, Kenya
The people we met kept saying these interesting things about the Cape town's weather, you can have all four seasons in one day the officer at the passport control said with a smile, the airport shuttle service driver laughed and said enjoy cape town and the weather too if its sunny enjoy when the cold and rain come enjoy its cape town's winter after all. This is very important if you plan to go up table mountain budget for extra time or even alternative days in case the wind speeds pick up or the rains descend. The Aerial cableway is a fantastic way to view the mountain and the world around, it has an even more fascinating system inside the capsule (Cable car), the floor rotates and gives the passengers a 360º view while the capsule goes up and when it makes its way down. It is an exhilarating ride. Great to take pictures too, we found a good way to save yourself a bit of time is to book your ticket early - we used the City Sightseeing - Hop On - Hop Off service and bought the tickets early, so when the bus got to the station we went straight to the cable car boarding wait area. They have helpful staff who guide you through the station and when its time to board the capsule, they are kind to let the nerves settle before a quick brief. They are really good even for those with fear of heights they are very reassuring. At the end of the line, you jump off and then voila! you are at the top of the mountain, its a wonderful feeling and the truth is everyone will enjoy it differently, walk slowly taking in the sights, smells, the signboards some are small and easily overlooked. there are some small animals to see too, the plants' varieties are in the hundreds, the rock formations almost from another world. Plan well with some extra time in case the cable car trip is cancelled due to bad weather as you will enjoy a walk down the mountain. When walking remember to pause and look around, I recommend good sturdy walking shoes for this trip.
7. Signal Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,856 reviews
Signal Hill is so named because it was a site for flying flags to communicate weather conditions, thus providing opportune vistas of spectacular views.
Reviewed By craiglS6762DT
Staying in Cape Town, there are a few hikes and signal hill is a must, it's not hard at all. I started the hike at the Noon Gun, from there walk up to Signal Hill and watch the paraguilding, there are a few shops that sell water and ice creams as well. From there you have two choices hike back to Noon Gun or hike towards Lions Head and Table Mountain, just depends where you have your car parked. I took the bus so I continued on towards Lions Head and got the bus from there.
8. Cape Point Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,983 reviews
At the tip of the Cape Peninsula, 60km SouthWest of Cape Town, lies Cape Point. Located within the southern section of Table Mountain National Park; a declared World Heritage site, as part of the Cape Floral region. The Park encompasses 7750Ha of rich and varied Fauna and Flora. Cape Point is a nature entusiast's paradise. Rugged rocks and sheer cliffs towering more than 200 metres above the sea and cutting deep into the ocean provide a spectacular background for the Parks’ rich bio-diversity. The scenic beauty of Cape Point is not its sole allure; it is also an international icon of great historical interest with many a visitor drawn to the area because of its rich maritime history. Home to the Flying Dutchman Funicular and the Two Oceans restaurant.
Reviewed By j1xxx - Glastonbury, United States
Beautiful national park with several areas to see. Be sure to take the cable or walk to the top of the mountain (good snackbar at base) ...and then visit the Cape of Good Hope sign to take a photo at the southernmost point in Africa.
9. Zeitz MOCAA
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 856 reviews
Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) is a public not-for-profit contemporary art museum which collects, preserves, researches, and exhibits twenty-first century art from Africa and its Diaspora; hosts international exhibitions; develops supporting educational and enrichment programmes; encourages intercultural understanding; and guarantees access for all. Over one hundred galleries, spread over nine floors, are dedicated to a large cutting edge permanent collection; temporary exhibitions; and Centres for Art Education, Curatorial Excellence, Performative Practice, Photography, the Moving Image, and the Costume Institute.
Reviewed By MaryB813 - Dallas, United States
Definitely take the complimentary tour as you will learn so much more about the building, it's history, how it was repurposed and the art, plus the creative team who made this happen. What an amazing building transformed into a beautiful art museum. We were blown away by all we saw and could have stayed longer. Simply stunning both inside and outside. So glad we spent several hours in this magnificent building.
10. Two Oceans Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 5,242 reviews
The Two Oceans Aquarium is a window into the spectacular oceans surrounding the southern African coast. Through displays ranging from the small and almost fantastical Knysna seahorses, to sea turtles and shoals of shimmering fish, the aquarium holds wondrous discoveries around every corner. Come face-to-face with giant spider crabs and have an adventurous tactile experience at the Touch Pool. Be sure to visit the I&J Ocean Exhibit, with its 9m long window, and 10m long full tunnel. Qualified divers can also make use of the opportunity to dive in this exhibit with shoals of fish and turtles. The Jelly gallery is sure to mesmerize and enthrall.
Reviewed By dewaldr - Cape Town Central, South Africa
It doesn't matter what age you are, you will have a fun time while visiting the aquarium. From the info sheets and interactive station to the live feedings and the exhibits, we enjoyed every moment. The entire aquarium is very well laid out with areas spacious enough so you don't feel cramped. We were lucky enough to view both the penguin feeding and the manta ray feeding which was very special and was the cherry on top of the entire experience. Your standard day visitor ticket allows you access for the entire day which is perfect if you want to plan your visit around the feeding times. It is very informative and beautiful to watch. There is also a curio shop which sells various items with either an aquarium, Cape Town or South African theme, if you want to get a gift for loved ones back home. I was very impressed and can highly recommend that you visit if you haven't done so, or haven't been in a while.
