5 attractions in Cape Town

Cape Town is unique. A metropolis of contrasts where the sombre, terrible past merges with the historic and ultra modern harbour promenade.

And rising majestically behind the city is Table Mountain, like a protector of the city’s people.

Cape Town is a mix of stunning scenery, all manner of cultures and it is super modern.

An ocean of fabulous experiences await you in the city!

Read more here about five attractions to experience on your tour to Cape Town!

1) Robben Island

Robben Island is located in Table Bay, the bay off Cape Town.

In 1996, a museum opened on the island, which today attracts many interested tourists. But peace and idyll have not always reigned on the flat, rocky island.

For many years, the island served as a prison island, but there has also been a military base and a psychiatric hospital on the island.

Robben Island is probably best known as the place where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned during the apartheid regime from 1964 to 1982. The prison did not close until 1991 – three years before the fall of apartheid.

On a trip to the island, you can visit prisoner number 466 Nelson Mandela’s cell. And on the crossing to Robben Island, you sail in the boats that were used to sail the prisoners to the island.

In 1999, the former prison island was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to all the opponents of apartheid imprisoned on the island.

A trip to Robben Island is a must if you are interested in South Africa’s history.

2) Table Mountain

If you look in towards Cape Town from the water, you can’t fail to notice the tall, flat sandstone mountain. It’s called Table Mountain, or Tafelberg in Afrikaans.

At its highest point, Table Mountain is 1,086 metres above sea level. The point is called Maclear’s Beacon after Thomas Maclear, who built a cairn to measure the earth’s curvature in 1865.

If you like magnificent outdoor experiences, a trip to Table Mountain is perfect.

There are various walks you can enjoy on the mountain, where you can experience the amazing flora and fauna. The flora is unique in the area due to the humidity and the amount of rainfall, and no fewer than 1,400 species grow on Table Mountain.

3) Cape Winelands

Most people have probably tasted – or seen – a bottle of red wine with a label that says it’s produced in South Africa.

And there’s a good reason for this. In 2016, South Africa was actually the seventh largest wine producer in the world.

So if you’re a lover of wine, come with us on a tour to the wine region, a 45 minute drive from Cape Town, where there are a number of small towns that ooze history. The area is situated by a belt of mountains, which both provides good conditions for wine production and creates a pleasant atmosphere.

We will visit the Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek wine regions, where they have been growing grapes since the 17th century.

At Cape Winelands, you can see how wine production takes place from the vineyard to the bottling of the noble grapes.

4) Cape Point

The roaring sea smashes against the towering rock walls. And the view is spectacular.

Although many people believe that Cape Point is the southernmost point of Africa, it isn’t. Cape Agulhas, 170 kilometres from Cape Point, where the Atlantic and Indian Ocean meet, is the southernmost point.

The coast point, Cape Point, ends the noble Table Mountain chain, which extends all the way to Signal Hill.

As far as the eye can see, there are beautiful beaches, breathtaking bays and wonderful valleys. And the area also boasts unique flora and fauna.

No matter which way you look, your gaze will be met by yet another picturesque view of the coastline at Cape Point.

In 1859, the first lighthouse was built, which stands as a warning symbol 238 metres above sea level. The cliff wall has represented a terrifying monument for the boats around Cape Town, as it could have fatal consequences for those sailing around it.

If you want to experience amazing scenery, Cape Point is definitely worth a visit.

5) Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

After a day of sightseeing in the city, a stroll along the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is the perfect way to round off the day.

Overlooking the water, new meets old. The historic old harbour merges with modern-day life. Shopping centres, upscale restaurants, food markets and museums stand side by side. And there’s even an aquarium.

The waterfront is almost an attraction in itself, and you can experience all that the heart desires at the 123-hectare life playground, where you will find a little for every taste, for children and adults alike.

Cape Town has attractions in all manner of guises. If you would like to visit a fascinating metropolis that oozes thought-provoking history, Cape Town is a great choice.

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller