{"id":10682,"date":"2020-05-08T13:30:52","date_gmt":"2020-05-08T12:30:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/?p=10682"},"modified":"2020-09-09T12:05:33","modified_gmt":"2020-09-09T11:05:33","slug":"top-things-to-do-in-cape-town","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/2020\/05\/top-things-to-do-in-cape-town\/","title":{"rendered":"Top things to do in Cape Town"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Often considered one of the most beautiful cities in Africa, Cape Town is surrounded by natural beauty, from the Atlantic coast to the verdant vineyards. We have put together our favourite things to see and do while visiting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Cape Town City Tour<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cape Town is a dream come true for many travellers. Often referred to as South Africa&#8217;s Mother City, its beauty will far exceed your expectations. Expect a larger than life spectacle of sea, mountains, and culture! As your feet touch down on this spectacular city, don&#8217;t miss a city tour for the best way through the rich historical sights and urban excitement buzzing around you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Against the colossal backdrop of Table Mountain which never fails to impress, you can wonder among one of the most vibrant neighbourhoods. This is Bo Kaap, once known as the Malay Quarter. In a melting pot of Malaysian, African, and Indian culture, the colourful architecture, food and music is deeply rooted to the area. Other highlights include the Castle of Good Hope &#8211; a 17th century bastion fort and the oldest surviving colonial building in South Africa and of course, Cape Town City Hall, where on 11 February 1990 Nelson Mandela first spoke after his release from prison.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are looking for a place to rest and relax after this insightful tour, the Company Gardens is one of the most beautiful green spaces in the heart of the city, not to mention the beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton are easily accessible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-10686\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"682\" height=\"455\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Bo-Kaap-Cape-Town.jpg\" alt=\"Bo Kaap Quarter \" class=\"wp-image-10686\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Bo-Kaap-Cape-Town.jpg 682w, https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Bo-Kaap-Cape-Town-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><figcaption>Bo Kaap Quarter<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3>Table Mountain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the New 7 Wonders of the World, Table Mountain never fails to captivate first-time visitors. The shape of Table Mountain alone is one of the most iconic sights of South Africa with its distinctive flat top, spanning more than 3 kilometers. You can nod to close allies, the Devil\u2019s Peak and Lion\u2019s Head directly on either side of this monumental mountain. Whether it\u2019s covered in a blanket of rolling clouds above, or lit up brightly against clear blue skies, it is a spectacular sight to watch from below and of course, above!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hop aboard Table Mountain\u2019s Lower Cableway Station, for a 5 minute revolving cable car ride to the top. You&#8217;ll take in the expansive 360 degree views reaching the summit at 1,067 metres above sea level.\u00a0 Remember to check in advance about the weather as the cableway doesn\u2019t operate if the wind is too strong or visibility poor, so keep optimistic for a clear day!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the top of Table Mountain, you will experience a sense of peace and serenity like never before. This special area is rich in biodiversity with hundreds of colourful floral species, attracting swarms of birds and insects to this natural haven. Have your camera ready for breath-taking views over Cape Town and the rugged coastline, looking out into Robben Island and the 12 Apostle Mountains in the distance. If you are very lucky, you might even spot the rare rooikat (caracal) &#8211; the biggest and last remaining wild cat. Notoriously shy, these felines still fiercely call Table Mountain their home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-10687\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"682\" height=\"455\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Table-Mountain.jpg\" alt=\"Table Mountain at sunset\" class=\"wp-image-10687\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Table-Mountain.jpg 682w, https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Table-Mountain-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><figcaption>Table Mountain at sunset<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3>Robben Island<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No trip to South Africa is complete without visiting the historical Robben Island. Situated in Table Bay, this desolate island has a very different feel to the picture perfect beaches and cosmopolitan vibe which Cape Town is famous for. This isolated and once apartheid-era prison is now a museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The stark surroundings of wire fencing, watch towers and high walls bring home the incredible story of the late Nelson Mandela. The former South African president spent 18 of his 27 years of imprisonment here with many other political prisoners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A visit to Robben Island is possible in either the morning or afternoon. It includes a 30 minute catamaran ride to the island, as well as an approximately 45 minute bus tour on land. You\u2019ll see the Lime Quarry where prisoners would work all day and pass the permanent village for island employees and their children. There was even a primary school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your final stop is the Maximum Security Prison. This part of your visit is guided by a genuine ex-political prisoner who will share their personal insights. The walk through the prison is both memorable and chilling. You&#8217;ll visit the small concrete cell of Nelson Mandela and listen to the powerful interpretations of his life in prison. You will return to Cape Town by catamaran,  left with a compelling feeling of the courage and sacrifice made by Mandela and the people who defeated apartheid in South Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-10688\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"682\" height=\"455\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Robben-Island.jpg\" alt=\"Robben Island\" class=\"wp-image-10688\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Robben-Island.jpg 682w, https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Robben-Island-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><figcaption>Robben Island<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3>Cape Point<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A day trip from Cape Town to the Southernmost tip of the Cape Peninsula should be high on your list. You&#8217;ll be driven to Cape Point, along the Atlantic coast which is simply breathtaking. Especially when you travel down Chapman\u2019s Peak Drive &#8211; one of the most famous driving routes in the world. This road features fantastic twists and turns, along vertical sea cliffs and with the formidable 12 Apostles Peaks in the background. You&#8217;ll feel like you&#8217;re starring in your own episode of Top Gear!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is a plethora of things to do and see on the way to Cape Point. Although the remarkable scenery and continuous spray of colour, from the flora and fauna is satisfying enough. You&#8217;ll visit the pretty fishing harbour of Hout Bay too. Stop for a fresh seafood lunch, before driving onto the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This area is home to many species of buck and birds, the Cape Mountain Zebra, and some mischievous baboons. Enjoy sweeping views of False Bay after this memorable day adventure. Returning to the sunset over the peaks of Table Mountain, it&#8217;s a fitting end to a day in Cape Town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-10689\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"682\" height=\"455\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Cape-Point.jpg\" alt=\"Cape Point\" class=\"wp-image-10689\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Cape-Point.jpg 682w, https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Cape-Point-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><figcaption>Cape Point<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3>Boulders Bay<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You might be mistaken for thinking you&#8217;ve landed in frosty Antarctica with penguins roaming freely on the beach. But with no icebergs in sight, this is just a normal day for the African Penguins of Boulders Beach. It is an unusual but extra special sight to behold when you see over a thousand penguins basking in the sunshine and relaxing in the soft, white sand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What started with just two breeding pairs of penguins in 1982 has grown to a colony of about 2200 in recent years. This is partly due to increased supply of pilchards and anchovies in False Bay where Boulders Bay is situated &#8211; an essential part of the penguins\u2019 diet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The ancient boulders and surrounding beaches form part of the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area. This guarantees the beaches are clean and safe, and importantly, the penguins are protected. A wooden walkway has been established in recent years so you can view the African Penguins and their nesting sites. Join an intimate tour if you want to learn all about the endangered birds and their home. Have your camera at the ready, as this is the closest you will ever get to African Penguins!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-10690\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"682\" height=\"455\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Boulders-Bay.jpg\" alt=\"Boulders Bay\" class=\"wp-image-10690\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Boulders-Bay.jpg 682w, https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Boulders-Bay-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><figcaption>Boulders Bay<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3>Winelands Tour<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>After the endless exploration that Cape Town has to offer, what better way to unwind than with a chilled glass of one of South Africa\u2019s famous grape blends. Perhaps a Cabernet Sauvignon? The Cape Winelands tour is ideal for travellers looking for a packed day. Visit a handful of the region\u2019s best wineries with an experienced and local knowledgeable guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The picturesque village of Franschhoek is surrounded by magnificent mountains and vineyards. After a short drive through the town, your wine tasting will take place in, followed by a lunch stop and maybe a chance to try some of Franschhoek the fresh trout that Franschhoek is famous for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-10691\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"682\" height=\"455\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Wine-Valley.jpg\" alt=\"Vineyards outside Cape Town\" class=\"wp-image-10691\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Wine-Valley.jpg 682w, https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Wine-Valley-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><figcaption>Vineyards outside Cape Town<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>View Tucan Travel&#8217;s selection of group tours to South Africa <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/destinations\/africa\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Often considered one of the most beautiful cities in Africa, Cape Town is surrounded by natural beauty, from the Atlantic coast to the verdant vineyards. We have put together our favourite things to see and do while visiting. Cape Town City Tour Cape Town is a dream come true for many travellers. Often referred to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":89,"featured_media":10685,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[6,1858,2,3],"tags":[11,1866,1867,1868,1862,1865,1864,1861,1863],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v15.2.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Top things to do in Cape Town - Tucan Travel Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A holiday to Cape Town is bursting with fantastic activities and beautiful sights. 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