Top Attractions For a Day in Cape Town
As South Africa’s second largest economic hub, Cape Town boasts all the benefits of a contemporary city, while still enjoying some of the best scenery in the world and a laid-back vibe. Its citizens are often so chilled that the rest of the country jokes that Cape Town is known as the “Mother City” because it takes nine months to get anything done.
Tourists however, find that the Cape Town’s pace, while relaxed, still runs smoothly and efficiently and a day in this fine city can be packed with all manner of activity and adventure.
For first-timers, the City Sightseeing Bus is a good way to get an overview of the city. It offers a walking tour and official city tour combined with a one day ticket that allows you to hop on and off at a large variety of key attractions.
You could also take in a view of the city, harbour and ocean from Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain. A popular option is to hike the 3km up to Platteklip Gorge and catch the cable car down, or vice versa, but note that the route is steep and fairly tough and is not advised for unfit or frail walkers. Lion’s Head is another popular mountain walk, but again, can be tricky in parts – particularly when ascending and descending the chain ladders. It’s all worth it for the views of Table Mountain, however.
Like wine? Then get a taste for the Cape’s famous wines at Groot Constantia, which has been producing its award winning wining wines since 1685 and is South Africa’s oldest wine farm.
A beautiful way to while away a few hours is at the 528 ha Kirstenbosch Gardens, with its wide lawns and specialist gardens that include a fragrance garden, a protea garden and a cycad amphitheatres. There’s a free tour at 10.45am daily which allows you to fully appreciate the botanical glory and diversity of the gardens.
As the day comes to an end head to the V&A Waterfront for a sundowner overlooking the harbour. Do some last-minute shopping at the upmarket mall before choosing a restaurant for a meal to celebrate an epic day of travel.
