Cape Town sightseeing Tips

A Practical Guide to Cape Town’s Most Popular Attractions

Cape Town is compact geographically but its popular attractions require realistic time planning. Below you will find practical guidance on time allocation, ticket prices, peak congestion periods, and strategies to avoid queues and maximise value at each major site.

Table Mountain

If you want to venture to the top of Table Mountain, good planning is required. As the day heats up, clouds form and wind picks up. It is common for the cableway to stop running because of the weather conditions in the afternoons. You might have seen the so-called “tablecloth” covering the mountain: a sheet of white clouds? You don't want to be caught up in that. You'll be cold and unable to come back down other than walking down the back of the mountain which takes several hours.

The sensible thing to do is not book tickets in advance but go up when the weather forecast at night calls for calm conditions in the morning. Aim for the 8am slot because there won't be long queues and you're highly likely to be able to come back down after a couple of hours with the cableway. Even on a warm morning in Summer it does get cold up there because you are more than a kilometre above sea level. Remember to take a jacket; it gets chilly. There will be a short queue at the base of the cable car station and it is somewhat pricey, but the views are worth it.

You reach the lower cableway station by car, driving up from the City Bowl at the foot of the mountain, using Kloof Nek Road which becomes steeper as you drive up it. This road cuts between Table mountain proper and Lion's Head to the right. As you approach the crest of the gap between the two, you'll come to a sign-posted decision point: turning left takes you to the cableway station, so take that turnoff (exit). If you go staright you'll go downhill to Camp's Bay, while turning right takes you to Lion's Head and Signal Hill.

Time Allocation

• Cableway return visit: 2–3 hours
• Hike up + cableway down: 4–5 hours
• Hike up and down: 5–7 hours

Cost (International Adult)

• Return cableway ticket: approx. R420–R490
• Afternoon tickets slightly cheaper
• Hiking only: Free

Busiest Periods

• December–February
• 10:00–14:00 daily
• Weekends and sunset hours

Practical Tips

• Buy tickets online in advance
• Go at opening time or late afternoon
• Always check wind conditions before heading up
• Walk beyond the main viewing deck for quieter viewpoints

Boulders Beach (Penguins)

Boulders Beach is just south of Simon's Town, a minute by car. Here is where you can see the African penguins in their habitat. There is a public car park but by noon it is usually full. The beach is a controlled experience by way of paid entry and sign-posted boardwalk. You will see more tourists than penguins; it's that popular. It is possible to go on the beach if a local shows you the hidden path, and you can swim but the water is cold, warmest in the shallows. If you visit the penguins by car, when leaving, please remember to check under your car to see if any penguins are hiding under it.

Time Allocation

• Boardwalk visit: 60–90 minutes
• With swimming/beach time: 2–3 hours

Cost

• Conservation fee: approx. R245 per adult

Busiest Periods

• Midday 11:00–15:00
• December–January
• Weekends

Practical Tips

• Arrive early morning or after 16:00
• Combine with Cape Peninsula drive
• Use boardwalks for best penguin viewing

African penguins bray like a jackass donkey and locals thus call them "Jackass penguins". So small yet so loud.

Robben Island

This island is one of the times when the seriousness of South Africa's sad history hits you. This is not like Alcatraz in San Francisco, Robben Island is where people were made to suffer because of what they believed in. If you only want to experience a light-hearted Cape Town, then you might want to skip this experience. If you want to have a more rounded understanding of South Africa's complex history, then this is a must-do option.

In the Summer months you need to book weeks in advance, but even in the quieter seasons you need to book a few days in advance. The Winter months are more prone to delays or occasional cancellations if the sea is too rough. The ticketing booth is found in the V&A Waterfront - just look for the large white ferry that carries visitors out to the island in the bay. There are 4 tours a day, departing every 2 hours starting at 9am.

Time Allocation

• Full experience: 3.5–4 hours (fixed schedule)

Cost

• Tour including ferry: approx. R600 per adult

Busiest Periods

• Year-round high demand
• Summer peak (December–February)

Practical Tips

• Book well in advance
• Schedule buffer time for ferry delays
• Morning departures usually calmer
• Sit inside the ferry if you don't like wind

V&A Waterfront

The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is the premiere retail development in South Africa. For many years it was the most expensive and profitable retail space in the Southern Hemisphere. It is a vibrant mix of the most expensive fine dining restaurants in Cape Town alongside cheaper chain eateries. The Ocean Basket restaurant on the top floor closest to the mountain has a panaromic view over the development, but you need to get a table on the patio and that is down to luck.

An upmarket mall and cinema complex complement the new Zeitz contemporary art museum and the Cape Wheel. Strolling around you'll enter a dreamlike state as you pass through the handicrafts shed, tourist curio shops and come across live entertainers.

The excellent Two Oceans Aquarium will entertain and educate all who enter, while nearby you can make use of getting tickets for the hop-on hop-off tour bus for another day's sightseeing.

Time Allocation

• Quick stroll: 1–1.5 hours
• Dining/shopping: 3–6 hours

Cost

• Free to enter
• Individual attractions priced separately

Busiest Periods

• Weekends
• Cruise ship docking days
• Summer afternoons

Practical Tips

• Visit weekday mornings
• Explore quieter harbour sections
• Dine slightly away from prime waterfront frontage to save money
• The most expensive parking is closest to the action; +/- R10 an hour

Cape of Good Hope

Also known as "Cape Point" this is the southermost extremity of the Cape Peninsula. It is where the Indian Ocean and Atlantic Ocean meet. It is not the southern tip of Africa: that's Cape Agulhas, a day's drive away.

Time Allocation

• Main viewpoints only: 2–3 hours
• With short hikes: 3–4 hours
• Full peninsula drive: 6–8 hours

Cost

• Conservation fee: approx. R515 per adult
• Optional lighthouse funicular: small additional fee

Busiest Periods

• December–February
• Midday tour bus peak

Practical Tips

• Arrive at park opening
• Self-drive for flexibility
• Walk beyond the main lighthouse for quieter views

Two Oceans Aquarium

Easily the best aquarium in South Africa today and one of the best in the southern hemisphere. Here you can learn about the abundance of sealife around Cape Town that is borne out of the two oceans meeting nearby - hence the name.

Suitable for all ages, the huge glass wall with sealife behind it leaves children spellbound. You are free to move at your own pace, but it can feel chilly in places, so a light jacket is advised. Feeding times for various creatures are displayed on boards dotted around the facility. The penguins attract a lot of attention, especially at feeding times, so if interested, get there early to secure a good viewing spot.

Time Allocation

• Standard visit: 1.5–2 hours
• With children: 2.5–3 hours

Cost

• Approx. R235–R265 per adult

Practical Tips

• Visit at opening time on weekdays
• Check feeding schedules
• Combine with Waterfront visit

Lion’s Head

If you attempt the hike up Lion's Head, only if you are quite fit should you count on getting to the top. The last 100 yards is quite demanding. Metal ladders and iron chains are involved. You can stop whenever you like, you'll have great views from anywhere along the route. Only at the pinnacle of Lion's Head will you have a 360 degree view of Cape Town. Remember to check the weather forecast and take a light jacket. Popular at sunrise and sunset, but if doing the latter don't leave it too late because coming back down in the dark can be tricky.

Lion’s Head can only be reached by car, which you can leave in the small parking area (usually full all day) at the base or further along the road where a car guard will keep watch over it.

Time Allocation

• Return hike: 2.5–3 hours

Cost

• Free

Practical Tips

• Choose sunrise for fewer crowds
• Avoid windy conditions
• Bring water and proper footwear

Signal Hill

Attached to Lion's Head is Signal Hill, a lower but easier venue to take in the views. It has a tarred road running the length of it. People drive to Signal Hill via Kloof Nek Road and find somewhere to park at the side of the road on the hill. You can have a picnic at the parking area at the end of the road or take in the sunset. There is a large tarpaulin laid out on the ground for picnics next to the car park. Lion's Head is for the energetic adventurer, while Signal Hill is an easy, genteel experience.

Time Allocation

• Viewpoint stop: 30–60 minutes
• Sunset picnic: 1.5–2 hours

Cost

• Free

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Cape Town is home to the smallest floral kingdom on the planet: Fynbos. Kirstenbosch National Botanic Garden is a mecca for botanists from around the world. You don't need green fingers to enjoy and appreciate what is on offer here.

It is permitted to enjoy a picnic in specific areas, but be mindful of the pristine environment and don't leave anything on the ground. You'll need to bring your own blanket, otherwise there is a tearoom onsite near the entrance for weary feet.

The garden is essentially located in Constantia in the Southern Suburbs. It is possible to visit as part of a day of driving towards other attractions further south in the peninsula.

Time Allocation

• Quick highlights visit: 1.5–2 hours
• Relaxed exploration: 3–4 hours

Cost

• Approx. R250 per adult

Practical Tips

• Visit weekday mornings
• Walk the Boomslang canopy bridge
• Bring picnic supplies for longer stays

Chapmans Peak Drive

This is possibly the best scenic drive in the world. Think Amalfi Coast meets Big Sur, but compressed, safer and better. There are several safe parking areas en route where you can park, get out and enjoy the views.

Don't start from the north side in the city as the passenger will only see rockface to the left and the driver sees the middle of the road. This road is a toll road where you pay in cash at a booth on the route, but its cheap.

The best way to do Chapmans Peak Drive is to head south towards Fish Hoek, driving along the eastern side of the mountain (city road labels are: M3 then M75). This drive in itself can take up to an hour, but vistas become scenic as you go. Once in Fish Hoek follow signs for "M6 - Noordhoek"; it becomes hilly because you're now cutting across the peninsula. The green road signs will begin to mention "Chapmans Peak Drive", officially labled "M6". Thus you'll start the drive from the southern side at Noordhoek, which itself has a stunning white sandy beach visible from the hill where the Drive starts.

Once on the drive you'll then be heading north with the Atlantic Ocean to your left. Cars in SA are right-hand drive, so the passenger on the left will be able to view the ocean, bays and beachside villages more easily, as will the driver. Depending on the season (Winter and Spring) and if you're lucky, you'll get to see Southern Right whales in the bays and coves.

When you're back home and you see a car advertisement on a screen, it was likely filmed along this road. You might even recognise a few spots.

At the halfway point, some locals like to divert off the road into Hout Bay to go enjoy freshly caught seafood at the fishing port. Being there at lunchtime is ideal. There you might even spot a seal or two loitering for scraps.

Rejoining the M6 road will take you past LLandudno which has a quaint beach but small, tricky car park. Driving further along you'll arrive at Camps Bay; always great to stop for dinner along the main road here as the sun sets. Most people continue along this coast road which brings you out at Sea Point.

Time Allocation

• Quick highlights visit: 1.5–2 hours
• Relaxed exploration: 3–4 hours

Cost

• R66 per passenger vehicle; R43 for motorcycles; R267 for minibuses

Practical Tips

• Visit weekday mornings; weekends get busy
• Sunset drive might be blinding
• Remember to drive on the left
• Have sufficient cash to pay the toll fee
• Locals call this drive "Chappies"

Chapmans Peak Drive is arguably the best scenic drive in the world. Tip: Just be sure to start from the southern end because we drive on the left in South Africa; you'll get better views that way.

Excursions and Daytrips from Cape town

There are no places in Cape Town to see the big wild animals that people associate with South Africa. Those are predominantly found in the north-east of the country, 3 hours flying time away. However, there are small private game ranches that are a 2 hour drive away from Cape Town. You book, they might collect you very early in the morning or you can drive out to them. These can be done in a day, with a late return, so it is a long day, but the memories will last a lifetime. You can also stay overnight at some of these game farms if your budget and timing allows.

If you visit the nearby wine farms of the Cape Winelands (of which there are hundreds), try to do so on weekdays. On weekends it gets very busy, finding parking becomes a problem and it feels like a rushed experience. Sitting on a verandah (“stoep” in SA parlance) having a leisurely fine lunch, quaffing perfectly chilled, locally made wine as you take in the sublime scenery is an experience to be savoured, not rushed.

I would advise using the N1 national road to head north-east out of Cape Town to reach the Winelands. The southerly N2 is the more direct route to approach Stellenbosch from the south, but it is riskier because of the shantytowns that are either side of that road.

Time & Cost Summary Table

Cape Town offers an abundance of things to see and do, a workable plan avoids disappointment. Draw up a list of the sights you want to see, calculate how much time that will all take using the information above. From there make a plan about the logistics involved. It would be a shame to miss out on a potential highlight because of inadequate planning.

Cape Town's Beaches

Cape Town has beaches for every purpose and every type of visitor — but they are not interchangeable, and choosing the wrong one on the wrong day in the wrong wind makes for a miserable experience. The single most important thing to understand is the wind. Cape Town's prevailing summer wind is the south-easter, locally known as the Cape Doctor. When it blows — and in December and January it blows hard and often — it divides the city's beaches into two entirely different worlds: the Atlantic Seaboard beaches (Clifton, Camps Bay) become sheltered and pleasant while the False Bay beaches (Muizenberg, Fish Hoek) get hammered, and vice versa in winter when the north-westerly takes over. Check the wind direction before you choose your beach. The app Windy is accurate for Cape Town conditions.