Cape Town is the second-most populous city in South Africa. In addition, it is considered one of the multicultural cities in the world. Therefore, it is the main destination for tourism, work, or study. Through this article, you will be able to know the best places that you cannot miss. Cape Town has amazing landscapes and various activities that you are sure to want to do. Even more so if you have decided to stay and live for a while in this city.
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Table Mountain
If you travel to Cape Town, Table Mountain is one of the destinations that you cannot miss on your list. Here, Table Mountain overlooks this city from the west. In addition, it is represented on the city’s flag and on government insignia. Table Mountain is a major tourist attraction in the area. We can even go up to the top in a cable car. On the other hand, you can also do the tour on a hiking trail on foot.
However, the main feature of this mountain is a plateau of 3km from side to side. This is surrounded by rugged cliffs. At the highest point is the Maclear Lighthouse. A mound of stones built-in 1865 by Thomas Maclear used for his trigonometric investigations.
On the other hand, at the lower station of the cable car, you will find the Tafelberg road. A road that goes up to the top of the mountain. There are shops to buy souvenirs and some viewpoints.
Cape Town: Bo-Kaap
Bo-kaap is a neighborhood located on Signal Hill in the center of the city. This place a very quaint and multicultural. In addition, its main attractions are brightly painted houses and cobblestone streets. Also, in Bo-kaap we can find restaurants, museums, and a mosque.
The reason why people began to paint the houses in different colors is unknown. However, it is said that years ago these houses were white. Later, the residents of this area decided to paint them for the holidays of the end of Ramadan. On the other hand, the museum is located on Wale Street, an area where Abu Bakr Effendi lived. This was a Muslim religious leader who founded the Arabic school. In addition, he wrote the book believed to be the first in the Afrikaans language.
Lion’s Head
Lion’s Head is a renowned Cape Town Mountain located between Signal Hill and Table Mountain. The peak is named after the Dutch. In addition, they nicknamed the Mountain of Signal Hill as Lion’s Tail. Because both cliffs look like a crouching lion. On the other hand, the only way to reach the top is through a footpath. The trip lasts almost two hours.
Best of all, from the top, you can enjoy beautiful views of the city. This magical place is worth photographing. For this reason, your cell phone or your camera are essential during the tour. Without a doubt, a basic place to discover in Cape Town.
Historic Harbor Victoria and Alfred
If you are looking for restaurants with terraces and views of the sea, we recommend the coast of the port. In addition, through the streets, you can find open-air shows and views that will impress you. Within this area are the Victoria & Alfred shopping center and the SPA hotel. Also, there are other tourist services. For example, boats that carry out excursions and more attractions for the public.
Without a doubt, a perfect destination to enjoy a walk with family or friends. The night lighting of the buildings next to the port will give it a special touch.
Cape Town: Robben Island
Robben Island is located 12km off the coast of Cape Town. Also, here is the prison with the same name. Nelson Mandela and other well-known characters were imprisoned there. The name of this island in Dutch means Island of the seals. Best of all, you can schedule an organized visit. Through this, you will travel by boat from the Cape Town coast to Robben Island. The transfer is made by bus to the penal building.
Bloubergstrand Beach
Bloubergstrand is a beautiful white sand beach on the Atlantic Ocean. The water on this beach is cold, so it is not a good option to spend a year. However, the blowing wind has made it a popular destination. Mainly for fans of windsurfing or kitesurfing. On the other hand, it is also the ideal place to walk by the sea. With spectacular views of Table Mountain, restaurants, and more.
Zeitz MOCAA
Zeitz MOCAA is Cape Town’s contemporary art museum. It was built on an old grain warehouse and opened in 2017. It currently houses a collection of European paintings. From 1400 to modern South African art. It has ten floors and for this reason, it is considered one of the largest museums in the world.
Also, the building houses more than eight galleries within the facilities. It has a sculpture garden, restaurants, shops and more. Without a doubt, it cannot be missing from your list of places to visit.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden
Currently, this is the largest botanical garden in the world. It is located near Table Mountain. Here, more than 9000 different species of plants are found within an area of 500 hectares. In 2004 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was even the first garden to receive this distinction.
On the other hand, inside the garden, there is a research center and a library. Also a hanging forest, growing area, and more.
Cape Town: Boulders Beach
Boulders Beach is part of Table Mountain National Park. The highlight here is a penguin colony. These were established here in 1982. Within the tour, you will come across nests of these animals. When you get to the beach, you will see some penguins moving around the area.
Long Street
Long Street stands out for being a place full of culture in Cape Town. This site has a length of 3,800m. Here there are restaurants, bars where you can listen to music or drink beer. In addition, places where Africans exhibit and share their art. On the other hand, the buildings have a Victorian style and different colors and facades. Long Street is not only the longest street in this city. It also represents the bohemian and multicultural essence of the city.
