Top Three Places to Visit in Cape Town

Posted by Rachel in Cape Town on 07 7th, 2010 | No comments yet - be the first one!

A visit to Cape Town in South Africa will provide you with no shortage of things to do and places to see. But if you’ve got limited time, here’s our pick of the top three must-see places to visit in Cape Town.

1. Table Mountain

Take a cable car up Table Mountain in Cape Town

One of the most famous landmarks in Cape Town, Table Mountain rises high above the city and is over 260 million years old. The highest point reaches 1085m or 3559ft. A World Heritage Site, it’s home to fynbos, an endangered collection of plants and shrubs.

Cable cars will take you up the mountain at regular intervals throughout the day – as one goes up, another goes down – and it takes less then 10 minutes to reach the summit of Table Mountain. The cable cars give fantastic 360 degree views, and at the top, you can enjoy exploring some of the 2km of pathways or simply enjoy more of the spectacular sights from the 12 or more viewing decks.

2. Robben Island

A former site of imprisonment from the 17th to 20th centuries, Robben Island is located off the coast of Cape Town and is must-visit location. Some of South Africa’s most famous political prisoners were held here, including Nelson Mandela, and since 1999, the island has become a World Heritage Site.

Ferries depart four times a day, weather permitting, from the Victoria and Albert (V&A) Waterfront in Cape Town. You can book your tickets in advance and online, or buy them from the ticket office at the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront. Tours of Robben Island last for three and a half hours, which includes the two half-hour ferry crossings.

3. Victoria and Albert Waterfront

Located in the heart of Cape Town and with the stunning Table Mountain as its backdrop, the Victoria and Albert Waterfont successfully blends together the old and the new in Cape Town.

The historic harbour, which started off life as a small jetty, built in 1654 by Jan van Riebeeck, has been transformed into a thriving hub of museums, shops, restaurants and nightlife. Whether you want to soak up the atmosphere of Cape Town, dine in one of the many international restaurants, or take to the sea for a spot of adventure or excitement, the Victoria and Albert Waterfront is the place to be.