City Centre Popular Attractions

Slap bang in the middle of the city is a green oasis and what some locals only think of as a cool spot for a picnic. Well, if you stroll down the garden path you’ll find a lot more than sprawling lawns, lush plantings and luxuriant blooms.A walk back in time Named for the Dutch East India Company, the Company’s Gardens lie alongside the elegant Houses of Parliament and Tuynhuys, the President’s Cape Town residence. Established in the 1650’s by Jan van Rieebeck, the Company’s Gardens was provided fresh produce for the ships and Cape Town’s colonists. In 1848 the Garden became a botanical garden and public park, enticing visitors for a wander around the fountains, rambling lawns, koi fish ponds, Japanese rose garden, aviary, sun dial and some of the country’s oldest cultivated trees. Nut-gobblers? Be prepared to encounter busy squirrels scampering about, stopping only to grasp titbits proffered to them. Most visitors enjoy feeding the Garden's permanent residents, grabbing bags of peanuts from vendors at the Adderley Street entrance.Culture vultures and arty farties head to the Iziko South African National Gallery to check out the empressive collections of South African, African, British, Dutch, French and Flemish art. The Gardens is also home to the Iziko South African Museum with its phenomenal collection of one and a half million specimens. A mosey around the Museum’s halls leaves one with a greater understanding of the earth’s biological and cultural diversity.Beam me up? Next door is the Iziko Planetarium where you can kick back for the ultimate in comfy armchair travel – a cosmic voyage through outer space projected onto an enormous dome.Anyone for tea? Join tourists or lunchtime locals for a feast of scones, jam and cream or homemade apple pie under the boughs of stately old trees at the Company's Garden Tearoom.

A unique combination of cultural and military history, exhibitions and military ceremonies awaits you at the Castle of Good Hope. Also experience the dungeons, dolphin pool, blacksmith, cannon fire, horse and carriage rides and above all the tranquil atmosphere of the Castle of Good Hope.Built between 1666 and 1679 by the Dutch East India Company, better known as the VOC (Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie), this pentagonal fortification replaced a small clay and timber fort built in 1652 by Commander Jan van Riebeeck, founder of the maritime replenishment station at the Cape of Good Hope. The oldest building in South Africa, it is steeped in history but moving with the times.The Castle lends itself to many present day activities, such as open air concerts with Table Mountain as a backdrop, film and fashion shoots as well as a variety of venues for corporate functions and conferences.Guided tours are conducted by Castle guides from Monday to Saturdayat 11:00, 12:00 and 14:00. Traditional ceremonies take place during weekdays.The Key Ceremony was performed in the Castle from its earliest days and depicts the unlocking of the Castle of Good Hope. This ceremony takes place at 10:00 and 12:00 during weekdays.The firing of the signal cannon directly after the Key Ceremony is symbolic to indicate the significance of cannons at the Castle of Good Hope.The Castle Guard performs both these ceremonies. The Castle of Good Hope opens daily at 09:00 and closes at 16:00.

The first of its kind in South Africa, the Wheel of Excellence is an exclusive attraction for the V&A Waterfront during and after the 2010 FIFA World Cup.The stunning situation offers visitors a bird’s-eye view of the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town Stadium, Robben Island, Table Mountain, the City Centre and Paarl mountains.At 50m high, it is a fully illuminated giant observation wheel featuring 36 fully enclosed luxury cabins that will treat visitors to a unique sightseeing opportunity, glass of bubbly in hand! The comfy cabins feature glass floors, air conditioning and LED lighting.This type and size of wheel is a first for Cape Town and South Africa and will be fully operational for an extended period post-World Cup. This particular wheel came directly from the Champs Elysees in Paris where it was a major attraction over the peak Christmas and New Year period.Ticket prices to the Wheel of Excellence cost R80 per person and R50 per child aged 4 to12. Tickets can be purchased at the Wheel of Excellence site or at the V&A Waterfront Information Centre.

Head up Signal Hill to see the the oldest guns in daily use in the world! Cape Town’s oldest living tradition is the Noon Gun, fired every day at 12 pm sharp, except Sundays and public holidays. The 18-pounder, smoothbore muzzle-loaders are still in use today! These are the oldest cannons in daily use in the world.There are actually two on top of the Signal Hill overlooking Table Bay,  one is a back-up should the other misfire. The Noon Gun originated so that ships which had been at sea and lost track of the correct time could re-set their clocks. Even quite far out at sea they could hear the sound, and if not, they would still see the puff of smoke and could work it out from there.Today the sound of this daily Cape Town tradition echoes through the City Bowl, and Capetonians check their watches with a smile. You can watch the daily ritual up on Signal Hill at Lion Battery, from 11:30. To get there head up Military Street in the Bo-Kaap to the Noon Gun. Look for for the sign-post on Buitengracht Street.

Forming the ‘lion’s rump’ for the adjacent Lion’s Head, Signal Hill is a prominent attraction from which the historic Noon Gun is fired at midday.Most people make their way there for the spectacular views across the Cape Town harbour, city and Atlantic Ocean. The family-friendly picnic spots are popular with locals and visitors alike in all seasons.On summer evenings Signal Hill becomes a ‘lover’s lane’ with couples admiring the city lights and the romance of the floodlit background of Table Mountain.The site got its name from the practice of using signal flags to communicate with ships in the bay, and later the famous Noon Gun. The two cannons were brought to Signal Hill in 1902, serving as time signals for ships at anchor. Watch the daily firing of the gun, or bring a picnic and find a spot looking out over the Atlantic Ocean near the parking lot. You could also head down into the Bo-Kaap for a meal at The Noon Gun Tea Room in Longmarket Street.Photo: Lion's Head and Signal Hill – next on the 'to do' list after Table Mountain and Robben Island

“Today when I look at Robben Island, I see it as a celebration of the struggle and a symbol of the finest qualities of the human spirit, rather than as a monument to the brutal tyranny and oppression of apartheid. It is true that Robben Island was once a place of darkness, but out of that darkness has come a wonderful brightness, a light so powerful that it could not be hidden behind prison walls… ' Nelson MandelaThis famous little windswept island has captured hearts and minds around the globe in recent history. Situated just a few kilometers from the glitzy Waterfront, it was “home” to Nelson Mandela for almost 20 years. The intention to silence anti-apartheid leaders by imprisoning them on Robben Island had the opposite effect. Instead Robben Island came under the spotlight as a focal point for international resistance to the regime. Today it has become a symbol of freedom, the transformative power of forgiveness and a place of political pilgrimage. The entire six square kilometer island is now a UN World Heritage Site.In 1961 an austere maximum-security prison was built on Robben Island. It was here that Nelson Mandela was sent after receiving a life imprisonment sentence in 1963. Political and common-law prisoners were initially lodged together. Contact with the outside world was limited to receiving and sending two letters a year. Beatings, hard physical labour in the lime quarry, prolonged solitary confinement and insufficient food, bedding and clothing were endured for many years. Hunger strikes, legal action and international pressure eventually brought better conditions. The prison even became an informal university behind bars, with prisoners tutoring their warders. 1991 saw the release of the remaining political detainees and in 1996 the common-law prisoners were transferred to the mainland.Daily tours depart by ferry from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the Waterfront. The ferry trip takes 30 minutes to the tiny harbour. From there a bus ride takes one to historic places like the kramat, leper graveyard, a church designed by Sir Herbert Baker and the lime quarry where political prisoners endured lengthy hours of tough physical labour. Driving along the shipwreck strewn coast you can spot some antelope, plentiful seabirds and the lighthouse. The last stop is the maximum security prison.The guides are former inmates and will take you along the Footsteps of Mandela tour in the notorious B-section. Mandela’s sparse cell is open, the others locked and empty. The A-section houses the Cell Stories exhibition, evoking the meagerness of prison life. Former prisoners have loaned personal items including an amazing saxophone that works, crafted from found bits and pieces. Have a look at the interesting Smuggled Camera Exhibition in the communal cells. Prisoners managed to slip cameras onto the island in the late 1980s. The enlarged photos are heart warming, giving an indication of their solidarity, friendship and expectancy that it would soon be over. The entire trip lasts three and a half hours and costs around R150. Need to know? Ferries depart at 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm, weather permitting, from Nelson Mandela Gateway, at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. The standard tour to Robben Island is three and a half hours long, including the two half-hour ferry rides. For bookings: (0)21 413 4200. Robben Island MuseumTelephone: +27 (0)21 409 510Nelson Mandela GatewayTelephone: +27 (0)21 413 4200

The multipurpose Green Point Urban Park functions as an inner city “people’s recreation park” for relaxation, education and amusement – beckoning jaded urbanites to get outdoors and play. Energetic types can make use of the fitness park with cycling, outdoor training and gym facilities. Along with these exercising features, the venue includes a play park, an adventure park, learning park for functions and seminars, art exhibition and craft park, concert arena, outdoor markets and more. Areas for relaxation and enrichment include a biodiversity garden celebrating the region’s unique natural heritage and picnic spots. Well-behaved pooches on a leash are welcome in certain areas – make sure you take a poop scoop along. Water features and benches provide pleasant pit stops. Open seven days a week from 07:00 to 19:00.

Get aerial and go up in the cableway for awesome panoramic views of Cape Town - the most spectacular sights are seen from the top of Table Mountain. The Cableway takes you to the summit in under 10 minutes and the cable car's rotating floor ensure that all passengers get a 360 degree aerial view of the city. The cable cars depart every 10-15 minutes weather dependant. What to see Your ascent to the top of Table Mountain takes just under 10 minutes and offers you a 360 degree view of the city. Once on top there are over 2km of pathways leading you to views over Cape Town, Table Bay, Robben Island the Cape Flats and the Cape Peninsula. There are also short walks available or you can join one of free guided tours daily at 10h00 and 12h00. Walks on top of Table Mountain Dassie Walk Offers you spectacular views north, west and south. Agama Walk This popular route has been specially chosen to give you spectacular 360 degree views of Cape Town and Cape Peninsula. Klipspringer Walk This walk offers wonderful views, along the plateau edge to above Platteklip Gorge. In summer you can see the sunshine conebush in full flower. Table Mountain Café Situated right on top, Table Mountain Café offers a trendy menu that caters for the changing demands of the Cableway's visitors. Menu items include pizzas, gourmet burgers, and harvest rice bowls (meals of the day) that showcase Traditional South African cuisine. A selection of pre-packed light meals are available from the gourmet deli. Meals may be complimented with a selection of fine wines. A wide variety of pastries, speciality teas and coffees are also on offer from the coffee bar.

Green Point Lighthouse is an eye-catching landmark in Mouille Point with its bold red and white candy stripes. Dating back to 1824, it was the first solidly constructed lighthouse built on South Africa’s coastline. The original lanterns were equipped with single wick Argand lamps fueled by sperm whale oil. The weak rays could not be seen further than 6 sea miles. In 1865 the tower was extended to its present height and was electrified in 1929. The lantern was replaced with a 3rd order dioptic lens flashing light that can be seen for 25 nautical miles. Visitors can take a self-guided tour inside the tower.

A long standing tradition in Cape Town is to climb Lion’s Head at full moon.The peak forms part of a dramatic backdrop with Table Mountain to the cityscape of Cape Town.Arm yourself with a bottle of Cape bubbly and plonk yourself down on the summit to watch the sun set over the ocean. The 360 degree views of the city and ocean are hypnotic, you won’t want to leave. Be sure to muster up a healthy sized group – it is not advisable to hike alone.You could also get really brave and book a tandem paraglide flight with an instructor. Lion’s Head is a popular launching site for paragliders.

The multitude of Grecian-style columns and host of lion sculptures on the slope of Table Mountain is something of a curiosity. This rather grand, shrine-like structure goes way beyond being a memorial to the imperialist Cecil John Rhodes but it’s a great place to go for tea and take in the magnificent view of bustling Cape Town towards the Helderberg and Hottentots Holland Mountains. Built on the site where Rhodes liked to sit and ponder his future, it was a short ride on his horse from his home at Groote Schuur, where the famous hospital now lies. Rhodes Memorial Restaurant is open 9am to 5pm, 7 days a week.

The University of Cape Town, fondly called UCT, presides over the southern suburbs and Cape Flats from its lofty position on the slopes of Devil’s Peak on Table Mountain. UCT's setting and beautiful historic buildings make it one of the most attractive universities in South Africa.Famous students who have walked its halls include Prof Christian Barnard, the heart transplant surgeon and three Nobel Prize laureates – the writer JM Coetzee, Prof Alan MacLeod Cormack and Sir Aaron Klug.Visitors often walk from UCT to Rhodes Memorial. Another popular spot is the ‘Jammie steps’ leading up to Jameson Hall. These steps used to be the hub of many heated political protests and debates during the Apartheid regime.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is world renowned for the beauty and diversity of the Cape flora it displays and for the magnificence of its setting against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. It comes as no surprise that Kirstenbosch has been voted one of the world’s top picnic spots by National Geographic Magazine. The rolling lawns, over 7 000 plant species and indigenous plants and the rugged slopes of majestic Table Mountain all add up to an experience like no other. Picnicking on the lawns has become a national pastime, particularly when the summer sunset concert series packs the concert lawn to capacity. But even in the winter months, on a sunny day, the blankets and baskets roll out as families enjoy the heritage and beauty that makes the Garden so special. “We rank up there with the world’s top seven botanical gardens and being recognized by one of the world’s top magazines is a proud moment”. said Curator Philip le Roux. See travel.nationalgeographic.com. The estate covers 528 hectares and supports a diverse fynbos flora and natural forest. The cultivated garden (36 hectares) displays collections of South African plants, particularly those from the winter rainfall region of the country. The Visitors' Centre includes an information desk and various retail outlets and a nursery. The Centre for Home Gardening has outlets for plants and other services to support the home garden. There are also several restaurants and coffee shops at Kirstenbosch. On Sundays during the summer months from December to March, musical sunset concerts are held on the lawns. Craft markets are also held at the Stone Cottages (opposite Kirstenbosch) on the last Sunday of every month (except June, July and August). Physically challenged visitors should contact the information office in advance to book a wheelchair or one of the golf cart/shuttle tours. A number of trails lead through natural forest and fynbos surrounding the developed garden. A map is obtainable from the Information Office for a small fee. Open 365 days a year 08:00 – 19:00 (September to March) and 08:00 – 18:00 (April to August).

The Hout Bay Harbour is the main attraction in Hout Bay and also one of the busiest harbours in the Western Cape with a thriving tuna, snoek and crayfish industry. Within the working harbour is the Hout Bay Yacht Club which provides moorings for recreational, fishing and sailing boats alike. Several seafood restaurants are situated within the harbour. Next to the harbour is a long white stretch of beach that is popular with tourists, locals (and their dogs) as well as horse riders.

Chapman’s Peak Drive is an exhilarating nine kilometre road cut into the mountainside with sheer cliffs dropping into the sea. The route snakes its way between Hout Bay and Noordhoek along the rocky Atlantic Coast. Close to the most south-western tip of South Africa, it is one of the most magnificent ocean drives on the planet. A number of viewpoints and picnic spots allow you to stop and gaze at the breathtaking panoramic seascape and landscape of Hout Bay and the Sentinel. During whale watching season the high points are often excellent spots to watch the Southern Right Whales in the bay. Constructed during the First World War, the route is now operated as a toll-road after extensive safety upgrades were made. It has advanced security equipment, surveillance cameras monitor conditions and it is also patrolled regularly. If the weather is dodgy it is best to phone before making the trip as it could be closed. This is not an easy trip for anyone who suffers from acrophobia!

Kalk Bay Harbouris a picturesque but thriving fishing harbour where members of the local fishing community are out daily in their traditional fishing boats earning their living.Take a stroll along the harbour wall to check out the colourful vessels.Bright blues, reds and yellows are the norm.Names like Star of the Sea, Amber Rose, Gold Pearl and Antoinette tell of the high regard with which these sailors hold their vessels. The majority are wooden creations.Learn how to fish from real fishermen – those who make a living by catching Cape fish.Apparently, there is still a loyal market for fresh fish.Witnessing this is a cultural experience.Kids love to look at the harbour seals waiting for scraps of fresh fish.Kalk Bay is also a hub of outdoor action – from sea fishing to harbour wall angling. Kalk Bay has one of the best reefs in Cape Town for surfing and the fascinating Kalk Bay caves for landlubber adventures.While out for a fishing boat tour you will have the opportunity to observe seals, dolphins, Great White Sharks and in season Southern Right Whales in their natural habitat.These giants come to calve in False Bay between June and October each year.It’s hard to believe that retro Kalk Bay is actually part of Cape Town. The pace differs – colourful folk stroll along the wharf and browse the quirky shops, others sip on superb Cape Wines and cold beers while surfers ride the breakers.Nestled between the mountains and the sea, is just a 30 minute drive from the centre of Cape Town yet a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city.For scuba divers the harbour wall offers an interesting dive, but there're plenty more spots in the area. Popular restaurants to suit all pockets are right on the water's edge.

Visit a sparkling, colourful Alladin's Cave with your little ones. The Scratch Patch and Mineral World Gemstone shop is an awesome spot for young and old to relax while foraging for your own gemstones. Visitors can purchase fabulous, affordable gifts at the shop in addition to their collected treasures. Topstones is also worth a visit - see how rough stone is polished at the world's largest gemstone tumbling factory.

Red Rock Tribal is not your usual curio shop! Supporting and empowering local artists throughout southern Africa, Red Rock is a treasure trove of interesting and eclectic art. Their mantra is 'the world is full of waste - but not all of it is rubbish!' Here you'll find innovative crafts that are humourous, clever as well as trendy and sometime carrying a social message. Red Rock Tribal are also specialists in old tribal artefacts that have been sourced from various African countries. Definitely worth a visit! Need to know? Shop hours are 9:30 - 5:30 7 days a week.

Step into a Victorian-era general dealer in historic Dorp Street. Yesteryear's Oom Samie se Winkel trades today in much the same way as it did back then. As you enter, the pungent aroma of dried fish, spices, tobacco and leather fills your nostrils. Rummage through the shelves to find old fashioned sticky toffees, boiled sweets, collectible books, vintage clothing and authentic old butter churns. You might even walk out armed with a rare antique along with your purchases of fruit, vegetables, wine, biltong and bokkoms. This nostalgic store also operates a wine boutique specializing in exceptional vintages and unusual releases. Here you can purchase a special gift or fine wine and they will pack and ship it to destinations across the globe. Celebrate afterwards at Oom Samie's adjoining restaurant, the Koffiehuis.

Duckitt Nurseries is the largest orchid nursery in South Africa, if not the southern hemisphere. They specialise in growing Cymbidium orchids as cut flowers, mainly for export to Europe and the USA while many other varieties and hybrids are sold as pot plants in South Africa.  The nursery is open to the public on the first Saturday of the month from May to November from 09:00 to 12:00, where visitors will experience a spectacle of incredible flowers. Entrance is free, and plants and flowers are for sale in the pack-shed. The green house with the most spectacular display of flowers is also opened to the public.  Don't miss the annual Orchid Show on Oude Post Farm on the third weekend in September (which takes place at the same time at the Darling Wild Flower Show). This is a fully landscaped show with a tea room and sales area. Many popular and interesting new varieties of orchids can be purchased.