Top 10 Cape Town Attractions
10 Attractions
You Can’t Miss When Visiting Cape Town – South Africa
by: Francois
L. Botha
1. Table Mountain
Table Mountain is arguably the most iconic image of Cape Town. Standing at the
top should top everyone’s list of ‘things to do before you die’. Take the
leisurely route in the slowly revolving cable car, or alternately hike to the
top. Either way you won’t regret it when you get to enjoy the sight of Cape
Town and surrounds from the Table top!
2. V & A Waterfront
Situated at the Cape Town Harbour basin, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is
the most popular venue in Cape Town. With a wide variety of shops, numerous
restaurants and cafes, wine bars, sites of historical and cultural interest and
local craft workshops, you’ll never have a dull moment here, day or night.
3. Wine Farms
From the farms of Constantia in the southern suburbs to the expansive estates
of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franshoek, the Cape boasts some of the most
beautiful wine farms in the world. And it’s a well known fact that they produce
some of the finest wines in the world too! A visit to Cape Town is incomplete
without at least one day spent on the wine route, sampling fine wines, learning
about the history and methodology of winemaking from the experts, enjoying a sumptuous
lunch along the way and coming back laden with some great purchases for the
cellar back home.
4. Robben Island
Site of former president Nelson Mandela’s prison cell where he was confined for
many years prior to his historical release, Robben Island has a very special
atmosphere. Take a ferry from the Waterfront and learn from the guided tours
about the other men who shared the Island with Madiba, and about the incredible
man himself.
5. Cape Point
Who wouldn’t want to say they have stood at the tip of the great African
continent? Once inside the reserve you can make your way to the main parking
area and stroll up the wide paths to the top lookout point. From here the view
is breathtaking - sheer cliffs drop to the crashing waves far below while azure
waters spread out as far as the eye can see to a hazy horizon. On a clear day,
you really can see forever! Enjoy lunch at the excellent restaurant or drive to
one of the sheltered beaches for a picnic.
6. Boulder’s Beach Penguin Colony
Home of a colony of so-called ‘Jackass’ Penguins (so named for the donkey-like
braying sound they make) Boulder’s Beach is situated just past Simon’s Town.
Apart from great penguin viewing, the beach is picturesque and great for
families with its sheltered bay.
7. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
These beautiful gardens at the foot of Table Mountain were established in 1913.
The gardens only grow indigenous South African plants, and cover an area of 528
hectares. Picnic on the green lawns next to bubbling streams, or take advantage
of a guided tour.
8. Top Stones Gemstone Factory and Scratch Patch
Visit one of the Top Stone Gemstone Factories at Glen Cairn or the Waterfront,
for a sparkling and enchanting experience. At the Glen Cairn factory you can
view the stones being washed polished and crafted into curios or jewelry. Trawl
through the walk-in Scratch Patch ‘caves’ and select your own treasures to take
home.
9. Two Oceans Aquarium
Located at the V&A Waterfront, this is South Africa’s largest aquarium. It
has great exhibitions and a strong educational component. The shark feeding
times are always popular with visitors who love to get a close up view of these
awesome creatures without getting wet!
10. District Six Museum
Back in the 1960’s the apartheid government demolished the District Six
neighborhoods, displacing the residents. Of all the museums to see in Cape
Town, this memorial to the glory days and tragic history of District Six is one
of the most interesting and colourful.
22.11.2008. 05:53
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