Plan your trip
  • Hotels
  • Apartments
  • Vacation Rentals
  • Bed & Breakfasts
  • Villas
Cape Town

Cape Town Attractions

Your guide to the essential places to visit in Cape Town, South Africa.

Things to do in Cape Town – top Cape Town must-see attractions

Cape Town is a city where dramatic natural landscapes meet centuries of layered history, making its landmarks some of the most varied and recognizable in the world. You'll find everything from a 17th-century colonial fortress and a colorful hilltop neighborhood museum to a notorious island prison and a soaring flat-topped mountain. Hike Lion's Head for panoramic views, explore the Castle of Good Hope's military history, or get face-to-face with marine life at Two Oceans Aquarium. Here's your go-to list of places to visit in Cape Town, South Africa, so you know exactly where to head first.

QUICK browse:
Nature reserves
Nature reserves
Museums
Museums
Historic Site
Historic Site
Peaks
Peaks
Mountains
Mountains
Botanical Gardens
Botanical Gardens
Table Mountain
Nature Lovers
Table Mountain
Why visit?
  • Cable car to the summit
  • Flat-top plateau trails
  • 360° coastal views
Two Oceans Aquarium
Families
Two Oceans Aquarium
Why visit?
  • Two ocean fish species
  • Touch pool exhibits
  • Penguin habitat display
Castle of Good Hope
History Geeks
Castle of Good Hope
Why visit?
  • 17th-century fortification
  • Military museum collection
  • Oldest colonial building
Lion's Head
Adventure Seekers
Lion's Head
Why visit?
  • Circular hiking trail
  • City and ocean panorama
  • Sunrise photo spot
Signal Hill
Nature Lovers
Signal Hill
Why visit?
  • Sunset viewpoint
  • Paragliding launch site
  • City skyline overlook
V&A Waterfront
Shoppers
V&A Waterfront
Why visit?
  • Waterfront dining options
  • Retail and craft market
  • Harbor and mountain views
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Nature Lovers
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Why visit?
  • Fynbos biome gardens
  • Amphitheater concerts
  • Mountain backdrop trails
Robben Island
History Geeks
Robben Island
Why visit?
  • Nelson Mandela's cell
  • Ferry ride from Cape Town
  • Limestone quarry site
Cape Point Nature Reserve
Nature Lovers
Cape Point Nature Reserve
Why visit?
  • Dramatic cliff scenery
  • Cape of Good Hope trail
  • African penguin colony
Bo-Kaap Museum
History Geeks
Bo-Kaap Museum
Why visit?
  • Malay heritage exhibits
  • Brightly painted facades
  • Bo-Kaap neighborhood walk
Cape Town
South Africa
South Africa

Plan your next unforgettable trip with insider tips, curated experiences, and trusted traveler reviews.

With travelers' reviews from:

Tripadvisor

Plan your trip

  • Hotels
  • Apartments
  • Vacation Rentals
  • Bed & Breakfasts
  • Villas

© 2026 Visit Cape Town. All rights reserved.