Exciting Places

to visit & see in Cape Town & The Cape Peninsula

Whether as a Cape of Storms or of Hope, or for that matter both, there was total agreement on both the conscious and the instinctive levels that we owe our origin at that Cape to its being the perfect half-way house between East and West.

(Sir Lourens van der Post (1906-1996),

‘The Ambivalent Cape’, Yet Being Someone Other)

60 more worthwhile places to see and visit, both well known and less known.

The Cape Wheel

The Cape Wheel is a 40 metre high observation wheel offering 360-degree views of Table Mountain, Signal Hill, Robben Island, the city skyline, and Granger Bay. It features 30 air-conditioned cabins and offers a 12-15 minute, four-rotation ride. Two cabins are wheelchair-friendly. The best time to visit is often around sunset for especially spectacular views.The site is surrounded by world class restaurants and shops.

Hours: Daily 10am - 10pm

Location: Breakwater Boulevard, V&A Waterfront

Information: 087 4700696 • info@capewheel.co.za

Price: Fee.

Adderley Street Flower Sellers

This is the best place to get freshly-cut flowers from friendly flower vendors. This trade has taken place here for over 100 years.Their bouquets include fynbos species such as King and Pincushion proteas, depending on the season. These flowers are generally a great deal cheaper than anywhere else.

Location: Trafalgar Place, off Adderley Street

Location: Trafalgar Place, off Adderley Street.

Information: https://www.southafrica.net/gl/en/travel/article/flower-sellers-rooted-in-cape-town-flower-sellers-of-adderley-street
Price: Free entrance.

Zeitz MOCAA

In 1924, the Grain Silo at 33 m high was the tallest building in Cape Town but, with the advent of the V&A Waterfront, the historic silo was destined for destruction. This is where history and art meet. Architect, Thomas Heatherwick, through Ravi Naidoo, saved the building by repurposing it as an art venue. Jochen Zeitz built up a collection of contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora to house within the award winning redesigned building. The Zeitz MOCAA opened its doors to the public in 2017 as the premiere and the largest art exhibition in Africa for showcasing contemporary African art.

Location: Silo District, South Arm Rd, V&A Waterfront

Information: www.zeitzmocaa.museum

Tel: : 087 350 4777

Price: Fee.

Houses of Parliament

The Houses of Parliament, built in 1885, make Cape Town the legislative capital of South Africa, whilst the seat of government is in Pretoria. In 1994, the first democratic elections were held and Nelson Mandela opened Parliament in CapeTown. In 2022, a major fire, believed to be started by an arsonist, destroyed large parts of the building which means the building is not able to function as a seat of government. At this present moment, no tours are in operation.
Information: www.parliament.gov.za • Tel:

021 403 2911

Location: Parliament Street, Cape Town

Hours: Check out tour group hours

Price: small fee when open.

In case of

an emergency

+27 21 937 0300

tap here to call

Click here to download a high resolution PDF print file or scroll down to read the entire guide online.

De Tuynhuis

‘The Garden House’ building is the Cape Town office of the president. Built in the 1700s, it has been the official residence for all governors of Cape Town through Dutch, British, Batavian and South African rule. In 1992, on these steps FW de Klerk announced the end of apartheid.

Location: On the Avenue in the Company’s Garden.

Information: www.sa-venues.com/attractionswc/de-tuynhuys.htm

Hours: Not open to the public but can be viewed from the garden.

Grand Parade and City Hall

The City Hall, built in 1905, is a large Edwardian building designed by Henry Austin Reid and Frederick George Green. It is built from limestone imported from Bath, England. It has Africa’s largest carillon of 39 bells. The City Hall is located alongside the Grand Parade (originally known as Wapen Plein) which was the original parade ground for the Castle of Good Hope and the oldest public space in CapeTown. After his release, Nelson Mandela made his first public speech from the City Hall balcony to a vast crowd on the parade and the world.
Location: City Centre Information: www.capetownpartnership.co.za/the-

grand-parade/ • https://www.sa-venues.com/attractionswc/grand-parade.php

Price: Free.

The Attic Exhibition Museum

This exhibition gives visitors a chance to come and rummage through the city’s “attic”.The exhibition tells the story of the history and development of Cape Town, through the art and artefacts in the City’s collection. Together, they create a picture of the people, technology, ideas, and events, as well as the changing values of city governance, that have shaped Cape Town over the years.

Location: Cape Town City Hall Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-3pm

Location: www.capetown.gov.za/TheAttic

Price: Free.

Nelson Mandela Legacy Exhibition

Cape Town City Hall presents a permanent exhibition detailing the legacy of late President Nelson Mandela. The museum-like exhibition includes a timeline of Mandela’s early days, his resistance to Apartheid, his time on Robben Island along with other struggle veterans, as well as his release on 11 February 1990 and subsequent speech delivered on the balcony of City Hall.

Hours: Tue-Fri: 10am - 4pm

Location: 086 010 3089

Price: Free.

Groote Kerk

This is the oldest Dutch Reformed Church in SouthAfrica (1678). It was first a Cape Dutch building but, after many renovations, only the old tower and the ornate pulpit, carved by Anton Anreith, remain. Interesting highlights include the country’s largest organ and the biggest unsupported domed ceiling in the southern hemisphere.

Location: 43 Adderley Street, Cape Town
Information: www.sahistory.org.za/places/groote-kerk-adderley-street-cape-town

Price: Free.

Labia Theatre

The Labia Theatre is the oldest independent arthouse cinema in South Africa and is famed for its old-world charm, showing classic films, independent movies, and hosting niche film festivals. It consists of four screens, a garden terrace, bar and coffee shop. Originally an Italian embassy ballroom, it was opened in 1949 by Princess Labia, hence the name, as a venue for the performing arts. It features curved plaster elements typical of late Art Deco, combined with elements reflecting its Italian origin. It was named one of the 100 greatest cinemas in the world by Time Out Worldwide in 2026.
Location: 68 Orange Street, Gardens

Information: 021 424 5927 • www.thelabia.co.za
Price: free.

The Old Slave Tree Memorial

This was an old fir tree that was cut down in 1916. The site is now an octagonal memorial erected on a traffic island in remembrance of the large number of slaves that were sold under the tree. It serves as a symbol of the immense suffering, endurance, and shared history of slaves in the Cape Colony. “On this spot stood the old slave tree”is inscribed on the plaque. The slave tree also functioned as a gathering for slaves who were not allowed to enter churches. In 1951, the last remnants of the tree were removed as the stump of the tree was destroyed in order to widen the street.
Location: Spin St, Cape Town City Centre
Price: free.

The Pipe Track

By 1881, Cape Town was running out of water from its natural streams.The solution was to install a pipe from Disa Gorge on the back of Table Mountain through the mountain and along the Twelve Apostles. Since then, two dams have been built on top of Table Mountain and a new tunnel added.The Pipe Track started out as a workman’s trail but, because of its location, spectacular views and easy gradient, it has become a popular walking trail.
Location: Starts from the corner of Kloof Nek Road and Tafelberg Road

Information: www.sanparks.org/parks/table_mountain/tourism/safe_hiking.php
Price: Free.

Platteklip Gorge Hike

For anyone visiting Cape Town and once to climb Table Mountain this is your route to the summit. This pass of over 600 m of vertical gain at a moderate gradient can be done by anyone who is relatively fit and is straight forward with now complicated route finding. This was the first route up the mountain undertaken by European explores namely the Portuguese navigator,Antonio de Saldanha in 1503.Come prepared with enough liquids, food and clothing to suit weather changes. Putting the Mountain rescue number in your

phone is advised (021 424 8181)

Location: Tafelberg Rd (look out for starting sign)
Information: https://www.gatewayguides.co.za/tablemountain.html
Price: Free.

Platteklip Contact Zone

(A walk up the Platteklip River from the edge of suburbia to the waterfalls is a worthwhile undertaking in its own right, with its wooden boardwalks, dam, ruin and beautiful scenery, but the reason to visit is because of the geological history that was made here. In 1812, Captain Basil Hall discovered a superb example of granite-intruding sedimentary rock. This prompted Charles Darwin’s visit to Cape Town in 1836 and he confirmed that granite was not sedimentary and was not formed in water.

Location: Bridle Road, Oranjezicht (walk down the stairs)

Price: Free.

Cape Medical Museum

This is a small museum, established in 1986, focusing on medical history of a bygone era, both western and traditional medicine in the Cape. The museum is housed in the residence of the Medical Superintendent of the City Hospital, built by Sir George Grey the Governor of the Cape in 1859.

Hours: Mon-Fri: 9am-4pm

Location: Old City Hospital Complex,Portswood Road, Green Point.
Information:021 418 5663

https://www.capetownmuseum.org.za/the-cape-medical-museum
Price: Free.

Green Point Lighthouse

This lighthouse was first lit on 12 April 1824. It was also the first solid lighthouse built on the South African coastline which, seeing as it is still in operation, makes it the oldest working lighthouse in the country. It initially used a petroleum lantern which had a beam of six nautical miles but, by 1922, it had been electrified, which gave it a range of 25 nautical miles.

Information: https://www.cape-town-heritage.co.za/heritage-site/green-point-lighthouse.html

Location: Beach Road, Green Point

Price: Small entrance fee.

Geological Contact Zone

In 1836, Charles Darwin visited this location which had a major impact on his thoughts on the origin of rocks. The effect of hot magma intruding into Malmesbury Group shale can be clearly seen near Sea Point. Over a mere 150 m of coastline, the transition from undisturbed Malmesbury Group, through a complex mixed rock known as migmatite, to homogeneous granite, is beautifully exposed.A plaque with more information is found at the location.

Information: www.geoscience.org.za

Location: Beach Road, Sea Point

Price: small fee

Oudekraal

Halfway between Camps Bay and Llandudno Beach, you will find Oudekraal. Little coves and beaches, surrounded by high granite boulders, make this a beautiful, uncrowded experience; everyone can find a secluded spot. Oudekraal is managed by SANParks and treated as a nature area. Lawned areas, braai facilities and other amenities are provided.Bring your own food and drink.

Location: On the M6 (Victoria Road) between Camps Bay and Llandudno.
Information: www.sa-venues.com/attractionswc/oudekraal.php
Price: Small fee.

Victoria Road (Twelve Apostles)

This short stretch of road between Camps Bay and Llandudno has to be one of the most scenic city drives in the world. This road runs through a national park and follows the path of the original Khoi cattle track to Hout Bay, which Thomas Bain, the renowned pass and road builder,converted into a road in 1887. Two stopover points along the route are Oudekraal (‘old kraal’), named after the last home of the Peninsula Khoi tribe in 1713 before smallpox and measles reduced their numbers to the point of no return, and beautiful Llandudno Beach, which was inhabited by the Khoi for hundreds of years but only became a township in 1903.
Information: Between Camps Bay and Llandudno
Price: Free.

Sandy Bay

Sandy Bay is a beautiful wild secluded beach with no development.There is no road to the beach. From the parking lot, a 20 minute walk-in is required. By the way, it is a nudist beach, the only one in South Africa. (Go in a group: security has been an issue.)

Location: Turn into Llandudno Road; instead of going down to the main beach, drive straight into Fisherman’s Bend; continue to the end of this road where you will find a small parking lot.
Information: https://www.capetownmagazine.com/sandy-bay

Price: Free

Hout Bay Sand Dunes

For something different, how about a walk on the largest sand dune on the Cape Peninsula with beautiful views overlooking Sandy Bay? This dune once stretched from Hout Bay Beach all the way to Sandy Bay, before the 1950s obsession with development, which destroyed the natural flow of sand and left the dune a fraction of its original size. Location: From Victoria Road, Hout Bay, turn up Helgarda Road, into Edgar Road and then into Eustegia Road, all the way up to the top (parking lot is on the left)

Price: Free.

Click to enlarge

Bay Harbour Market

Once a derelict fish factory, this space was transformed in 2011, thanks to the dream of two friends, into one of the most sought-after indoor markets in CapeTown.This is the place to enjoy live music, taste a variety of foods and pick up some interesting creations from more then 150 stalls.Above all, this is the place where people come to meet, relax and have fun.

Location: End of Harbour Road, Hout Bay

Information: www.bayharbour.co.za

Hours: Every weekend. Fri: 5pm–9pm. Sat and Sun: 9.30am–4pm.

Price: Free entrance.

East Fort Battery

The Battle of Hout Bay took place in 1795 when the British sent in a frigate to test the fortifications of the bay. Both East and West batteries fired on the ship. This was the last recorded time that the East Fort guns were fired in anger. The Battery consists of eight 18-pounder guns placed there by the French. It is one of four coastal fortifications built and developed in Hout Bay during the period 1781–1806.

Information: https://www.theheritageportal.co.za/thread/east-fort-hout-bay

Location: Drive up from Hout Bay for a short distance towards Chapman’s Peak; the fort can be seen on both sides of the road.

Price: Free.

Hout Bay Manganese Mine

Take a torch and take care when visiting these old mine shafts. Manganese hit the headlines when, in 1882, Sir Robert Hadfield discovered that a steel-manganese alloy combined the toughness of steel with the hardness of cast iron. This world-changing discovery led to the Cape Manganese Ore Company Ltd being registered in London in 1905 but, by 1912, the mine, with all its infrastructure including a long chute down the hill and jetty (the pillars of which are visible today), had been closed due to lack of profitability.

Location: Park your car at the East Fort, walk up to the gravel road and, just after the hairpin bend, take the first path on the left; two switchbacks later, move out left for 500 m

Information: http://www.heritageportal.co.za/article/hout-bay-mine-worthy-protection-and-restoration

Price: free.

Cape Point Vineyards

This wine estate is unique as it is the only vineyard found on the Atlantic seaboard and is positioned less than 2 km from the sea. This allows for a different micro-climate from the rest of the vineyards in the Cape, therefore allowing the slow ripening of grapes required for the creation of their award-winning premium wines. The estate can be visited daily for wine tasting, sundowner meals, picnics and, on Thursday, for the market which takes place between 4:30pm and 8:30pm and features local produce from the Noordhoek Valley.

Location: Silvermine Road, Noordhoek.

Information: www.capepointvineyards.co.za
021 789 0900

Price: Free entrance.

Camel Rock

A good place to start in Scarborough is the famous Camel Rock (which does look like a camel, by the way). Surrounding this rock is the beautiful wild seaside village of Scarborough, with its beach a favourite for surfers and kite surfing and beautiful, sheer misty cliffs on the right. Try out the Camel Rock Restaurant on the main road which is a well-known stop for bike runs and sea food.

Location: A few km past Kommetjie just before you turn inland to Cape Point.

Information: www.capepointroute.co.za/seeit-scarborough.php

Price: Free.

The Origins of Early Southern Sapiens Behaviour Exhibition

The exhibition showcases the discovery of early innovative material culture made by our own species, homo sapiens, in southern Africa and it attempts to recreate the life experiences of our early ancestors, living in partnership with nature, including the Great African Seaforest, about 100 000 years ago. It is designed to explore key aspects of archaeological research and is linked to the SapienCE/Wits research programme. You can see first-hand where and how all humans’ ancestors lived.
Location: Between Kommetjie and Scarborough.
Information: https://www.iziko.org.za/ exhibitions/origins-of-early-sapiens-behavior/
Price: Free.

Windmill Beach

This is one of those stunning little beaches surrounded by large granite boulders creating a calm pool for swimming and nooks and crannies for exploring. This is a very safe beach for families, although in 1901 the first recorded shark attack in South Africa took place here when a Boer POW was attacked while bathing. (The golf course above this beach was a POW camp during the Boer War.)

Location: Links Crescent, off Bellevue Road, Simon’s Town (next to the Simon’s Town Country Club)

Information: https://www.sa-venues.com/things-to-do/westerncape/windmill-beach/

Price: Free.

Simon’s Town

In 1687, Simon’s Town was earmarked as a safe winter harbour and was proclaimed as such in 1741. With this long history, there is so much to see, it will definitely take more than a day to explore. The old-world look and atmosphere of this town have not been destroyed with the procession of time. It is worth visiting our “50 Places of Simon’s Town” guide to have a look at a more detailed history and all that can be seen and experienced. Location: End of the railway line from Cape Town.
Information: www.simonstown.com • https://www.gatewayguides.co.za/simonstown.html
Hours: Always open.
Price: Free.

The Simon's Town Ghost Walk

The Simon's Town Ghost Walk is a 2-hour, 2km guided evening tour through one of South Africa's oldest villages. It focuses on paranormal tales, local history, and haunted, historic locations. Led by the extremely knowledgeable André Leibbrandt, embark on a uniquely different experience and listen to stories about Simon's Town's interesting buildings, people and the spectres that haunt this place.
Location: Meet at Jubilee Square, Simon's Town.
Information: 076 190 4081 • andreswalks@gmail.com
Price: Fee.

Red Hill – Kleinplaas Dam

This is one of the best places on the Peninsula for flat, easy walking with no civilisation in sight. Before the 1970s, there was a ‘non-white’ community here but, since the destruction of apartheid, only ruined homes remain.The main attractions are the dam, Grootkop (‘big hill’) and beautiful scenery. Red Hill is also a premier boulder-climbing area.

Information: http://www.cape-hike.co.za/kleinplaas-dam-trail/

Location: M66, Red Hill, first right after Pine Haven. Parking area at entrance to Kleinplaas Dam Road.

Price: Free.

Peer’s Cave & Tunnel Cave

Victor Peers excavated the cave in 1926. He found nine 12 000-year-old human skeletons and ancient implements.

Location: When coming down Ou Kaapseweg towards Fish Hoek, pass the Noordhoek turn-off; the next parking lot on the left on the rise of a small hill is your starting point.Walk along a good path, pass the rock climbing area and tunnel cave, keep going till you walk straight into the cave.You can also access the cave from the Fish Hoek side of Kommetjie Road.

Information: www.antiquityofman.com/ Peers_Cave.html

Price: Free, just some leg work.

Silvermine Nature Reserve

Silvermine Nature Reserve, part of Table Mountain National Park, is a premier conservation area for indigenous fynbos, offering hiking, mountain biking, bird-watching, swimming and picnicking. Key features include a scenic reservoir with a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk, panoramic peninsula views, and challenging bouldering, sports climbing and caving. Dogs are permitted with a Level 1 activity permit and should be on a leash at all times.
Hours: 07:00 –17:00 (Sept–April) or 08:00–16:00 (May–Aug), with seasonal variations.
Location: Ou Kaapse Weg (M3), split into Silvermine East and West

Information: 021 712 7471
Price: Conservation fees apply at the Gate 1, with discounts for Wild Card or TMNP My Green Card holders. Gate 2 is free..

Click to enlarge

Boyes Drive

Named after a mayor of Kalk Bay before the village was integrated with the greater CapeTown Municipality.Drive it, walk it or find a spot to sit and take in the most spectacular view of False Bay. Boyes Drive is the high road that starts at Lakeside and skirts the mountain and drops down into Kalk

Bay. This is a perfect platform for whale watching and is a great start for walks into the Kalk Bay mountains.

Location: Between Lakeside and Kalk Bay.
Price: Free.

Woolley's Tidal Pool

Commissioned around 1911, the tidal pool was designed to offer safe, secluded, shark-protected swimming and is named after the localWoolley family.Fringed by rugged rocks and the rolling hills of the False Bay coastline, this charming tidal pool offers calm, sheltered waters ideal for leisurely swims and family-friendly dips. Unlike the more crowded beaches nearby, Woolley’s maintains a tranquil, off-the-beaten-path atmosphere that makes it a favourite among locals in the know. It is a short walk from the train station and perfect for a stop on a coastal adventure.

Location: Main Road between Kalk Way and Clovelly.
Information: 021 788 1929
Price: Free.

Kalk Bay Theatre

Founded in 2004 by Simon and Helen Cooper, with Nicholas and Liz Ellenbogen, in the old bakery building in Main Street, Kalk Bay. In 2005 the theatre moved to the heritage protected Dutch Reformed Church which was built in 1876. They converted the old church into an intimate 78 seat theatre and restaurant, offering the option of a combined dinner and theatre experience.

Location: Kalk Bay, Main Road.

Information: www.kalkbaytheatre.co.za
021 7887257

Price: fee.

False Bay Nature Reserve

The False Bay Nature Reserve consists of six parts: Rondevlei Section, Zeekoevlei Section, Strandfontein Birding Section, Pelican Park Section, Slangetjiebos Section, and Zandwolf Coastal Section. The reserve is also part of the greater False Bay Ecology Park. Concerned bird lovers established Rondevlei as a bird sanctuary in 1952.Today, it is a well-run nature reserve of 290 hectares in extent with a museum, an auditorium, a network of footpaths, viewing towers, and several bird hides named after well-known birders. There is a permanent wetland with Cape Flats sand fynbos to the north, and seasonal wetlands and Cape Flats dune strandveld in the south.
Location: Corner of Fisherman's Walk and Nuwejaars River Road, Zeekoevlei.
Information: 021 400 9593

www.rondevleinaturereserve@capetown.gov.za
Price: Small fee.

Dalebrook Tidal Pool

Throughout the Cape Peninsula are old natural rock pools or once Khoi fish traps from hundreds of years ago that were build up in the early 1900s into tidal pools. Dalebrook is one of them found at Kalk Bay. This pool was build by F.B. Steer and friends. The pool was enlarged by the municipality in 1914. This pool is named after Lt.Col Henry Ashton’s property which is located just behind the pool, which he had re-named from Scheveningen in 1853.

Location: Main Road Kalk Bay opposite Dalebrook Road.
Information: https://www.sa-venues.com/things-to-do/westerncape/dalebrook/
Price: Free.

Steenberg

Steenberg, known as Swaaneweide in 1682, is almost certainly the oldest farm in the Constantia Valley, even older than Groot Constantia. In the early days, table grapes were its main export. The history of this farm is virtually inseparable from that of its formidable first owner, Trijn Ras. The homestead we see today was built in 1740. Since 1988, Steenberg has been known for its upmarket golf estate, restaurants and wines.

Location: Steenberg Road, Tokai.
Price: Free.

Yokohama

As you leave Muizenberg on your way to St James, for about 500 m there is a row of buildings steeped in history. One of them is Yokohama.This small homestead is worth spending a few minutes looking at from the outside.It would be lovely if someone turned it into a tourist attraction, but sadly it is not open to the public. The uniqueness of this building imported in sections from Japan is that it is made out of paper and has stood here for over a 100 years, defying all that the Cape of Storms has thrown at it.
Location: St James, Main Road.
Information: https://www.falsebayecho.co.za/news/history-of-the-papier-mache-house-5bcca260-565e-4a0d-b54b-e6c4347ae096

021 7887257
Price: Free to view from the road.

Norval Foundation Art Museum

The Norval Foundation is an art museum and sculpture garden with a mission to promote, exhibit and preserve 20th and 21st century modern and contemporary art of Africa, and the diaspora, through curated exhibitions and educational programmes. It acts as a cultural hub combining art, nature, and education and includes a learning centre, and a restaurant.
Location: 4 Steenberg Rd, Tokai

Hours: Wed – Sat 10am - 5pm, Sun & Public Holidays 10am - 4pm
Information: 087 654 5900

www.norvalfoundation.org/

Price: Fee.

Pollsmoor Prison

Considered one of South Africa’s most notorious prison complexes, Pollsmoor Prison is not somewhere you would like to stay! It is, however, worth driving past and stopping to contemplate that one of the greatest men of the 20th and 21st century spent some time here. In 1982, Nelson Mandela, after spending 18 years on Robben Island, was transferred here, as the apartheid government knew its time was up and this was a more convenient place to meet to discuss the way forward. There is also a restaurant, 'Idlanathi' ('eat with us') which is open for breakfast and lunch; it is not only special for its location but also for the staff, as it is fully run by inmates close to the end of their sentence, with the idea to provide them with useful skills for functioning in the outside world.

Location: M40, Tokai Rd. Tokai.
Information: www.mandela.tv/mandela_story5.html
Price: Entry free.

Tokai Arboretum

This is one of the best places to walk under huge old trees and there is a great little tea room.This was an experimental forest with over 100 different trees from all over the world. It was planted by Joseph Storr Lister in 1886. This is also regarded as the main mountain-biking area in Cape Town.
Location: Take the off-ramp from the M3, turn right into Tokai Road, drive straight up to the mountain as far as you can go. At the Manor House, turn left to reach the parking area.
Information: https://www.capetownmagazine.com/tokai-arboretum • 021 712 7471
Price: Free.

Klein Constantia Kramat

This is the holy burial site of Shaykh Abdurahman Matebe Shah, last of the Malaccan sultans. He was one of three prisoners from Batavia banished to the Cape in 1667. He is credited with being one of the first to spread Islam in the Cape when he befriended the slaves in Constantia at this very same spot were he is buried. Visit in reverence. If the caretaker is there, he will tell you some interesting stories.
Information: https://www.transcend.org/tms/2022/08/the-circle-of-peace-and-tranquility-the-karamat-of-the-sultan-shaykh-sheikh-abdurahman-matebe-shah-part-3/
Location: Entrance to Klein Constantia.
Price: Free.

Llandudno Beach, one of the finest beaches in the Cape Peninsula

Vineyard Hotel

The Vineyard is a 4-star luxury hotel with two restaurants, on-site spa, indoor and outdoor pools, a gym, and curated experiences like guided garden walks. The original house was built in February 1800 and was the first English-style house to be built in Cape Town. Original letters and paintings of its first owner, Lady Anne Barnard, are on display in the public areas. Remnants of this historic house can still be seen. However, it is the grape vines and gardens that are the true hero and the reason whyTheVineyard Hotel exists today. It was declared a National Monument in 1977 and is now a Provincial Heritage Site.
Location: Colinton Road, Newlands
Information: 021 657 4500 • www.vineyard.co.za
Price: small fee

Chart Farm

The picturesque Chart Farm offers a farm-style retreat from the city. It prides itself on being the only place in the Cape Peninsula where you can select and pick your own roses. Purchased in 1934,the farm has been in the family ever since. This historic farm currently has over 12 hectares of arable land where you will find an English-style rose garden, grape vines, lemon trees, farm stall, coffee shop, and horse riding with panoramic views stretching all the way to False Bay.
Location: 1A Klaasens Rd, Wynberg.
Information: 079 684 8797
Price: Free to visit.

Kenilworth Racecourse

Kenilworth is a left-handed track and is unique amongst South African racecourses in that it consists of three separate tracks. There is a new track with a circumference of 2800 m and a run-in of about 600 m which is used primarily in summer, and an old track with a circumference of 2700 m and a run-in of about 450 m which is normally used for winter racing.
Location: Rosmead Avenue, Kenilworth
Information: www.caperacing.co.za

Tel: 021 7001600

Rondebosch Fountain

It was here, in 1657, around a circle of thorn trees, that the first Europeans became true settlers when they were given the first title deeds to land in South Africa. In 1791, the fountain was gifted to Rondebosch by George Moodie (mining magnate) and was used for watering horses. It was the first electric lamp post in Cape Town. 2015 saw its destruction by a speeding car. A new fountain was donated to the City by the Simon van der Stel Foundation and Heritage Castings in 2020.

Location: Intersection of Belmont and Main Roads, Rondebosch.
Price: Free.

Josephine Mill

Built in 1840, this water mill was in operation till 1863. By 1930 it had been allowed to fall into disrepair. In 1975, its then heir, Myra East, bequeathed the building to the Cape Town Historical Society which took 13 years to restore it to its former glory.There are plans to re-open the museum and get the mill operative again.You can visit the attached restaurant while looking around.
Location: 13 Boundary Road, Newlands.
Information: www.josephinemill.co.za
Price: Fee.

Woolsack

This little cottage was originally built in the early days of the Dutch settlement. However, after falling into disrepair, it was rebuilt by Sir Herbert Baker under instruction from Cecil John Rhodes, resulting in an interesting blend of Cape Dutch and neoclassical styles. From 1900 to 1907, it was the home during the summer months of Rudyard Kipling (author of The Jungle Book) and his family. Adventures here with a pet kudu and lion (Sullivan) influenced many of his well-known stories.
Location: Observatory Road, Observatory.
Information: http://www.kiplingsociety.co.uk/paper_barben.htm
Price: Free (Try your luck gaining entrance)

Liesbeek Trail

Few people know there is an urban trail that runs nearly the full length of the Liesbeek River, from Kirstenbosch to the Checkers Riverlands in Observatory, on well-maintained walkways and bridges. This walk of just under 9 km follows the historical boundary of the Cape settlement of 1657. The river, originally called theAmstel orVersse Rivier, was the first river that Jan van Riebeeck named.
Location: Kirstenbosch to the River Club. The only section that has to be bypassed is the Vineyard Hotel.
Information: Friends of the Liesbeek: http://fol.org.za/
Price: Free.

The Old Biscuit Mill

The Old Biscuit Mill originated as a Pyott’s Biscuit Company factory, established by Scottish immigrant, John Pyott, in the early 1900s. Operating until 1946, it was a productive industrial site before its revitalisation into a creative hub. Now, it is a vibrant industrial-chic complex featuring designer boutiques, art galleries, and top-tier restaurants. It is best known for the weekend Neighbourgoods Market featuring over 100 specialty traders, food stalls, and a lively atmosphere.

Location: 373-375 Albert Road, Woodstock.
Information: 021 447 8194

www.theoldbiscuitmill.co.za

Hours: Monday to Friday, 10h00 to 17h00.
Price: Free.

Rondebosch Common

These 100 acres of critically endangered Cape Flats Sand Fynbos in the middle of suburbia has always been open land for the people of Cape Town. First it was used as grazing land by the Khoi long before the European settlers. In 1854 the land was granted to the Anglican Church to administrated this ‘Pasturage’ as it was known. In 1804, just before the Battle of Blaauwberg the Batavian forces defending the Cape against the British, used the Common as a military camp. It was also used by the British during the Boer War and both World Wars. Since the last great war this land was used for golf,

cricket, soccer and rugby. In 1961 it became a Provincial Heritage were today it is mainly used for recreational walking.
Location: Between Campground Road and Milner Road, Rondebosch.
Information:

https://www.rondeboschcommon.org.za/history/

Price: Fee.

Killarney International Raceway

What is now Killarney International Raceway began in 1947 as a series of informal ‘sprint’ races along a disused section of the old national road between Milnerton and Malmesbury, and only became a rudimentary circuit with the addition of a link between the ends of the strip in 1952. It is now a world-renowned motorsport venue hosting racing events every Saturday and most public holidays. Operated by the Western Province Motor Club, it features a main circuit, drag strip, and karting track for various national and regional races. Spectators are often allowed to "bring and braai" or use on-site catering.
Location: 6 Potsdam Rd, Table View.

Information: https://wpmc.co.za 021 557 1639
Price: Fee.

For more in depth information on each region explore our other guides

Milnerton Flea Market

The Milnerton Flea Market is a popular weekend outdoor market, offering scenic Table Mountain views. It features over 250 stalls selling second-hand goods, collectibles, furniture, clothes, and bric-à-brac, with affordable coffee and food options available. The market is a "real" flea market/car boot sale, ideal for bargain hunters, collectors, and those looking for unique items or cheap household items rather than high-end crafts. It is dog-friendly.

Location: Marine Drive (R27), Paarden Eiland

Information: 021 551 7879

info@milnertonmarket.co.za

Hours: Sat: 7am–2pm, Sun: 7am–3pm), and public holidays 8am–2pm.

Price: Free to browse.

Cape Town Film Studios

Cape Town Film Studios is the first world-class, custom-built, Hollywood style, film studio complex in Africa, and has been rated as the best film studio complex of its kind in the developing world by international production executives. It is the dedicated hub for media, new media, entertainment, film and related industries in Sub-Saharan Africa – with state of the art facilities and supporting services. Explore the sets of movies and TV shows, walk through the studios, check out a variety of stages and see what it's like to be a film producer.
Information: 021 205 8400

info@capetownfilmstudios.co.za
Location: Film City Boulevard, Faure.
Price: Booking essential, fee.

Blouberg Promenade

This walkway is much smaller then the famous Sea Point Promenade but, what it lacks in length and popularity, it makes up for it with the iconic picture postcard view of Table Mountain and Robben Island.This is a scenic, 5 km walkway running from Dolphin Beach to Big Bay. It is popular for jogging, walking, and cycling and many little rock pools to visit or swim.There are restaurants and cafes as well as ablution facilities nearby and it is easily accessible with plenty of parking.

Location: Marine Drive, Table View/Bloubergstrand.
Information: Blaauwberg Coast Visitor Information Centre: 0861322223 • blaauwberg@capetown.travel
Price: Free.

Robben Island

Robben Island (Dutch for ‘Seal Island’) is flat and only a few metres above sea level, as a result of an ancient erosion event. It is 6.9 km from Cape Town and was first mapped by Europeans in 1488. It was a safe replenishing station for many years until it was fortified and became a place of humiliating incarceration, from Autshumato in the mid-17th century, to its most famous political prisoner, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, who spent 18 years in this prison. It also interned other political activists such as two other former South African presidents, Kgalema Motlanthe and Jacob Zuma. Today,it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and its symbolic value ensures that it is one of the most interesting places to visit in Cape Town.
Information: www.robben-island.org.za

021 413 4200
Location: Table Bay
Hours: Consult tour schedule.

Price: Fee per tour.

The Ice Station

The Ice Station at Grand West Casino in Goodwood is an Olympic-sized skating rink. Two skating disciplines and the public make use of the facilities, including ice hockey and figure skating, with the latter made up of synchronised skating, dance pairs and free skating. The Ice Station is also open to members of the public during scheduled sessions. A variety of shows, entertainment events and competitions, both national and international, are hosted there. It also offers a mini-rink for children. Private ice skating lessons are available for all skill levels and ages.

Information: 021 535 2260 • bookings@icerink.co.za

Location: 1 Jakes Gerwel Dr, Goodwood

Price: Fee.

Ghetto Sessions

Ghetto Sessions is a prominent community-driven event often held at Siki's Koffee Kafe. Founded in 2017 by Siyabonga Mbaba and George Kirkinis, it functions as a monthly, family-friendly gathering, showcasing local music, including an open-mic session, fashion, art, and food to unite city and township spaces. A street is cordoned off and vendors sell everything from Khayelitsha wines to self-crafted accessories.
Information: ghettosessions@gmail.com

Location: 7 Ntaba St,Village 1 South, Khayelitsha.
Price: Small fee.

Notes

It is impossible to include all the interesting places in CapeTown in this guide - it is intended partly to introduce visitors to some of the lesser-known places that may not be particularly geared for the tourist market: some may be relatively unsophisticated; some may be viewed only from the outside.These have, however, been included as they represent the wide variety of attractions that Cape Town has to offer, especially those that have interesting stories or historical significance.There may even be places and stories that some locals don’t know about! All information is given in good faith but, as times and facilities may change, the author and publisher cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies.