The Top 5 Landmarks To Visit In Cape Town
If you are taking a trip to Cape Town, you will be inundated with things to do. However, there are certain landmarks that you need to take the time to visit. These landmarks will ensure that you take in the beauty and diversity that Cape Town has to offer.
Table Mountain
The famous Table Mountain is one landmark that you cannot miss when in Cape Town, both visually and as part of your itinerary. The flat-topped mountain is a hiker’s dream with over 300 different routes that you are able to take. However, if you are not the hiking type, you can also take a cable car to the top and not have to worry about anything.
The cable car is something that you might want to think about even if you are an avid hiker. The special revolving floors of the cars provide a 360-degree view of the city and the mountain. You will also be able to get a summer ticket for the sunset special which allows you to see the sunset from the top of one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
Robben Island
Off the coast of Cape Town sits a 5.07 square kilometer island which is famous. Robben Island is where Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27-year prison sentence. The island actually has a very long history of being used as a prison and was first opened as such in the 17th century by Dutch settlers before being used by the British settlers and the South African Government.
Robben Island is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and welcomes thousands of visitors each year. There is a ferry that takes you to the island from the V&A Waterfront. On the island, you can enjoy a guided tour and understand the history of the prison.
Chapman’s Peak Drive
Another landmark that you need to visit is Chapman’s Peak Drive. This is one of the most scenic drives in the world and consists of a 9-kilometer long winding road. The road is carved into the almost vertical face of a mountain and follows the coastline between Noordhoek and Hout Bay.
The drive is affectionately known by locals as Chappies and boasts some of the most sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. You will also be able to see the Sentinel which is the mountain peak that guards Hout Bay. It is recommended that you take your time when driving along Chappies.
The Cape Point Nature Reserve
If you are looking for the natural scenery that Cape Town has to offer, the Cape Point Nature Reserve is the best place to go. From magnificent views of the ocean to secluded beaches and miles of fynbos, there will be something for everyone. The reserve offers a number of hiking trails that you can take along with water sports activities.
The Cape Point Nature Reserve
You could also make your way to the old lighthouse. This can be done by foot or you could take the Flying Dutch Funicular and enjoy the views of the tip of Africa. This nature reserve is located in the Table Mountain National Park and includes the Cape of Good Hope.
The Cape Winelands
No trip to Cape Town is complete without a visit to the Cape Winelands. This landmark can be found just a 30-minute drive out of the city and features some of the most picturesque wine estates in the country. The estates are centered around the towns of Stellenbosch, Constantia, and Franschhoek which date back more than 300 years.
Explore the Cape Winelands
When visiting the Winelands, you need to take your time as you can spend days sipping on award-winning wines. You can also enjoy some of the top cuisines in the country on the wine estates.
