From the iconic Table Mountain that looms over the skyline to the colorful streets of Bo-Kaap, this coastal gem is packed with landmarks that tell the story of Cape Town’s vibrant culture, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or simply looking to soak in some incredible views, Cape Town’s landmarks offer something for every type of traveler.
Landmarks in Cape Town
Cape Town
Cape Town is a port city in South Africa. It’s the legislative capital of South Africa and the second-most populous city in South Africa. Located on the Cape Peninsula, it is surrounded by Table Mountain National Park and lies at the foot of Signal Hill to its northeast. Cape Town’s metropolitan area is one of South Africa’s most diverse, with people from all over the world calling it home.
Cape Point
Cape Point is one of the iconic landmarks in Cape Town. It is famous for its scenic beauty, especially during the sunset and sunrise, and has become a popular tourist attraction. The most notable feature at Cape Point is its lighthouse, which is open to visitors throughout the year. Cape Point can be reached by car, bicycle, or on foot from Simon’s Town or Fish Hoek (about 5 kilometers) where there are large parking lots with toilets and picnic areas available for public use.
It is an ideal place for viewing whales & dolphins during winter months when they migrate southward along Africa’s west coastline towards Antarctica.
Table Mountain
Table Mountain is a flat-topped mountain forming a prominent landmark overlooking Cape Town, South Africa. It is a World Heritage Site and forms part of the Table Mountain National Park. The mountain’s famous features include the flat top, steep sides and tall cliffs with numerous hiking trails on its slopes.
Table Mountain was created about 150 million years ago by volcanoes that erupted through a fault in the Earth’s crust, pushing up layers of sedimentary rock that were then eroded over millions of years to form what we see today.
Robben Island
Robben Island is a small island off the coast of Cape Town. It’s most famous as the site where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned during apartheid. The island can be visited on a day trip, which was once used to house political prisoners under apartheid rule. The tour includes a round-trip boat trip from the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town.
Robben Island is accessible by ferry from Cape Town’s Waterfront.
It’s best to arrive early in the morning for your tour; we recommend getting there very early, so you have time to explore before your scheduled tour starts.
District Six Museum
The District Six Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of Cape Town. It’s also a prominent place to learn about local culture and heritage, as well as one of the best museums in town for the family. The museum celebrates the rich history of Cape Town, which stretches back thousands of years. But it focuses on events that took place during the apartheid era.
Bo-Kaap
Bo-Kaap is a cultural neighborhood in Cape Town. It is known for its colorful houses and has become a popular tourist destination. The name Bo-Kaap (pronounced Bow kaap) means “Cape Malay Quarter” and it’s one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city. The architecture here is quite different from most other parts of the city: most buildings are brightly painted, usually with white or pastel colors on top and red lines along their sides.
Although many residents are Afrikaans-speaking – there are also people from all ethnic backgrounds who live here too. It’s now home to artists as well as families who want something unique; some visitors even say that visiting this lively place makes them feel like they’ve left South Africa altogether.
Castle of Good Hope
The Castle of Good Hope is a heritage site in Cape Town, South Africa. The Castle is a national monument and one of the most visited sites in Cape Town. It is also the oldest building in South Africa.
It was declared a national monument in 1936 and added to the South African Heritage Resource Agency’s list of heritage sites in 1983.
The castle is open to the public every day, but there are some special tours that you can take if you’re interested. The museum has lots of information about Cape Town’s history and its role as a military base, plus exhibitions related to other famous people who’ve visited this historic site over time.
V&A Waterfront
V&A Waterfront is Cape Town’s premier shopping, entertainment, and cultural destination. The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town is one of South Africa’s top tourist attractions. It offers visitors the opportunity to take leisurely strolls along the inner harbor or working harbor whilst enjoying the view of Table Mountain from one angle and Robben Island from another.
The perfect place to start your day is with breakfast at one of V&A Waterfront’s many restaurants or coffee shops. With many places to choose from, you can be sure to find something that suits your needs.
A walk along the Clock Tower Precinct takes you past several historical attractions, including Chavonnes Battery Museum and the Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens is the most famous garden in Cape Town. It’s also one of the oldest botanical gardens in South Africa and offers spectacular views from its vantage point above Table Mountain.
The Kirstenbosch Conservatory houses a vast collection of plants, trees, and flowers from all over the world. There are many exhibits to explore, including an indoor waterfall that you can walk under. A walk-through cave filled with exotic birds; an aviary with free-flying parrots; an aquarium full of fish and turtles. There is a butterfly house where you can see live butterflies fluttering around you and a cactus garden where succulents bloom throughout the wintertime.
Outside in the main gardens, there are more than 8,000 varied species of plants on display, more than you could ever hope to discover on your own during one visit. The garden has many trails through different ecosystems (forested areas where only trees grow). Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens is also one of the best picnic spots in Cape Town.
The Company’s Gardens
The Company Gardens is a historical park in Cape Town, South Africa. The gardens were established by the Dutch East India Company’s administration of the Cape Colony to provide produce to passing ships. Established in 1652 these gardens are said to be the oldest public park in South Africa. From taking a stroll around, learning about various plant species, and visiting the Iziko Museum, the Company’s Gardens has so much to offer.
Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town
Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town is a marine life conservation and research center, located at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town. It is one of Cape Town’s most popular tourist attractions. In addition to being one of the largest aquariums in Africa. Two Oceans Aquarium has an impressive collection of marine life that can be viewed by visitors, including penguins, seals, and sea lions. The aquarium also hosts an extensive educational program, teaching locals and tourists about ocean conservation through interactive displays and guided tours.
The Two Oceans Aquarium price is on their official website.
Final Word: Landmarks in Cape Town
We hope this guide on famous landmarks in Cape Town has inspired you to visit Cape Town. The city is full of history and culture, and there are many things to do that are both fun and educational. From visiting museums to hiking Table Mountain, there is something for everyone. We’re sure you will enjoy your time here.
