With its prime location on the coast, Cape Town is one of South Africa’s most vibrant and magnificent cities. If you’re planning unique sites for your travel bucket list, then Cape Town definitely needs to be on it. Whether you’re looking for things to do in the city itself or nearby on the water, there is no shortage of exceptional opportunities. Regardless of whether you’re staying in the city for a day or a week, here are some “can’t-miss” activities that you have to experience before leaving Cape Town.
Take a Helicopter Ride
A fantastic adventure awaits from a helicopter, which is a prime opportunity for the ultimate “Insta-worthy” shot of your trip. This is a great way to see Cape Town’s best attractions from a new perspective. Even better, you don’t have to deal with crowds! A helicopter ride is an excellent way to get a vacation started, as you’ll get a sneak preview of the city’s top landmarks and attractions from above. This lets you pick and choose the places you really want to go, especially if you’re short on time and can’t see everything that you want to.
Source: https://www.capetownmagazine.com/bucket-list
Hit the Beach
Given the abundance of beautiful beaches in Western Cape, a trip to Cape Town wouldn’t be complete without visiting the stunning coastline. If there’s one beach you must go to, it is Boulders Beach. Boulders Beach is a picturesque place with white sandy shores and a boardwalk. It is also home to a colony of African penguins, which translates to more great photo ops that you can share with friends.
Check Out a Vineyard
There are over 2,000 vineyards in Western Cape, which is the region of South Africa where Cape Town is. If you’re ambitious, you can tour as many as five vineyards and estates in a day. You can arrange guided tours and attend tastings in most places. In others, you can explore at your own pace. Either way, this is an excellent way to get an insider’s view of the winemaking process and learn how your favorite wines are produced.
Source: https://www.classicvillas.co.za/blog/amazing-expect-travel-cape-town/
Stay Somewhere Unique
If you are looking for a unique experience while in Cape Town, why not live on a houseboat? You can find such opportunities at the West Coast National Park. With all the beauty and excitement that Cape Town has to offer, almost any villa, boat, or home you stay in is bound to be surrounded by a marvelous view. The less touristy the location, the better and more authentic your experience is bound to be.
Climb Table Mountain
Towering over the city, Table Mountain is one of Cape Town’s most recognizable landmarks. There are several ways to ascend this iconic landmark, including hiking up a trail to the top, biking your way to the summit, or taking a ride up in a cable car. Whichever way you choose to go, you’ll be treated to beautiful panoramic sights of the city. This is another excellent chance to take that awe-inspiring shot that will make your friends back home jealous!
Source: https://travel.usnews.com/Cape_Town_South_Africa/Things_To_Do/
Visit Robben Island
If you’re a history buff, don’t miss a trip to Robben Island, which is several miles offshore. Robben Island is steeped in local history. You might know it as the place where civil rights activist and former South African president Nelson Mandela was once held captive. In addition to being a prison, the site has also served as a mental institution and even a leper colony. Today, Robben Island is no longer an active prison, but it is a preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s well worth your time to visit the museum on the island and take a tour of the former prison, which includes seeing Nelson Mandela’s cell.
See the Cape of Good Hope
The Cape of Good Hope, also called the “Cape of Storms,” has historically been one of the most feared water passages around South Africa. It’s also been one of the most important. Portuguese sailors first discovered the Cape of Good Hope in the 15th century. Shortly after, it was chosen as a prime shipping route in the Spice Trade. Today, the Cape of Good Hope is one of the most beautiful natural areas, and it is home to a diverse array of plant and animal species. The southern part of the peninsula is especially scenic, and its rugged landscape remains largely unspoiled.
Source: http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Cape_of_Good_Hope
If you’re visiting Cape Town, rest assured that you’ll never be sitting around without anything to do. A fantastic adventure awaits every direction that you turn, regardless of whether you’re on the water, in the air, or taking in breathtaking sights of the beautiful areas around the city. With all the amenities of a modern city, natural beauty, and a rich history, you’ll soon see why Cape Town is one of the country’s most popular destinations.
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