5 Must-See Cape Town Attractions

Cape Town has many things to see and do, and you're going to want to do it all. From gorgeous mountains for the budget hiker to luxurious wine tours of the award-winning wine farms of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, you'll find enough Cape Town attractions to keep you busy. In order to get a full feel of what this beautiful city on the sea has to offer, you must explore its many sights and wonders.

1. Table Mountain & Cableway

As soon as you step foot in Cape Town, you'll notice Table Mountain majestically towering above all. Of all the Cape Town attractions, Table Mountain is by far the most enchanting. It seems to pull visitors magnetically towards it, calling them to visit its summit. Luckily in this day and age, it's relatively easy to do.

Explore Table Mountain from its summit by taking the Table Mountain Cableway, a historic tram that had its beginnings in the 1920's and has been a popular attraction ever since. Though the tram's cars have evolved over time (and even rotate nowadays), the view from the top of Table Mountain is as magnificent as ever. From 3,500 feet (1,067 meters), you'll have a bird's eye view of the entire city. Take time to stroll along the various view paths and use the telescopes to look at the Cape Town attractions below. You can also get a great drink and small meal at the restaurant on top. If you plan on visiting in summer, consider riding the cableway in the early evening so that you can watch the marvelous sunset; this Cape Town attraction will be one to remember.

2. Robben Island

From a leper colony to an asylum to a prison, this pristine island has had anything but a peaceful history. Take a ferry across Table Bay to Robben Island and get a tour of the prison that housed many black freedom fighters and political prisoners, including former South African president Nelson Mandela. Of the Cape Town attractions, Robben Island surely has the most unique tour experience. Your tour guide, a former political prisoner, will lead you through the Robben Island Museum while explaining its long, tumultuous history. If you feel like spending a little extra time on Robben Island, elect to take a bus tour around the island. You'll enjoy seeing its scenery and unique setting in Table Bay.

Ferries leave regularly from the Clock Tower precinct at the V&A Waterfront. Your museum tour will cover your ticket back to Cape Town. Be sure to bring an extra layer in case it gets windy on the water.

3. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

If you love relaxing in gorgeous, sweeping gardens and looking at stunning, exotic flowers, you must visit the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. You'll love exploring the 528 hectares of land ,which has 36 hectares of cultivated garden. Whether you're interested in a relaxing picnic on one of the many rolling lawns or an intense session exploring the variety of South African flora, Kirstenbosh National Botanical Garden is one of the Cape Town attractions you must be sure to visit. Be sure to get there early, because the gardens can get quite busy.

4. Two Oceans Aquarium

The Two Oceans Aquarium is a one the best Cape Town attractions for families and animal lovers. Located on the V&A Waterfront on the Cape Town peninsula, this magnificent aquarium gets its name from the two oceans on either side of the cape, the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean. The Two Oceans Aquarium has great exhibits, huge aquariums, and fun, interactive exhibits. Children will especially like the touch pool where they can pet live sea creatures. If you've ever wondered what a starfish feels like, you'll have the opportunity to find out at the Two Oceans Aquarium.

Unlike other Cape Town attractions, this aquarium also allows you to have a once-in-a-lifetime underwater adventure. Book a dive in the aquarium and swim with a multitude of fish and sharks in 2.2 million liters of salt water. You'll be surprised with how peaceful swimming with sharks can be!

5. Rhodes Memorial

For a gorgeous panoramic view of Table Bay and False Bay, you need to go to Rhodes Memorial. You'll be able to see for miles and relax in a pristine setting. Feel free to bring a picnic! There is also a great, outdoor tea room nearby for a combined afternoon of beautiful sights and hot tea. Unlike many other Cape Town attractions, Rhodes Memorial is entirely free.