The City of Cape Town is known for many things, including its beautiful scenery and breathtaking outdoor activities. Here’s your 2023 Cape Town Big 6 Summer Guide
2023 Big 6 Summer Guide
2023 – If you’re looking for a guide to the best Cape Town has to offer, look no further — we’ve compiled our list of recommendations for the top things to do in Cape Town this summer!
Let’s explore: Table Mountain, Groot Constantia, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Point, V&A Waterfront, and The Robben Island Museum
Table Mountain Cableway
If you’re looking for something different from your standard summer experience with friends or family, consider taking them up on this offer: visit Table Mountain via cable car! It’s an exciting way to experience an unbeatable landscape from above. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, take them up on another offer: hike up instead! This may take longer, but the view definitely makes it worth your while. The main feature of this park is much more than just its scenic outlook; it is indeed home to some wonderful bird life and species that can only be found on this side of Africa.
Groot Constantia
2023 Big 6 Summer Guide – Groot Constantia
Summer in Cape Town is the perfect time for picnics and wine with a view, and Groot Constantia has all your cravings sorted. What’s better than spending the afternoon under a Willow tree with a beautifully arranged picnic basket and some delicious Groot Constantia wines? Simon’s Restaurant and Jonkershuis at Groot Constantia offer picnic baskets seven days a week. Place your order one day in advance and create a picnic to suit your requirements in a blink with their online menu.
Groot Constantia also offers tours of its cellar and winery and self-guided tours around the vineyards throughout the year. The views at Groot Constantia are picture-perfect if you want to admire nature while tasting some award-winning wines!
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
2023 Big 6 Summer Guide – Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
It’s no surprise that Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is one of the best places to visit in Cape Town! When visiting, be sure to take advantage of the delicious food, lush gardens and beautiful views. It’s safe to say that the beauty of the outdoors has never been more accessible. Discover nature at its finest with the Garden’s many walks and trails. The Garden is open daily from 08h00 – 19h00 (except on Christmas).
Entry rates:
- South African adults: R90
- Standard adults: R210
- African National Residents: R130
- Students/learners of 18 years and older from a SA institute (with student card): R50
- All children from 6 to 17 years: R30
- All children under 6 years: Free
*To claim the discounted entry fee, South African / African national residents can show their ID, a certified paper copy of their ID, an electronic copy of their ID or their driver’s licence.
This summer, Kirstenbosch is also hosting the annual Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts in partnership with the City of Cape Town to showcase local and international talent.
Upcoming 2023 Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts shows:
- Sun El Musician / Simmy — 29 January
- The Golden Oldies — 5 February
- The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra — 12 February
- Cape Folk ‘n Acoustic Festival — 19 February
- Goodluck / Shekhinah — 26 February
- *International Concert* Ronan Keating — 3 March
- Mandisi Dyantyis — 5 March
- *International Concert* Rainbow Kitten Surprise — 10 March
- Spoegwolf / TBA —12 March
- Matthew Mole —19 March
- *International Concert* Bonobo — 24 March
- Ami Faku / Msaki — 2 April
Bring family and friends, pack a picnic and enjoy live music on the Kirstenbosch lawn. Concertgoers can also pre-order a picnic (five days in advance) from the Kirstenbosch Tea Room or Moyo Restaurant. The Moyo food trucks will also be available with a variety of freshly made meals and beverages at all shows. If consuming alcohol, do so responsibly and ensure that you have a designated driver for your safety and that of others. The concert gates open at 16h00 and the concerts end at 19h00. Tickets cost R190/p – R260/p via Webtickets or the Kirstenbosch Ticket Office. Please note that Webtickets is the ONLY online ticketing partner.
Cape Point
2023 Big 6 Summer Guide – Cape Point
Experience iconic lighthouses, spectacular views, sea kayaking, mountain biking and priceless memories at Cape Point. Cape Point is a rocky headland in the Cape Peninsula, which separates the Atlantic Ocean from False Bay. The attraction is a popular tourist destination, with Cape Town’s favourite seafood spot, the Two Oceans Restaurant, on the premises. It’s also an exquisite place to watch the Cape sunset and enjoy beach days. With the weather being so great, why not make your Cape Point visit a mini staycation? Cape Point has a selection of cottages and a guesthouse for you to choose from.
V&A Waterfront
2023 Big 6 Summer Guide – V&A Waterfront
Cape Town’s number one destination for entertainment, shopping and food — The V&A Waterfront — has several restaurants, bars and stores in the neighbourhood and offers a range of activities, including cruises on the harbour and water sports like stand-up paddle boarding and jet boating. It’s also a great place to explore on foot or by bike, with its scenic walkways along the harbour and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in the sunshine (and even indoor activities when we get the occasional rain in summer). Best believe the V&A Waterfront has something for everyone!
Robben Island Museum
2023 Big 6 Summer Guide – The Robben Island Museum
The Robben Island Museum is situated in Table Bay, 6.9 km from the coast of Bloubergstrand. The Island is famous for being the location of the prison where Nelson Mandela was held for 18 years. Today the Island is also a famous tourist attraction and World Heritage Site Visitors can explore Robben Island on a three-and-a-half-hour tour as you discover historical sites.
Included in the standard tour are:
- A return boat trip across Table Bay.
- A visit to the Maximum Security Prison Interaction with an ex-prisoner.
- A 45-minute guided bus ride.
- A visit to Murray’s Bay Harbour, Kramat and the Museum Shop.
Cape Town — a wonderful place to explore in summer
Name Cape Town city’s top attractions, and you’ll be naming the Cape Town Big 6 – this summer, soar to the top of Table Mountain via the cable car; shop, dine and be entertained at the V&A Waterfront; take a quiet walk through one of the world’s most beautiful gardens at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden; explore the country’s oldest wine producing farm, Groot Constantia; visit the true symbol of freedom with a tour of Robben Island, and experience the dramatic scenery at Cape Point.
Share your top Cape Town Big 6 moments with us!
Connect with us via our Cape Town Big 6 Facebook or Twitter page. Better yet, tag us on Instagram of your favourite outdoor moment and tag @CapeTownBig6 #CapeTownBig6
ONE DESTINATION, SIX UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES
There is no one way to explore all of the Cape Town Big 6, and much of what makes each of them so special is the variety of things to see and do at each. So if possible, take your time to explore each of the city’s most visited tourist attractions in as much depth as possible – as any local will tell you, you can spend a lifetime at each of the Big 6 and still not tire of them. Find the 3 and 4 day itineraries and tips here.