Cape Town is one of those places where you can enjoy a sunset hike with friends, date night at a sexy restaurant with your partner, or get adventurous on the dunes with your family.
Exploring the Cape Town Big 6 as a Solo Traveller and Digital Nomad: What You Need to Know
Cape Town is one of those places where you can enjoy a sunset hike with friends, date night at a sexy restaurant with your partner, or get adventurous on the dunes with your family. It is also one of those cities that feels just as exciting when explored alone, whether you’re a solo traveller or a digital nomad.
Whenever I am in the mood for a solo adventure, you will usually find me exploring one of the Cape Town Big 6 attractions. Each attraction offers a completely different experience, which is what makes Cape Town such an exciting city for solo travellers and digital nomads.
Here’s why each one is special to me:
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Set against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch is one of my favourite places to slow down and recharge. The gardens are peaceful without ever feeling quiet, and there is always something beautiful to take in, whether it is the changing flowers, mountain views, or the sound of birds throughout the garden.
You’ll find me here with a good book and a picnic basket, especially on warmer days. There are plenty of walking trails to explore, and if I am feeling more adventurous, I usually head towards the nearby waterfall after the rains. It is one of those spots that makes you forget you are still in the city.
The restaurants Moyo and Fynkos have outdoor seating with views overlooking the gardens. There’s no doubt that these spots are worth stopping at for tea, treats or a meal after a long walk. Somehow, time always moves more slowly at Kirstenbosch, which is probably why I keep going back.
V&A Waterfront
The V&A Waterfront always feels full of energy. Whether I am spending the morning working remotely from a café or enjoying sundowners later in the day, there is always something happening around the precinct.
There is truly so much you can do at V&A Waterfront. One moment you are browsing local stores and markets, the next you are visiting Zeitz MOCAA or watching live performances at the amphitheatre. I also love stopping at Time Out Market for a relaxed brunch or some cocktails.
It is one of the easiest places to explore solo because everything is within walking distance, and there is always a fun atmosphere from morning to night.
Groot Constantia
There is something special about spending an afternoon at Groot Constantia. As South Africa’s oldest wine-producing farm, it combines history, beautiful scenery, and award-winning wine all in one setting. Start with a cellar tour and wine tasting before settling in for lunch at either Simon’s or Jonkershuis. The Visitors Route Experience Ticket is worth booking because it includes access to the Manor House Museum, Cloete Cellar, a guided or self-guided cellar tour, and a tasting of five wines. You even leave with a souvenir wine glass, which makes the experience feel even more memorable.
Robben Island Museum
Every trip to Robben Island Museum feels special. There is so much history attached to the island, and hearing the stories shared by former political prisoners makes the experience even more powerful.
The journey begins at the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront, where you board the ferry to the island. The tour takes around three and a half hours, including the return ferry trip. What stands out to me every time is how important it is to hear these stories in the very place where history happened. It gives you a much deeper understanding of South Africa’s past and the resilience of the people who lived through it.
Cape Point
Cape Point is one of those places that reminds you how wild and beautiful nature can be. The dramatic cliffs and crashing waves make every visit feel unforgettable.
I love driving out early and making a full day of it. There are plenty of hiking routes that are easy to navigate, and every trail seems to lead to another incredible view. The fresh ocean air and rugged scenery make it the perfect escape from the city.
One of my favourite things to do is walk up to the lighthouse before stopping for a meal at the restaurant nearby. On quieter days, it almost feels like you have discovered a hidden corner of the world.
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway
For me, there is no better place in Cape Town to watch the sunset than on Table Mountain. The ride up in the cable car is quick, but the views over the city, ocean, and surrounding mountains never get old.
Once at the top, I usually take a slow walk around the mountain paths and spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before finding the perfect sunset spot. There is something grounding about being above the city and watching everything slow down as the sky changes colour. Their Aperol Spritz at Kloud has become one of my favourite sunset traditions on the mountain.
Experience it for yourself
What I love most about the Cape Town Big 6 is that every experience feels completely different from the next. Whether you are travelling solo, working remotely, or simply exploring the city at your own pace, these attractions offer a mix of adventure, culture, and history.
About the Author Clinton Dean
Clinton Dean is a Cape Town-based travel writer and digital marketing specialist with a passion for storytelling and sharing meaningful travel experiences. He is the founder of That South African Traveller, a travel and lifestyle blog that showcases his travels in South Africa and beyond. Through his platform, Clinton connects solo travellers and locals wanting to explore by hosting monthly free Cape Town hikes and social meetups, alongside creating engaging content that encourages people to explore and experience their city in a more connected way.
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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.