Itineraries: Top Ways to See The Big 6
There are several ways to explore the Big 6, all of which depend on how many days you are spending in Cape Town and how much time you have to spend at each destination.
Remember that both the Robben Island Ferry and Table Mountain Cableway operations are weather dependent, so check the forecast and their operating status and head there first if the weather looks set to change. All other attractions are open rain or shine.
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.
I HAVE 3 DAYS TO SEE THE BIG 6
Day 01
Robben Island
V & A Waterfront
Start your day early with a trip to Robben Island. Ferries to the island depart from the Nelson Mandela Gateway in the heart of the V&A Waterfront. Spend the rest of the day exploring the vibrant working harbour, dining at the famous waterside restaurants, and stocking up on curios and essentials from the wide selection of stores.
Day 02
Table Mountain Cableway
Soar to the top of a new natural wonder of the world with the Table Mountain Cableway. Walk a marked trail, or simply marvel in the panoramic views of the city you’ve spent the day exploring.
Day 03
Kirstenbosch
Groot Constantia
Cape Point
Start your day early with a morning walk through the beautiful Kirstenbosch gardens, a botanical wonderland of indigenous flora. The nearby Groot Constantia wine estate makes for the perfect stop for an early lunch. Tour the cellar, visit the museums and art gallery, and taste award winning wines, before continuing south to Cape Point. There, a funicular waits to whisk you up to panoramic views of African currents colliding, and numerous view sites serve as the perfect location to reflect on three idyllic days in Cape Town.
I HAVE 4 DAYS TO SEE THE BIG 6
Day 01
Cape Point
Start the day early with a trip to Cape Point. With a wide range of walking trails, a superb restaurant with panoramic deck, and the famous Flying Dutchman Funicular, there is enough at Cape Point to keep you busy for an entire day. Take your time, explore the beaches, and take a moment to appreciate the fascinating maritime history and indigenous fauna and flora that defines this beautiful south-western corner of the continent.
Day 02
Kirstenbosch
Groot Constantia
Kirstenbosch is sublime at all times of the day, and its location close to Groot Constantia makes it the perfect location for a pre- or post-wine tasting excursion. Walk the gardens, relax with a picnic among the proteas, or settle down for refreshments at the famous tearoom. The nearby historic wine estate of Groot Constantia offers a museum, cellar tour, informative wine tasting and two restaurants at which to whittle down the rest of the afternoon.
Day 03
Table Mountain Cableway
Hop aboard the Table Mountain Cableway to put the city in perspective, or plan your visit to the top to coincide with a sublime Cape Town sunset, one thousand metres above sea level.
Day 04
Robben Island
V & A Waterfront
There’s no escaping the statuesque Table Mountain when you’re in the city, and whether you choose to explore the city streets and public spaces on the City Walk in the morning or afternoon, you will constantly be looking up to marvel at the natural wonder. Hop aboard the Table Mountain Cableway to put the city in perspective, or plan your visit to the top to coincide with a sublime Cape Town sunset, one thousand metres above sea level.
