A trip to the Mother City will not be complete without a visit to each Cape Town Big 6 attractions namely: Table Mountain Cableway, Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, Robben Island, V&A Waterfront, Cape Point, and Groot Constantia – represents the perfect combination of dramatic scenic beauty, enthralling history and exhilarating activities that have come to define this beautiful corner of South Africa.
Table Mountain Cableway
Explore one of the new natural wonders of the world
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- Photo Courtesy Eric Nathan
If you only have the opportunity to visit one attraction in Cape Town, go up Table Mountain with the state of the art Table Mountain Aerial Cableway that will whisk you to the top in a picturesque 5-minute ride.
Table Mountain is among the most popular attractions in the world, and it is no surprise that it holds the title as one of the New7Wonders of Nature. It’s not until you soar to the top in an exhilarating ride on the cable car, with its rotating floor, that you can truly appreciate its stature, and the incredible city of Cape Town that bustles far below.
This is a family friendly destination and suits everyone, or if you have a romantic date there is nothing as memorable as the sunset from atop Table Mountain.
If you enjoy the outdoors and want to see Cape Town from a new perspective this destination is for you with free guided walking tours or you can take an energetic approach. Enjoy their brand new Wi-Fi Lounge, a hotspot for the best free Wi-Fi and delectable treats for sale at the top.
Learn about the flora and fauna of the summit, at your own pace, with the free Audio Tour. Download the free application to your mobile device – using our free Wi-Fi – plug in your earphones and begin your self-guided tour at the Lower Cable Station. For a step-by-step guide on how to download the VoiceMap application to your mobile device, click here.
Table Mountain Cableway is running a great #KidzSeason Special. Find out more here.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden
The most beautiful garden in Africa
There are few places in the Mother City as tranquil as Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, you will find yourself stoping to catch your breath and absorb the splendour of 36 hectares of natural beauty. The Garden is a family friendly attraction and a popular spot to have a picnic with your family.
Kirstenbosch equals Tranquility, but even if you have a group of adventurous visitors there is such a variety of things to do it will awaken the ‘wanderlust’ in anyone.
What we love most about Kirstenbosch is the Nature, history, and sustainability.
A family friendly attraction and a popular spot to have picnic with family. There is so much to see and do in the garden, from atmospheric sunset concerts and movie screenings, through to guided walks, popular restaurants, and an award-winning treetop walkway.
Bring the kids to enjoy the garden during the winter holidays with these amazing events.
Robben Island
Explore an island that has a rich history
There are few places in South Africa that bear the weight and sheer historical importance of Robben Island, and a trip to the former prison serves as a jarring reminder of the country’s troubled political past. At the same time, it reveals itself as a powerful symbol for the triumph of the human spirit, and offers fascinating insight into the reconciliation and resilience that played such a key role in the development of a new South Africa.
Rich in history and leaves you with a greater understanding of the ‘long walk to freedom’.
From the moment you arrive at the humble island, just a short ferry ride from the V&A Waterfront, you’ll feel the impact of this World Heritage Site. A former inmate will guide you while on the island, and you’ll receive unparalleled insight into the significant role that each of the Robben Island’s inmates collectively played throughout apartheid. The highlight for some is to visit Nelson Mandela’s former cell.
The Robben Island Museum App was developed to offer users around the globe an opportunity to experience and explore the Island’s multi-layered history and sites. Download it from the Google Play Store here.
V&A Waterfront
There is just so much to do, so much to discover
Long established and proud of a rich heritage, the V&A Waterfront is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain. Shop, dine and be entertained!
Discover a cosmopolitan and vibrant atmosphere. Life on the edge of an historical working harbour, and diversity in retail, handmade goods, food and outdoor activities such as boat cruises and helicopter rides.
Indoor shopping and entertainment venues seamlessly merge with outdoor restaurants, ocean vistas and mountain views, and the fresh sea breeze and warm African sun.
The V&A Waterfront is an all year around destination and you can shop till you drop at 450 stores, entertainment and taste sensations for everyone.
For a list of great events being held at the V&A Waterfront this winter, click here to view the full winter programme.
Cape Point
One point, a million points of view
The panoramic views that spread out before you are breath-taking, taking in the gravity of the dramatic location.
There are few things as exhilarating as standing at the base of a beautiful, 150 year old lighthouse, perched precariously high above the swirling Atlantic Ocean overlooking African currents colliding, and knowing that you’re at the most southwestern tip of Africa.
We recommend Cape Point for the whole family, it is one of those bucket list places that you need to go experience.
Cape Point is running a wonderful special on their Flying Dutchman Funicular during winter, find out more here.
Groot Constantia
Savour award winning wine in the cape’s grandest estate
The estate is steeped in history and culture add to this the award winning wines and spectacular views and you are in for a magical day.
The moment you enter Groot Constantia wine estate you’ll realise you’re in for a unique experience. Visit one of two tasting rooms to sample and purchase a selection of Groot Constantia’s award winning wines
Take one of the daily guided cellar tours and tastings, and get a behind-the-scenes look at the wine-making processDine at one of two celebrated restaurants – Jonkershuis and Simon’s at Groot Constantia.
Wine lovers and couples will love the romance of the estate while families will enjoy the wide open spaces, perfect for kids to stretch their legs in. Simons Restaurant & Deli also has a kids play area.
Bring the kids to enjoy a juice tasting while you sip on award winning wine, find out more here.
What are your favourite things to do in Cape Town?
Let us know on our Cape Town Big 6 Facebook or Twitter page. Better yet, snap an Instagram shot of your favourite outdoor moment and tag @CapeTownBig6 #CTBig6
One Destination, 6 Unbelievable 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.