Every September, South Africans celebrate two powerful themes that go hand-in-hand: Tourism Month and Heritage Month.
Make the Most of Tourism and Heritage Month with the Cape Town Big 6
2025 – Every September, South Africans celebrate two powerful themes that go hand-in-hand: Tourism Month and Heritage Month. Together, they invite us to look deeper into who we are as a nation while encouraging us to explore the incredible places that make South Africa so unique. And in Cape Town, there’s no better way to embrace this dual celebration than by taking on the Cape Town Big 6: visiting all six of the city’s most iconic attractions in one unforgettable journey.
For adults passionate about history, art, and culture, the Cape Town Big 6 attractions are not just tourist stops—they are living landmarks, each offering a window into South Africa’s past, present, and future.
Cape Point: A Heritage of Discovery and Wonder
Few places capture the drama of South Africa’s coastline like Cape Point. Once feared by sailors as the “Cape of Storms,” this rugged headland shaped centuries of global trade and exploration. Today, Cape Point is celebrated as part of the Cape Floristic Region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing rare and diverse plant life.
During Heritage Month, Cape Point reminds us of South Africa’s maritime history and its role in connecting continents and cultures. Ride the Flying Dutchman funicular up to the old lighthouse, explore historic shipwreck trails, or simply stand at the edge of the Cape Peninsula and feel the echoes of history beneath your feet.
This September, the little ones get extra love:
- Half-price kids’ meals at Two Oceans Restaurant (with every adult main meal)
- Half-price kids’ hot chocolate at the Food & Beverage Shop (with every adult hot drink)
- FREE funicular ride for kids with every adult return ticket (max 16 years)
- Valid 1–30 September 2025
Groot Constantia: A Taste of Living History
No journey into Cape Town’s heritage is complete without a glass raised at Groot Constantia, South Africa’s oldest wine-producing farm, founded in 1685. This historic wine estate has witnessed centuries of South African history, which has helped shape the country’s wine culture.
September is the perfect month to stroll through the beautifully preserved manor house, explore the museum exhibitions, and sample award-winning wines that reflect a tradition over 300 years in the making. Tourism and Heritage Month here means celebrating not just architecture and artefacts, but the living culture of South African wine.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden: A Garden of Heritage
Nestled against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Garden is a globally celebrated showcase of South Africa’s indigenous flora. Established in 1913, it was the first botanical garden dedicated entirely to preserving a nation’s native plant life.
In September, Kirstenbosch bursts into colour as spring brings fynbos and proteas into bloom. A visit to this botanical garden is about more than natural beauty—it’s about celebrating the knowledge, traditions, and cultural connections rooted in South Africa’s biodiversity. Walk the iconic Boomslang canopy walkway, explore the heritage trail, and take in how this garden weaves nature, art, and culture together.
Robben Island Museum: A Place of Memory and Freedom
Perhaps no landmark embodies the spirit of Heritage Month more than Robben Island Museum. For centuries, the island was a place of banishment and imprisonment, most famously as the prison that held Nelson Mandela and many other freedom fighters during apartheid. Today, it stands as a powerful symbol of resilience, justice, and reconciliation.
Tours of the island, often led by former political prisoners, offer deeply personal insights into South Africa’s struggle for democracy. Visiting Robben Island during Heritage Month is both a tribute to those who sacrificed for freedom and a reminder of the values that continue to shape the nation.
Table Mountain Cableway: A Local Icon
Voted one of the New7Wonders of Nature, Table Mountain is more than a scenic backdrop—it’s a cultural and spiritual landmark with deep roots in local mythology. For centuries, it has stood as a symbol of homecoming, inspiration, and natural beauty.
Taking the Cableway to the summit is an experience that blends heritage with wonder. This month, as we celebrate both Tourism and Heritage, consider the stories told by this mountain: geological time, indigenous traditions, and the modern joy of seeing Cape Town spread out beneath you.
V&A Waterfront: Heritage and Tourism in Motion
At the V&A Waterfront, history and modern life meet seamlessly. Once a busy colonial harbour, today it’s a vibrant destination blending shopping, dining, art, and culture. The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) and the Cape Town Diamond Museum offer cultural depth, while the preserved architecture speaks to its maritime past.
During Heritage Month, the V&A celebrates diversity through performances, exhibitions, and storytelling that bring South Africa’s heritage to life in a dynamic and contemporary way. It’s a reminder that heritage isn’t static—it evolves with each generation.
Add the Cape Town Big 6 Attractions to Your September Bucket List
The Cape Town Big 6 Attractions are gateways into South Africa’s story. Each landmark embodies a different strand of heritage and tourism: natural, cultural, political, or artistic. Together, they create a narrative that reflects the beauty and complexity of Cape Town and South Africa as a whole.
This September, challenge yourself to visit all six. Not only will you immerse yourself in Cape Town’s most iconic attractions, but you’ll also gain a deeper appreciation for the shared heritage that binds us all.
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.