Cape Town: The Iconic City That Never Fails To Inspire Travel Tips - Packages/Deals & Travel Agents Near Me

From wine tasting to penguin watching, no two days need be the same in Cape Town. Set against dramatic scenery and known for its laid-back cosmopolitan beachside flavor, this city is nothing if not eclectic. Best of all, the value of the dollar against the South African rand makes for a city where five-star experiences can be had on bargain-hunting budgets. So forget the dollars and cents and delve into this handful of Cape Town’s best sights, just a sampling of all that awaits in this magnificent city. Cape Town. Live it. Love it.

Table Mountain: There is no better introduction to Cape Town than its most famous landmark. From the city center to the spectacular coastlines, all of Cape Town’s beauty — both natural and manmade — comes into view. Whisk to the crest in one of the panoramic cable cars, or take a more hands-on approach by hiking up one of the flower-speckled hiking trails.

V&A Waterfront: This historic waterfront joins musicians and artisans with chic restaurants — where an elegant three-course feast with wine will set you back only $50 — all housed in cheerful colonial-era buildings. Ongoing events and entertainment in this vibrant cosmopolitan atmosphere ensure the waterfront is a destination for visitors and locals alike.

Cape Point: Rough and often turbulent currents from the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans send swells crashing against this craggy promontory for a dramatic ocean panorama. The Flying Dutchman Funicular climbs to the rugged crest, offering views of the surroundings and, during certain times of year, great white sharks on the hunt in the choppy waters.

Constantia Valley: The oldest wine making region in the southern hemisphere — dating back to 1685 — the Constantia Valley is truly Cape Town’s Vineyard. The area consists of eight wine farms, each with their own distinctive heritage and premium wines that consistently win accolades and international awards for their high standard and quality.

Simon’s Town: Cape Town’s portside history comes into view after just a short 30-minute train ride along the magnificent coastline. This picturesque naval port town is known for fantastic seafood and charming antique shops, but its most famous attraction is the African Jackass Penguins who like to take advantage of the idyllic local beaches as much as the locals do.

Robben Island: Declared a World Heritage Site in 1999, Robben Island is a symbol of the triumph of the human spirit. Visitors can walk in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela as they tour the maximum-security prison on the island. Ferries depart from the new Nelson Mandela Gateway — complete with exhibitions and a museum shop — in the V&A Waterfront.

Kirstenbosch Gardens: Set against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch is home to wide expanses of fynbos, the natural landscape that only the Cape Town region’s unique climate supports. Punctuated with cultivated gardens — some with themes, like fragrant flowers or medicinal plants — perfect for relaxing strolls and hiking trails that thread through the surrounding wilderness, Kirstenbosch has been beloved by locals and visitors for generations.