Surrounding Area | Cape Town
Ready to soak up Cape Town’s most iconic views, delve into its rich history and embrace the city’s vibrant culture? We’ve picked our top 5 sightseeing spots that’ll stop you in your tracks and have you reaching for your camera. Each stop is brimming with extraordinary sights of the Mother City, so don’t forget your comfy walking shoes, sunblock, hat and sense of adventure!
Let’s start at the top, literally! No trip to Cape Town is complete without a journey up Table Mountain, one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World. Whether you hop onto the rotating cable car or tackle a hiking trail, you’ll be rewarded with picture-perfect views that stretch from the bustling city below to the endless Atlantic Ocean. If you’re feeling adventurous, time your trip around sunrise or sunset for those jaw-dropping golden hour photos and (usually) smaller crowds. Just keep an eye on the weather, because the famous “tablecloth” (cloud cover) can roll in surprisingly fast. It’s all part of the mountain’s charm!
Prices: Adult (one-way) - R280pp | Adult (return) - R490pp | Child (one-way) - R150pp | Child (return) - R245pp | SA Senior Citizen (one-way) - R70pp | SA Senior Citizen (return) - R130pp | Student (one-way) - R170pp | Student (one-way) - R280pp
Hours: (Vary depending on season) - First car up: 08:00 | Last car up: 19:00 | Last car down: 20:00
Location:
5821 Tafelberg Rd, Table Mountain (Nature Reserve), Cape Town, 8001
Famous for its brightly painted houses and cobblestone streets, the Bo-Kaap district offers a vibrant glimpse into Cape Town’s multicultural heritage. The rainbow-coloured homes are picture-perfect, but there’s so much more than meets the eye: centuries of history, Cape Malay influences and a warm community spirit you’ll sense as you wander around. If you have time, pop into a spice shop to sample fragrant blends, tuck into a koesister or consider a guided walking tour to delve deeper into the neighbourhood’s fascinating backstory. Insider tip: Keep your camera handy.
Prices: FREE
Hours: Suggested visiting time: 09:00 - 17:00
Location:
Bo-Kaap, Schotsche Kloof, Cape Town
History buffs, prepare to be intrigued. The Castle of Good Hope is a peek into Cape Town’s colonial past, dating all the way back to the 17th century. Venture behind its imposing stone walls to discover a sprawling courtyard, stone archways and museum displays detailing Cape Town’s military past. If you time your visit right, you might catch the traditional key-changing ceremony or check out the resident cannon firing every day at noon. Exploring these old walls offers a glimpse into life centuries ago, making it a perfect stop for those who love exploring layers of local heritage. Guided tours run throughout the day and provide intriguing insights you might miss on your own—well worth joining if you can.
Prices: Adults - R50pp | SA Pensioners - R25pp | Children - R25pp
Hours: Open daily, 09:00 - 16:00
Location:
Castle of Good Hope, Castle St, Foreshore, Cape Town, 8001
A green oasis in the heart of the city, The Company’s Garden is where locals and tourists go to unwind, explore and feed the ever-friendly squirrels. Originally established to supply fresh produce to passing ships in the 1650s, it’s now a peaceful public space filled with historic landmarks, statues and museums (including the Iziko South African Museum and National Gallery). Strolling under ancient trees and across manicured lawns, you’ll find it hard to believe you’re mere steps away from Cape Town’s bustling city streets. If you need a breather, stop by one of the garden’s cafés for a coffee or light lunch in the shade, then wander through the rose garden for a sweet-scented treat.
Prices: FREE
Hours: Open daily, 07:00 - 18:00
Location: 19 Queen Victoria Street, Cape Town
Steeped in South Africa’s political history, Robben Island is best known for the prison that once held former President Nelson Mandela. Today, it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a reminder of the country’s journey toward democracy. Ferries to the island depart from the V&A Waterfront and the fully guided tour takes you through the old prison blocks, complete with stories from former inmates who offer firsthand insights into life behind those bars and the long walk to freedom. It’s a deeply moving experience that connects you to a defining chapter in South Africa’s past. Tours can book up quickly, especially during peak season, so reserving tickets in advance is highly recommended.
Prices: Adults - R400pp | Children (under 18) - R210pp
Hours: Daily tours: 09:00 | 11:00 | 13:00 | 15:00
Location: The Nelson Mandela Gateway To Robben Island, V&A Waterfront, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001
Please note:
While we do our best to keep things accurate, details like operating hours, ticket prices, and ferry schedules can change at short notice, so it’s a good idea to check each attraction’s official site before you head out.
Old Bank Hotel | reservations@lionroars.com | +27 (0)21 424 1530
Central Reservations
Tel:
+27 21 424 1530
Email:
reservations@lionroars.com
Old Bank Hotel
Tel:
+27 21 879 0570
Email:
obhreception@lionroars.com
