Walking / Sightseeing Tour

Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront offers a range of specialty shops, craftmarkets, an Imax theatre, numerous restaurants and bars, an arena where open air performances are presented and various other entertainment options such as sunset boat cruises. A number of businesses and hotels are also located within its boundaries. There is a Visitors Centre onsite which serves as the starting point for local sightseeing tours. Maps and further details of the facilities are available at the website.

Zoo / Aquarium

Two Oceans

The Two Oceans Aquarium is situated in the V&A Waterfront and presents a collection of marine life and related exhibits, including African penguins and selected birdlife. There is also an activity centre for children and a souvenir shop on the premises. Open daily from 09h30 until 18h00, tickets are valid for return visits on the same day and thus it is possible to attend feeding times or specific events. Nearby parking is available and there are facilities for disabled patrons.

Boardwalk / Promenade / Street

Long Street

Walking / Sightseeing Tour

Citysightseeing Cape Town

The citysightseeing bus offers two tours, viz. the Red Route which covers cultural highlights of central Cape Town such as the Castle of Good Hope, various museums and the Table Mountain cableway. The Blue Route provides a mini Peninsula tour and includes the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden and Mariners Wharf in Hout Bay. Travelers may interrupt their journey to spend however long they wish at a specific attraction and recommence it by boarding the following bus. Tickets are valid for a full day [more]The citysightseeing bus offers two tours, viz. the Red Route which covers cultural highlights of central Cape Town such as the Castle of Good Hope, various museums and the Table Mountain cableway. The Blue Route provides a mini Peninsula tour and includes the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden and Mariners Wharf in Hout Bay. Travelers may interrupt their journey to spend however long they wish at a specific attraction and recommence it by boarding the following bus. Tickets are valid for a full day, irrespective how often one disembarks and discount vouchers for entrance to the attractions are provided, as is a special rate for those who do both routes.Both routes depart from the V&A Waterfront and return there via Camps Bay and Sea Point. Further details and itineraries are available at the website.

Amusement Park

Ratanga Junction

Situated at Century City, a complex offering various tourist activities, Ratanga Junction is a full-scale theme park with numerous rides, bird and snake shows and live entertainment. It is open daily from 10h00 to 17h00 (18h00 Saturdays) during the mid-November to mid-January peak season and closed during winter. A selection of places to eat and drink is available, as are venues for private functions. Public transport to and from the Cape Town CBD is available, as are minibuses from nearby t [more]Situated at Century City, a complex offering various tourist activities, Ratanga Junction is a full-scale theme park with numerous rides, bird and snake shows and live entertainment. It is open daily from 10h00 to 17h00 (18h00 Saturdays) during the mid-November to mid-January peak season and closed during winter. A selection of places to eat and drink is available, as are venues for private functions. Public transport to and from the Cape Town CBD is available, as are minibuses from nearby train stations. Road access from the airport and Northern suburbs is per the N7 highway (Bosmansdam Road turnoff ) and the N1 from Cape Town (exit 10, Sable Road offramp).

Building

Houses of Parliament

Museum / Exhibition / Gallery

District Six Museum

The District Six Museum commemorates the life and times of the community who had once occupied a specific region of Cape Town prior to being evicted and forcibly resettled in the Cape Flats. Exhibitions consist of various mediums (art, sculpture, literature and more) which relate to the history, culture and experiences of the families who were resettled. Guided tours are available during open hours, which are from 09h00 to 15h00 on Mondays (doors close at 14h30) and 09h00 to 16h00 Tuesdays to [more]The District Six Museum commemorates the life and times of the community who had once occupied a specific region of Cape Town prior to being evicted and forcibly resettled in the Cape Flats. Exhibitions consist of various mediums (art, sculpture, literature and more) which relate to the history, culture and experiences of the families who were resettled. Guided tours are available during open hours, which are from 09h00 to 15h00 on Mondays (doors close at 14h30) and 09h00 to 16h00 Tuesdays to Saturdays. A number of concerts and events are staged at the museum, details of which are available at the website. There is also a coffee shop and bookstore with curios on site.

Restaurants

Balducci's

Balducci's is located at the mall in the V&A Waterfront and offers fusion cuisine in the mid-to upper price categories. Besides the California / Mediterranean selections of seafood, pasta and pizzas there is also the Royal Sushi Bar which, as the name indicates, specialises in sushi and Asian dishes. The 150-seat establishment is licensed and offers a smoking section. Bookings are advisable and wheelchair access is available. Major credit cards are accepted and opening hours are daily from 09h [more]Balducci's is located at the mall in the V&A Waterfront and offers fusion cuisine in the mid-to upper price categories. Besides the California / Mediterranean selections of seafood, pasta and pizzas there is also the Royal Sushi Bar which, as the name indicates, specialises in sushi and Asian dishes. The 150-seat establishment is licensed and offers a smoking section. Bookings are advisable and wheelchair access is available. Major credit cards are accepted and opening hours are daily from 09h00 to 23h00.

Palace / Castle

Castle of Good Hope

Declared a National Monument in 1936, the Castle of Good Hope is the oldest building in South Africa and houses the William Fehr Collection of 17th and 18th century art and furnishings. It is also a military museum and visitors can view the original dungeons, ballroom and forge. There is a restaurant on the premises, facilities for disabled patrons are provided and nearby parking is available at the Grand Parade. Open daily from 09h00 to 16h00, traditional ceremonies performed by the Castle [more]Declared a National Monument in 1936, the Castle of Good Hope is the oldest building in South Africa and houses the William Fehr Collection of 17th and 18th century art and furnishings. It is also a military museum and visitors can view the original dungeons, ballroom and forge. There is a restaurant on the premises, facilities for disabled patrons are provided and nearby parking is available at the Grand Parade. Open daily from 09h00 to 16h00, traditional ceremonies performed by the Castle Guard can be witnessed weekdays at 10h00 and 12h00. The Castle is closed on Xmas and New Years days. Details of guided tours are available at the website.

Other Places of Interest

Philani Child Health & Nutrition Project

Bar / Pub

Manhattan Cafe

Open daily from 10h00 till late, the Manhattan Cafe is situated on the corner of Waterkant and Dixon streets in the area known as The Village. It is a gay venue which offers full bar facilities, a varied menu and live entertainment on Thursdays and Sundays. Facilities include a fireplace and smoking area. Menu details are available at the website

Restaurants

Paulaner Bräuhaus

Das Brauhaus ist eine Mischung aus einer pulsierenden Gaststätte und einem Restaurant. Vom Balkon kann man die Waterfront überblicken. Serviert werden neben einer großen Bierauswahl auch bayrische Gerichte, wie Eisbein mit Knödeln. Das Brauhaus fasst 650 Gäste und ist die einzige Brauerei auf der Welt, deren Gärungskeller sich unterhalb des Meeresspiegels befindet.

Museum / Exhibition / Gallery

Irma Stern Museum

Irma Stern (1894-1966) was a painter, who studied in Germany in 1913 to 1920 and was greatly influenced by Expressionism. She she played a huge role in introducing modern art to South Africa and is considered to be one of the most important South African artists. The Irma Stern Museum is situated in the house which was once her home and still has original furnishings, ceramics and textiles as left by her. Hours of admission are Tuesday - Saturday 10h00 - 17h00 and, besides the normal exhibi [more]Irma Stern (1894-1966) was a painter, who studied in Germany in 1913 to 1920 and was greatly influenced by Expressionism. She she played a huge role in introducing modern art to South Africa and is considered to be one of the most important South African artists. The Irma Stern Museum is situated in the house which was once her home and still has original furnishings, ceramics and textiles as left by her. Hours of admission are Tuesday - Saturday 10h00 - 17h00 and, besides the normal exhibits which chronicle her life and works, there is a commercial art gallery on the premises.

Museum / Exhibition / Gallery

Gold of Africa Museum

The museum houses 350 gold artefacts from West Africa, as well as selections from various regions in southern Africa, aiming to maintain an awareness of the history and designs of African goldsmith creations. The cultural aspects are explored and temporary exhibitions from as far afield as India and Egypt are also on display. Open from 09h30 to 17h00 Monday to Saturday, the museum shop offers a range of exclusive jewellery. A night tour is also available between 18h00 and 20h00, as are Lion [more]The museum houses 350 gold artefacts from West Africa, as well as selections from various regions in southern Africa, aiming to maintain an awareness of the history and designs of African goldsmith creations. The cultural aspects are explored and temporary exhibitions from as far afield as India and Egypt are also on display. Open from 09h30 to 17h00 Monday to Saturday, the museum shop offers a range of exclusive jewellery. A night tour is also available between 18h00 and 20h00, as are Lion Walking Tours. Further details are available at the website.

Museum / Exhibition / Gallery

SA National Gallery

Exhibits of South African, African and Western European art are displayed at the S.A National Gallery, which had its origins in 1871 when 45 works of art were donated by Thomas Butterworth Bayley. A number of paintings by British, French, Dutch and Flemish artists are on display, but since 1990 the focus has shifted to art which embodies the African culture. The Gallery is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10h00 to 17h00 and there is ample parking available, as is a cafe and souvenir shop. There a [more]Exhibits of South African, African and Western European art are displayed at the S.A National Gallery, which had its origins in 1871 when 45 works of art were donated by Thomas Butterworth Bayley. A number of paintings by British, French, Dutch and Flemish artists are on display, but since 1990 the focus has shifted to art which embodies the African culture. The Gallery is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10h00 to 17h00 and there is ample parking available, as is a cafe and souvenir shop. There are also facilities for disabled patrons and a reference library, which is open 08h30 to 16h00 with a lunchtime closure between 13h00 and 14h00.

Restaurants

Jardine

Located in a restored building in the City Bowl, Jardine is open for dinner from Tuesday to Saturday (19h00 to 22h00) and for lunch on Fridays only (between 12h00 and 15h00). The restaurant seats 80 and serves a combination of contemporary Continental and South African cuisine. Main dishes include selections such as "norwegian salmon with white bean and truffle velouté" and the signature "whole west coast crayfish, smoked tomato and basil risotto". Vegetarian options are available, as is alfres [more]Located in a restored building in the City Bowl, Jardine is open for dinner from Tuesday to Saturday (19h00 to 22h00) and for lunch on Fridays only (between 12h00 and 15h00). The restaurant seats 80 and serves a combination of contemporary Continental and South African cuisine. Main dishes include selections such as "norwegian salmon with white bean and truffle velouté" and the signature "whole west coast crayfish, smoked tomato and basil risotto". Vegetarian options are available, as is alfresco dining. Major credit cards are accepted and there is wheelchair access for disabled patrons. Reservations are required.

Disco / Nightclub

Opium

Opium caters to the twenty-something set and offers various bars, lounge areas and a dance floor. Open Wednesdays to Saturdays from 9:00pm to 4:00am, Opium features regular themed events, details of which can be found at the website. The venue is also available for corporate functions.

Restaurants

Ginja

Ginja Restaurant offers fine dining in the Bo-Kaap district of Cape Town and is a member of the Chaine de Rotisseurs. Facilities include secure parking, live entertainment and a smoking section. They also cater for functions and the website offers more information about their menu, specialities and trading hours.

Bar / Pub

Ice Lounge

Consisting mostly of ice, approximately 45 tons of which had been imported from Canada, this bar offers patrons warm outerwear before they indulge in having their drinks (served in ice glasses) and admiring the various ice sculptures. The recently opened Ice Lounge is the first of its kind in South Africa and offers a venue for corporate functions as well as entertainment for children during the day. After 17h30 it is strictly adults and the entrance fee is increased to approximately 8 Euro. [more]Consisting mostly of ice, approximately 45 tons of which had been imported from Canada, this bar offers patrons warm outerwear before they indulge in having their drinks (served in ice glasses) and admiring the various ice sculptures. The recently opened Ice Lounge is the first of its kind in South Africa and offers a venue for corporate functions as well as entertainment for children during the day. After 17h30 it is strictly adults and the entrance fee is increased to approximately 8 Euro. Daytime tariffs and related information is available at the website. Please note that the Ice Lounge is seasonal and does not operate during the winter.

Events / Festivals

Cape Argus Pick 'n Pay Cycle Tour

Held early in March each year, this Cycle Tour is a highlight on the Cape sporting calendar, draws many international competitors and has been endorsed by the International Cycling Union (UCI). The route entails a roundabout of more than 100 km and includes many scenic areas along the Peninsula coastline. The entry fee for international cyclists is 50 Euro. Entry details as well as a route map and related information is available at the website.

Restaurants

The Africa Café

The centrally located Africa Café consists of a renovated 18th century Cape Georgian house which seats 250 in various themed restaurants. The ambiance is pure Africa, as are the menu selections, which include game, fish and vegetarian options. Mostly catering for group functions, pre-booking is recommended. A selection of African crafts and curios are also sold on the premises

Park / Botanical Gardens

Cape Town Company Gardens

No visit to Cape Town is complete without a stroll around this heritage site and perhaps a light meal at the Gardens Restaurant. Many cultural field trips to the Gardens are made by Capetonian schoolchildren and there are always a couple of squirrels scampering about, waiting to be fed the peanuts sold at the entrance... "The Gardens" as it is locally known, is the oldest botanical garden in South Africa, being the remainder of the gardens originally developed by Jan van Riebeek in 1652 to su [more]No visit to Cape Town is complete without a stroll around this heritage site and perhaps a light meal at the Gardens Restaurant. Many cultural field trips to the Gardens are made by Capetonian schoolchildren and there are always a couple of squirrels scampering about, waiting to be fed the peanuts sold at the entrance... "The Gardens" as it is locally known, is the oldest botanical garden in South Africa, being the remainder of the gardens originally developed by Jan van Riebeek in 1652 to supply passing ships with fresh produce. It has a statue of Cecil John Rhodes pointing to the interior of the country and is strongly linked to the very origins of South Africa. Presently it houses the Cape Town Parliament (in session during the summer months) , SA National Museum and Art Gallery, the Planetarium and also the Jewish Museum. Directly adjacent to the Gardens are the well-known St George's Cathedral and South African Library. Visitors can see the original old slave-bell, enjoy

Restaurants

Quay Four

Being one of the oldest restaurants on the V&A Waterfront, Quay Four is situated directly at the water's edge and offers informal al-fresco dining and a bar as well as an upstairs restaurant with harbour views. Live entertainment is presented nightly between 20h30 and 00h30.

Museum / Exhibition / Gallery

South African Museum

Described as "the oldest and largest museum on the sub-continent", the South African Museum is a Cape Town landmark which had its inception in 1825 and is located in the Company Gardens. Exhibits include the San history, rock art, nearly 700 million year old fossils, tools from 120 000 years ago and much more. Open daily from 10h00 to 17h00, the facilities include a souvenir shop and cafe. There is ample parking and access for disabled persons is not a problem. The museum is also situated conv [more]Described as "the oldest and largest museum on the sub-continent", the South African Museum is a Cape Town landmark which had its inception in 1825 and is located in the Company Gardens. Exhibits include the San history, rock art, nearly 700 million year old fossils, tools from 120 000 years ago and much more. Open daily from 10h00 to 17h00, the facilities include a souvenir shop and cafe. There is ample parking and access for disabled persons is not a problem. The museum is also situated conveniently close to the SA National Gallery and Planetarium.

Museum / Exhibition / Gallery

Bertram House

Bertram House is a renovated Georgian-style property which houses an extensive porcelain collection as well as 18th century English furniture. Parking is available and there are facilities for disabled patrons and a café on the premises. Open to the public on Mondays and Fridays only (from 10h00 to 16h30).