Best of Cape Town for free

Our Local Expert Says:

Interlinked with the struggle against apartheid, St George’s Cathedral is one of Cape Town’s landmark sites. Modern day Cape Tonian activists often use the Cathedral as a launching place for activities and action.

Description:

A landmark site for its role in South African history and a meeting place for modern day protests, St Georges Cathedral in the heart of Cape Town represents a time of change in South Africa. In 1986, Desmond Tutu was enthroned as the first black archbishop of South Africa. From the doors of Ste Georges Cathedral, he led numerous marches and campaigns for the formal end of apartheid.

Our Local Expert Says:

Its hard to resist miniature animals, especially knee high penguins that waddle around and make funny noises. The penguins at Boulders Beach are sure to amuse visitors and locals of all ages.

Description:

Standing at just below a foot tall, the diminutive African penguins waddling onto shore, jumping into the sea or just sunbathing are quite a sight to see. Along the southern Cape Peninsula, just past Simonstown, there are several turnoffs for the Boulders Beach area. The second turnoff has the fewest tour buses and leads to a walkway above penguin nesting areas, to a beach where one can swim with penguins, or to another more secluded beach with fewer penguins but nice sheltered swimming areas and boulders.

Our Local Expert Says:

Some of the best views of Cape Town and surrounds come from the trail that winds its way around Lions Head. Beautiful at any time of the day, a walk up Lions Head is an essential part of enjoying Cape Town’s natural beauty.

Description:

Guarding the western edge of Cape Town, Lion's Head offers hiking with views over the Atlantic Seaboard, Robben Island, the Cape Town city bowl, and Table Mountain. For those who prefer having their feet off solid ground, tour companies operate tandem paragliding from Lions Head's slopes to the Atlantic coast. Locals can be found hiking Lions Head daily but full moon evening is often popular for sunset drinks on the summit.

Our Local Expert Says:

Although the most popular route up Table Mountain is Platteklip Gorge, there are numerous trails to enjoy. Of course there are also a number of ways down- hiking, the cable car, or an abseil off the mountain!

Description:

Standing guard over Cape Town, Table Mountain defines the city. For early seafarers, the Mountain signified arrival at this port of call. For the original inhabitants of the area, the Mountain was the source of myth and intrigue. For modern day Cape Tonians, Table Mountain is the heart of daily life. At 1086 meters and home to 1400 species of flora, Table Mountain is a spectacular nature reserve surrounded by a city. With hundreds of routes to ascend, the Mountain can keep an avid hiker and climber busy for years.

Our Local Expert Says:

From late August through late October, Southern Right Whales pass through Cape Town to calve. Watch them play all along the coast, often just a few meters from the road.

Description:

From late August through early October, Southern Right whales migrate in large numbers past the Cape Peninsula on their way to mating grounds in the Indian Ocean. You can catch sights of the whales all along the coast, often just off shore. Generally the False Bay seaboard and Hermanus are best for viewing but the whales are often spotted off the Atlantic as well.

Description:

One of the most beautiful drives in the world, Cape Town's Chapmans Peak Drive is a spectacular 10 km coastal drive linking Noordhoek to Hout Bay. In spring (Sept-November) Southern Right Whales can be spotted in Hout Bay. Year round there are stunning views from numerous viewpoints and picnic spots. A trail to Chapman's Peak itself starts just before the highest viewpoint on Chapman's Peak Drive. If the road is closed or if one only wants to access the portion of the road closer to Hout Bay, a complimentary day pass can be acquired from the toll booth.

Our Local Expert Says:

Kalk Bay is one of those places that you stop over at for a quick bite, then discover a great café, the interesting shop next to it, the fishermen selling fresh fish at the harbour, the cute ice cream shop and before you know it its time decide which of the restaurants with views you should do dinner at. Perfect for any leisurely vacation types.

Description:

Quaint little towns along the False Bay coast, Kalk Bay and St James surround an operating fishing harbour that lends the antique and coffee shops a tranquil view. In spring, Southern Right whales abound, often brushing against the harbour walls. Kalk Bay makes a great stop for lunch on a tour of the Cape Peninsula or a nice leisurely walking day.

Our Local Expert Says:

Temporary “home” to many of South Africa’s most famous anti-apartheid activists including Nelson Mandela, Robben Island served as prison, place of learning, and international symbol of apartheid governance. Today, the island is an UN World Heritage Site and has taken on the role of museum with tours led by former prisoners. Access is available by ferry from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V and A Waterfront. Book ahead to ensure availability and allocate half a day to the full trip.

Description:

One of the oldest residential areas of Cape Town, the Bo Kaap is a unique neighborhood with a strong cultural and social history. Home of a "Cape Malay" community, the neighborhood is a collection of brightly painted houses and mosques. Strolling through the streets (daytime and larger streets only) of the Bo Kaap provides a taste of a distinctly Cape Tonian community and lifestyle. If you find yourself in the area for dinner, try out Biesmielleh restaurant on Wale Street that serves delicious Cape Malay fare. A visit to the District Six Museum will offer some more insight into the history of the Cape Malay community of Cape Town.

Our Local Expert Says:

An idyllic, hidden beach off the beaten tourist track, Llandudno is a great place to marvel at the unending beauty of Cape Town.

Description:

A small, beautiful, boulder bordered beach along the Atlantic Seaboard, Llandudno beach is a local favorite among the surfers and nature lovers. Its secluded location tends to keep Cape Town's wind away and its lack of cafes and bars keeps the Camps Bay beach scene away. The boulders on the northern side of Llandudno beach offer a fun scenic walk. Llandudno is a great place to watch the sunset over the ocean with the mountain backdrop glowing red.

Our Local Expert Says:

If you want to enjoy a sunset horseback ride on the beach, this is the place to do it. Also great surfing near the Chapman's Peak side . If you are going to take a long walk, check with the locals about safety.

Description:

Based at the southern end of Chapman's Peak Drive, Noodhoek beach is well known to locals, horseriders, kite flyers, and the like. The longest of any of the Atlantic Seaboard beaches, Noordhoek offers great sunset views and hours of walking. Watch out for windy days though, the beach is exposed and the sand can whip up.