Embrace the beauty and lure of South Africa with SAFARI.COM! Book your getaway and plan to enjoy Cape Town’s Top 10 Tourist Attractions for 2026!
Cape Town has it all, and its undeniable pull attracts visitors from all over the world. Think exquisite landscapes, blue-flag beaches, incredibly diverse wildlife, and, to top it all off, the presence of Table Mountain as it guides and anchors tourists.
At SAFARI.COM, we have curated some truly unforgettable itineraries that bring Cape Town to life for visitors. It is more about immersing yourself in authentic experiences than ticking attractions off a list. Still, we know what makes this destination truly special, and we are here to unveil Cape Town’s Top 10 Tourist Attractions, to make your time in Africa the best it can be!
Open your heart to the call of South Africa, and consider the lodges, hotels, and packages we have highlighted to enhance your discoveries. Let SAFARI.COM connect you to the Mother City and surrounding attractions!
Exquisite landscapes connect with blue-flag beaches
1. Table Mountain Cable Car
An African wonder that attracts tourists to Cape Town all year round, the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is an experience you will not want to miss. One of the New 7 Wonders of Nature and among South Africa’s most photographed landmarks, it leaves visitors feeling inspired and fulfilled.
Going up Table Mountain is a rite of passage for locals and an enchanting experience for visitors. The cable car first began operating in 1929 and has been upgraded since then, rotating to showcase 360-degree panoramic views of Cape Town and the vast Atlantic Ocean. The cable car ride only takes a few minutes each way, ensuring the summit can be accessed and enjoyed with ease.
Once you are on top of Table Mountain, embark on walking trails, take in breathtaking sites from viewing platforms, and connect with a history that dates back almost 30,000 years. Delight in the rich Cape Floral Kingdom – over 70% of plants on the mountain are endemic because of the mountain’s unique altitudes and isolated position.
Unique views during a cable car ride
SAFARI.COM Highlight:
Book your stay at the stunning Cape Milner Hotel, beautifully situated beneath Table Mountain in the vibrant Mother City.
Stay for 3 nights and pay for 2 when you book between 1 May and 31 August 2026.
The beautiful views from The Cape Milner Hotel
2. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Cape Town’s enchanting Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens allow for blissful escapes from the busy city to the quiet lure of nature. As the first botanic garden to be included as a natural World Heritage Site, you will encounter unique plant life and indigenous flora.
Kirstenbosch stretches up the slopes of Table Mountain, covering about 528 hectares of protected fynbos, wild mountain trails, and beautifully cultivated or themed gardens. Visitors love the Boomslang Tree Canopy Walkway, while garden picnics are the perfect relaxed outing for the whole family.
Connect with nature at your own pace or book a guided tour for an educational experience. During your day visit, you can explore the Zimbabwean Stone Sculpture Exhibition and dine in style at one of the gardens' inviting restaurants. Some unique settings include the waterwise garden, fragrance garden, and beloved protea garden.
The eastern slopes of Table Mountain at Kirstenbosch Gardens
Stay 4 Nights, pay for 3 – Valid for travel from 1 September 2025 to 31 March 2027, excluding the Christmas peak periods: 20 Dec 2025 – 10 Jan 2026 and 20 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027.
The Claremont Boutique Hotel
3. V & A Waterfront
Blending culture, history, fun, and shopping, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront has long since been considered a top tourist attraction in Cape Town. This lively commercial harbor boasts many attractions, waterfront views, and some of Cape Town’s most exclusive restaurants. Table Mountain sets an idyllic backdrop.
On one hand, the V&A Waterfront is a playground for the elite; on the other hand, families and friends are spoilt for choice. Whether you are sipping cocktails with views of the marina, visiting the aquarium, or embarking on an incredible Robben Island Tour, you are in for an amazing experience that immerses you in South Africa’s rich history and alluring cultures. Tourists love the food markets, street performers, and live local music.
What was once a working clock along the harbor is now the V&A Waterfront - a popular tourist destination with charm and luxury at its core. Enjoy more than 430 retail stores, craft markets, and restaurants, and check out the contemporary Zeitz MOCAA Museum for amazing art displays!
One way to feel connected to South Africa is through its past. Robben Island symbolizes the country’s fight for freedom and democracy, and houses the prison where President Nelson Mandela was held during apartheid. Visiting Robben Island by ferry is a popular attraction, and looking back at the city and Table Mountain across the ocean is breathtaking.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is open to everyone, with ferry rides embarking from the V&A Waterfront regularly. On arrival, visitors enjoy a bus tour around the island, often led by guides who were once prisoners on the island themselves. Hear first-hand accounts and captivating stories, before the prison visit that includes a look at Nelson Mandela’s cell and the maximum-security block. Museums and exhibitions can also be enjoyed.
Be sure to pack your camera, as the views from Robben Island towards the city are unbeatable. Pause and reflect on the unique, inspiring history of Robben Island on an adventure you will be fully invested in.
Old maximum security prison for political prisoners
6 Day Magical Kruger Park & Cape Town Safari, Tintswalo Atlantic
5. Cape of Good Hope & Cape Peninsula Drive
Cape Town offers some truly exquisite drives that place you between the rugged mountains and the vast Atlantic Ocean. Experiencing the Cape Peninsula drive and Cape of Good Hope deserves a spot on Cape Town’s top 10 tourist attractions for 2026.
Let the natural spirit of Cape Town guide your ventures through scenic and iconic landmarks, on a drive unlike any other. Look forward to wildlife encounters, scenery reminiscent of an African dream, and stops along the way that never feel long enough. On this journey, you can hike to a lighthouse, visit the famous African penguin colony, or let your surroundings take hold.
Start your drive in Cape Town towards the winding roads of Chapman's Peak Drive, past Boulders Beach, and to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope. Take the funicular or hike to the end, and get swept away by the dramatic cliffs and striking coastlines of the Southwestern tip of Africa.
African Penguins Thrive on Cape of Good Hope
The most scenic route
6. The Finest Wineries in Franschhoek & Stellenbosch
Cape Town is synonymous with its world-class wines, and Franschhoek is known as South Africa’s food and wine capital. Additionally, Stellenbosch is famous for being a prestigious wine region that promises diverse and unique wine tasting experiences.
Whether you are hopping on and off Franschhoek’s wine tram to enjoy several vineyards in a day or enjoying a legendary wine estate in Stellenbosch, prepare to indulge in bold flavors and the finest wines. Many estates offer wine and food pairings that elevate the tasting experience, while booking in advance is always recommended.
Some top wine estates include Franschhoek’s Haute Cabrière and La Motte wine farms. If you’re in Stellenbosch, don’t miss Delaire Graff Estate and the popular Rust en Vrede Wine Estates.
Aerial view of Mont Rochelle Hotel
SAFARI.COM Highlight:
Mont Rochelle Hotel in Franschhoek Valley is a magnificent setting from which to enjoy the best wines and cuisine in South Africa.
Cap Classique Suite at Mont Rochelle Hotel
7. Lions Head
Cape Town offers visitors plenty of opportunities for fitness in nature – in fact, the only way to get to the top of Lions Head is by hiking. Peak times for hikes include sunrise and sunset, while group full moon hikes are often planned and make for memorable experiences.
On top of Lions Head, you’re treated to a unique perspective of the Mother City and natural surroundings. If you are an adventurer at heart, hiking Lions Head is one of the most iconic ways to enjoy Cape Town like a local. The hike should not take longer than 2 hours (round trip), and is considered moderate in difficulty.
If you are seeking a quick and rewarding outdoor lifestyle experience in Cape Town, Lions Head will not disappoint. Be sure to bring your camera along – Lions’ Head is considered on the cities hottest photo spots.
Camps Bay beach leading to Lion's Head
SAFARI.COM Highlight:
Enjoy luxury accommodation in a privately-owned Bantry Bay mansion, namely Ellerman House, just minutes from Lions Head.
Book minimum of 4 nights in a deluxe room category or higher and receive a 20% discount on accommodation. Valid 1 April to 30 September 2026
Pool view at Ellerman House
8. Garden Route
The Garden Route is one of South Africa’s top road-trip destinations, with outstanding scenery, iconic attractions, and charming coastal towns that show a different side of South Africa. Incredibly diverse natural assets and awesome adventures make the Garden Route an outdoor adventure paradise.
As you discover the Garden Route, you have the flexibility to travel short distances between the towns that call it home. Knysna is famous for the Knysna Heads, while travelers enjoy lagoon cruises and exciting forest escapes. Plettenberg Bay has picture-perfect beaches and rich marine wildlife, while Tsitsikamma National Park and Storms River offer kayaking, bungee jumping, and more!
From whale-watching and forest hikes to beach picnics and river adventures, you will quickly realize what makes the Garden Route such a gem near Cape Town! South Africa’s natural beauty beckons you from the Garden Route.
Garden Route views on your wat to Amakhala 5-star Bush Lodge
Stay 3 nights and only pay for 2 during low season 2026 (1 May - 31 July 2026) (Terms and conditions apply).
Lazy lounging at Amakhala 5-star Bush Lodge
9. Camps Bay
While Cape Town is home to many coastal towns and no shortage of beaches, Camps Bay Beach is by far the most iconic and easily the most beautiful. This beach is glamorous and vibrant, with a palm-tree-lined promenade and awe-inspiring views of the Twelve Apostles Mountain Range and Lions Head.
With its blue-flag status and outstretched white sandy shore, Capetonians love Camps Bay Beach, and tourists are drawn here during their Cape Town vacations. The perfect day looks like this: Enjoy a morning hike up Lions Head, followed by a full day of beachside bliss at Camps Bay Beach. End your day off by dining at one of Camps Bay's renowned restaurants, right along the outstretched beachfront.
Grassy banks allow for picnics along the seaside, loungers and umbrellas can be rented for beach days, and a tidal pool offers an enclosed area for safer swimming in ocean waters.
Camps Bay beach
SAFARI.COM Highlight:
Book accommodation at The Bay Hotel in Camps Bay, along the coastal stretch.
You can also discover more of Africa through our curated 16 Day Self-Drive Bush & Garden Route, which includes a stay in Camps Bay for seaside exclusivity.
The Bay Hotel
10. Shark Cage Diving in Gansbaai
What better way to appreciate a great white shark in Africa than by coming face-to-face with one? Gansbaai in Cape Town is a hotspot for the most legendary shark cage diving experiences, known as the Mecca of the Great White Shark. This adrenaline-filled activity is truly a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience.
Embark on incredible marine big-5 tours and shark cage diving expeditions, led by expert crews. The Gansbaai coastline boasts one of the world’s highest concentrations of Great White Sharks in a condensed marine area. High season typically falls between the winter months from June to September, but shark cage diving can be enjoyed all year round.
Let Africa bring your most thrilling bucket-list adventures to life. Dive into the unknown and lock eyes with powerful apex predators in their natural habitat.
Shark cage diving in Gansbaai
Start Planning Your Safari with Confidence
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