Things to do in Cape Town

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A one day itinerary to Cape Town's must see attractions

Explore Stellenbosch or the Cape Peninsula in the morning, visit the renowned Robben Island and the V&A waterfront in the afternoon, enjoy a few sun-downers on top of the majestic Table Mountain and discover the vibrant nightlife on Long Street. Cape Town is a beautiful city boasting a large number of captivating attractions. The following things to do in Cape Town might be a bit hectic, but enables you to experience as much as possible in only one day.

Cape Peninsula
Get an early start and drive out through Simon's Town to visit the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Carry on driving until you reach Cape of Good Hope and explore the beautiful landscape surrounding the point where the warm Indian Ocean meets the cool Atlantic Ocean. Take Chapman's Peak Drive on your way back and stop off in Hout Bay for a quick swim and fresh fish and chips for lunch. Head back to the city centre - driving along the trendy Atlantic seaboard via Llandudno and Camps Bay.

Stellenbosch
If you’d rather explore the Winelands, drive out to Stellenbosch - a small but charming historical town situated fairly close to Cape Town. Visit one or two luxurious wineries and stock up on fine South African wines, before heading back to the city centre - grabbing a bite to eat before you leave.

V&A Waterfront
A huge shopping and entertainment area next to the harbour, the V&A Waterfront is very popular with tourists because of the high density of shops, restaurants and amusement possibilities. If you want souvenirs, however, they are cheaper at the Sunday Green Point market - in walking distance from the V&A Waterfront - or in the several multi-story shops at the lower end of Long Street.

Robben Island
Located just off the coast from Cape Town, Robben Island was the location used during the apartheid days to hold political prisoners - including Nelson Mandela and the late Walter Sisulu. Tours run several times per days from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront. However the waiting list can be up to two weeks, so if you're planning a trip - make a booking well in advance.

Table Mountain
Catch the cable car up to Table Mountain and have a few sundowners while taking in the spectacular 360° views. Bring something warm to wear as the weather is unpredictable - the renowned 'tablecloth cloud' comes down unannounced and the temperature can plummet dramatically. Catch the cable car back down, pop in to your hotel to freshen up or head straight for Long Street.

Long Street
Mama Africa - a charming African style restaurant on Long Street - offers local meals such as Bobotie, Potjiekos, springbok, kudu and crocodile steak. Mama Africa also boasts a good range of wines at affordable prices, as well as live marimba music on some nights. Long Street is one of the few truly multi-ethnic, multi-racial nightspots in the city and offers live entertainment in many bars, restaurants and clubs - so pop into any venue after your dinner and enjoy the company of friendly locals, exotic cocktails and soothing jazz.
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