The city and the mountain
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Table Mountain by cable car | A rotating cable car to a flat summit with views over the city and the ocean. | Closes for about two weeks of maintenance in winter |
| Lion's Head | A short hike to a summit with views over the city and the sea. | About 1.5 hours up |
| The V&A Waterfront | A harbour with shopping centres, restaurants and a big wheel. | On the harbour |
| The Two Oceans Aquarium | An aquarium of fish from the Atlantic and Indian oceans. | V&A Waterfront |
| Bo-Kaap | Colourful houses and old mosques, the historic quarter of the Cape Muslims. | Below Signal Hill |
| Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden | A garden on the slopes of Table Mountain with a canopy walkway through the trees. | South of the city |
The coast
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Boulders Beach and its penguins | A colony of African penguins on a small beach among the boulders. | About 45 minutes |
| The Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point | A lighthouse on towering cliffs above the ocean. | About 1.5 hours |
| Chapman's Peak Drive | A coastal road cut into the rock between the mountain and the sea. | South of Hout Bay |
| Camps Bay beach | A white beach below the Twelve Apostles mountains. | About 15 minutes |
History
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Robben Island | The prison where Mandela spent 18 years, on the World Heritage list. | By ferry from the V&A Waterfront |
Tips before you go
- Book the Table Mountain cable car and Robben Island ahead; both may stop in high winds.
- The best months are November to March, which is summer there.
- Saudis can visit South Africa visa-free for up to 90 days.
Hotels in Cape Town
More places nearby
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Cape Town?
Table Mountain, Lion's Head, the V&A Waterfront, Bo-Kaap, Kirstenbosch, Boulders Beach, the Cape of Good Hope and Chapman's Peak Drive.
Where can I see penguins in Cape Town?
At Boulders Beach, about 45 minutes from the city.
Is there a Muslim quarter in Cape Town?
Yes, Bo-Kaap, with its colourful houses and old mosques.
Planning your trip to South Africa? Read Travel to South Africa from Saudi Arabia.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.