Cape Town affectionately known as the “Mother City” is the oldest town in South Africa. Keep reading if you’ve ever needed a reason to visit this beautiful place. A port city on South Africa’s southwest coast, it is the Capital of the Western Cape.

Credit: giphy It is home to approximately 4 million people who make up the rainbow nation. Here are some of the things that make it such a great place!

1. Take a walk in the clouds on Table Mountain

A mountain so gigantic it is used as a land mark in the city. Take a cable car up to the top or if you’re feeling adventurous, take a walk. The views are breathtaking, offering a 360’ birds eye view of the city.

Credit: tablemountain The mountain is open most days, weather depending so get up there early and enjoy the view. Tickets can be purchased online here.

Credit: tablemountain

2. Walk in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela at Robben Island

This is where Nobel Prize winner Nelson Mandela served majority of his 27 year prison sentence. It is now a museum offering short tours and beautiful views. Only accessible by boat via the V&A Waterfront, it rivals a trip to Alcatraz in San Francisco.

Credit: Joe Ross on Flickr More information on the tour schedule can be found here.

Credit: UNESCO

3. Eat, shop and be merry at the V&A Waterfront

Probably the most visited destination in the city, V&A Waterfront offers a vast selection of dining, accommodation and activities. Shop up a storm in one of the many designer stores or indulge in the local arts and crafts selection. There’s a cinema, plenty of halal eating options and activities for the kids. Try a walking tour to get the most of the area.

Credit: Flowcomm on Flickr Visitor information can be found here.

4. Find Nemo at the Two Oceans Aquarium

Situated within the V&A Waterfront, this aquarium is equal to some of the best in the world! Enjoy the sting rays, penguins, the famous white shark and many more. For those who love diving there’s the option of getting up close to some of the species.

Credit: Aquarium For families with young kids the AfriSam Children’s Play Centre is sure to entertain them for a few hours. The Aquarium is open 365 days a year from 09h30 until 18h00. Plan your trip here.

Credit: Aquarium

5. Hop on and off the Red city bus tour

This is probably the best way to see the city as the public transport can be a bit tricky. One ticket is valid all day offering multiple stops and audio commentary in a number of different languages. Visit the Famous Long Street in the inner city, explore the tastes of Bo Kaap (koekisters are a must), have tea at the iconic Mount Neslon Hotel, be moved to tears at the District Six Museum or take a walk at Kirstenbosch Gardens.

Credit: citysightseeing Tickets can be bought online here.

6. Get personal with the Great White Shark

If you enjoy deep sea diving or simply want a once in a lifetime experience this one is for you. Cape Town is one of the few places where you can get face to face with the white shark.

Credit: Elias Levy on Flickr There are many tour operators offering trips to Gansbaai but be sure to choose one that focuses on the conservation of these beautiful creatures.

Credit: African Budget Safaris on Flickr

7. Breach like a whale in Hermanus

In keeping with the wildlife theme, Hermanus is a two hour drive from Cape Town. It’s a beautiful little town that offers world class whale watching. The best time to enjoy this is between July and September. The Hermanus Whale Festival is the only enviro-arts festival in South Africa and runs each year in September.

Credit: Rob Schleiffert on Flickr There are plenty of accommodation and eating options. Accommodations include luxury stays, hotels/apartments, guesthouses and Airbnb.

Credit: Ross Huggett on Flickr

8. Get your charm on in Franschoek and Stellenbosch

A quaint little town situated a mere 75 kilometers from Cape Town, Franschoek (Dutch for French Corner) offers a little taste of the French countryside in Africa. Beautiful vineyards, boutiques and cafes are on offer for those who enjoy the finer things, along with a car museum for the boys who love their toys.

Credit: Dave Bezaire on Flickr Closer to Cape Town is Stellenbosch offering a range of sporting options, markets and festivals. A great way to spend a day is to pack a picnic basket and spend the day at one of the many farms.

Credit: @cpvw12 on Instagram

Credit: @tomnicklin10 on Instagram Root44 is a popular market open every weekend offering antiques, clothing, arts & crafts and organic produce. For those who want to take a little time out, the Hydro Spa is a one of a kind wellness centre.

9. Experience picturesque Simons Town

Home to the South African Navy, a visit is sure to fascinate both adults and kids alike. Beautiful beaches including the famous Boulders beach which is home to many penguins, a must see for every visitor to the Cape.

Credit: Tim Snell on Flickr

Credit: Bernard DUPONT on Flickr

10. Marvel at how the two oceans meet at Cape Point

Known as the spot where the two oceans meet (Indian and Atlantic) this spot offers some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery in the world.

Credit: Meraj Chhaya on Flickr Cape Point is situated within the Cape nature reserve and offers beaches, a restaurant and a light house to explore.

Credit: Haydé Adams FitzPatrick on Flickr

11. Be awed by the phenomenal Chapmans Peak Drive

Take a drive through on one of the most scenic roads you will ever come across. Windy roads, steep cliffs and sharp bends right above the glistening ocean. Take a drive to Noordhoek then Hout Bay famous for their mouth watering fish and chips or just drive along the Cape Point route.

Credit: Phillip Cowell on Flickr Don’t forget to catch the sunset from one of the many viewpoints!

Credit: Alex Healing on Flickr

12. Pack on the calories and enjoy the food

The city offers a variety of halal food options thanks to its large Muslim community. Try the famous Woodies Burgers at the V&A waterfront or the District Café in Woodstock. The canal walk shopping centre offers a few options including Jimmy’s Killer Prawns and La Rocca.

Credit: Woodies Facebook Make a stop at Bismillahs in Bo Kaap or try the famous Wembley in Rylands. Don’t forget to try out the freshest and tastiest fish and chips offered at most places along the coast. Check out Hungry for Halaal, Capetown Magazine and here for more halal dining options.

Credit: foodsburg

13. Camp out at a trailer rooftop park

Here is one for your bucket list. A one of a kind experience awaits you at the Grand Daddy Boutique hotel, the world’s only rooftop trailer park hotel. Choose from one of seven individually themed trailers and experience an outdoor cinema right beneath the African sky.

Credit: @granddaddyhotel on Instagram Book your stay here.

Credit: @mrdavidduran on Instagram With its beautiful scenery, entertainment options and mouth watering food available, its no wonder Cape Town has been the recipient of so many travel awards. Recent awards include the 2015/16 Telegraph Travel Awards as the Best City in the World and in Condé Nast’s highly acclaimed Reader’s Choice Awards; it took the top honours as the number one food city in the world. Go on and experience it yourself, what are you waiting for!

13 Reasons Why Cape Town Should Be Your Next Travel Splurge