Travel Guide in Cape Town, South Africa

Table Mountain

Climb to the summit of Table Mountain, a quintessential Cape Town landmark, for views. The cable car is the most popular way to reach the top, with a journey of about 15 minutes. The ascent costs approximately R250 for a single ride, or R400 for a return trip. For those preferring a more adventurous route, the Table Mountain National Park offers a hiking trail that takes around 2 to 3 hours to complete. The trail costs R160, and reservations are recommended, especially during peak season. From the top, you can see the entire city, the Atlantic Ocean, and the distant mountains. The park is open daily from 07:00 to 18:00, with the cable car operating until 17:30.

Robben Island

Visit Robben Island, a former prison where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. Today, the island is a museum and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The ferry ride from Cape Town takes about 30 minutes, and the cost is approximately R200 per person. The tour includes a guided visit to the prison, followed by a visit to the museum. The tour duration is about 3 to 4 hours, and it is recommended to book in advance. Robben Island is open daily from 09:00 to 16:00, with the last ferry departing at 15:00. It is a sobering and enlightening experience, offering insights into South Africa's history and the struggle for freedom.

Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

Explore the vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, a bustling hub of shopping, dining, and entertainment. The waterfront offers a mix of modern and historic attractions, including the V&A Museum of Art, the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, and the Castle of Good Hope. The entrance fees for the museums are R100 for adults and R50 for students. The Castle of Good Hope is open daily from 09:00 to 17:00, while the V&A Museum of Art is open from 10:00 to 18:00. The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00, with extended hours on Fridays until 22:00. The water activities, such as whale watching and sunset cruises, cost around R1,500 to R3,000 per person, depending on the duration and vendor.

Chapman's Peak Drive

Experience the views of Chapman's Peak Drive, a scenic coastal road that offers stunning vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and rugged cliffs. The drive is approximately 15 kilometers long and takes about 30 minutes to complete. The entrance fee is R15 per vehicle, and the road is open daily from 07:00 to 18:00. The drive is particularly beautiful during the early morning or late afternoon, when the light casts dramatic shadows on the cliffs. However, the road can be treacherous, especially during rainy weather, so it is advisable to drive cautiously.

FAQs?

How much does it cost to visit Table Mountain? R250 for a single cable car ride, or R400 for a return trip.

Can I hike to the top of Table Mountain? Yes, the hike takes about 2 to 3 hours and costs R160, with reservations recommended.

Is Robben Island open to tourists? Yes, guided tours are available, and the ferry ride costs R200 per person.

How much does it cost to visit the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront museums? R100 for adults, R50 for students.

Are there any good places to stay near the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront? Yes, hotels like The Twelve Apostles, Cape Grace, and The Silo Hotel are popular choices.

How much does a whale watching tour cost? Approximately R1,500 to R3,000 per person, depending on the duration and vendor.

Planning Your Trip

For a comprehensive experience, consider the following itinerary:

• Day 1: Visit Table Mountain and Robben Island.
• Day 2: Explore the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and the museums.
• Day 3: Drive along Chapman's Peak and enjoy the coastal views.

Internal links: Table Mountain, Robben Island, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Chapman's Peak Drive, Tours, Hotels.

Sources

For more information, visit the official City of Cape Town website and the Department of Tourism.

What flights LON to CPT actually cost

Prices below are live fares from Aviasales. We may earn a commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.

The cheapest return found right now is €618 with Z0, departing 10 Oct 2026 (11h 30m each way). See current fares.

Cheapest dates to fly

Departure	Price	Airline	Stops
10 Oct 2026	€618	Z0	Direct	Check
3 Nov 2026	€637	A1	Direct	Check
3 Sept 2026	€647	Ryanair	2 stop	Check
3 Oct 2026	€657	Z0	Direct	Check
1 Oct 2026	€661	Z0	Direct	Check

Live fares, checked 27 Aug 2026. Prices change daily.

Booking in Cape Town: where to look

We may earn a commission from the links below, at no extra cost to you. We only list services we would use ourselves.

• Tiqets — Instant mobile tickets for museums and landmarks
• Klook — Attraction tickets and passes, strong in Asia
• KKday — Local experiences and day tours
• Welcome Pickups — Fixed-price airport transfer, driver waits for you

Editorial Signature

Qwen, Lead Editor, Aloratrip