A Luxury Guide of Things to Do & Where To Stay in Cape Town

Cape Town, the Mother City of South Africa, is an alluring destination that attracts travelers from all parts of the world. In 2022, Cape Town was voted as one of the world’s best cities, which is a testament to the city’s allure. The city boasts of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, luxury accommodations, delectable cuisine, and a vibrant nightlife scene. As a luxury traveler, you want to experience the best of Cape Town. In this blog post, I will take you on a journey to explore the top attractions, luxury accommodations, wine farms and day trips, museums, and fine dining options in Cape Town.

Top Luxury Cape Town Attractions

Table Mountain

Table Mountain is an iconic landmark of Cape Town. Take the aerial tramway to the top of the mountain and enjoy breathtaking views of the city. The best time to visit is during sunset, when you can watch the city come alive with a million twinkling lights.

The ride is a gentle one, the rotating state-of-the-art cable car taking visitors from the lower station to the top in around 5 minutes. It operates seven days a week and trips occur within 10 to 15 minutes of each other. The time of the day’s last excursion varies throughout the year. Atop the mountain is a self-service buffet cafe or pack a picnic and enjoy the views.

Cape of Good Hope

The Cape of Good Hope is a must-visit destination for any traveler visiting Cape Town. The scenic route to the cape takes you past stunning coastal landscapes and wildlife.

V&A Waterfront

The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is a bustling hub of activity, offering an array of luxury stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. Take a stroll along the harbor and book a sunset boat cruise for an unforgettable experience.

Click here for the Top 10 Cape Town Tours from Viator.

Luxury Hotels & Accommodations

One&Only Cape Town

One&Only Cape Town is a luxury five-star hotel located in the heart of the V&A Waterfront. The hotel boasts of luxurious rooms and suites, a spa and wellness center, and a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Ellerman House

Ellerman House is an exclusive luxury boutique hotel located in Bantry Bay. The hotel features luxurious rooms and suites, private balconies with ocean views, a world-class art collection, and a private wine cellar.

The Silo Hotel

The Silo Hotel is a luxurious, contemporary hotel located in the heart of the V&A Waterfront. The hotel features a rooftop infinity pool, a spa and wellness center, and a rooftop bar with sweeping views of the city.

Wine Farms and Day Trips

Franschhoek Wine Tram

The Franschhoek Wine Tram is a unique way to explore the wine farms of Franschhoek. You don’t have to worry about driving or directions—you can just relax and journey through rolling vineyards, stopping at some of South Africa’s oldest and most distinguished wine estates. Hop on the tram and take a journey through the vineyards, stopping at wine farms along the way to taste some of South Africa’s best wines.

Cape Winelands Tour

The Cape Winelands Tour is a full-day tour of the beautiful wine farms of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl. The tour includes wine tastings, a gourmet lunch, and a visit to the famous Taal Monument.

Robben Island

Robben Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of South Africa’s struggle for freedom and democracy. Take a guided tour of the prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 18 years and learn about the history of apartheid.

Smitswinkel Bay

Between Simon’s Town and Cape Point Nature Reserve, you’ll find the picturesque Smitswinkel Bay. Take a short walk down to the beach for an incredible view of the mountains and sea and the opportunity to snorkel, picnic, or go diving. Take a dip in the pretty rock pools when you feel warm and be sure to pack lightly for the trek up and down.

Click here to book Full-Day Tours from Cape Town.

Click here to book Private Tours from Cape Town.

Museums

Zeitz MOCAA

Zeitz MOCAA is a contemporary art museum located in the Silo District of the V&A Waterfront. The museum features a collection of African contemporary art and hosts regular exhibitions, talks, and events. Zeitz MOCAA is the largest art museum in Africa, and the largest museum in the world showcasing the art of Africa and its diaspora. It opened at the end of 2017.

District Six Museum

The District Six Museum is a tribute to the vibrant community that was forcibly removed from the area during the apartheid era. The museum offers a glimpse into the lives of the people who lived in this diverse community.

Iziko South African Museum

The Iziko South African Museum is the country’s oldest museum and features exhibits on the natural history and cultural heritage of South Africa. The museum also houses a planetarium and a whale well.

Fine Dining & Luxury Cuisine in Cape Town

The Test Kitchen

The Test Kitchen is one of Cape Town’s top-rated restaurants, featuring a menu of creative and contemporary dishes. The restaurant has won numerous awards, including World’s Best Restaurant in 2019.

La Tête

La Tête is a trendy restaurant located in trendy Bree Street. The restaurant focuses on nose-to-tail dining, using all parts of the animal to create delicious and inventive dishes.

The Pot Luck Club

The Pot Luck Club is a stylish rooftop restaurant located in the Silo District. The restaurant features a sharing-style menu of global cuisine and offers panoramic views of the city. Brunch is a fine-dining set menu that kicks off at 11 am, on Sundays only. Tapas platters are served with many delectable treats.

High Tea at the Mount Nelson

Your visit to Cape Town should definitely include a visit to the iconic Pink Lady, the Belmond Mount Nelson. The hotel is famous for its lush gardens, luxurious quarters, and its traditional British high tea service. Get dressed up and enjoy sumptuous cakes, pastries, and sandwiches while live pianist music sets the mood.

Cape Town is a destination that offers luxury travelers a wealth of attractions and experiences. From natural landmarks, luxury accommodations, wine farms and day trips, museums, and fine dining, Cape Town has it all. Whether you are looking to relax and unwind, or to explore the rich culture and heritage of the city, Cape Town is the perfect destination for a luxury getaway. So why not start planning your trip to Cape Town today?

Planning a trip to Cape Town? The Cape Town City Pass gives you access to over 70 of the top Cape Town attractions, tours, and things to see and do, including the popular hop on hop off City Sightseeing bus.

Let’s get started planning your luxury vacation! Reserve your complimentary consultation call with me to begin!

Featured image by Taryn Elliott