Cape Town Half Day City Tour
Active
4h
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
This tour takes you from the V&A Waterfront in the historic Cape Town Harbour to the Blue Flag beaches of the Atlantic Seashore, the brightly-painted homes of Bo-Kaap and the historic landmarks in the Cape Town City Bowl. Enjoy a few hours in the company of a knowledgeable tour guide who makes the rich history of the city come alive.
Available options
Cape Town Half Day City Tour
Pickup included
What's included
Activities specified in the itinerary.
English-speaking tour guide
Transfers in an air-conditioned tour vehicle
Detailed itinerary
1
The morning starts with a quick stop at the V&A Waterfront, located in the heart of the historic Cape Town Harbour. The world-class retail and entertainment complex is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Africa and offers visitors a glimpse into the daily goings-on of one of the oldest working harbors in the world.
2
We continue on to the Blue Flag beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay, travelling through the modern coastal suburbs of the Atlantic Seaboard which runs parallel to the glistening Atlantic Ocean. You’ll find some of the most affluent homes along this stretch of coastline and magical beaches dotted with striking granite outcrops.
3
Stop 3
Next is a visit to the historic village of Bo-Kaap, formerly known as the Malay Quarters and home to many descendants of the slaves who once lived there. The Dutch East India Company established Bo-Kaap (meaning Above Cape) to house slaves from Malaysia and Indonesia who were bought to the Cape in the 1760s to build the city.
The brightly-painted homes and quaint cobbled streets tell a story of the village’s rich history. You can learn more about the cultural heritage of the predominantly Muslim community at the Bo-Kaap Museum which is housed in the Cape’s oldest building still in its original form.
4
Stop 4
We move onto the Castle of Good Hope, travelling past the Company’s Garden and the Iziko South African National Museum. The Castle is a bastion fort built in 1666; it’s the oldest-surviving colonial building in southern Africa and a prime example of a ‘star fort’ which was first seen in the mid-15th century in Italy.
Today, the Castle houses the regional headquarters of the South African Army in the Western Cape, the famous William Fehr Collection of historic artworks, the Castle Military Museum and ceremonial facilities for traditional Cape Regiments.
5
Your morning ends with a quick visit to the Cape Diamond Museum, located in the historic Clock Tower at the V&A Waterfront. The museum provides fascinating insight into the history of the South African diamond rush and features exhibits exploring the science behind diamonds.
What's not included
Lunch and beverages
Purchases of a personal nature
Table Mountain Cable Car Fare($25 per Person)
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
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Important information
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
About Cape Town
Cape Town is a stunning coastal city known for its dramatic landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Nestled between the iconic Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, it offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cosmopolitan living, and historical significance.
Top Attractions
Table Mountain
Table Mountain is an iconic landmark and one of the New7Wonders of Nature. It offers breathtaking views of Cape Town and the surrounding coastline.
Nature
2-4 hours
Moderate (Cableway ticket: R380 return)
V&A Waterfront
The V&A Waterfront is a bustling hub of activity, featuring shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It's a great place to experience Cape Town's vibrant atmosphere.
Entertainment
Half day to full day
Free to explore, with varying costs for activities and dining
Robben Island
Robben Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. It's a powerful reminder of South Africa's apartheid history.
Historical
3-4 hours
Moderate (Tour ticket: R500 including ferry)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Bunny Chow
A hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry, typically made with chicken or lamb. It's a popular street food dish with Indian roots.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian options available, but traditionally contains meat.
Cape Malay Curry
A flavorful curry made with spices, herbs, and often includes meat or vegetables. It's a staple of Cape Malay cuisine and is typically served with rice.
Dinner
Vegetarian options available, but traditionally contains meat.
Biltong
A dried, cured meat similar to jerky, but with a unique South African flavor. It's a popular snack and can be found in various flavors and cuts.
Snack
Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Popular Activities
Hiking
Paragliding
Shark cage diving
Surfing
Mountain biking
Beach lounging
Spa treatments
Wine tasting
Best Time to Visit
November to March
This is the summer season, characterized by warm, dry weather and long daylight hours. It's the peak tourist season, perfect for beach activities, hiking, and outdoor adventures.
18°C to 30°C
64°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English, Afrikaans
- Widely spoken: Xhosa, Zulu
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
South African Rand (ZAR)
Time Zone
GMT+2
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
Cape Town is a generally safe city for tourists, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur in crowded areas and on public transportation. Violent crime is less common but can occur, particularly in certain neighborhoods and at night.
Important Precautions:
- • Avoid walking alone at night
- • Be cautious with valuables in crowded areas
- • Use reputable transport services
Getting there
By air
- Cape Town International Airport • 20 km from city center
By train
Cape Town Station
By bus
Cape Town Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The MyCiTi Bus system is efficient and affordable, with dedicated bus lanes to avoid traffic. It's a popular choice for both locals and tourists.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Cape Town City Centre
Camps Bay
Bo-Kaap
Day trips
Stellenbosch
50 km from Cape Town • Full day recommended
Stellenbosch is a charming university town in the heart of the Cape Winelands, known for its historic architecture, world-class wine estates, and vibrant student culture. It's a great place to explore South Africa's rich history and indulge in some of the country's best wines.
Hermanus
120 km from Cape Town • Full day recommended
Hermanus is a coastal town known for its stunning whale watching opportunities, beautiful beaches, and scenic coastal walks. It's a great place to escape the city and enjoy some of South Africa's most breathtaking natural landscapes.
Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope
60 km from Cape Town • Full day recommended
Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope are two of South Africa's most iconic natural landmarks, offering breathtaking views, scenic hikes, and a rich history. It's a great place to explore the country's diverse wildlife and experience the raw beauty of the Atlantic Ocean.
Festivals
Cape Town International Jazz Festival • March (annual)
Cape Town Carnival • January (annual)
Cape Town Fashion Week • September (annual)
Pro tips
- Visit Table Mountain early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and strong winds
- Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, from the vibrant Bo-Kaap to the upscale Camps Bay
- Take a day trip to the Cape Winelands to sample some of South Africa's best wines
- Visit the V&A Waterfront for shopping, dining, and entertainment options
- Take a harbor cruise for stunning views of the city and Table Mountain
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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