Revealed: Cape Town's secret attractions

Because Cape Town has millions of visitors each year, things might get a little crowded. If you've seen all of the famous landmarks and are looking for something new, you'll be pleased to learn that the Mother City is brimming with hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. Here are some of Cape Town's best-kept secrets, ranging from colourful buildings to breathtaking views.

A fun-filled day at the V&A Battery Park

Through a network of scenic pedestrian paths, recreation, and retail activities, Battery Park connects the V&A Waterfront to the city. The canals offer a variety of watersport activities such as stand-up paddling, kayaking, and swimming. If the water is not for you then the skatepark and other outdoor activities, such as a picnic with a view of Table Mountain, will keep you occupied. You could even catch a water taxi between the Cape Town International Convention Centre and the V&A Waterfront.

Shopping at the Watershed building

The Watershed Building is the place to go if you're searching for unique local items such as jewellery, sculptures, and gourmet foods. Local craftsmen gather here to offer their products. They have a range of cool gifts that you'll want to take back home for your friends.

Hiking the Woody Ravine at Table Mountain

The most well-known and well-worn hiking pathways are on the front side of Table Mountain, but those in the know head around the back to the Pipetrack on the Camps Bay-facing side. On the Twelve Apostles side of Table Mountain, Woody Ravine provides a less busy, shady hiking experience with stunning views, beautiful fynbos, rock formations, and birds. Keep a watch out for our Cape Sugarbird, who has taken up residence above the denser Protea plants. You might catch a glimpse of the male's extremely long tail as he flits past if you're lucky.

Try the Woody Ravine path if you're looking for a challenge. The steep road (shaded by forest) emerges on the mountain plateau, where you can stroll and discover additional oddities such as an antique steam locomotive and an even older cable car.

Snorkelling with the seals

Although Cape Town is known for its shark cage diving, snorkelling with the seals will not leave you disappointed. Swimming and interacting with the ocean's puppies just off the coast of Hout Bay in shallow and clear water is something to tick off your Cape Town exploration list. 

Experience the Cape Malay culture in Bo-Kaap

Have you ever wondered about the vividly painted residences that adorn the streets of Cape Town? They can be found in the bustling Malay Quarter neighbourhood of Bo-Kaap. Bo-Kaap is the perfect area for an afternoon walk to absorb the culture, try the local cuisine, or participate in a cooking lesson, with houses of many colours placed against the breathtaking background of Table Mountain.

Stony Point Penguin Reserve

While Boulders Beach is more known for its penguins, the Stony Point Penguin Reserve in Betty's Bay is home to one of the world's largest African Penguin populations. Thousands of penguins can be seen here going about their everyday lives, preening, waddling, caring for their young, and mating.

Chapman's Peak Drive

If it's breathtaking views you are after then nothing matches a drive along the windswept Atlantic Coast and Chapman's Peak. The road is carved out of the rock, making for a thrilling drive with near-vertical cliffs and blind turns. It starts in Hout Bay, winds up to Chapman's Point, and then ends in Noordhoek. The ocean views are stunning throughout the journey, making it the perfect spot for your next Instagram post. However, the best footage can be taken from Chapman's Point, the highest point on the road.

Cape Town's Best-Kept Secrets Tip: There are seven massive yellow photo frames strewn across Cape Town that wonderfully frame Table Mountain.

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