Cape Town city centre is around 45 kilometres from Somerset West, which makes it an easy day trip from Villa Helderberg. Our guests often ask what to see first, so here are our top 10 things to do in Cape Town, chosen with a Somerset West base in mind. Start early, plan no more than two or three highlights per day and you will have a wonderful time.
1
Table Mountain
The icon of the city is number one for a reason. The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway has rotating cabins that give you 360-degree views on the way up, and the mountain is one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The cableway can close in bad weather, so check the official website or app before you go. Hikers can take routes such as Platteklip Gorge, but they are serious walks.
2
Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point
These dramatic coastal landmarks are part of Table Mountain National Park, which is managed by SANParks. Expect wild scenery, sweeping ocean views and plenty of photo opportunities. It is a longer day, so combine it with Boulders Beach on the way back.
3
Boulders Beach penguins
Near Simon's Town, Boulders is home to a colony of African penguins in their natural habitat, another highlight of Table Mountain National Park. It is a favourite with children and one of the most memorable wildlife encounters on the Cape Peninsula.
4
Robben Island
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, Robben Island is where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. According to the Robben Island Museum, ferries leave from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront and the complete tour, including the ferry, takes around three and a half hours. Book ahead through the official site, as tours are popular.
5
V&A Waterfront
The working harbour area combines shops, restaurants and views of Table Mountain. It is also home to the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art in a converted grain silo, and it is the departure point for the Robben Island ferry, so it pairs neatly with number four.
6
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Kirstenbosch is acclaimed as one of the great botanical gardens of the world, set against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. Walk the tree canopy walkway known as the Boomslang, wander through the sculpture garden and stay for lunch. It is a perfect slower day after a big one.
7
Lion's Head and Signal Hill
Also part of Table Mountain National Park, these peaks offer hiking and panoramic views over the city and the Atlantic. Signal Hill is the easier viewpoint, while Lion's Head is a popular walk for sunrise and sunset. See our guide to hiking in Somerset West for trails closer to the villa.
8
Kalk Bay
This coastal village on the way to Simon's Town is loved for its bohemian shops, cafés and colourful fishing boats in the harbour. It is a great place for a relaxed seafood lunch after a morning at Boulders Beach.
9
Clifton and Camps Bay
Both are on Cape Town's list of Blue Flag beaches according to Cape Town Tourism's guide. Clifton's sheltered coves and Camps Bay's promenade make them a classic summer beach day, though the Atlantic water is famously cold.
10
Muizenberg
Also a Blue Flag beach, Muizenberg is on the False Bay side and is popular for learning to surf, with warmer water than the Atlantic coast. It is a natural stop if you are combining several Peninsula highlights in one day. Prefer beaches closer to home? See our guide to the best beaches near Somerset West.
Plan your Cape Town day trip
Leave early to beat traffic and queues, check weather and opening times for outdoor attractions, and book Robben Island and any popular tours ahead. Guests at Villa Helderberg can ask us about our day trips, and you can read more in our announcement about day trips.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Cape Town from Somerset West?
Cape Town city centre is about 45 kilometres away. Travel time depends on traffic, so allow extra at peak times.
Can I visit Cape Town on a day trip from Somerset West?
Yes. Most guests visit two or three highlights in a day and return in the evening. Cape Point and Robben Island are best given a day of their own.
What is the best time of year to visit?
Summer is best for beaches and long days, while spring and autumn are often mild and quieter. Check the weather before mountain trips, as wind can close the cableway.