What to do in Western Cape

When you reach the top of Table Mountain, take a deep lungful of the crisp, mountain air more than 3,500 feet (1 kilometer) above sea level. Cast your eye out across Table Bay, with Cape Town and its curving coast stretching into the distance. The view is one of the most spectacular in the whole of Africa. Do note though that it can be considerably cooler at the summit.

Enjoy the glorious soft sand, deep blue water and sophisticated ambiance of Camps Bay Beach. This attractive beach fronts Camps Bay, one of Cape Town’s most exclusive coastal suburbs. Mingle with the sun-kissed and well-heeled beachgoers, observe surfers and relax with a picnic while marveling at the spectacular natural setting.

Long Street is a historic avenue with diverse international restaurants and eclectic nightlife options. With its bookstores, second-hand shops and ethnic dining establishments, it has a bohemian atmosphere and an important place in local history. Hear how the theaters on this street are renowned for having put on anti-apartheid plays in the 1970s.

Experience the pulsating heart of Cape Town’s beach scene at Clifton Bay Beach. Soak up the sun alongside a heady mix of tourists and the city’s beautiful people. Marvel at the views of rugged mountain peaks, including 2,195-feet (669-meter) tall Lion’s Head and the Twelve Apostles. Watch the luxury yachts bobbing in the piercing blue water of the Atlantic Ocean and gaze in awe at spectacular sunsets.

At Boulders Beach, get ready to capture that perfect penguin photograph as members of the large, African penguin colony that inhabit these sands waddle their way to and from the ocean. Few places in the world offer such intimate encounters with these creatures. With safe swimming and stunning scenery on offer as well, Boulders Beach is well worth the 25-mile (40-kilometer) trip from Cape Town.

Stand at the top of the 650 foot (200 meter) high cliffs at the Cape of Good Hope and you can well imagine the trepidation felt by the early sailors who navigated this coast on their way to India. Look down to the crashing waves and swirling ocean currents. This is an awe-inspiring place, with wild ostriches, baboons and Cape zebras adding to the area’s rugged scenery.

Cape Town Stadium is a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment arena that dominates the landscape of Cape Town’s Green Point district. Built as a venue for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, today this 55,000-capacity stadium springs to life when it hosts regular soccer and rugby matches. Cape Town Stadium is also a location for performances by world-famous bands and musicians.

The vineyards of Spier Wine Estate have been producing wines ever since 1692, making this one of the oldest wine farms in South Africa. Internationally renowned wines may have put Spier on the map, but there's a lot more to see and do in addition to sampling award-winning bouquets. Come to this large estate to discover its hotel, restaurant, art exhibitions, craft market, spa facilities and a birds-of-prey attraction.