If you love hiking, consider this a must-do. There are numerous trails up Table Mountain to its highest point, Maclear’s Beacon (1,086m). The most straightforward route is the short but steep Platteklip Gorge, which faces the city and is a relatively high-traffic trail, especially on weekends. Other routes are best done with a guide. If hiking’s not your thing, hop in the cable car instead so you don’t miss out on the striking views from the top!

Meet a colony of African penguins at their nesting site, Boulders Beach. A sandy stretch of shoreline on the southern Cape Peninsula that makes for a wonderful coastal walk. It’s endlessly entertaining watching the penguins waddle, swim, honk and parade about. The neighbouring Foxy Beach is also a top spot to see the penguins without disturbing them — there’s an elevated boardwalk over the beach so you can watch them surf out of the waves on their bellies and totter up the sand.

Hire a kayak in Moullie Point and head out for a guided paddle along the Atlantic coastline where you will meet dolphins and seals - often you barely need to leave the beach before spying them. Sunrise and sunset are the best times to visit; even if the wildlife doesn’t show up, watching the sky change colour from the water is something truly special.

The Constantia Winelands — in the foothills of Table Mountain — is the oldest wine-making region in South Africa. There are several tempting vineyards to visit for tastings that double-up as some of the city’s best restaurants, but Constantia Glen has a vantage point that’s hard to beat. Sit outside for a leisurely lunch while soaking up the sunshine and views of the undulating vineyards and rugged mountain slopes.

The Bo-Kaap is one of Cape Town’s most historically rich neighbourhoods, with so much to see, taste and do. The iconic houses in Bo-Kaap are a mix of Cape Dutch and Georgian architecture, positioned in distinctive multi-coloured rows on steeply cobbled roads, which were painted by the owners as an expression of their freedom. Give in to the "Instagram life" and take a colourful selfie.

A quick climb up Lion’s Head is an absolute must-do. The peak overlooks the city bowl, Table Mountain and the Atlantic, and is the perfect spot to watch the sunrise and sunset from. While there are some ladders to clamber up, on the whole it’s an accessible short trail; and a roundtrip is around three miles. There are so many other people on the trail you don’t necessarily need a guide, but it's always best to travel in a group.

The Silo Rooftop: A relaxed al fresco experience with spectacular panoramic views of Cape Town, perched on top of the absolutely fantastic five star Silo hotel. From up there you can see the city, harbour, ocean and mountains. Just remember that for this reservations are an absolute must!

The Nines: A new rooftop restaurant and cocktail lounge that refuses to compromise where it counts. Hosted in a ninth-floor penthouse with 270-degree views, The Nines offers a rare perspective of upper Sea Point, magnified by floor-to-ceiling glass with vistas of the blue Atlantic, Lion’s head and unrivalled sunsets.

Cape Town’s charm extends far beyond the urban centre, and one of its most alluring elements is its proximity to nature.

South Africa is renowned for its wildlife, and while the Western Cape may be a little more under-the-radar in this arena than other regions, it still has its fair share of nature reserves. Just a short drive from Cape Town you can spot the ‘Big Five’ (that’s: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and African buffaloes) roaming the veld. Learn about conservation efforts and spot whales breaching from the Atlantic Coast as well. For those wanting to take a walk on the wild side visit the below articles for your guide to the best lodges and reserves for a safari day trip from Cape Town.

Timeout.com

CondeNast.com

Go2Africa.com

The Cape of Good Hope, down at the very tip of Africa, where wild waves crash against rugged cliffs is a hotspot in the Table Mountain National Park area. You can hike the trails, spot baboons, antelope and mountain zebra, and take in epic views. Don't miss the historic lighthouse at Cape Point.

Local is 'Lekker'. Ask any South African what their weekend plans are and chances are it involves a braai (BBQ). See what the fuss is about at one of the Western Cape's most unique food experiences. Local food, local staff, local taste – all on an a scale of international proportions - and portions!

Take a deep breath, stick your feet in the sand and get ready to eat your heart out. It’s all about chilling, relaxing, laughing and leaving the world behind you as they serve up a mouthwatering 10-course meal on the beach. Fresh bread and seafood created to give you the best vibes this side south of the Atlantic.

Booking as far ahead of time is absolutely essential.

Chapman’s Peak Drive winds its way between Noordhoek and Hout Bay on the Atlantic Coast. This toll road on the south-western tip of Cape Town is known as one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world!

We cannot express how good the food is in Cape Town!

Here is a short list to get your tastebuds drooling.

Olympia Cafe, Simon's Town, for the BEST mussels (pictured)

Kleinsky's Delicatessen, Seapoint, for the best Bagels

Ouzeri, City, Cypriot MAGIC

Whilloughby & Co, The Waterfront, best sushi EVER

Giovanni's, Greenpoint, deli salads and sandwiches

La Colombe, Constania, very fine dining

The list is endless so check out these blogs!

eater.com

timeout.com

privateafrica.com

afoodiesguide.com

Paraglide over Cape Town and take in the breath-taking scenery from the sky, without having to break your budget! Mostly done from Signal Hill, and on occasion when the wind direction allows, from Lions Head, inside the beautiful Table Mountain National park.

National Geographic put Cape Town’s beaches at number two in the world.

Between Clifton and Llandudno, beaches are bordered by the spectacular Twelve Apostles Mountain range, and the glittering Atlantic Ocean.

Camps Bay and Clifton are two of Cape Town's most breath-taking beach suburbs, with soft, white, sandy beaches and calm turquoise water, so sunbathing here is a must.

Camps Bay also boasts vibrant restaurants and watering holes aplenty that line the famous sunset strip for fun that goes on long after dark.

Selling everything from fashion and homeware, to souvenirs and jewellery, the V&A Waterfront is South Africa’s most popular shopping destination with over 450 retail stores. Here, there are also a wide variety of attractions and activities to enjoy, from heritage landmarks to leisure and fun for all ages.

The Waterfront has over a 100 restaurants and eateries from which to choose. So whether you need a quick bite and a cup of coffee, a meal when taking a break from shopping, or a leisurely fine-dining experience while admiring a spectacular view, The Waterfront has it all.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens occupy a large swathe of beautiful land on the lower slopes of Table Mountain. The Gardens house a huge collection of indigenous flora, known as fynbos. The upper areas of the gardens run unfenced into the slopes of the mountain and various pathways that meander through the woods and bushes. The perfect place to switch off and relax in nature.

A beacon for hope within South Africa, Robben Island is where many of the countries most influential political leaders were imprisoned during Apartheid. Learn about South Africa’s journey for racial equality and tolerance while you tour this maximum security prison, and get the rare chance to visit Nelson Mandela’s cell - a ferry's journey away from the city of Cape Town.