If You Like…

Beaches

Muizenberg Beach Colourful Victorian chalets, warm(ish) water and fun surfing.

Clifton 3rd Beach Where the gay community leads, Capetonians follow.

Buffels Bay Tranquil, with sweeping views across False Bay and a sea pool for safe swimming.

Sandy Bay The nudist beach also has amazing giant rock formations to explore.

Noordhoek Beach Magnificently broad, overlooked by Chapman’s Peak and with a shipwreck in the sand.

Viewpoints

Table Mountain Sweeping vistas across the city and peninsula.

Bloubergstrand Picture-perfect view of Table Mountain north of the city.

Cape of Good Hope Walk to just above the Cape’s original lighthouse.

Chapman’s Peak Drive Take in the elegant sweep of horseshoe-shaped Hout Bay.

Signal Hill Hear the cannon fire and look out over the Waterfront.

Free Attractions

V&A Waterfront Buskers, outdoor events, seals, historic buildings, public artworks and the comings and goings of the harbour.

Table Mountain National Park ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %021-712 2337; www.sanparks.org/parks/table_mountain) No charge for hiking the myriad trails on the main mountain, up Lion’s Head or along Signal Hill.

Street Art District Six and Woodstock are dotted with impressive large-scale works.

Nelson Mandela Gateway Learn about the Freedom struggle and life in the prison before heading to Robben Island.

Parks & Gardens

Company’s Gardens Stroll through these historic gardens, marvelling at ancient trees and pretty flower beds.

Green Point Urban Park Enjoy the lovely eco-legacy of World Cup 2010 at this new park showcasing biodiversity.

Oranjezicht City Farm A beautifully laid-out urban farm on the slopes of Table Mountain.

Prestwich Memorial Garden Attractive city-centre space dotted with a collection of quirky sculptures and installations by Capetonian artists.

Arderne Gardens The oldest collection of trees in the southern hemisphere is a lovely place to escape the crowds.

Babylonstoren Explore the blissful garden of edible and medicinal plants at this elegantly reimagined wine and fruit estate.

Art Collections

South African National Gallery Prime examples of the nation's art are exhibited in this elegant building.

Michaelis Collection Old masters and new works in the Old Town House on Greenmarket Sq.

Stevenson Major commercial gallery for contemporary artists, with interesting thematic exhibitions.

Irma Stern Museum Former home of the pioneering expressionist artist, with a lovely garden.

Casa Labia Cultural Centre Beautifully restored interiors at this Muizenberg villa, converted to an arts and cultural space.

New Church Museum Focuses on contemporary Southern African art.

Historical Insights

District Six Museum Shines a light on the destroyed multicultural inner-city area.

Robben Island Book ahead for visits to the former prison of Mandela and other freedom fighters.

Bo-Kaap Museum Learn about the people of the Cape Malay community in this colourful district.

Iziko Slave Lodge Exhibits on the history of slaves and their descendants.

South African Museum Lots of natural history, fine examples of San rock art and an African Cultures Gallery.

South African Jewish Museum Traces the routes of Jewish migration and settlement in the country; has a section on the Holocaust.

Hidden Gems

Rust en Vreugd Elegant 18th-century mansion and garden in the midst of the city.

Art in the Forest Ceramics gallery and art complex overlooking the Constantia Valley.

Tintswalo Atlantic Not staying at this luxe lodge? Call to see if you can visit for lunch or dinner.

Enmasse Thai massage the modern way, in a historic building tucked away in Gardens.

The Luxe Life

Status Luxury Vehicles Cruise Cape Town’s roads in a top-marque convertible, or have a chauffeur drive it for you.

Prins & Prins Go shopping for diamonds and other precious jewels at this emporium based in a historic City Bowl house.

Klûk & CGDT Haute couture from a former apprentice to John Galliano.

Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel Not a guest? Come for afternoon tea or visit the Planet bar and restaurant.

Sports Helicopters Hire a chopper and take some photos of the peninsula that will really impress your friends.