Shaped like a giant, traditional African hat and wrapped with a Teflon-mesh membrane designed to catch and reflect natural light, this R4.5 billion stadium, built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, is Cape Town’s most striking piece of contemporary architecture. The hour-long tours will take you behind the scenes into the VIP and press boxes as well as the teams’ dressing rooms.

The 55,000-capacity stadium is home ground for the football team Ajax Cape Town, and has been used for big pop concerts by the likes of Coldplay and U2, as well as a memorial service for Nelson Mandela.

Across from the new stadium, a section of the old Green Point Stadium forms the viewing platform for a running and cycling track.

One of the best things to come out of the redevelopment of Green Point Common for the 2010 World Cup is this park and biodiversity garden. Streams fed by Table Mountain’s springs and rivers water the park, which has three imaginatively designed areas – People & Plants, Wetlands, and Discovering Biodiversity – that, along with educational information boards, act as the best kind of outdoor museum. Guided tours (adult/child R35/11) can be arranged through the Cape Town Stadium.

As well as the many types of fynbos (literally ‘fine bush’ – primarily proteas, heaths and ericas) and other indigenous plants, you can see an example of the kind of structure that the Khoe-san used to live in, and spot beautifully made beaded animals, insects and birds among the flower beds. There’s plenty of space for picnics with brilliant views of Cape Town Stadium, Signal Hill and Lion’s Head, and two kids’ play parks (one for toddlers and one for older kids).

Often mistakenly called Mouille Point Lighthouse (the remains of which are in the grounds of the nearby Cape Town Hotel School), this red-and-white candy-striped beacon dates back to 1824 and makes a striking landmark. You can take a self-guided tour inside.

Outside on the grassy common beside the Mouille Point Promenade are a variety of attractions that will appeal to families, including a good playground, Putt-Putt Golf ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; Beach Rd, Green Point; admission R20; h9am-10pm; gThree Anchor Bay), the Serendipity Maze ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; Beach Rd, Green Point; adult/child R22/11; h10.30am-6pm; gThree Anchor Bay) and the child-sized locomotive of the Blue Train ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; www.thebluetrainpark.com; Erf 1141/1061 Beach Road, Green Point; admission R15; h9.30am-6pm; gThree Anchor Bay) amusement park.

This small, rocky beach has easy access from the promenade. It's from here that the bohemian poet Ingrid Jonker, considered the Sylvia Plath of South Africa, committed suicide by drowning in 1965.

The Disease and History exhibit at this quirky museum details in length (with some gruesome photographs) the history of major diseases in the Cape, from scurvy to HIV/AIDS. Less horrific are a recreated Victorian doctor’s room and pharmacy.

There's no need to spend big to eat well (and healthily) at the Waterfront, thanks to this colourful, market-style food court in the old Pump House. Grab a coffee or freshly squeezed juice to go with a wrap or muffin, or opt for a larger meal such as fish and chips.

A great place for a healthy veggie breakfast or lunch, with freshly squeezed juices, smoothies and nutritional salads and multigrain wraps packing out the menu. Order at the counter and enjoy in a bright, unfussy space. There's also a branch in Sea Point ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %021-439 7269; www.nufood.co.za; Shop 3, Piazza St. John, 395 Main Rd, Sea Point; h7.30am-7pm Mon-Sat, to 6pm Sun; v; gArthur's).

This favourite seaside cafe has a pleasingly contemporary design and atmosphere that sways from buzzy (at meal times) to more laid-back – great for a late-afternoon drink. Check out the big blackboard menu while sitting at the long communal table inside, or grab a seat on the deck overlooking the red-and-white lighthouse.

Its menu bursting with flavourful food, Giovanni’s can make any sandwich you fancy, which is ideal for a picnic if you’re on your way to the beach. The pavement cafe is a popular hangout.

A new location for this long-running deli and cafe sees it expanded over two floors. Grab a smoothie, power-blend or caffeinated beverage and sandwiches and deli goods to enjoy along Mouille Point promenade or in Green Point Park.

Muffins that could feed a small family and other delectable baked goods and desserts are the forte of this luxe-design cafe – a hit concept from Johannesburg imported to the Mother City. Also on the menu are plenty of salads, sandwiches and mains; many are served in half-portions for if you're not so hungry.

There's also an outdoor section with some water views across the car park.

Commonly acknowledged as one of the better places to eat at the Waterfront – and with long queues to prove it. Huge servings of sushi are the standout from a fish-based menu at this casual eatery inside the mall.

With a balcony providing views of Cape Town Stadium, this is one stylish donkey: the decor a bit more chic than your average Mexican joint, the menu more inventive. Supplementing the usual tacos and enchiladas are traditional dishes such as chicken mole poblano. Booking is advised, as it's popular.

The dining room is elegantly decorated in shades of grey and silver and the outdoor patio looks straight onto Granger Bay. Enthusiastic students train here as chefs and waitstaff so things may not all go smoothly, but we found the experience pleasant and the food very tasty and nicely presented on our visit. The Sunday buffet is R195 per person.

This branch of the upmarket global Japanese chain is a smooth-running operation. The chefs turn out expert renditions of Nobu Masahisa’s signature ceviches and cod in miso sauce, along with the expected sushi and tempura (best sampled in the good-value set meals). The soaring dining hall offers a New York–metro buzz.

The more intimate bar upstairs is a nice spot to work your way through the extensive sake menu.

The Kalk Bay institution has set up shop at the Waterfront with a good, white-tablecloth restaurant on the ground floor (ask for a table on the deck outside). They've an even better sushi and lounge bar on the upper deck – just the spot for a chilled glass of wine at sunset.

Over 450 varieties of whisky are served at the Grace’s sophisticated bar, with a few slugs of the 50-year-old Glenfiddich still available (at just R18,000 a tot). Outdoor tables facing the marina are a superb spot for drinks and tasty tapas. Make a booking for one of the whisky tastings (from R240), in which you can sample various drams paired with food.

The luxury hotel’s bar offers plush surrounds and a perfectly framed view of Table Mountain. It’s a classy spot for afternoon tea (R195; from 2.30pm to 5.30pm) or a creative cocktail, including classics with a local twist.

Sporting an industrial-chic look with a cosy library corner inside and sheltered, spacious front courtyard outside, this is one of the area's most inviting cafes. Owner Luigi Vigliotti works hard to please customers, and he's come up with a few intriguing signature brews, including the 'Hashtag', which blends espresso with vanilla gelato and Oreo cookies.

Drive past the smelly fish processing factories to discover this glitzy mega-club and restaurant, arranged around a small fake beach studded with a glass-sided pool. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it has pool parties with scantily clad dancers shimmying to grooves by top DJs, including the electro-jazz group Goldfish, who have a summer Sunday residency here (bookings advised).

Walk through the hotel to the spacious deck bar with a prime Table Bay position. It’s a great place to enjoy a sunset cocktail; you can take a stroll along the breakwater afterwards.

With a relaxed vibe and a spacious deck open to Mouille Point promenade, this is an ideal spot for sundowners or a coffee and light bite with an ocean view. There's live music on Friday from 7pm to 9pm and Sunday from 4pm to 7pm.

Sand was dumped here to created the private beach for this oh-so-chic bar and restaurant operating out of a former warehouse. Locals love to gather on weekends here to enjoy the laid-back vibe, rather than the so-so food. DJs kick in later at night.

The views across the harbour are grand from this contemporary-design cocktail bar, where the drinks are inventive and there’s a roaring fire in winter to add to that inner alcohol glow.

Check all airs and graces at the door of South Africa’s oldest microbrewery (established in 1983 in Knysna), which serves a variety of freshly brewed ales and good-value meals. The ‘Old Wobbly’ packs an alcoholic punch.

Claiming to be the world’s largest wine bar, Belthazar offers 600 different South African wines, around 250 of which you can get by the (Riedel) glass. The attached restaurant specialises in top-class Karan beef, and it also does plenty of seafood dishes, too.

The Waterfront’s Market Square amphitheatre is the focus for much free entertainment, including buskers and various musical and dance acts. Apart from the giant electronic screen showing videos, the amphitheatre acts as a platform for up-and-coming artists, and there are always live shows from 5pm to 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

This long-running comedy club, which hosts the cream of South Africa's comedy talent, has found a permanent home at the back of the old Pump House next to Robinson Dry Dock. The club's name means 'Your Mother's ****', but you don't need to understand Afrikaans slang to get the jokes of host Kurt Schoonraad and the other performers.

From November to April, this open-air cinema sets up shop to screen classic and crowd-pleasing movies on the croquet lawn next to the Dock House hotel. Sadly, you're not allowed to bring your own blanket or chair, but they're available to rent from the venue. Check online for the current program.

The best place to shop for souvenirs in Cape Town, this exciting revamped retail market gathers together hundreds of top Capetonian and South African brands in fashion, arts, crafts and design – there's something here for every pocket. On the upper level is an exhibition space, and a wellness centre offering holistic products and massages.

Many boutiques and crafts stores you'll find elsewhere in the city have outlets here, but there are also unique stalls such as Township Guitars, which makes and sells the all-electric township ‘blik’ guitars, made from oil cans, wood and fishing wire (from R3900).

All the big names of South African retail (including Woolworths, CNA, Pick 'n’ Pay, Exclusive Books and Musica), as well as international luxury brands, are represented at this appealing mall – one of Cape Town’s best.

Pamper yourself with the high-quality, hand-made beauty and body products from this Swellendam-based company that's like a chic South African version of The Body Shop. Their soaps and lotions make lovely gifts.

This emporium is packed with backpacks, boots, clothing and practically everything else you might need for outdoor adventures, from a hike up Table Mountain to a Cape-to-Cairo safari. There's also a smaller branch in Victoria Wharf, as well as in the Gardens Centre and Cavendish Square malls.

Very classy gallery showcasing the best of contemporary South African art, including works by the contemporary realist John Meyer, and Velaphi Mzimba, who works in mixed media.

The striking, life-size bronze animal sculptures of Donald Greig grace many public and private spaces around the Western Cape. At his foundry, set in a 19th-century former customs warehouse, you can watch the casting process and buy pieces small enough to fit easily in your luggage.

Stocks highly original, colourful and distinctively South African fashions (mainly for women but with a few jackets for men) and accessories.

This attractive range of designer cotton clothing for kids has grown from a stall on Greenmarket Sq to a global brand. There are also branches in Cavendish Square ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %021-683 7184; Cavendish Square, Vineyard St) and Canal Walk, plus a factory shop in Hout Bay.

Sells many South African wines of repute (plus a few more from other countries); unlike most wine sellers here, it’s also open on Sundays.

Carrol Boyes’ sensuous designs in pewter and steel give a fun feel to cutlery, kitchen products and homewares. You’ll also find some rainbow-hued beadworks from Monkeybiz on sale here, as well as Barbara Jackson’s ceramics.

Diamonds are synonymous with South Africa – here you’ll find plenty of them, set in a range of jewellery designs. There's also a small museum and a workshop where you can take a peek at how all that bling is made.

Offers a variety of cruises, including highly recommended 1½-hour sunset cruises (R220), on its handsome wood- and brass-fitted schooner Esperance. A 30-minute jet-boat ride is R330.

Among the several trips that this company runs are those on the Jolly Roger Pirate Boat (adult/child from R120/60) and Tommy the Tugboat (R50/25), both perfect for families. Adults may prefer the Adrenalin speed-boat jaunts or a cruise on the catamarans Ameera and Tigress.

This outfit runs two-hour guided kayak trips (weather dependent) from Three Anchor Bay to either Granger Bay or Clifton. There are astounding views of the mountains and coastline, as well as possible close encounters with dolphins, seals and penguins. Whale sightings in season are also on the cards. They can also arrange cycle tours and rental, and tandem paraglides.

In this company's fleet is an ex–US Marine Corps Huey chopper from the Vietnam War era, which flies with open doors for that authentic Apocalypse Now experience. Standard tours last 30 minutes and take you towards Hout Bay and back; the hour-long tour gets you from the Waterfront to Cape Point.

Unforgettable views of the Cape Peninsula are guaranteed with these scenic flights. A variety of packages are available from a 30-minute journey out to Robben Island and back to the hour-long journey down to Cape Point (R3500).

This reputable operator offers shore dives for R300, boat dives for R350 and full equipment hire for R600 per day. Its open-water PADI course is R4200. You can also arrange shark-cage diving trips to Gansbaai.

A guaranteed way to swim with sharks is to dive in the tanks at the Two Oceans Aquarium. No Great Whites, but several ragged-tooth sharks, other predatory fish and a turtle make for a delightful diving experience. The cost includes gear hire, and you need to be a certified diver. They also run PADI diving courses here.

Contact the only Royal Yachting Association (RYA) school in South Africa to find out about its sailing courses, which are tailored to all skill levels.

As part of the revamp of the sports facilities on Green Point Common, this course also got an upgrade, with four species of local grasses planted to give it a more natural look. The wind-sheltered position – between Cape Town Stadium and Green Point Park, with Signal Hill in the background – can’t be beat.