We’ve summed up the 10 most Instagrammable spots in Cape Town to add to your itinerary. As Cape Town is unbelievably photogenic, it was a tough job, but somebody had to do it.
Robben Island
Robben Island is a world heritage site and museum that will leave you with a lump in your throat. This place of reflection is where one of the most iconic pictures of the aged freedom fighter and former president Nelson Mandela was taken. From the island-bound boat ride to the view of Table Mountain and the prison site, you’ll have plenty to capture and to meditate on.
For more info, read our article on Exploring Robben Island.
The Two Oceans Aquarium
Finding Nemo and his friends is as easy as checking out the Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront. The perfect Kodak moment comes courtesy of the tank of Clown Fish which has a convenient viewing pod for you to stick your head into. The 10m long tunnel and Jelly Gallery of jellyfish give you a chance to see a variety of subtropical species up close and personal.
Chapman’s Peak Drive
Widely regarded as one of the most scenic stretches of road on earth, Chapman’s Peak Drive between Hout Bay and Noordhoek snakes around 114 curves that offer marvelous views of mountains on the one side and the ocean on the other. There are plenty of stops for photo opportunities along the way, so you’ll want to keep your phone and camera handy to snap Hout Bay and Noordhoek too.
Top of Table Mountain
Last time we checked, #TableMountain was the most popular location hashtag in the whole of South Africa and that comes as no surprise. With the highest spot (Maclear’s Beacon) reaching 1088m above sea level, you really get to see everything the light touches. Luckily the Cable Car rotates 360 degrees while in transit, so you never have to miss a thing. Try a hike like Kasteelspoort, Tranquility Cracks or Skeleton Gorge for an even more epic journey.
The Colourful Bathing Boxes at Muizenberg and St. James
The vibrant retro wooden bathing boxes on the beaches of Muizenberg and St. James are so picture perfect, they’re practically a desktop background already. You’ll achieve great contrast and symmetry shooting them straight up from the front, or from an angle to work some distance into your shot
Street Art in Woodstock
Local street art is booming and it compliments the natural surroundings and character of Cape Town wonderfully. To find the best street art, try a Street Art Tour through Woodstock or even Salt River or Khayelitsha.
For more info read our Neighbourhood Guide to Woodstock & Street Art Tours.
The Bo-Kaap
We know we’re a bit biased, but we’d go as far as to say the Bo-Kaap is one of the most distinct and recognisable areas in the world. Brightly coloured homes line the cobblestone streets and charismatic locals and fragrant foods complete the picture. Within walking distance of the CBD, the Bo-Kaap was home to many freed slaves and Muslims after the abolition of slavery and remains a historic area.
Cape Point
With dramatic cliffs, tranquil beaches, troops of baboons and two old lighthouses, you’re going to need to charge your battery for a trip to Cape Point as you’ll be snapping away in no time. Be cautious and stay on the well-trodden paths and remember to look up. This place will stay with you long after Instagram has gone out of fashion.
Boulder’s Beach
Cape Town has gourmet food, awe-inspiring natural wonders and some seriously photogenic beaches, but if there is one thing that really sets us apart, it’s our adorable penguins. Boulder’s Beach enables you to visit penguins in their natural habitat and to admire them without getting in their way.
Lion’s Head – The Top & Wally’s Cave
Lion’s Head wins our number one spot as the most Instagram-worthy spot in Cape Town as it’s free and relatively easy to access, photos from Wally’s Cave look pretty epic and the 360 views of Cape Town are simply breath-taking! Pictures from the parking lot are even great and it also photographs well at night, with the city lights shining brightly. The view of our iconic Table Mountain also makes for postcard-worthy shots you’ll want to stick on the fridge forever
Honourable Mentions
Every sunset in Cape Town; Noordhoek Peak; the Pipe Track; Groot Constantia; Silvermine; The Creamery.
